JPS6359686A - Image input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To read an original having a flows or wrinkles without difficulty and to perform a numbering by providing a manually inserting hole opening so as to confront a paper carrying mechanism in the end edge part of a flat bed. CONSTITUTION:A flat bed reading unit 20 is provided with at least, the flat bed 23 on which a single leaf original is placed, an platen cover 22, the manually inserting hole 32 for manually inserting the signal leaf original, mirrors 33, 34, 35 and a reading part 24. When one sheet of the original is read or in the case of the original desired not to be curved as much as possible, the platen cover 22 is opened, the original is placed on the flat bed 23, the platen cover 22 is closed and a start instruction is issued, thereby, a reading is executed.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an image input device, and is particularly suitable for reading original documents with scratches or “difficulties” that make automatic paper feeding difficult. The present invention relates to an improvement of an image input device that can number a document.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, an image input device has been used to read and recognize items written on manuscripts, forms, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as manuscripts for simplicity), and input them into a data processing device. It is being

Such image input devices are designed to extract image information by reading characters and the like on a document, and are often equipped with an automatic reading unit that automatically feeds and reads a large amount of documents.

The automatic reading unit generally includes (i) a hopper mechanism that moves documents placed on a hopper to a predetermined preparation position, and (ii) a pick mechanism that takes in documents placed in the preparation position one by one. + (iii) A feed mechanism that feeds the original; (iv) A reading unit that reads the fed original; (■) A printing mechanism that prints on the original as necessary; The printer is equipped with a stacker ejecting mechanism that ejects the original document onto the stacker. In the present invention, the above mechanisms (i) (ii) (iii) (vi
) are collectively called the paper transport mechanism.

The above hopper mechanism, pick mechanism, and feed mechanism.

Stacker ejection mechanisms are now commonly controlled by microprocessors.

In addition, there is also an image input device that is equipped with a flat bed reading unit that reads a single document placed on a flat bed, and performs nine-image reading recognition.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

In the conventional image input device described above, when documents are automatically fed and read, old documents often have scratches, wrinkles, or folds.

There is a problem in that paper jams are likely to occur in the above-mentioned pick mechanism, feed mechanism, etc., resulting in damage to valuable originals. On the other hand, if the original is placed on a flat bed and read in order to avoid the paper jam described above, the original cannot be fed to the printing mechanism installed in the paper transport mechanism, so the numbering of the original is difficult. The problem is that it cannot be done. Furthermore, in conventional image input devices, the paper conveyance mechanism is usually installed within the device in a nearly hermetically sealed state. Therefore, maintenance and inspection are extremely complicated, and when a paper jam such as the above-mentioned manuscript occurs, it takes time to extract and remove the paper, which significantly reduces office efficiency. There is a point.

The present invention solves the problems that exist in the conventional image input device, and enables reading and numbering of documents even if they are scratched or wrinkled without any trouble, and even if a paper jam occurs.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an image input device having a structure that allows easy extraction and removal.

[Means for solving problems]

In order to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art, the following technical means were adopted in the inventions of the two applications. First, in the first invention, a flat bed (23) for placing a document is provided on the upper surface.

A flat bed reading unit (20) having at least a reading section that reads a document placed on the flat bed (23) via a photoelectric conversion means.

and a paper transport mechanism (14) that automatically feeds a plurality of originals stacked on the hopper (28), and a stacker (29) that stores the originals sent by the paper transport mechanism (14). , an automatic reading unit having at least
(21), and a hand insertion slot (32) that opens to face the paper transport mechanism (14) is provided at the edge of the flat bed (23). This technical method was adopted.

Next, in the second invention, “
``reading section'' is set as ``first reading section'', and paper transport mechanism (
14) A second reading unit that reads the original fed by the photoelectric conversion means via the photoelectric conversion means, and a second reading unit configured to read the given original by either the first reading unit or the second reading unit. do. This is an additional technical measure.

Furthermore, in a third invention, the above first invention.

A printing mechanism (8) is provided that prints, if necessary, on the document fed by the paper transport mechanism (14).

This is an additional technical measure.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the principle configuration of the present invention, and in the same figure, 2
0 is a flat bed reading unit, 21 is an automatic reading unit, 22 is a document holder, 23 is a flat bed, 2
Reference numeral 4 denotes a reading section which serves as both the first reading section and the second reading section according to the present invention, 25 a light beam, 26 a reading light beam from the flat bed reading unit 20 side, 27 is a reading light beam from the automatic reading unit 21 side, 28 is a hopper, 29 is a stacker, 30 is a print head, 31 is a platen, 32 is a manual insertion slot, 33° 34.35
37 is a driving roller, and 38° and 39 are lamps.

The flat bed reading unit 20 includes a flat bed 23 on which a single sheet original is placed, a document presser 22, a manual insertion slot 32 into which a single sheet original is manually inserted, a mirror 33,
34, 35, and a reading section 24.

Further, the automatic reading unit 21 is arranged so as to be able to come into contact with and detach from the flat bed reading unit 20, and the hopper 28. Stacker 29. Print head 30, drive roller 37
It is equipped with such things as

[Effect]

When reading a single document, or for a document that you want to avoid curving as much as possible, open the document presser 22, place the document on the flat bed 23, and press the document presser 22 as shown in FIG. close.

Reading is performed by issuing a start instruction, just as in the case of copying with a copy machine. That is, the lamp 38 and mirror 33 shown in FIG. 1 move together in the horizontal direction shown in the drawing, while the light beam reflected from the document passes through the glass on the flat bed 23.

The light beam 26 (the position of the light beam 26 also moves horizontally) is guided by the light beam 25 and read by the reading unit 24 as image information.

When reading a large number of documents, the documents are stacked on the hopper 28. The hopper 28 is then raised to a predetermined ready position by the hopper mechanism.

Next, the pick mechanism picks up the originals placed in the preparation position one by one, starting from the topmost one, and corrects any undesired tilt of the originals using the leading edge of the original as a reference. .

The document whose tilt has been corrected is fed by the feed mechanism.
It is fed across the position where the illustrated lamp 39 is present. As a result, the light from the lamp 39 is reflected from the original, and the light beam 27 becomes a light beam 25, and the reading unit 2
4.

The document traverses the position of the print head 30 and is numbered, for example by 9, by a printing mechanism as required.

Then, it is discharged to the stacker 29 by the stacker discharge mechanism. During this time, the hyperactive drive roller 37 is rotated,
Feed the original.

(Embodiment) FIGS. 2 and 6 are perspective views showing the top surface of a flat bed reading unit showing an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a positional relationship between the flat bed reading unit and the automatic reading unit. FIG.

First, in FIG. 2, a hand insertion slot 32 is provided at the edge of the flat bed 23 and opens to face a paper conveyance mechanism (not shown) provided in the automatic reading unit 21. .

If it is necessary to perform numbering on the original read by the flatbed reading unit 20, for example, the original should be inserted into the manual insertion slot in the direction of the arrow (as clearly shown in FIG. 2). 32. In this case, the inserted original is fed vertically as shown in FIG.

Note that during automatic reading by the automatic reading unit 21, the mirror 33 is rotated and retracted as shown at 33' in FIG.

Further, a reference guide 36 for positioning is provided on the top surface of the flat bed 23.

It is easy to insert the original through the manual insertion slot 32, and the original can be reliably fed to a predetermined position.

For example, if the paper length is large, such as non-standard paper,
As shown in FIG. 6, the reference guide 36' provided on the upper surface of the document holder 22 and having a long guide portion makes it easier to insert the document.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a configuration is shown in which the entire automatic reading unit 21 is opened.
For example, each driving roller 37 may be divided into a plurality of stages, each of which can be independently opened and closed with respect to the flat bed reading unit 20 via a hinge. Furthermore, only the necessary portions of the drive roller 37 can be opened and closed.

The automatic reading unit 21 is as shown in FIG.

It is attached to the flat bed reading unit 20 with a hinge so that it can be opened and closed. 2. For example, when a jam occurs, the automatic reading unit 21 is opened as shown in FIG. 3 to take measures such as removing the jam.

Note that casters 40 are provided at the bottom of the automatic reading unit 21 as shown in FIG.

The force required for opening and closing may be extremely small. Furthermore, the casters 40 are attached to the frame 42 of the automatic reading unit 21 via springs 41 as shown in FIG.
Even if the floor surface 46 is uneven when opening and closing, the casters 4
0 moves up and down to support the weight of the automatic reading unit throat 21, so opening and closing operations can be performed extremely smoothly.

Nut 4 provided at the upper end of the pillar 44 of the caster 40
5 is.

When there is a step with an extremely large drop on the floor 46.

Alternatively, it is effective to prevent the casters 40 from coming off during transportation of the device.

FIG. 4 shows a configuration diagram of the control system in the apparatus of the present invention.

In the figure, 1 is a bus for the first processor (hereinafter referred to as mask processor), 2 is a bus for the second processor (hereinafter referred to as slave processor), and 3 is an interface with an external controller (host processor). Department,
4 is a mask processor, 5 is a control memory, 6 is a main memory, 7 is a video processing unit, 8 is a printing mechanism, 9 is a flatbed reading unit, 10 is a slave processor, 11 is a control memory, 12.13 is a 14 is a paper transport mechanism, 15 is a hopper mechanism, 16 is a pink mechanism, 17 is a feed mechanism, and 18 is a stacker discharge mechanism.

The mask processor 4 includes a video processing section 7. Printing mechanism 8
．． Flat bed reading unit9. Paper transport mechanism 14
Feed mechanism inside 17. Similarly, the stacker ejection mechanism 18 is controlled. The slave processor 10 also includes a hopper mechanism 15 . in the paper transport mechanism 14 . Similarly, the pink mechanism 16 is controlled.

Furthermore, communication between processors 4 and 10 is carried out through register 1.
2.13. Further, communication with an external controller is performed via the interface section 3.

The mask processor 4 and the slave processor 10 cooperate to control document reading, but regarding paper transport, (i) control corresponding to the hopper mechanism that moves the document loaded on the hopper to a predetermined preparation position; and (ii
) The control corresponding to the pick mechanism that takes in the originals placed in the preparation position one by one is the slave processor 10.
On the other hand, the control corresponding to the feed mechanism that feeds the captured original to the reading section and the control related to the stacker ejection mechanism that ejects the read original to the stacker are controlled by the mask processor 4. be done.

The mask processor 4 controls a printing mechanism that performs printing as necessary on the document fed by the feed mechanism, and also controls the flatbed reading unit. It also controls processing related to image information obtained by reading a document.

In connection with paper conveyance, the hopper mechanism 15. Pick mechanism 16. Feed mechanism 17. The stacker ejecting mechanisms 18 are activated in sequence, but the slave processor 10, which operates according to instructions from the mask processor 4,
In cooperation with processor 4, for each manuscript, in the form of pipeline control.

Move each mechanism above. That is, while the second document is in the feed mechanism 17 or the stacker discharge mechanism 18, the (p+1)th document is in the hopper mechanism 15 or the pick mechanism 1.
As shown in 6, 9 pieces are processed at high speed one after another.

FIG. 5 is a state diagram of the paper conveyance mechanism, and the reference numeral 2 shown in the same figure
9, 30, and 39 correspond to FIG. 1, respectively.

43 is COD. In addition, the illustrated "hopper section" corresponds to the hopper mechanism, the "pick section" corresponds to the pick mechanism, the "feed section" corresponds to the feed mechanism, and the "stacker section" corresponds to the stacker mechanism.
The slave MPUJ corresponds to control by a slave processor, and the master MPUJ corresponds to control by a master processor.Furthermore, Sl to S1□ are various sensors, respectively.

MCI or MG3 are electromagnetic magnets and MOTl respectively.
or MOT5 represents a motor.

The hopper mechanism, as shown in FIG.
The rising operation is performed until 8 is detected by the sensor S2.

The pick mechanism is for taking in one document at a time from a group of documents placed in the preparation position, and the aligning stopper 47 is pulled up onto the document moving route by an electromagnetic magnet (MG2), and then the electromagnetic magnet (MCI) ) closes the rollers, the motor (MOT2) is started, and one document is taken in by the belt 48 or the like. Of course, in order to correctly take in only one sheet, a known mechanism for rotating the lower roll 49 in the opposite direction is provided. Furthermore, the feed mechanism is equipped with a mechanism that checks the amount of light that passes through the document, detects the thickness of the document, and detects and eliminates undesired double feed.

The document taken in by the belt 48 etc. is sent to the sensor S4.
(occurrence of paper jam, etc.) is detected, and the entire leading edge of the document is brought into correct contact with the stopper 47 at the aligning stopper 47, thereby correcting the undesired inclination of the document. After such corrections have been made, the aligning stop 47 is lowered and the document reaches the standby position shown and is drawn into the feed mechanism under the control of the mask processor 4.

In the feed mechanism, the presence of a document is detected by sensors S and S6, a motor (MOT3) is activated, and the document is fed. During this time, the document passes under the lamp 39, and the CCD 43 reads characters and the like on the document as image information. Further, if necessary, the print head 30 performs numbering on the document.

Next, in the stacker mechanism, the motor (MOT4) is activated, and the stacker 29 on which the original is to be stacked is selected by the operation of the electromagnetic magnet (M03).

〔Effect of the invention〕

Since the present invention has the structure and operation as described above, 1
It has the following effects.

(1) Even old manuscripts with scratches or folds can be smoothly numbered after reading on the flatbed section, and accidents that damage valuable manuscripts due to paper jams can be avoided.

(2) Since the automatic reading unit is arranged so that it can come into contact with and detach from the flatbed reading unit, even if a paper jam occurs, both units can be easily removed and removed. Because you can
Office efficiency can be greatly improved.

(3) Since the lower end of the automatic reading unit is provided with casters that can move up and down, the automatic reading unit can be moved extremely easily and smoothly regardless of the condition of the floor surface.

(4) Since a plurality of stackers are provided to store the scanned originals, and the scanned originals are selectively stored in each stacker by the paper transport mechanism,
Even if documents of different sizes or documents with different image information are processed simultaneously, they can be classified in the same manner as before input, and confusion of different types of documents can be prevented.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the basic structure of the present invention, FIGS. 2 and 6 are perspective views showing the top surface of a flat bed reading unit showing an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a flat bed reading unit and an automatic An explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship with the reading unit, Fig. 4 is a configuration diagram of the control system in the device of the present invention, Fig. 5 is a diagram of the state of the open paper transport mechanism, and Fig. 7 is the lower end of the automatic reading unit in the embodiment of the present invention. It is an enlarged explanatory view showing casters of the unit. 14: Paper transport mechanism, 20: Flat bed reading unit, 21: Automatic reading unit, 28: Hopper, 29 stacker, 32: Manual insertion slot, 36° 36' double standard guide, 40: Casters. Patent applicant: Usatsuk Electronics Industry Co., Ltd. (1 other person) Agent: Patent attorney Mori 1) Hiroshi (1 other person)

Claims (14)

[Claims] (1) Flat bed (23) for placing documents on the top surface
A flat bed reading unit (20) having at least a reading section that reads the original placed on the flat bed (23) via a photoelectric conversion means, and a plurality of reading units stacked on the hopper (28) a paper transport mechanism (14) that automatically feeds the original;
A stacker (29) that stores documents sent by
an automatic reading unit (21) having at least a An image input device characterized by: (2) Standard guide for manual insertion is flat bed (23)
2. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein said image input device is provided on said image input device. (3) Standard guide for manual insertion is flat bed (23)
3. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein the image input device is provided on a document holder that is arranged to be able to come into contact with and detach from an upper surface. (4) A patent characterized in that a plurality of stackers (29) for storing originals are provided, and originals are selectively stored in the stacker (29) by a paper transport mechanism (14). An image input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. (5) Part or all of the automatic reading unit (21) is arranged on the side surface of the flat bed reading unit (20) so that it can come into contact with and detach from the flat bed reading unit (20). An image input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: (6) The image input device according to claim 5, characterized in that the automatic reading unit (21) is provided at a lower end portion thereof so as to be movable up and down and rollable on the floor. (7) Flat bed (23) for placing documents on the top surface
and a first reading unit that reads the original placed on the flat bed (23) via photoelectric conversion means, and a hopper (28). a paper transport mechanism (14) that automatically feeds a plurality of originals, and a paper transport mechanism (14) that automatically feeds a plurality of documents
14), and a stacker (29) for storing the originals fed by the paper conveyance mechanism (14).
an automatic reading unit (21) having at least a
In the image input device configured to be read by one of the reading units of the flat bed (23),
An image input device characterized in that a hand insertion slot (32) is provided at an edge portion of the paper transport mechanism (14). (8) A patent characterized in that a plurality of stackers (29) for storing originals are provided, and originals are selectively stored in the stacker (29) by a paper transport mechanism (14). An image input device according to claim 7. (9) Part or all of the automatic reading unit (21) is arranged on the side surface of the flat bed reading unit (20) so that it can come into contact with and detach from the flat bed reading unit (20). An image input device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: (10) The image input device according to claim 9, wherein the automatic reading unit (21) is provided at a lower end portion thereof so as to be movable up and down and rollable on a floor surface. (11) Flat bed (23
) and a reading unit that reads the original placed on the flat bed (23) via photoelectric conversion means, and a flat bed reading unit (20) loaded on the hopper (28). A paper transport mechanism (14) that automatically feeds multiple documents;
); and a stacker (29) that stores the documents fed by the paper transport mechanism (14). A hand insertion slot (3) is provided at the edge of the flat bed (23) and opens to face the paper transport mechanism (14).
An image input device characterized by providing the following. (12) A patent characterized in that a plurality of stackers (29) for storing originals are provided, and the originals are selectively stored in the stacker (29) by a paper transport mechanism (14). An image input device according to claim 11. (13) Part or all of the automatic reading unit (21) is arranged on the side surface of the flat bed reading unit (20) so that it can come into contact with and detach from the flat bed reading unit (20). An image input device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: (14) The automatic reading unit (21) is provided with casters (40) at its lower end so that it can move up and down and roll on the floor. Image input device.