Multi-purpose image capture device with flexible usage

Abstract

A multi-purpose image capture device with flexible use includes a first image capture module, a first control module, a second image capture module and a second control module. When the first control module is electrically connected to an external device or the second control module, the first control module is used to transmit the first image captured by the first image capture module to the external device or the second control module. When the second control module is electrically connected to the first control module and the external device, the second control module is further used to transmit the first image transmitted by the first control module or the second image captured by the second image capture module to the external device. Thus, the image capture device of the present invention can provide users with flexible use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image capturing device, and in particular to a multi-purpose image capturing device with flexible use. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous advancement of scanning technology, scanners are now widely used in homes and offices. Scanners can capture images of physical objects and are often used to scan documents, photos, and books. The captured digital image data can be displayed and stored in the computer. The image of the object can be permanently saved, saving the space occupied by the physical object. At the same time, users can also edit or transfer the image data. Its application range is quite wide. In order to meet the different scanning needs of users, some multi-purpose scanners are now available on the market. However, these multi-purpose scanners are bulky and lack flexibility in use. Therefore, the existing multi-purpose image capture devices still need to be improved. Summary of the invention

[0003] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-purpose image capturing device with flexible usage to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention discloses a multi-purpose image capture device with flexible use, which includes a first shell, a driving component, a first image capture module, a first control module, a second shell, a second image capture module and a second control module. A channel is formed in the first shell. The driving component is arranged in the first shell and is used to drive a first object to move along the channel. The first image capture module is arranged in the first shell and is used to capture a first image corresponding to the first object when the driving component drives the first object to pass through the first image capture module along the channel. The first control module includes a first control unit and a first electrical connector. The first control unit is electrically connected to the first electrical connector and the first image capture module. The second shell is arranged below the first shell and supports the first shell. A chamber for accommodating a second object is formed in the second shell. An opening that is connected to the chamber and is used to allow the second object to enter the chamber is formed on the second shell. The second image capture module is arranged in the second shell and is used to capture a second image corresponding to the second object located in the chamber. Image, the second control module includes a second control unit, a second electrical connector and a third electrical connector, the second control unit is electrically connected to the second electrical connector, the third electrical connector and the second image capture module, when the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the electrical connector of the external device, the first control unit is used to transmit the first image captured by the first image capture module to the external device through the connection between the first electrical connector and the electrical connector, when the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the second electrical connector, the first control unit is further used to transmit the first image captured by the first image capture module to the second control unit through the connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector, and when the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the second electrical connector and the third electrical connector is electrically connected to the electrical connector of the external device, the second control unit is further used to transmit the first image transmitted by the first control unit through the connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector or the second image captured by the second image capture module to the external device through the connection between the third electrical connector and the electrical connector.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second image capture module is used to capture the second image when the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the second electrical connector, and the second image capture module cannot capture the second image when the first electrical connector is not electrically connected to the second electrical connector.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a locking recess for partially accommodating the first shell is formed on a side of the second shell close to the first shell, and the first shell is installed on the second shell via the locking recess.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the engaging recess corresponds to the shape of the bottom of the first shell.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one stopping portion is protruded from a side of the second shell close to the first shell for stopping and positioning the first shell.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-purpose image capture device further includes a locking piece, a through hole is formed on the at least one stop portion, a locking hole is formed on the first shell, and the locking piece passes through the through hole and is locked in the locking hole to fix the first shell and the second shell.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-purpose image capturing device further includes a sensor disposed in the second housing and electrically connected to the second control unit, and the sensor is used to determine whether the second object enters the chamber and is located at the image capturing position.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second shell includes a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly is detachably combined with the second assembly. The chamber is formed between the first assembly and the second assembly.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second assembly is a platform structure, the middle portion of the first assembly bulges away from the second assembly to form the chamber and the opening connected to the chamber, and the second object enters the chamber through the opening.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second image capture module is disposed on the second assembly, at least one engaging slot is formed on the first assembly, and the second assembly is inserted into the at least one engaging slot to be combined with the first assembly.

[0014] In summary, in the present invention, when the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the electrical connector of the external device, the user can control the first control unit to transmit the first image captured by the first image capture module to the external device through the connection between the first electrical connector and the electrical connector; when the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the second electrical connector and the third electrical connector is electrically connected to the electrical connector of the external device, the user can control the second control unit to selectively transmit the first image transmitted by the first control unit through the connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector or the second image captured by the second image capture module through the connection between the third electrical connector and the electrical connector to the external device, so the user can adjust the connection relationship between the above-mentioned electrical connectors according to actual needs, so as to operate the first image capture module disposed in the first housing to capture the first image corresponding to the first object or the second image capture module disposed in the second housing to capture the second image corresponding to the second object, so the present invention has better flexibility in use. Furthermore, when the user only needs to operate the first image capture module, the first housing can be detached from the second housing to effectively reduce the space occupied during operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the appearance of a multi-purpose image capturing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the internal structure of the multi-purpose image capturing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 to Figure 4 Exploded views of components of the multi-purpose image capture device according to the first embodiment of the present invention at different viewing angles.

[0018] Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a multi-purpose image capturing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the appearance of a multi-purpose image capturing device in different states according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figures 8 to 9 Exploded views of components of a multi-purpose image capturing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention at different viewing angles.

[0021] Fig.10 FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a multi-purpose image capturing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Reference numerals:

[0023] 1. 1' Multi-purpose image capture equipment

[0024] 11. 11' first shell

[0025] 111' locking hole

[0026] 12 Drive components

[0027] 121 Roller

[0028] 13. First image capture module

[0029] 131 Photosensitive components

[0030] 14 First control module

[0031] 141 First control unit

[0032] 142 first electrical connector

[0033] 15, 15' Second shell

[0034] 151 snap-fit ​​depression

[0035] 152, 152' stopper

[0036] 1521'Piercing

[0037] 153 First Assembly

[0038] 1531 snap-in slide

[0039] 154 Second assembly

[0040] 15A Upper side

[0041] 16. Second image capture module

[0042] 17 Second control module

[0043] 171 Second control unit

[0044] 172 second electrical connector

[0045] 173 Third electrical connector

[0046] 18 Paper input tray

[0047] 19 Output tray

[0048] 1A Sensor

[0049] 1B Locking Hardware

[0050] C Chamber

[0051] O Open

[0052] P Channel DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The directional terms mentioned in the following embodiments, such as up, down, left, right, front or back, etc., are only used to refer to the directions of the attached drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are used to illustrate and not to limit the present invention.

[0054] See also Figures 1 to 5 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of a multi-purpose image capturing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the internal structure of a multi-purpose image capturing device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 to Figure 4 1 is an exploded view of components of the multi-purpose image capturing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention at different viewing angles. Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a multi-purpose image capturing device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the multi-purpose image capture device 1 can have an image scanning function, and the multi-purpose image capture device 1 includes a first housing 11, a driving component 12, a first image capture module 13, a first control module 14, a second housing 15, a second image capture module 16, and a second control module 17. A channel P is formed in the first housing 11, and the driving component 12 is disposed in the first housing 11 and is used to drive a first object (not shown in the figure) to move along the channel P, wherein the first object can be an object to be scanned, such as paper; the first image capture module 13 is disposed in the first housing 11 and is used to capture a first image corresponding to the first object when the driving component 12 drives the first object to move along the channel P through the first image capture module 13, so as to provide a use similar to a paper-feeding scanner. Preferably, in this embodiment, the driving component 12 may include a roller 121, a motor (not shown in the figure) and a gear set (not shown in the figure), and the first image capture module 13 may include two photosensitive components 131 respectively located on both sides of the channel P, and each photosensitive component 131 may be a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a contact image sensor (CIS), but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0055] Furthermore, the second housing 15 is disposed below the first housing 11 and supports the first housing 11. A chamber C is formed in the second housing 15 for accommodating a second object (not shown in the figure), wherein the first object may be another object to be scanned, such as an ID card or a passport. An opening O is formed on the second housing 15, which is connected to the chamber C and is used to allow the second object to enter the chamber C. The second image capture module 16 is disposed in the second housing 15 and is used to capture a second image corresponding to the second object located in the chamber C, so as to provide a use similar to that of a flatbed scanner.

[0056] Specifically, a snap-fitting recess 151 for partially accommodating the first shell 11 is formed on one side of the second shell 15 close to the first shell 11 (i.e., the upper side 15A of the second shell 15). The first shell 11 is mounted on the second shell 15 via the snap-fitting recess 151. The shape of the snap-fitting recess 151 may correspond to the shape of the bottom of the first shell 11 to prevent the first shell 11 from moving in the snap-fitting recess 151, thereby achieving the purpose of limiting the position of the first shell 11. Furthermore, two stopper portions 152 for stopping and positioning the first shell 11 are protrudingly formed on the upper side 15A of the second shell 151. The two stopper portions 152 may be located at the outer periphery of the snap-fitting recess 151 and are used to guide the first shell 11 to correctly enter the snap-fitting recess 151 during the process of the first shell 11 being placed into the snap-fitting recess 151. The two stopper portions 152 are also used to prevent the first shell 11 partially accommodated in the snap-fitting recess 151 from being separated from the snap-fitting recess 151 by external force. Thus, through the above-mentioned structural setting, the user can easily complete the installation and positioning of the first housing 11 relative to the second housing 15. The number of the stopper parts of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and it depends on the actual needs. For example, in another embodiment, the second housing can also be formed with only the stopper parts.

[0057] In addition, the second shell 15 includes a first assembly 153 and a second assembly 154 detachably combined with the first assembly 153. The second assembly 154 is a platform structure. The second image capture module 16 is disposed on the second assembly 154. The middle portion of the first assembly 153 bulges away from the second assembly 154. Two engaging grooves 1531 are formed on both sides of the first assembly 153. The second assembly 154 can be inserted into the two engaging grooves 1531 to be combined with the first assembly 153. When the second assembly 154 is inserted into the two engaging grooves 1531 and combined with the first assembly 153, a chamber C and an opening O connected to the chamber C are formed between the first assembly 153 and the second assembly 154, so as to allow the second object to enter the chamber C through the opening O. In addition, when the second assembly 154 is inserted into the two engaging grooves 1531 and combined with the first assembly 153, the second image capture module 16 disposed in the second assembly 154 is aligned with the chamber C to correctly capture the second image corresponding to the second object entering the chamber C. In this way, through the above-mentioned structural setting, the user can easily complete the installation and positioning of the second image capture module 16 relative to the second housing 15.

[0058] In addition, the first control module 14 includes a first control unit 141 and a first electrical connector 142, and the first control unit 141 is electrically connected to the first electrical connector 142 and the first image capture module 13; the second control module 17 includes a second control unit 171, a second electrical connector 172 and a third electrical connector 173, and the second control unit 171 is electrically connected to the second electrical connector 172, the third electrical connector 173 and the second image capture module 16. The first control unit 141 can transmit the first image captured by the first image capture module 13 to the external device through the connection between the first electrical connector 141 and the electrical connector when the first electrical connector 142 is electrically connected to the electrical connector of the external device (for example, using the corresponding data transmission line to connect the first electrical connector 142 and the electrical connector of the external device), and the first control unit 141 can also transmit the first image captured by the first image capture module 13 to the second control unit 171 through the connection between the first electrical connector 142 and the second electrical connector 172 when the first electrical connector 142 is electrically connected to the second electrical connector 172 (for example, using the corresponding data transmission line to connect the first electrical connector 142 and the second electrical connector 172). When the first electrical connector 142 is electrically connected to the second electrical connector 172 and the third electrical connector 173 is electrically connected to the electrical connector of the external device (for example, the first electrical connector 142 and the second electrical connector 172 and the third electrical connector 173 and the electrical connector of the external device are respectively connected by corresponding data transmission lines), the second control unit 171 can transmit the first image transmitted by the first control unit 141 through the connection between the first electrical connector 142 and the second electrical connector 172 or the second image captured by the second image capture module 16 to the external device through the connection between the third electrical connector 173 and the electrical connector. In this way, the user can adjust the connection between the above-mentioned electrical connectors according to actual needs, so as to operate the first image capture module disposed in the first housing to capture the first image corresponding to the first object or the second image capture module disposed in the second housing to capture the second image corresponding to the second object, so the present invention has better flexibility in use.

[0059] In addition, the present invention can be designed so that the second image capture module 16 can capture the second image when the first electrical connector 142 is electrically connected to the second electrical connector 172, and the second image capture module 16 cannot capture the second image when the first electrical connector 142 is not electrically connected to the second electrical connector 172. When the user wants to capture the first image using only the first image capture module 13, the first electrical connector 142 can be electrically connected to the electrical connector of the external device. At this time, the user can independently operate the first image capture module 13, but cannot operate the second image capture module 16. Therefore, the first housing 11 can be detached from the second housing 15 to reduce the space occupied during operation and achieve the purpose of modular operation.

[0060] See also Figures 6 to 10 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the appearance of a multi-purpose image capturing device 1' in different states according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a side view of the multi-purpose image capturing device 1' in another state according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figures 8 to 9 The exploded view of the components of the multi-purpose image capturing device 1' in different viewing angles according to the second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a multi-purpose image capturing device 1' according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figures 6 to 10 As shown, different from the first embodiment, the multi-purpose image capture device 1' of this embodiment further includes a paper input tray 18, a paper output tray 19, a sensor 1A and two locking members 1B. The paper input tray 18 and the paper output tray 19 are pivotally connected to the first housing 11 and are respectively located at an entrance and an exit of the channel P. The sensor 1A is disposed in the chamber C and is electrically connected to the second control unit 171. The sensor 1A can determine whether the second object enters the chamber C and is located at the image capture position. The second control unit 171 can control the second image capture module 16 to capture the second image corresponding to the second object when the sensor 1A determines that the second object enters the chamber C and is located at the image capture position. Therefore, the user does not need to use a human-machine interface (such as Figure 8 The control panel shown in the figure controls the second control unit 171 to operate the second image capture module 16 to capture images, so it is more convenient to use. In this embodiment, the sensor is preferably a non-contact sensor (such as a light sensor) or a contact sensor (such as a piezoelectric sensor), but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, in this embodiment, two stoppers 152' are formed on the second shell 15', and each stopper 152' is formed with a through hole 1521', and two locking holes 111' are formed on the first shell 11'. The two locking members 1B pass through the two through holes 1521' and are locked in the two locking holes 111' to fix the first shell 11' and the second shell 15', thereby preventing the first shell 11' and the second shell 15' from being separated by external force. The remaining component structures and actuation principles are similar to those of the first embodiment, and for the sake of simplicity, they are not repeated here.

[0061] Compared to the prior art, in the present invention, when the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the electrical connector of the external device, the user can control the first control unit to transmit the first image captured by the first image capture module to the external device through the connection between the first electrical connector and the electrical connector; when the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the second electrical connector and the third electrical connector is electrically connected to the electrical connector of the external device, the user can control the second control unit to selectively transmit the first image transmitted by the first control unit through the connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector or the second image captured by the second image capture module through the connection between the third electrical connector and the electrical connector to the external device, so the user can adjust the connection relationship between the above-mentioned electrical connectors according to actual needs, so as to operate the first image capture module disposed in the first housing to capture the first image corresponding to the first object or the second image capture module disposed in the second housing to capture the second image corresponding to the second object, so the present invention has better flexibility in use. Furthermore, when the user only needs to operate the first image capture module, the first housing can be detached from the second housing to effectively reduce the space occupied during operation.

[0062] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made according to the scope of the patent application of the present invention should fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-purpose image capture device with flexible use, characterized in that: It includes: a first shell having a passage formed therein; A driving assembly, which is disposed in the first housing and is used to drive the first object to move along the channel; A first image capturing module is disposed in the first housing and is used to capture a first image corresponding to the first object when the driving component drives the first object to pass through the first image capturing module along the channel; A first control module includes a first control unit and a first electrical connector, wherein the first control unit is electrically connected to the first electrical connector and the first image capture module; A second shell is disposed below the first shell and supports the first shell, a chamber for accommodating a second object is formed in the second shell, and an opening is formed on the second shell that is in communication with the chamber and is used to allow the second object to enter the chamber; a second image capturing module disposed in the second housing and used to capture a second image corresponding to the second object located in the chamber; as well as A second control module, comprising a second control unit, a second electrical connector and a third electrical connector, wherein the second control unit is electrically connected to the second electrical connector, the third electrical connector and the second image capture module; wherein when the first electrical connector is electrically connected to an electrical connector of an external device, the first control unit is used to transmit the first image captured by the first image capture module to the external device through the connection between the first electrical connector and the electrical connector; when the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the second electrical connector, the first control unit is further used to transmit the first image captured by the first image capture module to the second control unit through the connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector; and when the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the second electrical connector and the third electrical connector is electrically connected to the electrical connector of the external device, the second control unit is further used to transmit the first image transmitted from the first control unit through the connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector or the second image captured by the second image capture module to the external device through the connection between the third electrical connector and the electrical connector; The second image capture module is used to capture the second image when the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the second electrical connector, and the second image capture module cannot capture the second image when the first electrical connector is not electrically connected to the second electrical connector.

2. The multi-purpose image capturing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: A snap-fitting recess for partially accommodating the first shell is formed on one side of the second shell close to the first shell, and the first shell is installed on the second shell via the snap-fitting recess.

3. The multi-purpose image capturing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein: The shape of the engaging recess corresponds to the shape of the bottom of the first shell.

4. The multi-purpose image capturing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: At least one stopping portion is protruded from one side of the second shell close to the first shell for stopping and positioning the first shell.

5. The multi-purpose image capturing device as claimed in claim 4, wherein: It further comprises a locking piece, at least a through hole is formed on the stopper, a locking hole is formed on the first shell, and the locking piece passes through the through hole and is locked in the locking hole to fix the first shell and the second shell.

6. The multi-purpose image capturing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: It further comprises a sensor which is arranged in the second shell and electrically connected to the second control unit, and the sensor is used to determine whether the second object enters the chamber and is located at the image capturing position.

7. The multi-purpose image capturing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The second shell includes a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly is detachably combined with the second assembly. The chamber is formed between the first assembly and the second assembly.

8. The multi-purpose image capturing device as claimed in claim 7, wherein: The second assembly is a platform structure, the middle portion of the first assembly bulges away from the second assembly to form the chamber and the opening connected to the chamber, and the second object enters the chamber through the opening.

9. The multi-purpose image capturing device as claimed in claim 7, wherein: The second image capture module is disposed on the second assembly, and at least one engaging slot is formed on the first assembly. The second assembly is inserted into the at least one engaging slot to be combined with the first assembly.

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