Reading device, output device, and image forming device

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of reading device, output device and image forming device, can be reflected to the region of the surface of the original that is reflected to the image sensor by the direct reflection light reaching the image sensor.The reading device of the present application includes: exit part, exit light;Light path part, with reflecting surface, form light path, the light path part guides the part of light from the light emitted by the exit part to the original towards the reflecting surface;And image sensor, generate image, the image indicates the light guided by the light path part and reflected by the original.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a reading device, an output device, and an image forming device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes 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 a second irradiation member onto the original is not 0 degrees relative to the reflection angle of the main ray of the ortho-reflected light guided by the light guide member.

[0003] [Existing technical documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-130444 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In a reading device that reads an image represented in a reflective area that reflects the reflected light that will reach the image sensor, there is an advantage that the wider the reflective area, the greater the amount of reflected light. On the other hand, when it is necessary to detect orthogonal reflected light, diffuse reflected light other than orthogonal reflected light is easily included in the light reflected by the reflective area, which may sometimes affect the image quality.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to make it difficult for diffuse reflection light to be included in the light reflected from the area of ​​the original surface that reflects the orthogonal reflected light reaching the image sensor.

[0009] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] The first aspect of the present invention includes a reading device comprising: an emission section for emitting light; an optical path section having a reflective surface and forming an optical path that guides a portion of the light emitted from the emission section toward the reflective surface to the original document; and an image sensor for generating an image representing the light guided by the optical path section and orthogonally reflected from the original document.

[0011] According to the first embodiment, in the reading device of the second embodiment of the present invention, the optical path section has a blocking section that blocks a portion of the light directed toward the reflective surface.

[0012] According to the second embodiment, in the reading device of the third embodiment of the present invention, the blocking part is disposed near the reflective surface more closely than the emitting part.

[0013] According to any one of the first to third schemes, in the reading device of the fourth scheme of the present invention, the reflective surface reflects light toward the original in a way that concentrates the light.

[0014] According to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, in the reading device of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the reflective surface is arranged in the direction where the amount of light emitted by the emitting part is the greatest.

[0015] According to any one of the first to fifth schemes, in the reading device of the sixth scheme of the present invention, the emission surface of the emission part is rectangular.

[0016] According to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, in the reading device of the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the emitting part includes a light source that emits light and a light guide having a planar emitting surface that guides light from the light source toward the emitting surface. The light guide has a portion with a rectangular cross-section, and the cross-section intersects a plane orthogonal to the emitting surface.

[0017] According to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, the reading device of the eighth embodiment of the present invention includes a second emitting section, the second emitting section having an emitting light and an emitting surface with the main scanning direction as the long side, and is configured such that the light diffusely reflected by the original in the emitted light is guided to the image sensor by using the same optical path as the ortho-reflected light.

[0018] The reading device of the ninth aspect of the present invention includes: an emission section for emitting light; an image sensor for generating an image representing original reflected light that is guided to and reflected by the original from the light emitted from the emission section; and an optical path section for guiding the light emitted from the emission section to the original, and the optical path section increasing the ratio of positively reflected light in the original reflected light.

[0019] The reading device of the tenth aspect of the present invention includes: an emission section for emitting light; an image sensor for generating an image representing original reflected light that is guided to and reflected by the original from the light emitted from the emission section; and an optical path section for guiding the light emitted from the emission section to the original, wherein the optical path section suppresses diffuse reflection light from mixing with the original reflected light.

[0020] According to any one of the first to tenth embodiments, the reading device of the eleventh embodiment of the present invention has an optical path section in which there is a light amount difference in the optical path guiding to the original, and the part of the optical path section with more light amount is more likely to reach a position where complete positive reflection can be obtained compared with the part with less light amount.

[0021] The output device of the twelfth embodiment of the present invention includes a reading device of any one of the first to eleventh embodiments, wherein the output device outputs the degree of positive reflection based on the positively reflected light read by the reading device.

[0022] The image forming apparatus of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention includes the output device of the twelfth aspect, wherein the image forming apparatus outputs an image formed based on the degree of orthographic reflection read by the reading device.

[0023] The fourteenth aspect of the present invention includes a reading device comprising: a diffuse optical system that diffusely reflects a predetermined amount of light emitted by a first light source in the reading area of ​​the original document and guides it to a light-receiving element; and a positive reflection optical system that positively reflects the predetermined amount of light emitted by a second light source in the reading area and guides it to the light-receiving element, wherein the amount of light reaching the reading area in the positive reflection optical system is less than the amount of light in the diffuse optical system.

[0024] According to the fourteenth embodiment of the reading device, in the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, the diffuse optical system also guides the light emitted by the first light source and diffusely reflected directly to the reading area to the light receiving element.

[0025] According to the fourteenth embodiment of the reading device, in the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention, the diffusion optical system has a first reflective part, the orthographic reflection optical system has a second reflective part, and the light reflected by the second reflective part is less than the light reflected by the first reflective part.

[0026] According to the reading device of any one of the fourteenth to sixteenth embodiments, in the reading device of the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention, the second light source is disposed at a position further away from the original than the first light source.

[0027] According to the reading device of the seventeenth embodiment, in the reading device of the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention, the first light source and the second light source are arranged on the same side relative to the light reflected in the reading area.

[0028] According to the reading device of the seventeenth or eighteenth embodiment, in the reading device of the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention, the first light source has a first substrate and a first light-emitting part disposed at a first end of the first substrate and emitting light, the second light source has a second substrate and a second light-emitting part disposed at a second end of the second substrate and emitting light, and the first light source and the second light source are disposed with the first end and the second end adjacent to each other.

[0029] According to the reading device of the nineteenth embodiment, in the reading device of the twentieth embodiment of the present invention, the first substrate and the second substrate are manufactured as common parts.

[0030] According to the reading device of the nineteenth or twentieth embodiment, in the reading device of the twenty-first embodiment of the present invention, the first substrate is fixed by a snap fastener provided on the side opposite to the first end, and the second substrate is fixed by a snap fastener provided on the side opposite to the second end.

[0031] According to any one of the nineteenth to twenty-first embodiments of the reading device, the twentyth embodiment of the present invention includes: a frame for mounting parts; a first light guide, which, as said part, emits light emitted by the first light-emitting part; a first reflective part, which reflects the light emitted by the first light guide; a second light guide, which emits light emitted by the second light-emitting part; and a second reflective part, which reflects the light emitted by the second light guide. The parts are mounted in the frame in the following order: second substrate, second light guide, second reflective part, first substrate, first light guide, and first reflective part.

[0032] According to the reading device of the twenty-second embodiment, in the reading device of the twenty-third embodiment of the present invention, the first substrate, the first light guide and the first reflective portion are mounted to the frame from a first direction, and the second substrate, the second light guide and the second reflective portion are mounted to the frame from a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0033] According to the reading device of the twenty-second or twenty-third embodiment, in the reading device of the twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention, the first reflective part is disposed at a position further away from the original than the second reflective part.

[0034] The output device of the twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention includes: a reading device of any one of the fourteenth to twenty-fourth embodiments, wherein the output device outputs the degree of positive reflection based on the positively reflected light read by the reading device.

[0035] The image forming apparatus of the twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention includes: the output device of the twenty-fifth aspect, wherein the image forming apparatus outputs an image formed based on the degree of orthographic reflection read by the reading device.

[0036] The reading device of the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention includes: a transparent document stage for contacting a document; an irradiation unit that irradiates light in a direction other than towards a reading area of ​​the document contacting the document stage; a reflective unit that reflects the light irradiated by the irradiation unit toward the reading area; and an image sensor that generates an image representing the light reflected by the reflective unit and reflected in the reading area.

[0037] According to the reading device of the twenty-seventh embodiment, in the reading device of the twenty-eighth embodiment of the present invention, the irradiation unit has an emitting surface that emits light into a predetermined range, and is provided such that the reading area is not included in the range.

[0038] According to the reading device of the twenty-seventh embodiment, in the reading device of the twenty-ninth embodiment of the present invention, the irradiation section has an emitting surface for emitting light, and includes a blocking section on the reading area side of the emitting surface for blocking light emitted from the emitting surface.

[0039] According to the twenty-ninth embodiment of the reading device, the thirtieth embodiment of the present invention includes: a second irradiation unit that irradiates light in a direction toward the reading area; and an optical path unit that forms an optical path that guides light reflected by the reflective unit and orthogonally reflected in the reading area, and light irradiated by the second irradiation unit and diffusely reflected in the reading area.

[0040] According to the reading device of the twenty-ninth or thirtieth embodiment, in the reading device of the thirty-first embodiment of the present invention, the irradiation unit has a light source that emits light and a light guide that guides the light emitted by the light source, and the blocking unit is installed on one side of the reading area of ​​the light guide to strengthen the light guide.

[0041] According to the reading device of the thirty-first embodiment, in the reading device of the thirty-second embodiment of the present invention, the light guide is supported by the blocking part.

[0042] According to the twenty-seventh embodiment of the reading device, in the thirty-third embodiment of the present invention, the irradiation unit has an emitting surface for emitting light, and the direction of the emitting surface toward the reading area is masked.

[0043] The output device of the thirty-fourth embodiment of the present invention includes: a reading device of any one of the twenty-seventh to thirty-third embodiments, wherein the output device outputs the degree of positive reflection based on the positively reflected light read by the reading device.

[0044] The image forming apparatus of the thirty-fifth embodiment of the present invention includes: the output device of the thirty-fourth embodiment, wherein the image forming apparatus outputs an image formed based on the degree of orthographic reflection read by the reading device.

[0045] The reading device of the thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention includes: an image sensor that generates an image from both diffusely reflected light and orthographically reflected light from the area being read; a diffuse reflection irradiation unit that uses the main scanning direction as the long side and irradiates the diffusely reflected light onto the reading area; and an orthographic reflection irradiation unit that uses the main scanning direction as the long side and irradiates the orthographically reflected light onto the reading area, wherein the width of the light irradiated by the orthographic reflection irradiation unit in the short side direction orthogonal to the long side direction is narrower than the width of the diffuse reflection irradiation unit.

[0046] The reading device of the thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention includes: an image sensor that generates an image from both diffusely reflected light and orthographically reflected light from the area to be read; a diffuse reflection irradiation unit having a reflective surface with the main scanning direction as its long side and reflecting the diffusely reflected light toward the reading area; and an orthographic reflection irradiation unit having a reflective surface with the main scanning direction as its long side and reflecting the orthographically reflected light toward the reading area, wherein the dimension of the short side of the reflective surface of the orthographic reflection irradiation unit is smaller than that of the diffuse reflection irradiation unit.

[0047] According to the reading device of the thirty-sixth or thirty-seventh embodiment, the reading device of the thirty-eighth embodiment of the present invention includes an emitting section that emits light to the diffuse reflection irradiation section and the reading area respectively, and the image sensor generates an image by emitting light emitted from the emitting section and directly reaching the reading area and causing diffuse reflection.

[0048] According to the reading device of the thirty-sixth or thirty-seventh embodiment, in the reading device of the thirty-ninth embodiment of the present invention, the diffuse reflection irradiation part reflects light emitted from the first emission surface, the positive reflection irradiation part reflects light emitted from the second emission surface, and the distance from the second emission surface to the reflecting surface of the positive reflection irradiation part is shorter than the distance from the first emission surface to the reflecting surface of the diffuse reflection irradiation part.

[0049] According to the reading device of the thirty-ninth embodiment, the reading device of the fortieth embodiment of the present invention includes a first blocking part, which prevents light emitted from the first emitting surface from directly reaching the reflecting surface of the positive reflection irradiation part.

[0050] According to the reading device of the forty-first embodiment of the present invention, the reading device of the forty-first embodiment includes a second blocking part, the second blocking part prevents light emitted from the second emitting surface from directly reaching the reading area, and the second blocking part is integral with the first blocking part.

[0051] According to any of the thirty-sixth to forty-first embodiments of the reading device, in the forty-second embodiment of the present invention, the reflecting surface of the positive reflection irradiation part, compared with the reflecting surface of the diffuse reflection irradiation part, causes the direction of travel of the light rays contained in the incident light to change towards the convergence direction when reflecting the incident light.

[0052] According to any of the thirty-sixth to forty-second embodiments of the reading device, in the forty-third embodiment of the present invention, the light source emitting light incident on the diffuse reflection irradiation section has a greater degree of light diffusion than the light source emitting light incident on the orthogonal reflection irradiation section.

[0053] The output device of the forty-fourth embodiment of the present invention includes: a reading device of any one of the thirty-sixth to forty-third embodiments, wherein the output device outputs the degree of positive reflection based on the positively reflected light read by the reading device.

[0054] The forty-fifth embodiment of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus comprising: an output device according to the forty-fourth embodiment, wherein the image forming apparatus outputs an image formed based on the degree of orthographic reflection read by the reading device.

[0055] The forty-sixth aspect of the present invention includes a reading device comprising: an emitting section having an emitting surface having an emitting light and a main scanning direction as its long side; a reflecting section having a reflecting surface having a main scanning direction as its long side and reflecting light emitted from the emitting surface, the short side of the reflecting surface being shorter than the short side of the emitting surface; and an image sensor for generating an image representing light reflected by the reflecting section and orthographically from the original document.

[0056] According to the reading device of the forty-sixth embodiment, in the reading device of the forty-seventh embodiment of the present invention, the reflecting surface is arranged in the direction of the maximum amount of light emitted by the emitting part.

[0057] According to the reading device of the forty-sixth or forty-seventh embodiment, in the reading device of the forty-eighth embodiment of the present invention, the exit surface is rectangular.

[0058] According to any of the forty-sixth to forty-eighth embodiments of the reading device, in the forty-ninth embodiment of the present invention, the emitting part includes a light source that emits light and a light guide having a planar emitting surface that guides light from the light source toward the emitting surface. The light guide has a portion with a rectangular cross-section that intersects a plane orthogonal to the emitting surface.

[0059] According to any one of the forty-sixth to forty-ninth embodiments of the reading device, the fiftyth embodiment of the present invention includes: a second emitting section having an emitting light and a second emitting surface having the main scanning direction as the long side, and configured to generate an image represented by light emitted from the emitting section and diffusely reflected from the original document by the image sensor.

[0060] According to any one of the forty-sixth to fiftieth embodiments of the reading device, in the fifty-first embodiment of the present invention, the emitting surface has a diffusion section that diffuses the emitted light.

[0061] According to the reading device of the fiftieth embodiment, in the reading device of the fifty-second embodiment of the present invention, the emitting surface for positive reflection of the second emitting part has a greater degree of diffusion of the emitted light compared to the emitting surface for positive reflection of the emitting part.

[0062] The output device of the fifty-third embodiment of the present invention includes: a reading device of any one of the forty-sixth to fifty-second embodiments, wherein the output device outputs the degree of positive reflection based on the positively reflected light read by the reading device.

[0063] The image forming apparatus of the fifty-fourth aspect of the present invention includes: the output device of the fifty-third aspect, wherein the image forming apparatus outputs an image formed based on the degree of orthographic reflection read by the reading device.

[0064] [The effects of the invention]

[0065] According to the first, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth schemes, the light reaching the image sensor from the area of ​​the original surface that reflects the orthogonal reflected light that reaches the image sensor is unlikely to contain diffuse reflected light.

[0066] According to the second scheme, compared with the case without a blocking part, the light reaching the image sensor from the area of ​​the original surface that reflects the orthogonal reflected light that reaches the image sensor is less likely to contain diffuse reflected light.

[0067] According to the third scheme, compared with the case where the blocking part is located closer to the emitting surface than the reflecting surface, the light quantity distribution of the light reaching the reflecting surface will not be expanded.

[0068] According to the fourth scheme, compared with the case where the emitted light is reflected back to the original in the form of scattered and diverging light, the amount of light reflected from the original can be increased.

[0069] According to the fifth scheme, compared with the case where the reflective surface is arranged in other directions, it is possible to suppress the case where a small amount of light is easily included in the positively reflected light.

[0070] According to the sixth and seventh schemes, the light distribution can be stabilized even when the shape of the light guide has tolerances, compared to cases where the shape is not rectangular.

[0071] According to the eighth scheme, compared with the case where the optical paths of diffuse reflection light and normal reflection light are different, the reading device can be miniaturized.

[0072] According to the fourteenth, twenty-fifth, and twenty-sixth schemes, it is possible to suppress the difference in the amount of light when diffuse and orthogonal reflected light from the light source reaches the image sensor, so that the light amount of the light source is the same.

[0073] According to the fifteenth scheme, the brightness of the image formed by diffuse light can be improved compared to the case where light directly reaches the reading area is not used.

[0074] According to the sixteenth embodiment, compared to the case where the relationship of light intensity is opposite to that of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the difference in light intensity when diffuse reflected light and positive reflected light with the same light intensity from the light source reach the light receiving element.

[0075] According to the seventeenth embodiment, compared to the case where the degree of separation from the original to the light source is the opposite of that in the present invention, it is easy to configure each reflective surface to suppress the difference in the amount of light when diffusely reflected light and positively reflected light of the same amount of light from the light source reach the light-receiving element.

[0076] According to the eighteenth scheme, compared with the case where the light source is located on different sides, the wiring for power supply to the light source can be shortened.

[0077] According to the nineteenth solution, compared with the case where the first end and the second end are not adjacent, the wiring for power supply to each light-emitting part can be shortened.

[0078] According to the twentieth solution, compared with the case where the first substrate and the second substrate are independent components, the cost of component manufacturing can be reduced.

[0079] According to the twenty-first embodiment, compared to the case where the position of the buckle differs from that of the present invention, the first light-emitting part and the second light-emitting part can be arranged closer together.

[0080] According to the twenty-second embodiment, the installation operation can be made easier compared to the case where parts are installed in a different order than in this invention.

[0081] According to the twenty-third scheme, compared with the case of installing parts from one direction, it is possible to suppress the situation where the error of the installation position increases.

[0082] According to the twenty-fourth embodiment, compared to the case where the spacing from the original to the reflective portion is the opposite of that in the present invention, it is easy to configure each reflective portion to suppress the difference in light quantity when diffuse reflected light and positive reflected light of the same amount of light from the light source reach the light-receiving element.

[0083] According to the twenty-seventh, thirty-fourth, and thirty-fifth schemes, compared with the case where light is shone in the direction toward the original document reading area, it is possible to suppress the glare of light passing through the glass at the original document reading position.

[0084] According to the twenty-eighth solution, compared with the case where a blocking part is provided, it is easier to miniaturize the reading device.

[0085] According to the twenty-ninth scheme, under the condition of diffused illumination, it is possible to suppress glare from light passing through the glass at the original document reading position.

[0086] According to the thirtieth scheme, the device can be miniaturized compared to cases where the optical paths of normally reflected light and diffusely reflected light are different.

[0087] According to the thirty-first scheme, compared with the case where no blocking part is installed in the light guide, damage to the light guide can be suppressed.

[0088] According to the thirty-second scheme, the light guide may or may not have a structure for supporting the device body.

[0089] According to the thirty-third scheme, compared with the case where the light emission range does not include the reading area, the degree of freedom in setting the irradiation unit can be increased.

[0090] According to the thirty-sixth, thirty-seventh, forty-fourth, and forty-fifth schemes, when the light illuminating the original surface is changed according to the device for reading diffuse and orthographic light on the original surface using an image sensor, it is possible to reduce the amount of diffuse light that reaches the image sensor when reading orthographic light, which is reflected in the area of ​​the original surface that reflects orthographic light.

[0091] According to the thirty-eighth scheme, compared with the case where light from only one direction is irradiated onto the reading area, it is possible to suppress changes in image quality when the orientation of the original is changed.

[0092] According to the thirty-ninth embodiment, compared to the opposite situation of the present invention in terms of distance relationship, the light intensity distribution of diffuse reflected light can be made smoother.

[0093] According to the fortieth solution, it is possible to prevent the following situation from occurring: the image quality of the read image changes due to the light emitted for diffuse reflection being mixed with the light for normal reflection.

[0094] According to the forty-first scheme, it is possible to prevent the following situation from occurring: the image quality of the read image changes because the light emitted for positive reflection is mixed with the light for diffuse reflection.

[0095] According to the forty-second embodiment, compared to the case in which the direction of travel of the light contained in the light changes towards the convergence direction, the light quantity distribution of diffuse reflection light can be made smoother.

[0096] According to the forty-third embodiment, compared with the opposite situation of the present invention, the distribution of diffuse light intensity can be made more even.

[0097] According to schemes 46, 53, and 54, compared to narrowing the reflective area of ​​the original by narrowing the exit surface, the uniformity of light can be ensured and the diffuse reflection light reflected in the reflective area can be reduced.

[0098] According to the forty-seventh scheme, compared with the case where the reflective surface is arranged in other directions, it is possible to suppress the phenomenon that the positively reflected light is prone to include a portion with a small amount of light.

[0099] According to Schemes 48 and 49, even when the shape of the light guide has tolerances, the light distribution can be stabilized, compared to cases where the shape is not rectangular.

[0100] According to the fiftieth scheme, compared with the case where the optical paths of diffuse and normal reflection light are different, the reading device can be miniaturized.

[0101] According to the fifty-first scheme, compared with the case without a diffuser, it can ensure the uniformity of light and narrow the reflection area of ​​the original.

[0102] According to the fifty-second embodiment, compared to the case where the magnitude of diffusion is opposite to that of the present invention, the impact on the image quality represented by diffuse light can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0103] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the hardware structure of the image reading device according to an embodiment.

[0104] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the detailed structure of the image reading unit.

[0105] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the bracket in an enlarged form.

[0106] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the exit surface as viewed from the front.

[0107] Figure 5This is a diagram showing an example of the light quantity distribution emitted by the light-emitting part of a positive reflection device.

[0108] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the light quantity distribution of reflected light reflected by a reflector used for orthographic reflection.

[0109] Figure 7A This diagram shows the state in which the original document floats when the reflector 35 is not positioned vertically below the viewpoint from the reading area R1.

[0110] Figure 7B This diagram shows the state in which the original document floats when the mirror 35 is positioned vertically below the reading area R1.

[0111] Figure 8 It is a diagram that magnifies and represents two light sources.

[0112] Figure 9A This is a diagram illustrating an example of diffuse light mixed with orthogonal light.

[0113] Figure 9B This is a diagram illustrating an example where diffuse light is not mixed with orthogonal light.

[0114] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the bracket of the second embodiment in an enlarged view.

[0115] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the light distribution through a slit.

[0116] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the enlarged perimeter of the slit component.

[0117] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing a modified example of a reflector used for orthographic reflection.

[0118] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the bracket of the modified example enlarged.

[0119] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the bracket of the modified example enlarged.

[0120] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the bracket of the modified example enlarged.

[0121] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing an example of the light quantity distribution emitted by the light-emitting part of a positive reflection device.

[0122] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the light-emitting part for positive reflection in a modified example.

[0123] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus for a modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0124] [1] First embodiment

[0125] Figure 1 The hardware structure of the image reading device 10 according to an embodiment is shown. The image reading device 10 is a device for reading images represented on an original document. The image reading device 10 is an example of the "reading device" of the present invention. In this embodiment, the image reading device 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, a communication unit 14, a user interface (UI) unit 15, and an image reading unit 20. Alternatively, the image reading device 10 may also include only the image reading unit 20.

[0126] 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, and may include random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM). Memory 13 is a recording medium readable by processor 11, and may include, for example, a hard disk drive or flash memory.

[0127] 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.

[0128] UI unit 15 is an interface provided to users of this device. 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 touchscreen that displays images and accepts user operations. The touchscreen has a display as a display component and a touch panel disposed on the surface of the display.

[0129] 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.).

[0130] Figure 2 This describes the detailed structure of the image reading unit 20. Figure 2 The image reading unit 20 is shown in the figure when viewed along the main scanning direction A1. Furthermore, the main scanning direction A1 in the figure is indicated by an arrow pointing inwards from the front of the paper, but the direction pointing inwards from the back of the paper is also called the main scanning direction A1.

[0131] 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 a width relative to the main scanning direction A1, as shown in the figures. 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. Furthermore, 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 for a so-called reduction optical system.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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's describe it in detail. The bracket 30 has a reflector 35. In this embodiment, the bracket 30 is box-shaped with an open top, and the reflector 35 is disposed inside it. Alternatively, the bracket 30 does not need to be box-shaped; it only needs to be hollow so that it can move as a single unit. The reflector 35 reflects the light reflected from the original document 2. The reflected light is guided to the optical path B1 leading to the image sensor 60.

[0134] 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 a reflector 41 and a reflector 42. The reflectors 41 and 42 reflect the light reflected by the reflector 35 and guide it toward the optical path B1. The imaging lens 50 images the light reflected by the reflector 42 at a predetermined position.

[0135] Image sensor 60 has light-receiving elements such as a charge-coupled device (CCD), receives light imaged by imaging lens 50, and generates an image signal corresponding to the received light. 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.

[0136] Figure 3 Enlarged view of bracket 30. Bracket 30 has a light emitting part 31 for positive reflection, a light emitting part 32 for diffuse reflection, a reflector 33 for positive reflection, a reflector 34 for diffuse reflection, and a mirror 35.

[0137] The positive reflection light emitting unit 31 has an emitting surface 313 from which light is emitted. The positive reflection light emitting unit 31 includes a light source 311 and a light guide 312. The light source 311 is a light source that emits light, such as a light-emitting diode (LED). The light guide 312 is a transparent component that allows light to pass through its interior. In this embodiment, the emitting surface 313 of the light guide 312 is a plane, guiding light from the light source 311 to the emitting surface 313.

[0138] The diffuse reflection light emitting section 32 has an emitting surface 323 from which light is emitted. The diffuse reflection light emitting section 32 has a light source 321 and a light guide 322. The light source 321 is a light source that emits light, 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 a planar emitting surface 323, guiding light from the light source 321 to the emitting surface 323. The structure of the diffuse reflection light emitting section 32 is the same as that of the orthographic reflection light emitting section 31. The orthographic reflection light emitting section 31 is an example of the "emitting section" of the present invention, and the diffuse reflection light emitting section 32 is an example of the "second emitting section" of the present invention.

[0139] Reference Figure 4 To illustrate the shapes of the exit surface 313 and the exit surface 323.

[0140] Figure 4 The image shows the exit surface 313 as viewed from the front. The exit surface 313 has the main scanning direction A1 as its long side, and is rectangular in shape when viewed from the front. Furthermore, the light guide 312, the light source 311, and the positive reflection light emitting section 31 containing them also have the main scanning direction A1 as their long side. The dimension of the short side A3 of the exit surface 313 is the length W1. Moreover, the diffuse reflection light emitting section 32 is a component with the same shape and size as the positive reflection light emitting section 31. Therefore, the exit surface 323 also has the main scanning direction A1 as its long side, and is rectangular in shape when viewed from the front.

[0141] Furthermore, the light guide 312 has a rectangular section intersecting a plane orthogonal to the emission surface 313, and the light guide 322 has a rectangular section intersecting a plane orthogonal to the emission surface 323. Thus, when the frontal shapes of the emission surfaces 313 and 323 and the cross-sectional shapes of the light guides 312 and 322 are rectangular, the light distribution is more easily stabilized even when tolerances are introduced in the shape of the light guides, compared to cases where they are not rectangular.

[0142] The light distribution referred to here is the distribution of light at each position through the imaginary plane parallel to the emitting surface 313 in the space where light is irradiated.

[0143] Figure 5 This is an example showing the light quantity distribution of the light emitted from the light-emitting section 31 for positive reflection. Figure 5 In the example, the graph shows the light distribution D1 when the plane located at a distance L1 from the exit surface 313 of the light guide 312 is viewed along the main scanning direction A1.

[0144] As described above, the bracket 30 has an elongated shape with the main scanning direction A1 as its long side. The light source 311, light guide 312, and their positive reflection light emitting portion 31, as well as the light source 321, light guide 322, and their diffuse reflection light emitting portion 32, are all components with the main scanning direction A1 as their long side. That is, the long side direction of these components is along the main scanning direction A1.

[0145] Furthermore, the exit surface 313 is a surface with the main scanning direction A1 as its long side. The direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction A1 and the long side direction and along the exit surface 313 is called the short side direction A3. Figure 5 The horizontal axis of the graph shown represents the spatial position along the shorter side direction A3. Furthermore, Figure 5 The vertical axis of the graph shown represents the amount of light passing through each position. Here, the light path of the light emitted from the center of the exit surface 313 toward the normal direction of the exit surface 313 is defined as the optical axis C1.

[0146] The amount of light at various locations in space along the short side A3 reaches its maximum at the optical axis C1 and decreases with distance from C1. The light intensity distribution D1 extends over a range wider than the length W1 of the short side A3 of the exit surface 313. This is due to the exit surface 313 not being a perfectly flat surface but having slight undulations, causing the emitted light to be diffused, or the property of light to travel further than it travels in a straight line. Figure 3 As shown, the shape of the reflector 33 for positive reflection is designed so that only a portion of the light emitted from the exit surface 313 is reflected back to the original 2.

[0147] Figure 6 This illustrates an example of the light quantity distribution of the reflected light reflected by reflector 33. Figure 6 The diagram shows the light distribution D2 of the reflector 33 for direct reflection and the reflected light. The length W2 of the short side direction A4 of the reflector 33 for direct reflection is shorter than the length W1 of the short side direction A3 of the exit surface 313. In addition, the length W2 is not only smaller than the length W1, but also smaller than the length of the short side direction of the reflecting surface 341 of the diffuse reflection reflector 34.

[0148] Furthermore, the length W2 is smaller than the length of the short side of the emitting surface 323 of the diffuse reflection light emitting section 32. On the other hand, the length of the short side of the reflecting surface 341 is larger than the length of the short side of the emitting surface 323. In this embodiment, the length W1 is the same as the length of the short side of the emitting surface 323. In addition, in this embodiment, the length W1 is set to 4.5 mm and the length W2 is set to 2.0 mm.

[0149] exist Figure 6 In the middle, it is represented by a two-dot line. Figure 5 The light distribution D1 is shown. Light outside the orthographic reflector 33 is not reflected by the orthographic reflector 33; therefore, in light distribution D2, compared to distribution D1, the light amount outside the orthographic reflector 33 is reduced. However, the light reflected by the orthographic reflector 33 also slightly diverges after reflection, widening the width of the light ray. Therefore, light appears outside the width of the orthographic reflector 33 until it reaches the original document. The orthographic reflector 33 is an example of a "reflective member" of the present invention. The reflecting surface 331 is an example of a "reflective surface," and in this embodiment, it is a planar reflecting surface.

[0150] like Figure 5 As shown, the amount of light emitted by the positive reflection light emitting section 31 is also the most abundant at the optical axis C1. Furthermore, the reflecting surface 331 of the positive reflection reflector 33 reflects the light around the optical axis C1. That is, the reflecting surface 331 is positioned in the direction where the amount of light emitted by the positive reflection light emitting section 31 is the most abundant. Thus, by using the optical path to confine the light and including the optical axis C1, the optical path is set so that stable light can be directed towards the original document 2. Moreover, the direction of the reflecting surface 331 is fixed such that the light reflected by the reflecting surface reaches... Figure 3 The original document 2 is shown in the reading area R1.

[0151] When the light reflected by the reflective surface 331 reaches the reading area R1 of the original document 2, the original document 2 reflects this light. The light reflected by the original document is an example of the "original document reflected light" of the present invention. The original document reflected light includes both direct reflection and diffuse reflection, but in this embodiment, the light directly reflected by the original document 2 is directed toward the reflector 35. In addition, the term "direct reflection" as used here is not limited to perfect direct reflection where the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection are exactly the same; it also includes cases where the angle is slightly off, as long as approximately the same characteristics can be obtained.

[0152] In this embodiment, the reflector 35 is positioned vertically below the document as viewed from the reading area R1. This configuration allows for handling situations where the original document 2 is lifted off the document stage 21.

[0153] Figure 7A This diagram illustrates the state in which the original document 2 floats when the reflector 35 is not positioned vertically below the document as viewed from the reading area R1. Figure 7B This diagram illustrates the state in which the original document 2 floats when the reflector 35 is positioned so that it appears vertically below the viewpoint from the reading area R1.

[0154] Figure 7A The incident light reflected by mirror 35 and Figure 7B Compared to the incident light reflected by the original document 2, the angle of incidence of the reflected light is smaller relative to the original document 2. Therefore, the optical path of the reflected light when the original document 2 is floating is easily deviated significantly and does not reach the mirror 35. That is, even if the original document 2 is floating and the positional relationship between the mirror 35 and the original document 2 changes, the light path of the reflected light is more likely to deviate significantly and not reach the mirror 35. Figure 7A Compared to the situation, in Figure 7B In this case, the reduction of positively reflected light reflected in mirror 35 can also be suppressed.

[0155] On the other hand, to receive light that is perfectly orthogonally reflected vertically downwards, the incident light must also be incident vertically downwards. However, this is not structurally feasible, so in this embodiment, the light is tilted at approximately 5 degrees. Although it is not perfectly orthogonal reflected light, the reflection characteristics are detected to be approximately the same as those of orthogonal reflected light. Furthermore, it is not limited to 5 degrees as in this embodiment; as long as the angle is 9 degrees or less, an image that is to some extent the same as that of orthogonal reflected light can be detected.

[0156] The light reflected by mirror 35 is guided to Figure 2The light path B1 shown is the light path leading to the image sensor 60. Thus, regarding the light positively reflected from the original document 2, the positive reflection reflector 33 forms a light path that guides a portion of the light emitted from the exit surface 313 of the light guide 312 toward the reflecting surface 331 of the positive reflection reflector 33 to the original document 2. That is, the light path toward the positive reflection reflector 33 and the light path reflected by the positive reflection reflector 33 toward the original document 2. The positive reflection reflector 33 is an example of the "light path section" of the present invention.

[0157] The light, guided by the reflector 33 and orthogonally reflected by the original document 2, is guided by the mirrors 35, 41, 42, and 50 to reach the image sensor 60. The image sensor 60 generates an image represented by the arriving light, that is, the light orthogonally reflected by the original document 2. As described above, a portion of the light emitted from the orthogonal reflection light emitting unit 31 is orthogonally reflected by the original document 2 to represent an image.

[0158] On the other hand, the light emitted from the diffuse reflection light emitting section 32 is diffusely reflected by the original document 2 to represent an image. Most of the light emitted from the emitting surface 323 of the light guide 322 of the diffuse reflection light emitting section 32 will directly face the reading area of ​​the original document 2, but a diffuse reflection reflector 34 is provided so that light not directly facing the original document 2 is also directed towards it. Because as much diffusely reflected light as possible is desired to be received, the structure is designed to direct more light towards the original document 2 as described above.

[0159] Therefore, the reflecting surface 341 of the diffuse reflection reflector 34 has a width that allows light from the exit surface 323 to travel toward the reading area of ​​the original document 2, and is fixed in the direction of reflection toward the reading area of ​​the original document 2. In other words, the positive reflection reflector 33 is positioned such that the positively reflected light from the light reflected by the reflecting surface 331 and reaching the original document 2 does not travel toward the light path B1.

[0160] Therefore, the diffusely reflected light reaching the original manuscript 2 is as follows: Figure 3 The light is directed toward the light path B1 as shown. As described, the light directed toward the light path B1 is guided to the image sensor 60 by the reflector 35, etc. As described above, the diffuse reflection light emitting unit 32 is configured such that the light diffusely reflected by the original document 2 from this emitting unit is guided to the image sensor 60 via the same light path, namely the light path B1, which is shared with the light emitted from the positive reflection light emitting unit 31 and positively reflected by the original document 2.

[0161] Furthermore, the light emitted from the exit surface 323 of the light guide 322 and directed directly toward the reading area of ​​the original document 2 is also diffusely reflected by the original document and directed toward the optical path B1. Thus, the reading area of ​​the original document 2 diffusely reflects light from both directions, and the diffusely reflected light is guided to the image sensor 60 through the optical path B1, which is shared with the aforementioned orthogonal reflected light. The image sensor 60 generates the image represented by the arriving light, that is, the light diffusely reflected by the original document 2.

[0162] Next, the detailed structure of light source 311 and light source 321 will be explained.

[0163] Figure 8 Enlarged view of light sources 311 and 321. Light source 311 includes a substrate 111 supporting electronic circuitry, a light-emitting portion 112 emitting light, and a clip 113 securing the substrate 111. The light-emitting portion 112, for example, is an LED array, positioned at an end 114 biased against the lower side of the substrate 111. The substrate 111 is secured to the frame of the device by the clip 113 located on the side opposite to end 114.

[0164] The light source 321 includes a substrate 211 supporting electronic circuitry, a light-emitting portion 212 emitting light, and a clip 213 securing the substrate 211. The light-emitting portion 212, for example, is an LED array, positioned at an end 214 biased against the lower side of the substrate 211. The substrate 211 is secured to the frame of the device by the clip 213 located on the side opposite to the end 214. The substrate 111 and the light-emitting portion 112 have different orientations, but are manufactured as common components to both the substrate 211 and the light-emitting portion 212.

[0165] Therefore, compared to the case where they are different parts, fewer manufacturing lines are needed, and the cost of manufacturing the parts is reduced. Moreover, by providing each latch on the side opposite to the light-emitting part, the light-emitting part 112 and the light-emitting part 212 will be arranged closer together compared to the case where the position of the latch is different from that in this embodiment.

[0166] Moreover, light source 311 and light source 321, as Figure 8 As shown, the substrate 111 has end 114 adjacent to the substrate 211. Therefore, compared with the case where the substrate 111 does not have end 114 adjacent to the substrate 211, the light-emitting part 112 and the light-emitting part 212 can be arranged close together, thereby shortening the wiring for power supply to each light-emitting part.

[0167] Furthermore, the reflector and mirror are configured such that the reflected light from the original document 2 is guided to the image sensor 60 via the common optical path B1 of both direct and diffuse reflection light, but the timing of the illumination is different. First, the image reading unit 20 illuminates the diffuse reflection light emitting unit 32, moves the holder 30 and holder 40 to the end of the original document in the sub-scanning direction, reads the original document 2, and supplies the original image data representing the diffuse reflection light of the original document 2 to the processor 11.

[0168] Subsequently, when the brackets 30 and 40 return to their original positions from the ends in the sub-scanning direction, the orthographic reflection light emitting section 31 is illuminated to read the original document 2, and the original document image data representing the orthographic reflection light of the original document 2 is supplied to the processor 11. Thus, in this embodiment, for one original document, the image represented by the orthographic reflection light and the image represented by the diffuse reflection light are read separately. The processor 11 performs processing to obtain one image using the image data representing the two supplied images.

[0169] In this embodiment, the reading area R1 is sandwiched between the diffuse reflection reflector 34 and the diffuse reflection light emitting part 32, but the diffuse reflection light emitting part 32 can also be arranged on both sides of the reading area R1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shape of the light guide is the same for both direct reflection and diffuse reflection, but it can be modified. Also, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide in the direction perpendicular to its long side is the same everywhere, but its shape can be modified in the long side direction. Moreover, the emitting surface can be multifaceted rather than a single plane.

[0170] In this embodiment, the light emitted by the positive reflection light emitting section 31 is as described above, and is reflected by the positive reflection reflector 33, such as... Figure 6 The light with a narrower range of light intensity distribution, as shown, is guided to the image sensor 60 by orthogonal reflection from the original document 2. If the range of light intensity distribution incident on the surface area of ​​the original document 2 that reflects the orthogonal light is too wide, in this embodiment, the orthogonal reflected light from a fixed area such as the optical axis C1 and other areas that are separated from it will deviate from the optical path B1. Conversely, the diffuse reflected light will be directed toward the optical path B1.

[0171] Figure 9A This illustrates an example where diffuse light is mixed with orthogonal light. As a comparative example, Figure 9AThis indicates the state in which the diffusely reflected light emitted from the orthographic light emitting section 31 and reflected by the orthographic reflector 33x is directed toward the image sensor 60. The light incident on the original 2 through the light path E11 with a deep incident angle (the closer the angle relative to the original 2 is to 90 degrees, the deeper the incident angle) and the light directed toward the image sensor 60 through the light path E12 are approximately orthographically reflected. However, the orthographically reflected light incident on the original 2 through the light path E21 with a shallow incident angle does not pass through the light path E22 and is directed toward the image sensor 60.

[0172] Instead, diffuse reflection of the light incident on the original document 2 via optical path E21 is directed towards the image sensor 60 via optical path E23. In this case, the image sensor 60 receives both orthographic and diffuse reflection light simultaneously, thus failing to capture the orthographic characteristics of the image. Furthermore, this also applies when the reflected light is not directed vertically downwards; if the deviation in the incident angle cannot be suppressed, diffuse reflection of light with a significantly deviated incident angle is mixed with the orthographic reflection light.

[0173] Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figure 9B As shown, the size (length in the short side direction) of the reflecting surface 331 of the positive reflection reflector 33 is smaller than the size of the exiting surface 313, thereby preventing a significant change in the incident angle of light toward the original. Therefore, compared to the case where the size of the reflecting surface 331 is larger than the size of the exiting surface 313, the size of the positive reflection reflector 33 suppresses deviations in the incident angle of light toward the original on the exiting surface, and the proportion of positively reflected light component in the light reflected from the original 2 toward the reflecting mirror 35 (an example of the "original reflected light" of the present invention) increases.

[0174] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the optical paths of diffuse reflection and orthographic reflection are the same, thus allowing for miniaturization of the reading device compared to cases where the optical paths of diffuse reflection and orthographic reflection are different. Moreover, in this embodiment, the reflecting surface 331 of the orthographic reflector 33 is positioned in the direction where the amount of light emitted from the orthographic reflection light emitting section 31 is maximized. Therefore, compared to cases where the reflecting surface 331 is positioned in other directions, the phenomenon of low light intensity in orthographic reflection can be suppressed, thereby improving the brightness of the generated image.

[0175] In addition, this embodiment uses a reflector 33 for positive reflection to set the light as a part, thereby eliminating the need to add new parts and reducing the number of parts.

[0176] Thus, when the light emitted from the positive reflection light emitting section 31 reaches the positive reflection reflector 33, due to the narrow width of the reflective surface of the positive reflection reflector 33, only a portion of the light faces the original document, while the rest leaks behind the positive reflection reflector 33 and does not face the original document. In other words, only a certain area of ​​the irradiated light faces the original document, while other areas do not. This differs from structures that adjust the light path by using filters or similar devices to direct only a specific component of the light towards the original document, or by reducing the amount of light through light transmittance.

[0177] [2] Second embodiment

[0178] In the first embodiment, the light directed to the original document 2 is limited by reducing the size of the reflector 33 for positive reflection, but in the second embodiment, a slit is used to limit the light.

[0179] Figure 10 Enlarged view of the bracket 30a of the second embodiment. The bracket 30a includes a light emitting section 31 for direct reflection, a light emitting section 32 for diffuse reflection, a reflector 33a for direct reflection, a reflector 34 for diffuse reflection, a mirror 35, and a slit member 36. A portion of the light emitted from the emitting surface 313 of the light emitting section 31 for direct reflection is as follows... Figure 10 As shown, the reflector 33 for positive reflection is reached through the slit member 36.

[0180] The slit member 36 is a member having a slit 361 that allows light to pass through, and blocking a portion of the light emitted from the exit surface 313. The slit member 36 is an example of the "blocking part" of the present invention. Furthermore, hereinafter, light passing through the slit 361 will be referred to as "slit-through light." (See reference...) Figure 11 This is used to illustrate the distribution of light intensity as it passes through the slit.

[0181] Figure 11 This illustrates an example of the light distribution through a slit. Figure 11 The diagram illustrates the light distribution D3 of the slit member 36 positioned at a distance L2 from the exit surface 313 of the light guide 312 and the light transmitted through the slit in the space in front of it. The width W3 of the slit 361 of the slit member 36 is narrower than the length W1 of the short side A3 of the exit surface 313. Figure 11 In the middle, it is represented by a two-dot line. Figure 5 The light distribution shown is D1.

[0182] Light outside slit 361 is blocked by slit member 36, therefore, in light quantity distribution D3, the amount of light outside slit 361 is significantly reduced compared to distribution D1. However, the light passing through the slit diffuses slightly even after passing through slit 361, thus widening the ray width, and therefore light also appears outside slit 361. (Refer to...) Figure 12The configuration and dimensions of the slit member 36 will be described in detail.

[0183] Figure 12 The periphery of the slit member 36 is shown in magnification. As described above, the slit member 36 is positioned at a distance L2 from the exit surface 313 of the light guide 312. Furthermore, a distance L3 is maintained from the slit member 36 to the positive reflection reflector 33a, for example, along the optical axis C1. The positive reflection reflector 33a is a member having a reflective surface 331a that reflects light emitted from the exit surface 313 back to the original document 2.

[0184] In the second embodiment, a reflector with a shorter side length than that in the first embodiment is used. This ensures that even if the slit member is slightly offset from the position of the positive reflection reflector 33a, the light can be directed precisely towards the positive reflection reflector 33a. However, this is not a limitation; for example, the slit member or the positive reflection reflector 33a can be used to progressively narrow the width of the light.

[0185] As shown in the figure, distance L3 is shorter than distance L2. That is, the slit member 36 is positioned near the reflecting surface 331a of the orthographic reflector 33a, which is closer to the exit surface 313. Figure 6 As described in the description, the light diverges through the slit 361. Therefore, by configuring the slit member 36 as described, the distribution of the amount of light reaching the reflecting surface 331a will not expand compared to the case where the slit member 36 is configured closer to the exiting surface 313 than the reflecting surface 331a.

[0186] The reflecting surface 331a of the reflector 33a, like the exiting surface 313 of the light guide 312, has the main scanning direction A1 as its long side and is rectangular when viewed from the front. The length W5 of the short side A4 of the reflecting surface 331a is longer than the length W4 of the short side A4 of the reflecting area R2 reached by the light passing through the slit in the reflecting surface 331a. That is, the reflecting surface 331a does not use its entire surface to reflect the light passing through the slit, but rather uses a portion of its surface.

[0187] In this embodiment, the reflector 33a for positive reflection suppresses the phenomenon of diffuse reflection light being mixed with the light towards the reflector 35 in the light reflected from the original document. The term "light towards the reflector 35" as used herein includes only the light emitted from the exit surface 313 of the light guide 312 that reaches the reflective surface 331a when there is no slit member 36, excluding the light that reaches a position away from the reflective surface 331a when there is no slit member 36.

[0188] In this embodiment, the range of light distribution is narrowed by the slit member 36, thereby making it difficult for diffuse light to be included in the light that reaches the image sensor 60 from the area of ​​the original surface that reflects the orthogonal light reaching the image sensor 60, compared to the case without the slit member 36.

[0189] [3] Variations

[0190] The described embodiment is merely one example of the implementation of the present invention, and variations are possible as follows. Furthermore, the embodiments and variations can be combined and implemented as needed.

[0191] [3-1] Reflector

[0192] In this embodiment, the reflecting surface 331 of the reflector 33 for positive reflection is planar, but the shape of the reflecting surface 331 is not limited to this. The reflecting surface 331 may also be shaped to reflect light emitted from the exit surface 313 of the light guide 312 toward the original document 2 and concentrate the light. The reflector 33 for positive reflection is an example of the "reflective member" of the present invention.

[0193] The term "focused light" refers to light that is concentrated towards a predetermined focal point. The focal point can be set on the original document, or it can be set further inside or in front of the original document. In addition, the reflecting surface 341 of the diffuse reflector 34 can also reflect the light emitted from the exiting surface 323 of the light guide 322 towards the original document 2 in a focused light shape.

[0194] Figure 13 The reflector 33b in this modified example is used for orthographic reflection. The reflecting surface 331b of the orthographic reflector 33b is concave, which reflects the light emitted from the exiting surface 323 toward the original document 2 and concentrates it. In addition, it is not limited to the shape shown in the figure, and can be concave, multifaceted, curved, or other shapes.

[0195] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the width W2 of the reflector 33 for positive reflection is narrowed to approximately half the length W1 of the shorter side A3 of the emitting surface 313. However, if the light is to be focused, it is not necessary to narrow it to this extent; it can be lengthened in the same or opposite manner. According to this modified example, for example, compared to the case where the emitted light is reflected towards the original document 2 as diverging light, the amount of light reflected by the original document 2 will be enhanced.

[0196] [3-2] Blocking part

[0197] The blocking component, i.e., the blocking part, which blocks a portion of the light emitted from the exiting surface 313 of the light guide 312, is not limited to the slit component 36 described in the second embodiment. For example, the slit component 36 is disposed between the light guide 312 and the positive reflection reflector 33, but it may also be disposed between the positive reflection reflector 33 and the original document 2.

[0198] Furthermore, the shielding member attached to the emission surface 313 and covering a portion of the emission surface 313 can also be a blocking part. In either case, the blocking part will block a portion of the light toward the original document 2, thus narrowing the range of light distribution. Therefore, compared to the case without the blocking part, diffuse light is less likely to be included in the light that reaches the image sensor 60 from the area of ​​the original document surface that reflects the orthogonal reflected light that reaches the image sensor 60.

[0199] [3-3] Different light-blocking parts

[0200] It may also include a blocking portion that blocks light, different from the blocking portion.

[0201] Figure 14 The bracket 30c in this modified example is shown in enlarged form. The bracket 30c, besides... Figure 3 In addition to the parts shown, it also includes a second blocking member 37 and a third blocking member 38. The second blocking member 37 is a plate-shaped member provided between the emission surface 323 of the diffuse reflection light emission part 32 and the reflective surface 331 of the positive reflection reflector 33, preventing light emitted from the emission surface 323 from directly reaching the reflective surface 331.

[0202] By providing the second blocking member 37, the image quality of the read image is prevented from changing due to the mixing of light emitted for diffuse reflection with light emitted for orthogonal reflection. The third blocking member 38 is a plate-shaped member provided between the emission surface 313 of the orthogonal reflection light emitting section 31 and the reflection surface 341 of the diffuse reflection reflector 34, and is formed integrally with the second blocking member 37.

[0203] The third blocking member 38 prevents light emitted from the emitting surface 313 from directly reaching the reflecting surface 341. The third blocking member 38 is an example of the "second blocking part" of the present invention. By providing the third blocking member 38, the situation where the image quality of the read image is altered due to light emitted for positive reflection being mixed with light for diffuse reflection is prevented.

[0204] [3-4]Incoming light

[0205] In the described embodiment, the light from the irradiation section is temporarily reflected by the positive reflection reflector 33. Therefore, light other than the reflected light from the positive reflection reflector 33 is prevented from entering the reading area R1 of the original document 2. However, it is also possible to allow the light to enter directly without reflection. Furthermore, while the described embodiment uses an example with multiple LEDs arranged along the long side, a structure with a light guide extending along the long side and a power LED at its long side end is also possible. Moreover, it is also possible to omit the light guide and allow the light from multiple LEDs arranged along the long side to directly face the original document.

[0206] [3-5] Angle

[0207] In the described embodiment, an example is shown where the angle between the incident light and the reflected light is set to a small value; however, any angle configuration that guides the orthogonal reflected light to the image sensor 60 is acceptable. Furthermore, in the described embodiment, an example is shown where the component irradiating diffuse reflection light (the emitting part and the reflector) is closer to the original document than the component irradiating orthogonal reflection light; however, the component irradiating diffuse reflection light can also be positioned further away from the original document. In this case, for example, the incident angle and the exit angle of the orthogonal reflected light can be configured to be tilted, for example, by 40° each relative to the original document. This allows for a greater distance between the light path towards the original document and the light path from the original document compared to aiming at an angle as close to 0° as possible, thus simplifying component placement.

[0208] Especially when light is directly irradiated onto the original without using a reflector and a slit is placed between the original and the light source, if a structure is not designed to allow the incident and reflected light to have an angle, the reflected light is easily blocked by the slit, making the arrangement of parts difficult. Furthermore, the diffuse reflection exit section can be arranged on the same side as the normal reflection exit section and the light path, but it can also be arranged on different sides.

[0209] Figure 15 The bracket 30d of this modified example is shown in magnification. The bracket 30d has a light emitting part 31d for positive reflection, a light emitting part 32d for diffuse reflection, a mirror 35d, and a slit 36d.

[0210] The positive reflection light emitting section 31d is disposed on a different side from the diffuse reflection light emitting section 32d and the optical path B1d. Furthermore, the diffuse reflection light emitting section 32d directly illuminates the reading area R1 of the original document 2 without using a reflector. A slit 36d is provided between the positive reflection light emitting section 31d and the original document 2. Figure 15 In the example, compared to the case where the light source is positioned vertically below the reading area R1, the height of the reading device relative to the original document 2 in the vertical direction is suppressed to a lower level.

[0211] [3-6] Optical axis

[0212] In the embodiment described, the optical axis C1 is located in the center of the optical path, but it may also include the optical axis C1 and be offset to one side of the optical path, or the optical axis C1 may not be included in the optical path.

[0213] Figure 16 The bracket 30e in this modified example is shown in enlarged form. The bracket 30e, besides... Figure 3 In addition to the positive reflection light emitting section 31e shown, there is also a positive reflection light emitting section 31e in which the optical axis C1e is oriented at a position offset from the positive reflection reflector 33e.

[0214] Reference Figure 17This explains the amount of light reflected by the left-hand region 331L and right-hand region 331R of the reflecting surface 331e of the reflector 33e used for positive reflection.

[0215] Figure 17 This illustrates an example of the light quantity distribution emitted by the light-emitting section 31e for positive reflection. Figure 17 In the example, the graph shows the light quantity distribution D1e when the plane located at a predetermined distance from the positive reflection light emitting part 31e is observed in the direction along the main scanning direction A1.

[0216] exist Figure 17 In the example, it is shown that the amount of light reflected from the left region 331L is greater than the amount of light reflected from the right region 331R. Furthermore, the optical axis C1e is not included in the reflected light of the orthogonal reflector 33e. Alternatively, it can be configured such that the optical axis C1e is included in the reflected light of the orthogonal reflector 33e, but is biased towards one side (either the left region 331L or the right region 331R).

[0217] exist Figure 16 In the example, the reflector 33e for orthogonal reflection generates a light difference in the optical path guided to the reading area R1 position of the original, and is configured to obtain the original reflected light that is closer to complete orthogonal reflection than the part with the least amount of light (the optical path reflected in the right region 331R) (the optical path reflected in the left region 331L).

[0218] When the optical axis C1e of the positive reflection light emitting section 31e is not included in the optical path leading to the original document, or when the optical axis C1e is offset to one side, a local light intensity difference is more likely to occur in the light directed towards the original document 2 compared to when the optical axis is set as the center of the optical path. When the optical axis C1e is offset to the left end region 331L, the reflected light from the left end region 331L, which has a higher light intensity, is positively reflected by the original document and incident on the original document, while the reflected light from the right end region 331R, which has a lower light intensity, is incident on the original document at an angle deviating from the angle at which it is positively reflected by the original document.

[0219] For example, if only a portion of the emitted light is reflected by the reflector 33e for orthogonal reflection, the end closer to the orthogonal reflection angle can be designated as the left end region 331L, and the end deviating more from the orthogonal reflection angle can be designated as the right end region 331R. This results in a higher proportion of orthogonally reflected light compared to the case where the end closer to the orthogonal reflection angle is designated as the right end region 331R.

[0220] [3-7]Light exit part

[0221] The shape of the light emitting section is not limited to the shape described in the embodiments. For example, the emitting surface of the light emitting section may also be in a shape other than a rectangle. Moreover, the emitting section may include two or more surfaces instead of one surface as the emitting surface.

[0222] Figure 18 This illustrates the orthographic light emitting section 31f of this modified example. The orthographic light emitting section 31f has a first emitting surface 313-1 and a second emitting surface 313-2, from which light is emitted respectively. Figure 18 In the example, the light emitting section 31f for positive reflection is configured such that the light emitted from the first emitting surface 313-1 is directed toward the positive reflection reflector 33. Therefore, the first emitting surface 313-1 corresponds to the emitting surface 313 of the light emitting section 31 for positive reflection in the embodiment described above. That is, the positive reflection reflector 33 reflects a portion of the light from the first emitting surface 313-1.

[0223] In addition, Figure 18 In this structure, the light emitted from the second emitting surface 313-2 does not face the original document direction in the positive reflection reflector 33. In this modified example, the light is emitted from the second emitting surface 313-2, but the second emitting surface 313-2 is not a surface made for emitting light. Alternatively, the positive reflection light emitting section 31f can also be configured such that the light emitted from the second emitting surface 313-2 faces the original document direction.

[0224] Furthermore, two or more exiting surfaces can be configured as the exiting surfaces of the exiting surface 313 of the positive reflection light emitting section 31 in the above embodiment. In this case, as long as the light emanating from the two exiting surfaces of the exiting surface toward the positive reflection reflector 33 passes through the positive reflection reflector 33, etc., only a portion of the light is directed toward the original document.

[0225] [3-8] Equal magnification optical system

[0226] The embodiment described herein illustrates a reading device for a reduced optical system, but it can also be applied to a reading device for an equal-magnification optical system. An equal-magnification optical system includes, for example, a contact image sensor (CIS), which is integrally composed of an LED light source that emits light, an equal-magnification lens (i.e., a self-focusing lens) through which the light reflected from the original document 2 passes, and a light-receiving element disposed on its extension line.

[0227] Furthermore, in the case of CIS (Corrective Image Sensor), there is a self-focusing lens, so sometimes, as in the described embodiment, it is difficult to set the angle between the incident light and the reflected light to be small. In this case, it is also possible to configure the angles of the incident light and the reflected light to be the same, for example, to be tilted at 45° relative to the original. Additionally, it is also possible to configure the light source by providing a slit or similar element between the LED light source and the original, thereby limiting the incident light.

[0228] [3-9] Reading device

[0229] In the described embodiment, a reading device for reading a manuscript placed on a manuscript table is explained, but it is not limited to this. For example, an in-line sensor arranged along the transport direction of the manuscript being transported can also be applied, as well as a reading device suitable for reading paper being transported as a manuscript. In the described embodiment, for a single manuscript, two readings are performed: one by illuminating a light source for positive reflection and the other by illuminating a light source for diffuse reflection.

[0230] In contrast, with in-line sensors, separate image sensors can be installed for the orthographic and diffuse light sources. Reading can be performed at different positions along the transport direction, and switching can be made as follows: for example, when prioritizing color reading, the diffuse light source can be illuminated, while when prioritizing gloss reading, the orthographic light source can be illuminated. Furthermore, even without reading all originals transported, the diffuse and orthographic light sources can be switched at intervals between inspected items, not all of them.

[0231] [3-10] Output device

[0232] It can also output the results read by the image reading device 10.

[0233] Figure 19 The image forming apparatus 70 represents this modified example. The image forming apparatus 70 includes... Figure 2 The image reading device 10 described herein. The stronger the positive reflected light in the reading area, the higher the gloss of the reading area. Therefore, the original document is determined by calculation using a CPU or the like to determine which location of the original document has what degree of gloss. At this time, the difference between the gloss and diffuse reflected light can also be used.

[0234] The image forming apparatus 70 uses an image reflecting the result as image data and performs image formation by inkjet printing. Thus, the image forming apparatus 70 outputs the degree of orthoreflection 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 read by the image reading device 10. In addition to outputting using the image forming apparatus, images can also be processed according to gloss levels and output to display devices such as personal computers (PCs) or tablets.

[0235] In this embodiment, the same components can be used for both the orthographic reflection irradiation section 31 and the diffuse reflection irradiation section 32. In this case, the amount of light emitted by the light source 311 of the orthographic reflection irradiation section 31 is the same as the amount of light emitted by the light source 321 of the diffuse reflection irradiation section 32, and the amount of light emitted by the light guide 312 of the orthographic reflection irradiation section 31 is also the same as the amount of light emitted by the light guide 322 of the diffuse reflection irradiation section 32.

[0236] The light reflected from the original manuscript 2 reaches Figure 2 The reflector 35 shown. The light reflected by the reflector 35 is... Figure 2 The reflectors 41, 42, and 50 shown guide the light to the image sensor 60. Thus, the light guide 322, the orthographic reflector 34, the reflector 35, the reflector 41, the reflector 42, and the imaging lens 50 function as an orthographic optical system 4 that guides the light emitted by the light source 321 to the image sensor 60 by orthographic reflection of a predetermined amount of light from the original document 2 to the image sensor 60.

[0237] Image sensor 60 generates an image represented by light guided by orthographic reflection optical system 4, that is, by light diffusely reflected from original document 2. As described above, image sensor 60 generates an image from both orthographically reflected light and diffusely reflected light from the read area R1.

[0238] The dimension W4 of the short side A5 of the reflecting surface 341 of the orthographic reflector 34 in the orthographic reflector 4 is shorter than the dimension W3 of the short side A4 of the reflecting surface 331 of the diffuse reflector 33 in the diffuse reflector 33 in the diffuse reflector 34. Therefore, as described above, the amount of light emitted by the light source 311 of the diffuse reflector 31 is the same as the amount of light emitted by the light source 321 of the orthographic reflector 32, but the amount of light reflected by the orthographic reflector 34 is less than the amount of light reflected by the diffuse reflector 33.

[0239] As a result, the amount of light reaching the reading area R1 in the orthographic reflection optical system 4 is less than that in the diffusion optical system 3. In addition, the distance from the exit surface 323 to the reflecting surface 341 in the orthographic reflection optical system 4 is shorter than the distance from the exit surface 313 to the reflecting surface 331 in the diffusion optical system 3.

[0240] Since the emitted light diverges gradually, assuming that the dimensions of the short side of reflecting surfaces 331 and 341 are the same, the amount of light reflected by reflecting surface 341, which is closer to the emitting surface, is greater than the amount of light reflected by reflecting surface 331. However, compared to reflecting surface 331, as described above, the dimension of reflecting surface 341 in the short side direction is reduced. This offsets the increase in light quantity caused by the distance from the emitting surface, thereby reducing the amount of reflected light.

[0241] The amount of light reflected in the reading area R1 toward the image sensor 60 is less than the amount of diffusely reflected light, which contains most of the incident light, compared to the amount of orthoreflected light. In this embodiment, by setting the amount of light reaching the reading area R1 to the aforementioned relationship, the difference in the amount of diffusely reflected light and orthoreflected light reaching the image sensor 60 when the light amount of the light source is the same can be suppressed compared to the case where the light amount relationship is reversed.

[0242] Furthermore, the light source 321 in the orthographic reflection optical system 4 is located further away from the original document 2 than the light source 311 in the diffusion optical system 3. Therefore, compared to the case where the distance from the original document 2 to the light source is opposite to that in this embodiment, it is easier to configure the orthographic reflection optical system 4 so that the distance along the optical path from the light source 321 to the original document 2 is shorter than the distance along the optical path from the light source 311 to the original document 2 in the diffusion optical system 3.

[0243] In other words, compared to the case where the degree of separation from the original 2 to the light source is the opposite of that in this embodiment, it is easy to configure the reflective surfaces (reflective surface 331 in the diffuse optical system 3 and reflective surface 341 in the orthographic optical system 4) to suppress the difference in the amount of light when diffuse and orthographic reflected light of the same amount of light from the light source reaches the image sensor 60.

[0244] Similarly, the orthographic reflector 34 in the orthographic optical system 4 is positioned further away from the original document 2 than the diffuse reflector 33 in the diffuse optical system 3. In this case, compared to the case where the distance from the original document 2 to the reflector is reversed in this embodiment, it is easier to configure the reflective surfaces (reflective surface 331 in the diffuse optical system 3 and reflective surface 341 in the orthographic optical system 4) to suppress the difference in light intensity when diffuse and orthographic reflected light of the same light intensity reaches the image sensor 60.

Claims

1. A reading device, characterized in that including: an exit portion that emits light; a reflector that has a reflecting surface that guides a portion of light emitted from the exit portion toward the reflecting surface to a document; and an image sensor that generates an image that represents light guided by the reflector and reflected by the document, the exit portion has: an exit surface that is planar; and an optical axis that passes through a center of the exit surface and is an optical path of light emitted toward a normal direction of the exit surface, the reflecting surface is configured to reflect light of a periphery of the optical axis where the exit portion emits light in the greatest amount.

2. The reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading apparatus has a blocking portion that blocks a portion of light toward the reflecting surface.

3. The reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the blocking portion is disposed closer to the reflecting surface than the exit portion.

4. The reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reflecting surface reflects light toward the document in a manner that becomes converging light.

5. The reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reflecting surface is disposed in a direction in which the exit portion emits light in the greatest amount.

6. The reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exit surface of the exit portion is rectangular.

7. The reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exit portion includes a light source that emits light, and a light guide body that has the exit surface that is planar and guides light from the light source toward the exit surface, the light guide body having a portion that has a cross section that is rectangular and intersects a plane that is orthogonal to the exit surface.

8. The reading apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by including: a second exit portion that has an exit surface that emits light and has a main scanning direction as a long side, and the second exit portion is configured so that light that is diffusely reflected by the document among the emitted light is guided to the image sensor using an optical path that is common to the directly reflected light.

9. The reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reflector has a difference in light amount in light guided to the document, and the reflector is disposed so that a portion where the light amount is greater reaches a position where complete direct reflection is possible more than a portion where the light amount is less.

10. An output device, characterized by including: the reading apparatus according to claim 1, the output apparatus outputs a degree of direct reflection based on directly reflected light read by the reading apparatus.

11. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising: including: the output apparatus according to claim 10, the image forming apparatus outputs an image formed based on the degree of direct reflection read by the reading apparatus.

Images