Reading device and output device

Abstract

This invention provides a reading device and an output device that facilitates the positioning of reflective portions that reflect light in front of and behind the reading area. The reading device includes: an illumination unit for illuminating light; a first reflective unit having a first reflective surface that reflects light irradiated by the illumination unit toward the original document; an optical path unit including a second reflective unit having a second reflective surface, forming an optical path that guides the light reflected by the second reflective surface, the second reflective surface reflecting light reflected by the first reflective unit and orthogonally reflected by the original document; an image sensor that generates an image represented by the light guided by the optical path unit; and a support unit that supports the first reflective unit and the second reflective unit to fix the relative position and orientation of the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a reading device and an output device. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-130444 discloses a reading device in which, in order to read a portion of the ortho-reflected light component from an original, the angle of incidence of the light irradiated by the second irradiation unit of the irradiation light onto the original is tilted at a non-zero degree relative to the reflection angle of the main ray of the ortho-reflected light guided by the light guide unit. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In image reading devices that use image sensors to read and generate images, sometimes a reflective part is provided to reflect light toward the reading area and a light guide part to guide the reflected light from the reading area. However, if the positions of the reflective part and the light guide part are slightly off, it is easy to cause a phenomenon where not enough light reaches the image sensor.

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to facilitate the positioning of reflective parts that reflect light in front of and behind the reading area.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a reading device is provided, comprising: an illumination section for illuminating light; a first reflective section having a first reflective surface, the first reflective surface reflecting the light irradiated by the illumination section toward an original document; an optical path section including a second reflective section having a second reflective surface, forming an optical path for guiding the light reflected by the second reflective surface, the second reflective surface reflecting the light reflected by the first reflective section and orthogonally reflected by the original document; an image sensor for generating an image represented by the light guided by the optical path section; and a support section for supporting the first reflective section and the second reflective section to fix the relative position and orientation of the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface.

[0006] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, the reading device includes a second irradiation unit that irradiates light and is configured to guide light diffused and reflected by the original document to the image sensor through the optical path unit.

[0007] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, the reading device includes: a third reflective portion having a third reflective surface, the third reflective surface reflecting light irradiated by the second irradiation portion toward the original document; and a second support portion supporting the third reflective portion.

[0008] According to the fourth aspect of this disclosure, the first reflective portion is disposed near the second reflective portion compared to the third reflective portion.

[0009] According to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface are shaped such that the main scanning direction is the long side, and the dimension of the short side of the second reflective surface is larger than that of the first reflective surface.

[0010] According to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, the support portion can rotatably support one end of the main scanning direction relative to the first reflective portion and the second reflective portion, and contact two or more parts of the other end, thereby fixing them.

[0011] According to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure, the other end is the upstream end of the main scanning direction.

[0012] According to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, the reading device includes: a first component that allows light to enter toward the reading position of the original document; a second component that reflects or receives light that is positively reflected at the reading position of the original document; and a support portion that fixes the relative position and orientation of the first component and the second component.

[0013] According to the ninth aspect of this disclosure, an output device is provided that outputs the degree of positive reflection based on the positively reflected light read by the reading device.

[0014] According to the tenth aspect of this disclosure, the output device is an image forming apparatus for outputting an image, the image being formed based on the degree of orthogonal reflected light read by the reading device.

[0015] (Effect)

[0016] According to the first, eighth, ninth, or tenth scheme, it becomes easier to position the reflective part that reflects light in front of or behind the reading area.

[0017] According to the second scheme, compared with the case of using a separate optical path section to guide the reflected light, the reading device can be miniaturized.

[0018] According to the third scheme, the direction of the third reflector and the direction of the first reflector can be adjusted respectively.

[0019] According to the fourth scheme, compared with the case where the third reflective part is located near the second reflective part rather than the first reflective part, the accuracy of the relative positional relationship between the first reflective part and the second reflective part can be improved.

[0020] According to the fifth scheme, compared to the case where the size of the second reflective surface is smaller than the size of the first reflective surface, the reflected light can be easily reflected by the second reflective surface when the optical path of the reflected light from the original deviates.

[0021] According to the sixth scheme, the direction of the reflective surface can be changed simply by performing an operation on one end.

[0022] According to the seventh scheme, regardless of the type of original document, the benefit of improved image reading accuracy can be obtained. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the hardware structure of the image reading device according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the detailed structure of the image reading unit.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the bracket in an enlarged form.

[0026] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the magnified view of the periphery of the reflector.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the reflective surface as viewed from the front.

[0028] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the magnified view of the periphery of the reflector.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the reflective surface as viewed from the front.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the reflective surface as viewed from the front.

[0031] Figure 9 (a) to Figure 9 Figure (c) is an example of the first support member.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of a second support member.

[0033] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates an example of a reading device that allows light from the irradiation section to enter directly.

[0034] Figure 12 It means including Figure 2 A diagram of the image forming apparatus of the described reading device. Detailed Implementation

[0035] [1] Example

[0036] Figure 1The hardware structure of the image reading apparatus 10 according to an embodiment is shown. The image reading apparatus 10 is an apparatus for reading images represented on an original document. The image reading apparatus 10 is an example of the "reading apparatus" of this disclosure. The image reading apparatus 10 is a computer including a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, a communication unit 14, a user interface (UI) unit 15, an image forming unit 16, and an image reading unit 20.

[0037] Processor 11 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and other arithmetic devices, registers, and peripheral circuitry. Memory 12 is a recording medium readable by processor 11, including random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Memory 13 is a recording medium readable by processor 11, including, for example, a hard disk drive or flash memory.

[0038] The processor 11 uses RAM as its working area to execute programs stored in ROM or memory 13, thereby controlling the operation of various hardware components. The communication unit 14 includes an antenna and communication circuitry, enabling communication via a communication line (not shown). The programs executed by the processor 11 can also be obtained from external devices that communicate via the communication unit 14.

[0039] UI unit 15 is an interface provided to the user of this device (image reading device 10). An interface is a device that accepts user input of information and outputs information from the image reading device 10. UI unit 15 may have, for example, a touch screen that displays images and accepts user operations. The touch screen has a display as a display component and a touch panel disposed on the surface of the display.

[0040] The image forming unit 16 forms an image on a medium such as paper. In this embodiment, the image forming unit 16 forms the image on the medium by inkjet printing. However, the image forming method is not limited to this; for example, it can also be an electrophotographic method.

[0041] The image reading unit 20 includes a light source, an optical system, and an image sensor. It reads the image displayed on the original document by reflecting light from the light source back onto the original document. The image reading unit 20 supplies original image data, representing the image of the original document being read, to the processor 11. The processor 11 uses the supplied original image data to perform various processes (printing processing, fax transmission processing, etc.).

[0042] Figure 2 This describes the detailed structure of the image reading unit 20. Figure 2 The image reading unit 20 is shown in the diagram when viewed along the main scanning direction A1. The main scanning direction A1 is the direction from the front of the paper inwards. The image reading unit 20 includes a document stage 21, a document cover 22, a holder 30, a holder 40, an imaging lens 50, and an image sensor 60. The image reading unit 20 has these structures shown in the diagram over a width defined with respect to the main scanning direction A1. The holder 30, holder 40, imaging lens 50, and image sensor 60 are all elongated shapes with the main scanning direction A1 as their long side. In addition, the direction indicated by the arrow labeled "A2" in the figure is the sub-scanning direction A2. The image reading unit 20 is a reading device of a so-called reduction optical system.

[0043] The document stage 21 is a transparent glass plate that supports the original document 2, which is the object of image reading. Alternatively, the document stage 21 can be any transparent plate-like component, such as an acrylic sheet. The document cover 22 covers the document stage 21 to block external light and encloses the original document 2 between itself and the document stage 21. The original document 2 is supported by the document stage 21 and the document cover 22 to prevent it from moving.

[0044] When reading the original document 2, the carriage 30 moves along the sub-scanning direction A2 at a predetermined speed. The carriage 30 has an irradiation section for irradiating the original document 2, but the irradiation section will be referred to later. Figure 3 Let me explain in detail. The bracket 30 has a mirror 35 inside. The mirror 35 reflects the light reflected by the original 2 and guides it to the light path B1 that reaches the image sensor 60.

[0045] When reading the original document 2, the carriage 40 moves along the sub-scanning direction A2 at half the speed of the carriage 30. The carriage 40 has mirrors 41 and 42 inside. Mirrors 41 and 42 reflect the light reflected by mirror 35 and guide it toward the optical path B1. The imaging lens 50 images the light reflected by mirror 42 at a predetermined position.

[0046] The image sensor 60 has light-receiving elements such as a charge-coupled device (CCD), receives light imaged by the imaging lens 50, and generates an image signal corresponding to the received light. The image sensor 60 supplies the generated image signal to... Figure 1The processor 11 shown. The processor 11 generates image data of the original 2 based on the supplied image signal.

[0047] Figure 3 Enlarged view of bracket 30. Bracket 30 has light irradiation part 31, light irradiation part 32, reflector 33, reflector 34, mirror 35, first support member 36 and second support member 37.

[0048] Light irradiation unit 31 irradiates light that is orthogonally reflected from the original document 2. Light irradiation unit 31 has an emission surface 313 from which light that is orthogonally reflected from the original document 2 is emitted. Light irradiation unit 32 irradiates light that is diffusely reflected from the original document 2. Light irradiation unit 32 has an emission surface 323 from which light that is diffusely reflected from the original document 2 is emitted. Light irradiation unit 31 is an example of an "irradiation unit" of this disclosure, and light irradiation unit 32 is an example of a "second irradiation unit" of this disclosure.

[0049] The light irradiation unit 31 includes a light source 311 and a light guide 312. The light source 311 is a light-emitting diode (LED) or similar light-emitting light source. The light guide 312 is a transparent component that allows light to pass through its interior. The light guide 312 has the aforementioned emission surface 313, which guides the light from the light source 311 to the emission surface 313. The emission surface 313 is generally flat, but has fine undulations to diffuse the emitted light.

[0050] The light irradiation unit 32 includes a light source 321 and a light guide 322. The light source 321 is a light-emitting source such as an LED. The light guide 322 is a transparent component that allows light to pass through its interior. The light guide 322 has the aforementioned emission surface 323, which guides the light from the light source 321 to the emission surface 323. The emission surface 323 is generally planar, but has fine undulations to diffuse the emitted light. In this embodiment, multiple LEDs are provided along the long side.

[0051] A portion of the light emitted from the exit surface 313, such as Figure 3 It reaches the reflector 33 as shown.

[0052] Figure 4 The magnified view shows the periphery of reflector 33. Reflector 33 is a component having a reflective surface 331, which reflects light emitted from exit surface 313 towards the reading area R1 of the original document 2 and illuminates the reading area R1 with positively reflected light (light positively reflected by the original document 2). Reflector 33 is an example of the "first reflective part" of this disclosure, and reflective surface 331 is an example of the "first reflective surface" of this disclosure. In this embodiment, reflective surface 331 has a planar shape.

[0053] Figure 5This refers to the reflecting surface 331 as viewed from the front. As shown in the figure, the reflecting surface 331 of the reflector 33 has the same main scanning direction A1 as the exiting surface 313 of the light guide 312, and appears rectangular when viewed from the front. The reflecting surface 331 is formed with a dimension W3 in the short side direction A4. The short side direction A4 refers to the direction orthogonal to the long side direction of the reflecting surface 331 (i.e., along the main scanning direction A1) and along the direction of the reflecting surface 331.

[0054] On the other hand, a portion of the light emitted from the exit surface 323 of the light guide 322, such as Figure 3 As shown, it reaches reflector 34.

[0055] Figure 6 The magnified view shows the periphery of reflector 34. Reflector 34 is a component with a reflective surface 341 that reflects light emitted from the emission surface 323 toward the reading area R1 of the original document 2, and illuminates the reading area R1 with diffused reflected light (light diffused and reflected by the original document 2).

[0056] Figure 7 This refers to the reflecting surface 341 as viewed from the front. As shown in the figure, the reflecting surface 341 of the reflector 34, like the exit surface 323 of the light guide 322, has the main scanning direction A1 as its long side, and appears rectangular when viewed from the front. The reflecting surface 341 is formed with a dimension W4 in the short side direction A5. The short side direction A5 refers to the direction orthogonal to the long side direction of the reflecting surface 341 (i.e., along the main scanning direction A1) and along the direction of the reflecting surface 341.

[0057] When the light reflected by the reflective surface 331 reaches the reading area R1 of the original document 2, the original document 2 positively reflects a portion of this light. Figure 2 The mirror 35 is shown. The mirror 35 has a reflective surface 351, which reflects light reflected by the reflector 33 and orthogonally reflected by the original document 2. The mirror 35 is an example of the "second reflective part" of this disclosure, and the reflective surface 351 is an example of the "second reflective surface" of this disclosure.

[0058] Figure 8 This refers to the reflecting surface 351 as viewed from the front. As shown in the figure, the reflecting surface 351 of mirror 35 is a rectangular surface with the main scanning direction A1 as its long side. The reflecting surface 351 is formed with a dimension W5 in the short side direction A6. The short side direction A6 refers to the direction orthogonal to the long side direction of the reflecting surface 351 (i.e., the direction along the main scanning direction A1) and along the reflecting surface 351.

[0059] The dimension W5 is larger than the dimension W3 of the short side direction A4 of the reflecting surface 331 of the reflector 33. By increasing the dimension in this way, the reflected light is more easily reflected by the reflecting surface 351 even when the light path B1 of the reflected light from the original 2 deviates due to tolerances or other reasons, compared to the case where the dimension W5 is smaller than the dimension W3.

[0060] Moreover, the Mirror 35 Figure 3 As shown, the reflector 34 for diffuse reflection is positioned near the reflector 33 for direct reflection. Therefore, compared to the case where the mirror 35 is positioned near the reflector 34 for diffuse reflection instead of the reflector 33 for direct reflection, the accuracy of the relative positional relationship between the reflector 33 and the mirror 35 is improved, and the size of the first support member 36 can be reduced, thus reducing component costs.

[0061] The light reflected by mirror 35 Figure 2 The mirrors 41, 42, and imaging lens 50 shown are guided to the image sensor 60. The mirrors 35, 41, 42, and imaging lens 50 serve as the forming... Figure 2 The optical path section 3 of the optical path B1 shown functions to guide the light reflected by the reflective surface 351 of the mirror 35. The image sensor 60 generates an image shown by the light guided by the optical path section 3.

[0062] On the other hand, a portion of the light emitted from the light irradiation unit 32 is diffused and reflected by the original document 2 to form an image. A portion of the light emitted from the emitting surface 323 of the light guide 322 of the light irradiation unit 32 is directed toward the reflector 34. The reflective surface 341 of the reflector 34 reflects the light irradiated by the light irradiation unit 32 toward the reading area R1 of the original document 2. The reflector 34 is an example of the "third reflective unit" of this disclosure, and the reflective surface 341 is an example of the "third reflective surface" of this disclosure.

[0063] Furthermore, the reflector 34 is positioned such that the light reflected from the original document 2 by the reflector 341 does not align with the light path B1. Therefore, a portion of the diffused light in the light reflected from the reflector 341 and reaching the original document 2 is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, it is oriented towards the light path B1. The light oriented towards the light path B1 is guided by the light path unit 3 and passes through... Figure 2 The light path B1 shown reaches the image sensor 60.

[0064] Thus, the light irradiation unit 32 is configured to guide the light diffusely reflected from the original document 2 to the image sensor 60 via the optical path unit 3. In this embodiment, both directly reflected light and diffusely reflected light are guided to the image sensor 60 via the optical path unit 3, thereby achieving miniaturization of this device (image reading device 10) compared to the case where a separate optical path unit is used for guidance. The image sensor 60 generates an image represented by the arriving light, that is, by the light diffusely reflected from the original document 2. As described above, the image sensor 60 generates an image from both the directly reflected light and the diffusely reflected light from the read area R1.

[0065] Furthermore, a portion of the light emitted from the exit surface 323 of the light guide 322 is directed directly toward the reading area R1 of the original document 2, and after diffusion and reflection, a portion of the light is further directed toward the optical path B1. That is, the light irradiation section 32 emits light toward the reflector 34 and the reading area R1 respectively. The image sensor 60 also generates an image from the light emitted from the light irradiation section 32 that directly reaches the reading area R1 and is then diffused and reflected.

[0066] In this embodiment, the light from the reading area R1 toward the mirror 35 will become vertically downward. Therefore, even if the original document placed on the document table has a portion that floats off the table, the impact on the reading image quality is suppressed depending on whether it is floating or not.

[0067] The first support member 36 is a member that supports the reflector 33 and the mirror 35 to fix the relative position and orientation of the reflecting surface 331 and the reflecting surface 351. The first support member 36 is an example of the "support part" of this disclosure.

[0068] Figure 9 (a) to Figure 9 (c) represents an example of the first support member 36. Figure 9 (a) represents the first support member 36, the reflector 33 and the mirror 35 as viewed from the short side direction A6 of the mirror 35.

[0069] The first support member 36 has a plate-shaped first member 36-1 located downstream of the main scanning direction A1 and a plate-shaped second member 36-2 located upstream of the main scanning direction A1. The downstream end of the first member 36-1, which contains the reflector 33 and the mirror 35, is fixed to the first member 36-1, and the upstream end of the second member 36-2, which contains the reflector 33 and the mirror 35, is fixed to the second member 36-2.

[0070] Figure 9 (b) shows the first component 36-1 as viewed from the downstream side of the main scanning direction A1. Figure 9(c) indicates the second component 36-2 as viewed from the upstream side of the main scanning direction A1. The first component 36-1 has a first rotation axis 361, a second rotation axis 362, and a third rotation axis 363. The first component 36-1 is rotatably supported on the frame of this device (image reading device 10) via the first rotation axis 361.

[0071] Furthermore, the first component 36-1 rotatably supports one end of the reflector 33 in the main scanning direction A1 (the downstream end of the main scanning direction A1) via the second rotation axis 362. Also, the first component 36-1 rotatably supports one end of the mirror 35 in the main scanning direction A1 (the downstream end of the main scanning direction A1) via the third rotation axis 363. The second rotation axis 362 and the third rotation axis 363 will rotate, for example, when a dedicated fixture is installed for operation.

[0072] The second component 36-2 has fasteners 364, 365, 366, and 367. Each fastener is, for example, a screw-type tool, with a protruding portion penetrating the second component 36-2 and contacting the reflector 33 or mirror 35 to secure them. Fasteners 364 and 365 secure one upstream end of the reflector 33 in the main scanning direction A1. Fasteners 366 and 367 secure one upstream end of the mirror 35 in the main scanning direction A1.

[0073] In this way, the first support member 36 rotatably supports one end of the main scanning direction A1 (the downstream end of the main scanning direction A1) and contacts two or more parts of the other end (the upstream end of the main scanning direction A1) for fixation. Thus, the orientation of each reflecting surface can be changed by simply operating on one of the rotatably supported ends of the reflector 33 or mirror 35 along its long side.

[0074] The original document is fixed at the upstream end of the main scanning direction A1 of the document stage 21. Therefore, at the upstream end of the main scanning direction A1 of the document stage 21, image reading will inevitably occur regardless of the size of the original document. On the other hand, at the downstream end of the main scanning direction A1 of the document stage 21, if the size of the original document is small, image reading will not occur.

[0075] Furthermore, as mentioned above, when the first support member 36 contacts two or more locations to fix the reflector 33 and the mirror 35, the positioning accuracy is improved compared to fixing it to only one location. In this embodiment, the reflector 33 and the mirror 35 are fixed by contacting two or more locations at one end of the main scanning direction A1, which will inevitably generate image reading. Therefore, regardless of the type of original document, the benefit of improved image reading accuracy can be obtained.

[0076] The second support member 37 is a member that supports the reflector 34. The second support member 37 is an example of the "second support part" of this disclosure.

[0077] Figure 10 This represents an example of the second support member 37. Figure 10 The image shows a second support member 37 and a reflector 34. The second support member 37 has a rotation axis 371. The second support member 37 is rotatably supported on the frame of the device (image reading device 10) via the rotation axis 371. By rotating the second support member 37, the orientation of the reflector 34 is adjusted.

[0078] Furthermore, the mounting position of the rotation axis 371 on the frame becomes adjustable, thereby allowing adjustment of the relative positional relationship between the reflector 34 and the mirror 35. As described above, the reflector 34 is supported by a different component than the reflector 33 and the mirror 35, thereby allowing its position and orientation to be adjusted independently of the reflector 33 and the mirror 35.

[0079] On the other hand, the reflector 33 is supported by the same component as the mirror 35, namely the first support member 36. Thus, by maintaining the relative positional relationship between the reflector 33 and the mirror 35, which reflect light in front of and behind the reading area R1, the position and orientation of their reflective parts relative to the reading area R1 can be adjusted without adjusting their relative positional relationship, thus making the positioning of their reflective parts easy.

[0080] [2] Variation Example

[0081] The described embodiment is merely one example of the implementation of this disclosure and can be modified as follows. Moreover, the embodiments and their modifications can be combined as needed.

[0082] [2-1] Reflector

[0083] The reflective surface 331 of the reflector 33 for direct reflection and the reflective surface 341 of the reflector 34 for diffuse reflection are planar in the embodiment, but are not limited thereto. For example, the reflective surface 331 may also be a shape that reflects the light emitted from the exit surface 313 of the light guide 312 toward the original document 2 to converge the light (usually a concave shape).

[0084] Converging light refers to light that converges towards a predetermined focal point. This focal point can be set on the original document, or it can be set further inwards or in front of the original document. Furthermore, the reflecting surface 331 can also be convex (typically a convex shape) that reflects light emitted from the exiting surface 313 of the light guide 312 towards the original document 2, creating a diverging light pattern. Diverging light refers to light that does not converge towards the predetermined focal point and instead spreads outwards. Moreover, the reflecting surface 341 of the reflector 34 can be either concave or convex.

[0085] [2-2] Light irradiation part

[0086] The shape of the light irradiation section is not limited to the shape described in the embodiments. For example, the emitting surface of the light irradiation section may also be in a shape other than a rectangle. Moreover, the light irradiation section may include two or more surfaces instead of one surface as the emitting surface. Furthermore, the light irradiation section may not have a light guide and may only have a light source.

[0087] [2-3] Reading device

[0088] The embodiment described herein is exemplified by a reading device that reads an image of a manuscript placed on a manuscript table, but it is not limited to this. It can also be applied to in-line sensors, and is suitable for reading a paper being transported as a manuscript.

[0089] [2-4] Other methods for providing some functions of reflector 33 and mirror 35

[0090] As a structure to facilitate the positioning of the reflective part that reflects light in front of and behind the reading area, the following reading device may also be constructed, which includes: a first member that allows light to enter toward the reading position of the original document; a second member that reflects or receives light reflected at the reading position of the original document; and a support that fixes the relative position and orientation of the first member and the second member.

[0091] Here, it is also possible to prevent light from entering the reading position other than the first component. The reflector 33 in the described embodiment is also an example of the first component that allows light to enter the reading area R1 of the original document 2 by reflecting light towards it. Moreover, the mirror 35, which is the point where the light reflected from the original document 2 reaches, is also an example of the second component.

[0092] [2-4-1] Equal magnification optical system

[0093] The embodiment described illustrates a reading device for a reduced-magnification optical system, but it can also be applied to a reading device for a general equal-magnification optical system. In this case, instead of the second reflective part, i.e., the mirror 35, which has a second reflective surface that reflects light, a rod lens is provided in the optical path of the positively reflected light from the reading area R1. Here, the rod lens is an example of a second component.

[0094] [2-4-2]Enter light

[0095] In the embodiment described above, the reflector 33 is used to temporarily reflect the light from the irradiation section, thereby preventing light from entering the reading position outside the first member. However, it is also possible to... Figure 11 In that way, light can enter directly without relying on reflection. Figure 11This illustrates an example of a reading device that allows light from the irradiation section to directly enter the reading position. Furthermore, this embodiment illustrates an example where multiple LEDs are provided along the long side, but... Figure 11 The design employs a light guide A extending along its long side, with a high-power LED located at its long side end. Furthermore, it is also possible to omit the use of... Figure 11 Such a light guide allows light from multiple LEDs arranged along the long side to be directed directly toward the original artwork.

[0096] [2-5] Output device

[0097] Figure 12 Indicates including Figure 2 The image forming apparatus 70 of the image reading device 10 described herein. Here, the stronger the positively reflected light read by the image reading device 10, the higher the gloss of the original document. Therefore, the gloss level of the original document is determined by calculation using a CPU or the like. The difference between the gloss level and the diffused reflected light can also be used when calculating the gloss level. The image forming apparatus 70 forms an image by inkjet printing an image reflecting the result as image data.

[0098] Thus, the image forming apparatus 70 outputs the degree of orthoreflection (equivalent to gloss level) based on the orthoreflected light read by the image reading device 10. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 70 outputs an image formed based on the degree of orthoreflection of the orthoreflected light read by the image reading device 10. The image forming apparatus 70 is an example of the "output device" of this disclosure. In addition to outputting using the image forming apparatus 70, the image can also be processed according to the gloss level and output to a display device such as a personal computer (PC) or tablet screen.

Claims

1. A reading device, comprising: Illumination part, irradiation light; The first reflective part has a first reflective surface, which reflects the light irradiated by the irradiation part toward the original document; The optical path section includes a second reflective section having a second reflective surface, forming an optical path that guides the light reflected by the second reflective surface, wherein the second reflective surface reflects the light reflected by the first reflective section and orthogonally reflected by the original document; An image sensor generates an image represented by light guided by the optical path unit; as well as A support portion supports the first reflective portion and the second reflective portion to fix the relative position and orientation of the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface. The support portion can rotatably support one end of the main scanning direction for the first reflective portion and the second reflective portion, and contact two or more parts of the other end for fixation.

2. The reading device according to claim 1, comprising: The second irradiation unit irradiates light and is configured to guide the light diffused and reflected by the original to the image sensor through the optical path unit.

3. The reading device according to claim 2, comprising: The third reflective part has a third reflective surface, which reflects the light irradiated by the second irradiation part toward the original document; as well as The second support part supports the third reflective part.

4. The reading device according to claim 3, wherein The first reflective portion is located near the second reflective portion compared to the third reflective portion.

5. The reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The first reflective surface and the second reflective surface are shaped such that the long side is the main scanning direction. The dimension of the second reflective surface in the short side direction is larger than that of the first reflective surface.

6. The reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The other end is the upstream end of the main scanning direction.

7. A reading device, comprising: The first component directs the light toward the reading position of the original document; The second component reflects or receives light that is orthogonally reflected at the reading position of the original document; as well as The support portion fixes the relative position and orientation of the first component and the second component. The support portion is rotatably able to support one end of the main scanning direction for the first component and the second component, and contacts two or more parts of the other end for fixation.

8. An output device that outputs the degree of orthoreflection based on orthoreflected light read by the reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The output device according to claim 8 is an image forming apparatus for outputting an image, the image being formed based on the degree of orthogonal reflected light read by the reading device.

Images