JPH10248010A - Image reader and printer using the image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow even a beginner to simply generate a 2nd original by using a recording data processing means so as to combine recording data of a 1st original and recording data of the 2nd original and providing an output of the recording data in a range where the recording data of the 1st and 2nd originals are overlapped so that an image drawn on the 2nd original is simply generated through hand-writing with a writing tool such as a pencil. SOLUTION: The reader is provided with an image data processing means that reads image information of 1st and 2nd originals 14, 16 respectively and processes the information into image data and with a recording data processing means that processes the image data into recording data, and the data processing means combines recording data of the 1st original 14 and the recording data of the 2nd original 16 and provides an output of the recording data in a range where the recording data of the 1st and 2nd originals 14, 16 are overlapped. Thus, an expensive component such as a mask member having been required for a conventional reader is not needed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus for reading image information of first and second originals and forming image data, and two image data read by the image reading apparatus as recording data. The present invention relates to a printer that combines two print data and prints a range in which the two print data overlap.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an image scanner is mounted as an image reading device that reads image information such as a photograph and converts it into image data, and a thermal head or the like is used as a recording unit based on the image data read by the image scanner. 2. Description of the Related Art A printer is known as a recording device that records a desired image on a postcard, a Christmas card, a sheet of plain paper, stencil paper, or the like. In this type of printer, when reading image information of a document by an image scanner, a document holder is used to sandwich the document from above and below to prevent the document from being displaced.

A document holder used in a printer equipped with such an image reading apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. First, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the document holder 21 includes a mount 22 having a mounting surface 22a, and a transparent sheet 23 disposed above the mounting surface 22a of the mount 22 and facing the mounting surface 22a. . This transparent sheet 23
It is made of a transparent resin film or the like, and is formed to have substantially the same size as the mount paper 22. A predetermined gap is formed between the mount 22 and the transparent sheet 23 so that the first document 14 can be held therebetween.
Is slightly larger than the size of the first document 14. A spacer 25 coated with an adhesive, which is indicated by cross-hatching as shown in FIG. 10, is disposed at an end portion between the mount 22 and the transparent sheet 23. Are adhered to form a document holder 21. The first original 14 and the mask member 26 as the second original can be held between the original holder 21 having a predetermined gap formed by the spacer 25.

A mask member 26 serving as a second original is
Is formed of a transparent resin film or the like, and as shown in FIG.
The mask portion 26a that does not transmit the light indicated by the hatched area is
It is formed by applying a white paint or the like. A light transmitting portion 26b, for example, in the shape of a heart, which is not coated with the white paint or the like, is formed transparently inside the mask portion 26a so that light can be transmitted. Then, the first original 14 such as a photograph is placed on the first original 14.
A mask member 26 is provided at a point required by the subject.
The first light-transmitting portion 26b of the first
The original 14 and the mask member 26 are sandwiched between the mount 22 of the original holder 21 and the transparent sheet 23. Then, the document holder 21 is sent to the image scanner, and image information of only a heart-shaped portion, for example, which is visible from the light transmitting portion 26b, is read by the image scanner and becomes image data, and the image data is output as recording data. When recording with a printer or the like, the portion of the first document 14 covered with the mask portion 26a is trimmed, and only the heart-shaped light transmitting portion 26b can be recorded on a postcard or the like, for example. . Also, for example, a heart-shaped image recorded on a postcard or the like as the paper can be recorded on the postcard or the like at the same position and the same shape and size as the light transmitting portion 26b of the mask member 26. . Further, the mask member 26 is formed by converting a white sheet into a light transmitting portion 26b having a desired shape.
A cut-out can also be used.

[0005]

However, the original holder 21 used in the above-described conventional image scanner or printer is provided with a mask portion 26a of a mask member 26 made of a transparent resin sheet or the like. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately form the mask portion 26a that does not transmit light reliably unless a person skilled in applying this coating material is skilled. Further, the material of the mask member 26 is also expensive because a transparent resin sheet or the like is used.
Further, since many types of mask portions 26a of the mask member 26 had to be created and stored in advance, the cost was high. Also, the mask member 26
In the case where the light transmitting portion 26b having a desired shape is cut out, it takes time to cut out the light transmitting portion 26b. As a result, there has been a problem that postcards, Christmas cards, and the like recorded using the document holder 21 become expensive. An image recorded on a postcard or the like using the mask member 26 is a mask member 2
6, the same shape and size are recorded on a postcard or the like at the same position as the light transmitting portion 26b. Therefore, if an image of the same shape is recorded at a different position or a different size, a different mask is used. Since members had to be prepared, many mask members had to be prepared. Further, if the image information of the first document 14 and the mask member 26 as the second document are separately stored as image data in the printer, a storage area is required correspondingly and the printer becomes expensive. was there.

[0006]

As first means for solving the above-mentioned problems, image data processing means for reading image information of each of a first document and a second document to obtain image data; Recording data processing means for converting recording data from data to recording data, wherein the recording data processing means synthesizes the recording data of the first document and the recording data of the second document to form the first and second data. The configuration is such that the recording data in a range where the recording data of the document overlaps is output. Further, as a second means for solving the above-mentioned problem, a first and a second means are provided.
Image data processing means for reading image information of each original document and converting the image data into image data; and an image reading apparatus having a recording data processing means for converting the image data into recording data. And the second
The respective image information of the original is read, and the respective image information is converted into image data by the image data processing means, the recording data is converted from the respective image data by the recording data processing means, and Combining the recording data of the first document and the recording data of the range where the recording data of the first document overlaps the recording data of the second document, and recording the outputted recording data on a recording medium. did. Further, as a third means for solving the above-mentioned problem, the image data processing means reads the image information of the first document to form first image data, and reads the image information of the second document while reading the image information of the second document. Utilizing information on which part of the first image data is included in the image information of the second document as the recording data,
Since the recording data processing means synthesizes and stores the first image data so as to become the recording data and records the stored recording data on the recording medium, the storage area can be reduced. . Further, as a fourth means for solving the above-mentioned problem, a range in which the image reading device reads the second document is formed by a non-reflective member. As a fifth means for solving the above-mentioned problem, the first or second document is sent to the reading device by a document holder composed of a mount and a transparent sheet. As a sixth means for solving the above-mentioned problem, the image reading device is provided with a recording position control means, and the recording position control means is provided inside the recording data processing means or independently provided. The recording position control means records the recording data output from the recording data processing means on a recording medium.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An image reading apparatus of the present invention, a printer equipped with the image reading apparatus, and a document holder used in the printer will be described with reference to FIGS. First, as shown in a main part side view of the printer P in FIG. 1, a substantially rectangular frame 1 for supporting a housing of the printer P and the like is disposed inside a main body (not shown) of the printer P. A platen 2 in the form of a flat plate is formed in the upper part of the inside of the printer P so that a recording surface 2a is formed on the surface thereof, and the recording surface 2a is disposed substantially vertically. A carriage unit 3 is disposed in front of the platen 2 (right side in FIG. 1) so as to be able to reciprocate along the platen 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the carriage unit 3 is provided with a mounting table 3a, a carriage unit 4 to the right of the mounting table 3a, and a scanner mounting unit 5 to the left of the mounting table 3a. It is to be mounted.

A plurality of heating elements (not shown) are arranged on the carriage section 4 so as to be able to freely contact and separate from the platen 2 so as to face the recording surface 2a of the platen 2. And a thermal head 4a as recording means. Also, on the upper surface of the carriage unit 4,
A ribbon cassette accommodating an ink ribbon (not shown) can be mounted. Further, the carriage unit 4
, A winding bobbin 4b and a supply bobbin 4c are provided so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the carriage unit 4. The take-up bobbin 4b is rotatably driven by a drive source (not shown). When the printer P is in a recording state, the take-up bobbin 4b is driven to rotate to take up the ribbon mounted on the carriage unit 4. The ink ribbon inside a cassette (not shown) is wound up.

The scanner mounting part 5 of the carriage unit 3 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped case 5 as shown in FIG.
An image scanner 6, which is an image reading device, is provided inside a. An opening 5b is formed on the upper side of the case 5a of the scanner mounting portion 5 shown in FIG. 3 on a side facing the platen 2, and an image scanner 6 is disposed inside the opening 5b. The image scanner 6 is provided with a lens 6a, and the lens 6a is mounted near the opening 5b. A light source 6b is provided inside the lens 6a. The light from the light source passes through the opening 5b and travels toward a first document 14 and the like held between the platen 2 and the opening 5b and held by a document holder 11 described later. Is to be irradiated. An image sensor 6c is provided at a substantially central portion of the inside of the case 5a. In an image reading state of the first document 14 and the like, the image sensor 6c is irradiated from the light source 6b to the first document 14 and reflected. The reflected light that has returned is recognized by the image sensor 6c, and the image information of the first document 14 or the like is read. Then, the image information read by the image sensor 6c is converted into image data by image data processing means (not shown), and the image data is sent to recording data processing means (not shown). The image data is converted into recording data and stored.

The carriage unit 3 can reciprocate along the platen 2 by a carriage driving source (not shown) when the image scanner 6 reads an image of the first document 14 or the like. . The carriage unit 3 moves along the platen 2 in an image reading state in which the image scanner 6 can read image information of the first document 14 and the like held by a document holder 11 described later. The direction is the main scanning direction of the image scanner 6. A position detecting means 3a of the carriage unit 3 is provided on a left side surface of the scanner mounting section 5 shown in FIG. The position detecting means 3a detects the moving position of the carriage unit 3. When the carriage unit 3 is located at a home position (not shown), the position detecting means 3a is used by the main body of the printer P (not shown). ), The position of the carriage unit 3 can be detected.

As shown in FIG. 1, a paper feed roller 7 is provided below the platen 2. An auxiliary roller 8 is rotatably disposed obliquely below the paper feed roller 7 on the left and right sides with a desired pressing force against the paper feed roller. When the paper feed roller 7 rotates, the auxiliary roller 8 rotates following the rotation of the paper feed roller 7. Original holder 1 to be described later
1, the paper 9 or the document holder 11 can be conveyed at a predetermined speed in the direction of arrow B. The direction in which the document holder 11 is conveyed in the direction of arrow B is the sub-scanning direction of the image scanner 6.

The paper feed roller 7 and the auxiliary roller 8
And the document holder 1 conveyed in the direction of arrow B
1 is shown in FIGS. This original holder 11 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, a mount 12 made of a resin film or the like having a mounting surface 12a, and a transparent sheet 13 disposed above and opposite to the mounting surface 12a. This transparent sheet 1
3 is a mount 12 made of a flexible transparent resin film or the like.
It is formed in a substantially flat plate shape with substantially the same size as. Also,
A spacer 15 having a predetermined thickness as shown by cross-hatching is sandwiched between the mount 12 and the transparent sheet 13 to form a predetermined gap. Then, an adhesive is applied to the spacer 15, and the mount 12 and the transparent sheet 13 are integrated and adhered to form the document holder 11. For this reason, even if the thick original 14 such as the photograph is sandwiched between the mount 12 and the transparent sheet 13, a predetermined gap is formed by the spacer 15, so that a step is formed in the transparent sheet 13. No undulation or surface undulation. The mount 12 and the transparent sheet 13 are formed to be larger than the size of the first document 14 or the like.

Further, as shown in FIG.
A bar code 17 is formed on the spacer 15 side by printing or the like. When the document holder 11 is fed in the direction of arrow B (see FIG. 1) by the paper feed roller 7 of the printer P, the bar code 17 is recognized by the image scanner 6. When the bar code 17 is recognized by the image scanner 6, the bar code 17 is moved from that position to the document holder 11
Is sent further in the direction of arrow B by a predetermined amount. Then, the carriage unit 3 starts moving along the platen 2, and
The image information of the first document 14 and the like in the main scanning direction is read by the image scanner 6. And the image sensor 6
c, the image information of the first document 14 or the like read by the image data processing means (not shown) is sent as image data by an image data processing means (not shown), and the image data is sent to recording data processing means (not shown). The image data can be converted into recording data and stored by means.

The second document 16 is made of white plain paper or the like, and the image portion read by the image scanner 6 is formed by a non-reflection area 16 made of a non-reflection member having a desired pattern.
a. The non-reflection area 16a may be a desired free pattern, for example, a black pattern such as a heart shape or a diamond shape written in a free shape by handwriting or the like with a writing implement such as a pencil. Alternatively, in order to clear the shape, the non-reflective area 16a may be formed by a personal computer or the like, and the formed non-reflective area 16a may be recorded by the printer P or the like. The document holder 11 sandwiching the second document 16 is sent to the paper feed roller 7 of the printer P in the same manner as when reading the first document 14, and the second document 16 is scanned by the image scanner 6. The image information of the non-reflective portion 16a is read and converted into image data by image data processing means (not shown), and this image data is recorded by the recording data processing means (not shown). Can be created. Although the printer P described in the present embodiment has been described as a thermal transfer printer, other printers such as an ink jet printer may be used.

Using a printer P using the image scanner 6 as an image reading device having the above-described configuration, a document holder 11, and a second document 16, a first document as shown in FIG. Subject 9a with only 14 points
For recording on a paper 9 such as a postcard, a Christmas card, or a plain paper, for example, by enclosing in a heart shape or the like. First, a first document 14 having image information such as a photograph is placed in a document holder 11 shown in FIG.
Is sandwiched between the mount 12 and the transparent sheet 13. At this time, the side of the first document 14 on which image information such as a photograph is formed is positioned on the transparent sheet 13 side and sandwiched, and the document holder 11 is placed on the paper feed roller 7 of the printer P shown in FIG. And between the auxiliary roller. When the carriage unit 3 is moved along the platen 2, the image scanner 6 mounted on the scanner mounting section 5 recognizes the barcode 17 on the document holder 11. Then, the paper feed roller 7 rotates by a predetermined size from the position of the bar code 17, and the document holder 11 is fed in the direction of arrow B (see FIG. 1).

The document holder 11 is a bar code 17
, The carriage unit 3 starts moving along the platen 2 and moves the image scanner 6 in the main scanning direction. Then, the image scanner 6 is moved in the main scanning direction to read image information of the first document 14, and the paper feed roller 7 is rotated by an amount corresponding to the reading width of the first document 14, and the document holder is rotated. The image information of the first document 14 is read by repeating the operation of sending the image 11 in the sub-operation direction of arrow B. And
The image information of the first document 14 is read and converted into image data by image data processing means (not shown), and the image data is recorded on the first document 14 by recording data processing means (not shown). Create and store data.

Next, when the reading of the image information of the first original 14 is completed, the original holder 11 is taken out of the printer P and replaced with the first original 14 which has been sandwiched. A second document 16 having image information different from the image information is sandwiched between the mount 12 of the document holder 11 and the transparent sheet 13. Then, the non-reflective portion 16a, which is image information, for example, formed in a heart shape, is sandwiched with the transparent sheet 13 side. Next, the document holder 11 sandwiching the second document 16 is sent to the paper feed roller 7 of the printer P in the same manner as when the first document 14 is read.
The image information of the non-reflective portion 16a of the second document 16 is read by the image scanner 6, and is converted into image data by image data processing means (not shown). The recording data of the second document 16 is created.

Next, the recording data of the second original 16 and the recording data of the first original 14 are synthesized by recording data processing means (not shown), and the recording of the first original 14 is performed. The print data of the portion where the data and the print data of the second document 16 overlap each other, for example, only the print data of the portion surrounded by a heart shape, are output. Record in 9. Then
As shown in FIG. 8, for example, a first document 1 having image information such as a photograph, the periphery of which is trimmed in a heart shape, is shown.
A subject 9a at a point 4 is formed on a sheet 9 such as a postcard which is a recording medium. The subject 9a having, for example, a heart shape recorded on the paper 9 such as a postcard as the recording medium is formed at the same position as the non-reflective portion 16a of the second document 16 in the same shape and size as the postcard. Can be recorded.

Such an image reading device of the present invention,
Further, according to the printer using the image reading apparatus, a required point portion of the first document 14 such as a photograph is cut into a desired shape such as a heart shape, and the first document 14 is cut. The subject 9a at the point portion can be trimmed and recorded in a shape such as a heart shape without damaging the image. Further, the image scanner 6 serving as the image reading device is provided with a recording position control means (not shown). The recording position control means is provided inside the recording data processing means (not shown in the drawing) or independently. The recording position control unit changes the size or the recording position of the recording data output from the recording data processing unit and records the recording data on a recording medium such as a postcard 9. be able to.

That is, the image scanner 6, which is an image reading apparatus of the present invention, includes image data processing means (not shown) for reading image information of each of the first and second originals 14 and 16 and converting the image information into image data. Recording data processing means (not shown) for converting the image data into recording data. The recording data processing means combines the recording data of the first document 14 with the recording data of the second document 16. do it,
It is possible to output recording data in a range where the recording data of the first and second originals 14 and 16 overlap.

The printer P of the present invention comprises first and second printers.
Image reading device having image data processing means (not shown) for reading image information of each of originals 14 and 16 and converting the image data into image data, and recording data processing means (not shown) for converting the image data into recording data And the first and second originals 14 and 16 are provided by the image reading apparatus.
The respective image information is read, the respective image information is converted into image data by the image data processing means (not shown), and the respective image data is converted into recording data from the respective image data by the recording data processing means (not shown), The recording data processing means (not shown) combines the respective recording data and outputs recording data in a range where the recording data of the first document 14 and the recording data of the second document 16 overlap. The output recording data can be recorded on a recording medium.

Further, the image data processing means reads the image information of the first document 14 to obtain first image data,
While reading the image information of the second document 16, the information of the portion of the first image data, which is included in the image information of the second document 16, is used as the recording data. The processing means combines the first image data into recording data and stores the combined data, and the stored recording data can be recorded on a recording medium. The image of the first document 14 used in the image reading apparatus of the present invention and the printer P using the image reading apparatus may be either a color image or a monochrome image.

[0023]

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention,
The recording data processing means combines the recording data of the first document and the recording data of the second document and outputs recording data in a range where the recording data of the first and second documents overlap. Since the image to be written on the second document can be easily created by handwriting with a writing instrument such as a pencil, even a beginner can easily create the second document.

Further, in the printer according to the present invention, only the recording data in the range where the recording data of the first document and the recording data of the second document overlap are output, and the output recording data is recorded. Since the second original can be a low-cost one such as plain paper, the printer of the present invention forms only the point portion of the first original into, for example, a heart shape, and postcards or Christmas cards. Recording can be performed at low cost.

In the printer of the present invention, the second
While reading the image information of the first document, the recording data processing unit uses the information on which part of the first image data is included in the image information of the second document as the recording data. Since the first image data can be combined and stored so as to be recording data, and the stored recording data can be recorded on a recording medium, it is not necessary to store the entire first image data. Since it can be reduced, a low-cost printer can be provided.

Further, in the printer according to the present invention, since the second document has a non-reflective member for a range to be read by the image reading device, a non-reflective area serving as the non-reflective member is formed on a sheet of paper such as plain paper. In addition, since it can be easily formed by handwriting or the like with a writing implement such as a pencil, non-reflection regions of various shapes can be created in a short time.

In the printer according to the present invention, the first or second document is sent to the reading section of the reading device by a document holder constituted by a mount and a transparent sheet. The original can be fed with high accuracy because the original can be curled or the fold of the original can be reduced by sandwiching the original from above and below in a sandwich shape. Therefore, the image information of the document sandwiched between the document holders can be accurately read by the image scanner mounted on the printer.

Further, the image reading apparatus is provided with recording position control means, and the recording position control means is provided inside or independently of the recording data processing means, and the recording position control means controls the recording position. Since the recording data output from the data processing means can be recorded on a recording medium, the shape of the non-reflective portion can be reduced even if the second document is not made in large numbers in accordance with the position and size of the non-reflective portion. If you make a second original by the amount, it is surrounded by a shape such as a heart,
Since the recording position of the subject or the size of the subject can be freely changed and recorded on a postcard or the like, the type of the second document can be reduced, and the cost of recording on a postcard or a Christmas card can be reduced. , Can be low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view of an essential part for explaining a schematic structure of a printer of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a carriage unit of the printer according to the invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a main part of the image reading apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a document holder used in the image reading apparatus or the printer according to the invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state where a first document is held by the document holder of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a second document in a document holder used in the image reading apparatus or the printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a printer according to the present invention, in which a first and a second document are synthesized and prepared, and a subject is recorded on a sheet.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a document holder used in a conventional printer.

FIG. 10 is a side view of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a mask member of a document holder used in a conventional printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Frame 2 Platen 3 Carriage unit 4 Carriage unit 5 Scanner mounting unit 6 Image scanner 7 Paper feed roller 8 Auxiliary roller 9 Paper 11 Document holder 12 Mount 13 Transparent sheet 14 First document 15 Spacer 16 Second document 21 Document holder 22 Mount 23 Transparent sheet 25 Spacer 26 Mask member

Claims (6)

[Claims] An image data processing unit that reads image information of each of a first document and a second document to generate image data;
Recording data processing means for converting the image data into recording data, wherein the recording data processing means combines the recording data of the first document and the recording data of the second document,
An image reading apparatus for outputting print data in a range where print data of the first and second originals overlap. 2. An image data processing means for reading image information of each of a first document and a second document into image data,
An image reading device having recording data processing means for converting the image data into recording data, wherein the image reading device reads image information of each of the first and second originals, and the image data processing means The respective image information is image data, the recording data processing means converts the respective image data into recording data, the recording data processing means synthesizes the respective recording data, and A printer characterized by outputting print data in a range where print data of a second document overlaps and recording the output print data on a recording medium. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the image data processing means reads the image information of the first document to obtain first image data, and reads the image information of the second document while being included in the image information of the second document. Using the information on which part of the first image data is to be used as print data, the print data processing means synthesizes and stores the first image data so that the first image data becomes print data, and stores the stored data. 3. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the recording data is recorded on a recording medium. 4. The printer according to claim 2, wherein a range in which the second document is read by the image reading device is formed by a non-reflective member. 5. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the first or second document is sent to the reading device by a document holder including a mount and a transparent sheet. . 6. The image reading apparatus further comprises a recording position control means, and the recording position control means is provided inside or independently of the recording data processing means. 3. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the recording data output from the data processing means is recorded on a recording medium.