Image reading device

Abstract

The present invention provides an image reading apparatus capable of switching the light intensity of a reading sensor according to the purpose of scanning. The image reading apparatus includes: a document stage for holding a document; and a reading sensor having a light source for illuminating the document with light, wherein after performing a first scan illuminating the document with a first light intensity, the reading sensor performs a second scan illuminating the document with a second light intensity greater than the first light intensity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an image reading device. Background Technology

[0002] As an image reading device, scanners are particularly known as flatbed scanners, in which the reading sensor moves below the document stage glass while reading the original document. In the image reading device described in Patent Document 1, when reading a document of a fixed size, the size and image of the original document can be read in a single scan.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-12829

[0004] However, when the original is thin, it is difficult to form a shadow at the edge of the original, and there is a problem that the image reading device sometimes cannot accurately detect the size of the original when it is of a fixed size. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention includes: a document stage on which a document is placed; and a reading sensor having a light source for illuminating the document with light, wherein the reading sensor performs a first scan of illuminating the document with light at a first light intensity, and then performs a second scan of illuminating the document with light at a second light intensity greater than the first light intensity. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of the multifunction printer.

[0007] Figure 2 It is a side sectional view used to illustrate the general structure of the recording device.

[0008] Figure 3 It will have Figure 2 The image shows a magnified view of the limiting component.

[0009] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram representing an open or closed body.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a top view showing the configuration of the image reading surface and the document stage.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a side sectional view of the drive mechanism of the opening and closing body.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the sensor readings from the side.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing the detection of the original size and the reading of the original.

[0014] Figure 9This is a diagram showing an example of A4-sized paper placed on a document tray.

[0015] Figure 10 This is an example of the test results for the size of an original document under unilateral illumination.

[0016] Figure 11 This is an example of the test results showing the size of the original document when illuminated from both sides.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0018] 10… Multifunction printer; 12… Main body of the device; 12a… Upper part; 13… Recording device; 14… Image reading device; 16… Operation unit; 18… Opening; 20… Extraction unit; 22… Front side tray; 24… Back side tray; 26… Paper storage unit; 28… Original document transport unit; 30… Image reading unit; 32… Image reading sensor; 38… Original document transport path; 42… Original document discharge surface; 62… Original document pressing unit; 64… Sheet-shaped component; 130… Feeding unit; 135… Recording unit; 136… Carriage; 137… Recording head; 138… Ink cartridge; 139… Ink cartridge holder; 144… Separation roller; 145… Reduction roller; 146… Intermediate roller; 160… Discharge transport path. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described using the accompanying drawings. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only. It should be noted that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the scope of the invention as described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the components described below are essential elements of the present invention.

[0020] Reference Figure 1 The composite machine 10 involved in this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the composite machine 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[0021] The multifunction printer 10 has a main body 12 that is generally rectangular in shape. The main body 12 includes a recording device 13 for recording on paper, an example of the recording medium, and an image reading device 14 disposed on the recording device 13 and capable of reading originals, etc. For example, the image read by the image reading device 14 is printed onto the medium by the recording device 13. In the XYZ coordinate system, the X direction represents the transport direction of the original in the image reading device 14, the Y direction represents the width direction of the original, and the Z direction represents the height direction of the image reading device 14.

[0022] The image reading device 14 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) section 27, which serves as an automatic document feeder. The ADF section 27 is rotatably mounted with the +Y axis side, i.e., the back side of the device body 12, as the pivot point of the rotation axis J, and is configured as an opening and closing body that can be opened and closed relative to the upper part of the device body 12.

[0023] The ADF unit 27 includes an original document transport unit 28, an original document placement surface 40, and an original document discharge surface 42, wherein the original document transport unit 28 has a drive mechanism for transporting the original document. The original document placed on the original document placement surface 40 is supplied by the original document transport unit 28 to the interior of the image reading device 14, read, and then discharged onto the original document discharge surface 42. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, an example of an original document is a photograph, document, etc.

[0024] On the upper part of the front side in the Y-axis direction of the main body 12, there is an operation unit 16. The operation unit 16 is configured to have a power button, a printing setting button, a display panel, etc. for operating the multifunction printer 10.

[0025] On the +Y axis direction side, i.e., the back side, of the main body 12 of the device, there is a back side tray 24 for holding paper. The paper placed on the back side tray 24 is fed to... Figure 2 The recording is recorded by the recording section 135 within the recording device 13 shown.

[0026] On the bottom side of the front tray 22, in the Z-axis direction, a paper storage section 26 for storing multiple sheets of paper is provided. The paper storage section 26 is disposed on the lower part of the device body 12 in a manner that allows it to slide in the Y-axis direction, and is configured to be detachable from the device body 12. The paper placed in the paper storage section 26 is fed to the recording section 135 in the recording device 13 and recorded.

[0027] On the front side of the device body 12, there is a pull-out section 20 that is mounted on the front side tray 22 and can slide in the Y-axis direction. Paper that is fed to the recording section 135 from the back side tray 24 or the paper storage section 26 and recorded is discharged from the opening 18 provided on the front side of the device body 12. The pull-out section 20 is in a state where it is placed on the front side tray 22 and pulled out from the front side tray 22.

[0028] The multifunction printer 10 of this embodiment can feed paper placed on the front side tray 22 and the extraction section 20 into the interior of the recording device 13 through the opening 18, and record it through the recording section 135. Therefore, the front side tray 22 and the extraction section 20 have the functions of supporting the paper discharged from the interior of the recording device 13 to the outside, and supporting the paper fed into the interior of the recording device 13.

[0029] Next, refer to Figure 2The general structure of the recording device 13 will be described. Figure 2 This is a side sectional view used to illustrate the general structure of the recording device 13 disposed on the bottom side of the image reading device 14 in the -Z axis direction.

[0030] The front side tray 22 has an upper surface 22b for holding paper, and is rotatably disposed with respect to an axis 22a extending in the X-axis direction, as shown by the dashed line. As described above, the front side tray 22 has a pull-out section 20, indicated by the double dashed line, that can be pulled out to the front.

[0031] A paper feeding section 130 is provided on the upper rear side of the recording device 13. The paper feeding section 130 includes a back side tray 24 for holding paper, a paper storage section 130b, and a feed roller 130c. The paper placed on the back side tray 24 is pressed against the feed roller 130c by the operation of the paper storage section 130b, and is fed downstream of the transport path by the rotation of the feed roller 130c.

[0032] Within the recording device 13, a pair of transport rollers 131 and 132 and a pair of discharge rollers 133 and 134 are arranged along the transport path to transport paper from the feed section 130 toward the front side tray 22. A recording section 135 for recording on the paper is arranged between the pair of transport rollers 132 and the pair of discharge rollers 133.

[0033] The recording unit 135 includes a carriage 136 that can reciprocate in the X-axis direction, i.e., the main scanning direction, and a recording head 137 disposed at the lower part of the carriage 136.

[0034] Above the recording unit 135 in the +Z axis direction within the recording device 13, an ink cartridge holder 139 is detachably mounted, housing an ink cartridge 138 containing ink. Additionally, the recording unit 135 includes a support portion 140 that supports paper at a position below the moving area of ​​the recording head 137. The recording head 137 ejects ink supplied from the ink cartridge 138 through a tube 141 onto the paper supported by the support portion 140, thereby forming an image on the paper.

[0035] A discharge conveying path 160 is formed downstream of the support portion 140 in the Y-axis direction (i.e., the conveying direction) of the paper. This path conveys the paper recorded by the recording head 137. The discharge conveying path 160 is the conveying path for the paper conveyed by the discharge rollers 133 and 134. A mounting surface 150, which forms the lower side of the opening 18, is provided on the downstream side of the discharge conveying path 160 in the conveying direction. The rear end of the paper discharged from the discharge conveying path 160 is mounted on the mounting surface 150.

[0036] In the recording device 13, in the +Y axis direction, i.e., the lower rear part, there is a supply unit 142 that feeds sheets of paper stored in the paper storage unit 26 one by one into the feed path toward the recording unit 135. The supply unit 142 includes a pickup roller 143 that contacts the uppermost sheet of multiple sheets of paper in the paper storage unit 26, a separation roller 144, and a deceleration roller 145 that is paired with the separation roller 144.

[0037] The supply unit 142 includes an intermediate roller 146 disposed on the rear side of the conveyor roller pair 131 and two driven rollers 147 and 148 that hold the paper between the intermediate roller 146 and the intermediate roller 146. The conveyor roller pair 131 includes an intermediate roller 131a that is driven to rotate in conjunction with the intermediate roller 146 and a driven roller 131b that is paired with the intermediate roller 131a.

[0038] When the pickup roller 143, the separating roller 144, and the intermediate rollers 146 and 131a are powered by a motor (not shown) installed in the main body 12 of the device, they move towards... Figure 2 When the paper is rotated counterclockwise, the sheets of paper stored in the paper storage section 26 are fed one by one to the recording section 135 via the conveyor rollers 131 and 132.

[0039] In the -Z axis direction, i.e., the bottom side, of the discharge conveying path 160, a feed conveying path 161 is formed for feeding paper from the front side to the +Y axis direction, i.e., the back side. A pair of conveying rollers 162 is arranged on the feed conveying path 161 to convey paper toward the intermediate roller 131a, which is the back side. On the lower side of the intermediate roller 131a, a driven roller 163 is provided to hold the paper between the intermediate roller 131a and the intermediate roller 131a.

[0040] Paper inserted from the opening 18 into the feed path 161 is conveyed to the back side by the conveyor roller pair 162, the intermediate roller 131a and the driven roller 163, and flipped by the intermediate roller 146 and the driven rollers 147 and 148. Then it is conveyed to the recording unit 135 by the intermediate roller 131a and the driven roller 131b and the conveyor roller pair 132 and recorded.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a diagram viewed from the X-axis direction, which will have... Figure 2 The diagram shows an enlarged view of the portion of the limiting member 151 (within the circle indicated by the dashed line A). The feed path 161 is a transport path provided between the guide surfaces 154a and 155a, with the guide surface 154a of the upper sidewall portion 154 and the guide surface 155a of the lower sidewall portion 155 facing each other. The distance between the guide surfaces 155a and 154a in the height direction is formed to be narrower towards the rear.

[0042] The limiting member 151 has a swing shaft 152 and a swing member 153 capable of swinging about the swing shaft 152 as a fulcrum. The swing member 153 may be a plate-shaped member extending along the X-axis direction, or it may be a structure in which multiple rod-shaped members protruding downward from the swing shaft 152 are arranged in the X-axis direction.

[0043] On the front side of the limiting member 151, a front sidewall portion 156 protruding downward from the support portion 140 is provided, and on the rear side of the limiting member 151, a front end portion 154b of the upper sidewall portion 154 is disposed. Therefore, within the range of the limiting member 151 swinging about the swing axis 152 as a fulcrum, as shown by the solid line, clockwise rotation in the figure is restricted by abutting the swing member 153 against the front sidewall portion 156. In addition, as shown by the dashed line, counterclockwise swing in the figure is restricted by abutting the swing member 153 against the front end portion 154b.

[0044] The height of the mounting surface 150 is approximately the same as the height of the guide surface 155a. When the user moves the paper before recording along the mounting surface 150 toward the feed path 161, the leading edge of the paper presses against the swing member 153, causing the swing member 153 to become... Figure 3 The state of the swing position, indicated by the dashed line, allows the paper to enter the conveyor roller pair 162 from the gap between the swing member 153 and the guide surface 155a.

[0045] On the other hand, on the mounting surface 150, multiple sheets of paper recorded by the recording unit 135 and discharged from the discharge conveyor path 160 are sometimes mounted in a stacked state. In this case, by fixing the swing member 153 at the dotted line position, it is possible to prevent the end of the stacked paper on the restricting member 151 side from collapsing and entering the feed conveyor path 161.

[0046] Next, the image reading device 14 will be described. Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the ADF part 27 as an open / closed body. Figure 5 This is a top view showing the configuration of the image reading surface 34 and the original document stage 36. Figure 6 This is a side sectional view of the drive mechanism section of ADF section 27.

[0047] Figure 6 The image reading unit 30 includes an image reading sensor 32, an image reading surface 34, and a document stage 36. The image reading sensor 32 is configured to move in the X-axis direction via a drive mechanism (not shown). Furthermore, the image reading sensor 32 includes an optical detector for image reading extending along the Y-axis direction. Image reading and document size detection using the image reading sensor 32 will be described later.

[0048] exist Figure 5The image reading surface 34 and the original document stage 36 are arranged side by side on the upper part 12a of the main body 12 of the device. The image reading surface 34 and the original document stage 36 are made of flat and transparent glass plates.

[0049] In the original document stand 36, the two ends in the Y-axis direction and the end in the -X-axis direction in the X-axis direction are provided with a frame support (not shown) inside the main body 12 of the device.

[0050] Image reading surface 34 is set relative to ADF section 27 Figure 5 When the upper part of the device body 12 shown is in the closed state, it is opposite to a portion of the original document transport path 38, which will be described later. The length of the image reading surface 34 in the Y-axis direction is set in accordance with the direction in which it intersects with the X-axis direction of the original document being transported on the original document transport path 38, i.e., the width direction of the original document.

[0051] On the other hand, since the length of the image reading surface 34 in the X-axis direction is only required so that the image reading sensor 32 can read a portion of the original document that is in contact with the image reading surface 34 when the portion of the original document being transported along the original document transport path 38 comes into contact with the image reading surface 34, it is set to be shorter than the length in the original document transport direction and the original document stage 36. When the original document comes into contact with the image reading surface 34, the image reading sensor 32 can read the original document through the image reading surface 34.

[0052] The lengths of the document tray 36 in the X and Y axes are set to match the maximum size of the original document that can be read by the main body 12. The document tray 36 of the multifunction printer 10 in this embodiment can read original documents of standard sizes such as A3 and A4.

[0053] Specifically, with the ADF unit 27 open relative to the device body 12, the original document is placed on the document stage 36. After placing the original document, the ADF unit 27 is closed relative to the device body 12 again. Then, the image reading sensor 32 is moved in the X-axis direction while reading the original document placed on the document stage 36.

[0054] Reference Figure 7 The process of reading the original document placed on the original document stage 36 and detecting the original document size is explained. Figure 7 This is a side view of the original manuscript placed on the manuscript tray 36.

[0055] The image readout sensor 32 includes a sensor 32a, a light source 32b, 32c and a lens 32d.

[0056] Light sources 32b and 32c illuminate the original document placed on the document stage 36. The light that illuminates and is reflected from the original document is input to the image readout sensor 32 via lens 32d for document reading. The image readout sensor 32 reads the entire original document while moving in the X direction. It should be noted that during document reading, the original document can be illuminated from either of the light sources 32b or 32c. Alternatively, the structure can be designed to adjust the amount of light emitted by the light sources 32b and 32c.

[0057] Furthermore, the situation where either of the light sources 32b or 32c is lit and scanned is called unilateral illumination, and the situation where both of the light sources 32b or 32c are lit and scanned is called bilateral illumination.

[0058] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 This section explains how the original manuscript was read. Figure 8 This is a flowchart for reading the original document. Figure 9 This shows an example of a manuscript of fixed size A4 placed on the manuscript tray 36.

[0059] In S1, the user opens the ADF unit 27. That is, the user opens the ADF unit 27, which functions as an opening and closing mechanism, to place the original document to be scanned onto the document tray 36.

[0060] In S2, the user places the original document to be scanned onto the document tray 36. For example, as Figure 9 As shown, the original document is positioned with its lower left edge aligned with the document tray 36. Figure 9 The image shows an example of a manuscript with a standard size of A4, but other standard sizes are also possible. For example, the manuscript placed on the manuscript tray 36 could also be A3, A5, or B4.

[0061] In S3, the user closes the ADF unit 27. By placing the original document at the predetermined position on the document stage 36 and closing the ADF unit 27, scan preparation is completed.

[0062] In S3, when the user closes the ADF unit 27, the original size detection in S4 begins. In S4, it detects which of the following standard sizes—A3, A4, etc.—the original placed on the original stage 36 is being tested. For example, ... Figure 9 As shown, when a manuscript of fixed size A4 is placed on a plate, the fixed size A4 is detected in S4.

[0063] In step S4, firstly, the image reading sensor 32 moves from position X0 to position X1. Here, the image reading sensor 32 scans between position X1 and position X2, detects the size of the original document, and returns to position X0. For example, in... Figure 9 In this case, the detected original size is A4.

[0064] During the scanning process between position X1 and position X2, the image readout sensor 32 illuminates one of the light sources 32b, illuminating the original document. For example, the image readout sensor 32 illuminates light source 32b. Here, the scanning between position X1 and position X2 is an example of the first scan. For example, the distance from position X0 to position X1 is preferably about 20 mm, and the distance from position X1 to position X2 is preferably about 10 mm.

[0065] Thus, in the original document size detection in S6, the entire original document is not read; instead, the size of the original document is detected by reading the area between positions X1 and X2. Therefore, the size of the original document can be detected in a short time. In addition, since the image reading sensor 32 is illuminated from one side by one of the light sources 32b and 32c, the power consumption of the image reading sensor 32 can be suppressed.

[0066] For example, when the original is a relatively thick document like photographic paper, when the original is illuminated, shadows are easily formed at the edges due to its thickness. Even with unilateral illumination, the size of the original can be accurately detected.

[0067] Furthermore, in the case of thin originals such as tracing paper, when light is shone on the original, it is difficult to form shadows at the edges due to the thinness, making it difficult to identify the size of the original. When scanning such a thin original by illuminating both sides of the light sources 32b and 32c of the image reading sensor 32, the light also shines from the direction that eliminates shadows formed by the unevenness of the original surface, making it sometimes difficult to read the shadows of the unevenness of the original surface. In addition, because the original is thin, it is difficult to form shadows at the edges, making it difficult to detect the size of the original.

[0068] In contrast, by employing a structure that illuminates only one of the light sources 32b and 32c of the image reading sensor 32 from one side, the amount of light illuminating the original document can be reduced. Furthermore, by illuminating from only one direction, the shadows on the uneven surface of the original document can be made more pronounced. Therefore, the size of the original document can be detected more accurately based on the identified unevenness of the original document surface.

[0069] In step S5, the user operates the operation unit 16 to cause the multifunction printer 10 to read the original document. The operation unit 16 displays buttons for scanning, copying, etc., and the user performs the scanning of the original document by pressing these buttons.

[0070] In S6, the original document is read. The original document is read according to the original document size detected in S4. For example, as described above, in S4, if the original document size is detected to be A4, the image reading sensor 32 performs a second scan while moving from position X0 to position X3 and scanning between positions X0 and X3 to cover the area in the X-axis direction of the A4-sized original document. This allows the movement of the image reading sensor 32 to be limited to the minimum required, enabling the original document to be read in a short time.

[0071] Furthermore, in this second scan, since the scanning is performed by illuminating both sides of the light sources 32b and 32c by the image reading sensor 32, the original document can be read accurately with sufficient light.

[0072] As described above, the original document read in S6 can be discharged from the discharge conveyor path 160, or it can be stored as image data in a storage device (not shown). This image data can be sent to a computer networked with the multifunction printer 10, or the user can connect a storage medium to the multifunction printer 10 and retrieve the image data from the multifunction printer 10.

[0073] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 This shows an example of the reading results of a manuscript with a standard size of A4. Figure 10 This is an example of a graph showing the test results for the size of an original document under unilateral illumination. Additionally, Figure 11 This is an example of the test results showing the size of the original document when illuminated from both sides.

[0074] exist Figure 10 In the analysis, the detection results for original paper sheets a to f show that parts of the original are white, while the outer edges turn black, indicating that originals of the final size can be detected under unilateral illumination. Here, among original paper sheets a to f, the dimensions of the final size original were detected even on relatively thin paper such as tracing paper.

[0075] On the other hand, Figure 11 In the test results of the original paper a to f, the parts of the original paper and the outer side of the original paper turned into roughly the same black color. It can be seen that the detection accuracy of the original paper with the fixed size under two-sided irradiation is lower than that under one-sided irradiation.

[0076] For thin original paper such as tracing paper, the detection accuracy of textures such as unevenness and roughness on the surface of the original paper can be improved by irradiating the paper from one side with a smaller amount of light, rather than irradiating it from both sides.

[0077] The above describes this embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit.

[0078] This invention includes structures that are substantially identical to those described in the embodiments (e.g., structures with the same function, method, and result, or structures with the same purpose and effect). Additionally, this invention includes structures that replace non-essential parts of the structures described in the embodiments. Furthermore, this invention includes structures that achieve the same function or effect as the structures described in the embodiments, or structures that can achieve the same purpose. Additionally, this invention includes structures that incorporate known techniques into the structures described in the embodiments.

[0079] The following content is derived from the above-described embodiment.

[0080] One embodiment of an image reading device includes: a document stage on which a document is placed; and a reading sensor having a light source that illuminates the document with light, wherein the reading sensor performs a first scan of illuminating the document with light at a first light intensity, and then performs a second scan of illuminating the document with light at a second light intensity greater than the first light intensity.

[0081] According to this image reading device, by performing a first scan and a second scan with different light intensity, it is possible to perform multiple scans of an original document for different purposes.

[0082] In another embodiment of the image reading device, the light source comprises a first light source and a second light source, wherein in the first scan of the reading sensor, the first light source illuminates the original with a first amount of light, and in the second scan of the reading sensor, the first light source and the second light source illuminate the original with a second amount of light.

[0083] According to this image reading device, since the light source has a structure comprising a first light source and a second light source, it is possible to illuminate the original document with different light amounts in the first scan and the second scan. For example, in the first scan, the original document can be illuminated with a first light amount, and in the second scan, the original document can be illuminated with a second light amount greater than the first light amount. Because the reading sensor can illuminate the original document with different light amounts in the first scan and the second scan, it is possible to distinguish between the first scan and the second scan depending on the purpose of the scan.

[0084] In another embodiment of the image reading device, the power consumption of the reading sensor is greater in the second scan than in the first scan.

[0085] In another embodiment of the image reading device, the reading sensor determines the state of the original document during the first scan and outputs the scanned original document as image data during the second scan.

[0086] This image reading device can determine the size and texture of the original document during a first scan, and then perform a second scan corresponding to the result of the first scan. Furthermore, the original document read by the sensor can be output as data, thus saving paper. Additionally, a network device connected to the image reading device can also receive data.

Claims

1. An image reading device, characterized in that, have: Manuscript stand, for holding manuscripts; and The sensor is equipped with a light source that illuminates the original document. After performing a first scan by illuminating the original document with a first light intensity while moving to read a portion of the original document and determine its state, the reading sensor performs a second scan by illuminating the original document with a second light intensity greater than the first light intensity while moving to read the entire original document.

2. The image reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light source includes a first light source and a second light source. In the first scan of the reading sensor, the first light source illuminates the original document with the first amount of light, and in the second scan of the reading sensor, the first light source and the second light source illuminate the original document with the second amount of light.

3. The image reading device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The power consumption of the readout sensor is greater in the second scan than in the first scan.

4. The image reading device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The reading sensor outputs the scanned original document as image data during the second scan.

Images