Image reading device, method, and program

Abstract

To provide an image reading device etc. capable of contributing to customization corresponding to the width and shape of an imaging object.SOLUTION: The image reading device is obtained by connecting a plurality of line scanner units by an arrangement number in a width direction with respect to an arbitrary line scanner unit, or an arbitrary relative angle, or a relative position in a height direction with respect to the arbitrary line scanner unit. Each line scanner unit comprises: a casing capable of capturing light from a surface facing at least a portion of an imaging object; a guide rail affixed in the casing so as to extend in the width direction; an illumination part affixed to the casing so as to illuminate at least a portion of the imaging object; and an imaging unit which is disposed movably along the guide rail in the casing and acquires image data by imaging at least a portion of the imaging object illuminated by the illumination part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus, method, and program.

Background Art

[0002] In an image reading apparatus having an illumination, a lens, and an image sensor (such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal - Oxide - Semiconductor) sensor), such as a line camera or a line scanner, since the positions of the image sensor and the lens are fixed, the imaging width and resolution that can be read using one image sensor are determined by the distance from the image sensor to the lens, the characteristics of the lens, and the distance from the lens to the imaging object, and are generally fixed. As a technique that enables increasing the imaging width and changing the resolution, in a housing (camera box), a plurality of image sensors (inspection cameras) are arranged in the width direction, and each image sensor can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the imaging object (web) and can also be moved in the width direction of the imaging object. There is an image reading apparatus (appearance inspection apparatus) (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The following analysis is provided by the inventor of the present application.

[0005] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1 having a plurality of image sensors in one housing, the number of image sensors is fixed, and focusing cannot be achieved unless the imaging object is flat. Therefore, it cannot be customized according to the width and shape of the imaging object.

[0006] The main object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus, method, and program that can contribute to customization according to the width and shape of an imaging object.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An image reading apparatus according to a first aspect is an image reading apparatus in which a plurality of line scanner units are connected at an array number in a width direction with respect to an arbitrary one of the line scanner units, or at an arbitrary relative angle, or at a relative position in a height direction with respect to an arbitrary one of the line scanner units, wherein each of the line scanner units includes a housing configured to be able to take in light from a surface facing at least a part of an imaging object, a guide rail fixed in the housing so as to extend in the width direction, an illumination unit fixed to the housing so as to irradiate at least a part of the imaging object, and an imaging unit disposed movably along the guide rail in the housing and configured to capture at least a part of the imaging object irradiated by the illumination unit to acquire image data.

[0008] The image reading method according to the second perspective is an image reading method in which a plurality of line scanner units read an image using an image reading apparatus connected in terms of the number of arrays in the width direction with respect to any one of the line scanner units, or any relative angle, or the relative position in the height direction with respect to any one of the line scanner units. Each of the line scanner units includes a housing configured to be able to take in light from a surface facing at least a part of an imaging object, a guide rail fixed in the housing so as to extend in the width direction, an illumination unit fixed to the housing so as to irradiate at least a part of the imaging object, and an imaging unit arranged to be movable along the guide rail in the housing and configured to capture at least a part of the imaging object irradiated by the illumination unit to acquire image data. The image reading method includes a step of controlling, by the hardware resources in the image reading apparatus, the position of the imaging unit on the guide rail in each of the line scanner units.

[0009] The program according to the third perspective is a program for causing the hardware resources in an image reading apparatus in which a plurality of line scanner units are connected in terms of the number of arrays in the width direction with respect to any one of the line scanner units, or any relative angle, or the relative position in the height direction with respect to any one of the line scanner units to execute. Each of the line scanner units includes a housing configured to be able to take in light from a surface facing at least a part of an imaging object, a guide rail fixed in the housing so as to extend in the width direction, an illumination unit fixed to the housing so as to irradiate at least a part of the imaging object, and an imaging unit arranged to be movable along the guide rail in the housing and configured to capture at least a part of the imaging object irradiated by the illumination unit to acquire image data. The program causes the hardware resources in the image reading apparatus to execute a process of controlling the position of the imaging unit on the guide rail in each of the line scanner units by the hardware resources.

[0010] Incidentally, the program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be non-transitory such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, etc. Also, in the present disclosure, it is possible to embody it as a computer program product. The program is input into a computer device via an input device or from the outside through a communication interface, stored in a storage device, drives a processor according to predetermined steps or processes, and can display the processing result including intermediate states step by step via a display device as necessary, or communicate with the outside through a communication interface. A computer device for that purpose typically includes a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and a display device as necessary, which can be connected to each other by a bus as an example.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the first to third viewpoints, it can contribute to customization according to the width and shape of the imaging object.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] The following describes the embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the present application, when reference numerals are used in the drawings, they are solely for the purpose of facilitating understanding and are not intended to limit the illustrated embodiments. Further, the following embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. In the following description, the connection lines between blocks such as the drawings referred to include both bidirectional and unidirectional ones. For the one-way arrow, it schematically shows the flow of the main signal (data) and does not exclude bidirectionality. Furthermore, in the circuit diagrams, block diagrams, internal configuration diagrams, connection diagrams, etc. shown in the present disclosure, although not explicitly shown, input ports and output ports exist at the input ends and output ends of each connection line respectively. The same applies to the input / output interface. The program is executed via a computer device, and the computer device includes, for example, a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and a display device as required. The computer device is configured to be able to communicate with devices inside or outside the device (including computers) via the communication interface, whether wired or wireless.

[0014] [Embodiment 1] The image reading apparatus according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing a first example of the configuration of the image reading apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing a first example of the configuration of the line scanner in the image reading apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a front view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the illumination unit of the line scanner in the image reading apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the circuit configuration of the line scanner in the image reading apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a front view schematically showing an example of the operation of the image reading apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a front view schematically showing a second example of the configuration of the image reading apparatus according to the present disclosure in comparison with the first example. FIG. 7 is a front view schematically showing a third example of the configuration of the image reading apparatus according to the present disclosure in comparison with the first example.

[0015] The image reading device 1 (1a to 1e) is a device that captures an imaging object 5 (5a to 5c) and acquires image data of the imaging object 5 (see FIGS. 1 and 5 to 6). The image reading device 1 (1a to 1e) is a line scanner type device, and is configured such that the line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n) in which the line scanner part is divided into a plurality and each element of the line scanner is configured to be minimized are connected by a connecting member 70, and a plurality of line scanner units 3 (3a to 3n) can be combined in an arbitrary number of arrays in the left-right direction (width direction). The image reading device 1 (1a to 1e) operates synchronously between the line scanner units 3 (3a to 3n). Thereby, it can function as one large line scanner, and the imaging width can be changed greatly. Further, the image reading device 1 (1a to 1e) can connect the line scanner units 3 (3a to 3n) by shifting them in the height direction with respect to each other and connecting them with the connecting member 70. Thereby, it can also cope with the acquisition of image data of the imaging object 5 having unevenness on the surface. For the specific connection method between the line scanner units 3 (3a to 3n), refer to Japanese Patent No. 7131847. The image reading device 1 (1a to 1e) can be used, for example, for component inspection in the manufacturing industry, luggage inspection in the transportation industry, and the like. The image reading device 1 (1a to 1e) includes a line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n) and a line scanner control device 80.

[0016] The line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n) is a unit that minimally configures each element of the line scanner (imaging unit 10, illumination unit 30, etc.) (see FIGS. 1, 2, 4 to 7). The line scanner units 3 (3a to 3n) are configured to be connectable with a connecting member 70 to other adjacent line scanner units 3 (3a to 3n) at the left and right side end faces (one plane in FIG. 1). The line scanner units 3 (3a to 3n) can be connected to other adjacent line scanner units 3 (3a to 3n) with a shift at an arbitrary position in the height direction at the side end faces. The line scanner units 3 (3a to 3n) are electrically connected to other adjacent line scanner units 3 (3a to 3n). The line scanner units 3 (3a to 3n) have a function of moving and adjusting the position of the imaging unit 10 in the left and right directions. The line scanner units 3 (3a to 3n) include the imaging unit 10, the guide rail 20, the illumination unit 30, the illumination power supply 40, the external interface unit 50, and the housing 60.

[0017] The imaging unit 10 is a functional unit that captures at least a part (or the whole) of the imaging object 5 (5a to 5c) to acquire image data (see FIGS. 2, 4, 5). The imaging unit 10 is disposed within the housing 60. The imaging unit 10 has a function of moving to an arbitrary position in the left and right direction (width direction) along the guide rail 20. Thereby, fine adjustment of the imaging width becomes possible. The moving direction of the imaging unit 10 may not be only the main scanning direction but also the sub-scanning direction. The movement of the imaging unit 10 on the guide rail 20 is controlled by the image control board 12. The imaging unit 10 includes the image sensor 11, the image control board 12, and the lens 13. In the imaging unit 10, the lens 13 and the image sensor 11 are fixed in a positional relationship suitable for acquiring image data.

[0018] The image sensor 11 is a functional unit that converts an optical signal into an electrical signal (image data) to generate image data (see FIGS. 2 and 4). As the image sensor 11, for example, a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor, or the like can be used. The image sensor 11 is disposed within the housing 60. The image sensor 11 can be mounted on an image control board 12 mounted within the housing 60, or may be fixed within the housing 60. An optical signal from the imaging object 5 (5a to 5c) is focused by the lens 13 and input to the image sensor 11. The image sensor 11 is electrically connected to the image control board 12 and is controlled by the image control board 12.

[0019] The image control board 12 is a board that controls the image data from the image sensor 11 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). As the image control board 12, for example, a module board with a microcomputer, a memory, and other electronic components mounted on a circuit board can be used. The image control board 12 is electrically connected to the image sensor 11, the illumination unit power supply 40, and the external interface unit 50. The image control board 12 is electrically connected to the image control boards 12 of other line scanner units 3 (3a to 3n) other than its own line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n) in the image reading device 1 (1a to 1e) via the external interface unit 50. The image control board 12 can be configured to control the operations of the imaging unit 10 and the illumination unit 30 and process the image data generated by the image sensor 11 by executing a stored predetermined program. The image control board 12 cooperates with the image control boards 12 of other line scanner units 3 (3a to 3n) other than its own line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n) in the image reading device 1 (1a to 1e) to control (position adjustment) the position on the guide rail 20 of the imaging unit 10. The image control board 12 cooperates with the image control boards 12 of other line scanner units 3 (3a to 3n) other than its own line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n) in the image reading device 1 (1a to 1e) to control the operation of the image sensor 11 (for example, select the pixels to be used) so as to focus on the imaging object 5 (5a to 5c). The image control board 12 controls the operations of the image sensor 11 and the illumination unit 30 of its own line scanner unit 3 to synchronize with the operations of the image sensor 11 and the illumination unit 30 of other line scanner units 3 using a common synchronization signal in the image reading device 1 (1a to 1e). The control of the illumination unit 30 can be performed by the image control board 12 controlling the illumination unit power supply 40, but it may also be performed by directly controlling the illumination unit 30 instead of the image control board 12 controlling the illumination unit power supply 40. Note that the image control board 12 may not be connected to the illumination unit 30 and the illumination unit power supply 40, and the illumination unit 30 may independently control itself.The image control board 12 performs a process of generating combined image data by combining the image data acquired by the imaging unit 10 of its own line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n) and the image data acquired by the imaging unit 10 of another line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n) other than its own line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n) in the image reading device 1 (1a to 1e).

[0020] The lens 13 is a functional unit that focuses the optical signal from the imaging object 5 (5a to 5c) and causes it to be taken into the image sensor 11 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The lens 13 is fixed to the housing 60. The lens 13 may use a lens 13 having characteristics different from those of the other line scanner units 3 (3a to 3n) other than its own line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n) in the image reading device 1 (1a to 1e).

[0021] The guide rail 20 is a rail that guides the movement of the imaging unit 10 (see FIGS. 2, 4, and 5). The guide rail 20 is fixed in the housing 60 so as to extend in the width direction of the line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n). The guide rail 20 may guide the movement of the imaging unit 10 using, for example, a mechanism using a pinion gear and a rack gear. The guide rail 20 may be not only one rail but also a plurality of rails.

[0022] The illumination unit 30 is a functional unit that irradiates at least a part (or the whole) of the imaging object 5 (5a to 5c) (see FIGS. 2 to 4). For example, the illumination unit 30 has a substrate 32 mounted in a housing 31, and a plurality of light emitting elements 33 (for example, LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements) are arranged in a row and mounted on the surface of the substrate 32 on the opening side of the housing 31, and a diffusion plate 34 is attached to the opening of the housing 31. An array type illumination device can be used. The illumination unit 30 may have a function of adjusting the brightness of the light emitting element 33 by current control or PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control. The illumination unit 30 is electrically connected to the image control board 12 of the imaging unit 10 via the illumination unit power supply 40, and its operation is controlled by the image control board 12.

[0023] The lighting unit power supply 40 is a functional unit that supplies power to the lighting unit 30 (see Fig. 4). The lighting unit power supply 40 is electrically connected to the lighting unit 30 and the image control board 12 of the imaging unit 10.

[0024] The external interface unit 50 is a functional unit that electrically connects the external interface unit 50 of its own line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n) and another adjacent line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n) (see Fig. 4). The external interface unit 50 is electrically connected to the image control board 12 of the imaging unit 10. The external interface unit 50 performs power input / output, image data input / output, and synchronization signal input / output with the external interface unit 50 of another line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n). The external interface unit 50 may perform power input / output, image data input / output, and synchronization signal input / output on the same surface, or may perform them on different surfaces respectively. Note that the electrical connection between the line scanner units 3 (3a to 3n) may be directly connecting the external interface units 50 to each other, or may be connected via a cable (not shown).

[0025] The housing 60 is a structure that houses the imaging unit 10, the guide rail 20, the lighting unit 30, the lighting unit power supply 40, and the external interface unit 50 (see Figs. 1 and 2). The housing 60 is configured to be able to take in light from the surface facing at least a part of the imaging object 5 (5a to 5c). The housing 60 is configured to be connectable with the housing 60 of another adjacent line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n) of its own line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n) by a connecting member 70 at the left and right side end faces. The external interface unit 50 is provided on an arbitrary surface of the housing 60. The shape of the housing 60 (the shape seen from the front) can be a quadrilateral as shown in Fig. 2, but may also be a shape other than a quadrilateral (see Mode 2). The size between the housings 60 and the connection locations between the housings 60 may be different.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 5, the image reading apparatus 1 (1a to 1e) configured as described above can further finely adjust the imaging width proportional to the number of connected line scanner units 3 by adjusting the position of the imaging unit 10 in the connected line scanner units 3a to 3c along the guide rail 20. Further, as shown in Fig. 6, when the line scanner units 3a to 3c or 3a to 3e are connected to each other, it is possible to adjust the imaging width proportional to the number of connections. Furthermore, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 7, it is possible to connect the relative position in the height direction with respect to any of the line scanner units 3a to 3c in accordance with the unevenness of the upper surface of the imaging object 5c.

[0027] As an operation of the image reading apparatus 1 (1a to 1e), while synchronizing the operations of the connected line scanner units 3 (3a to 3e), each line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3e) irradiates the imaging object 5 with the illumination unit 30, and the reflected light is received by the image sensor 11. The received optical signal is converted into an electrical signal by the image sensor 11 for each line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3e) to acquire image data. Image data is continuously acquired for an arbitrary imaging time and accumulated for each line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3e). The accumulated image data for each line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3e) is collected by the image control board 12 of one of the line scanner units 3 (any of 3a to 3e), and the collected image data is combined to generate combined image data. The generated combined image data is output from the external interface unit 50 of the line scanner unit 3 (any of 3a to 3e).

[0028] According to Form 1, since it is configured such that the number of arrays in the width direction with respect to any line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n) and the relative position in the height direction with respect to any line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n) can be changed and connected, and the position of the imaging unit 10 in the line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n) can be adjusted along the guide rail 20, it can contribute to customization according to the width and shape of the imaging object 5 (5a to 5c).

[0029] Also, according to Embodiment 1, by changing the number of arrays in the width direction for any line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n), it is possible to widen or narrow the imaging width, thus improving the convenience for the user during operation.

[0030] Also, according to Embodiment 1, even when significantly changing the imaging width or imaging a three-dimensional shaped object 5 (5a to 5c), by changing the number of arrays in the width direction for any line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n) or changing and connecting the relative position in the height direction for any line scanner unit 3 (3a to 3n), the imaging width can be changed or adjusted to the shape of the object 5 (5a to 5c) to be imaged. As a result, it is not necessary to create a new housing, and the manufacturing cost of the device can be reduced.

[0031] Also, according to Embodiment 1, by arbitrarily changing the shape of the housing 60 and connecting them, it is possible to read objects 5 (5a to 5c) to be imaged other than a single plane.

[0032] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 1, since the device can be customized, the constraints when installing the device can be eliminated.

[0033] [Embodiment 2] The image reading device according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a front view schematically showing a second example of the configuration of a line scanner in the image reading device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a front view schematically showing a fourth example of the configuration of the image reading device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a front view schematically showing a fifth example of the configuration of the image reading device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a front view schematically showing a sixth example of the configuration of the image reading device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a front view schematically showing a seventh example of the configuration of the image reading device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a front view schematically showing an eighth example of the configuration of the image reading device according to the present disclosure.

[0034] Form 2 is a modification of Form 1, in which the shape of the outer peripheral surface (excluding the front and rear surfaces) of the housing 61 is an arbitrary polyhedral shape (a shape composed of eight planes in FIG. 8). Any surface of the housing 61 other than the lower surface (the surface that captures light, the surface on the side of the imaging objects 6a to 6e) and any surface of another adjacent housing 61 other than the lower surface (the surface that captures light, the surface on the side of the imaging objects 6a to 6e) can be joined together at an arbitrary relative angle to connect the housings 61. For example, when the housings 61 of the line scanner units 4a to 4e are shaped as shown in FIG. 8, for the imaging object 6a with inclined surfaces on both sides of the ridge line on the upper surface as shown in FIG. 9, the line scanner units 4a and 4b can be tilted and connected in accordance with the inclined surfaces of the imaging object 6a.

[0035] Also, for the imaging object 6b with uneven surfaces on the upper surface as shown in FIG. 10, the line scanner units 4a to 4c can be connected by shifting their positions in the vertical direction in accordance with the uneven surfaces of the imaging object 6b.

[0036] Also, for the imaging object 6c with inclined surfaces on both sides of a horizontal plane on the upper surface as shown in FIG. 11, the line scanner units 4b and 4d and the line scanner units 4c and 4e can be tilted respectively in accordance with the horizontal plane and the inclined surfaces of the imaging object 6c, or the number of arrangements in the width direction for any of the line scanner units 4a to 4c can be increased for connection.

[0037] Also, for the imaging object 6d with a curved surface on the upper surface as shown in FIG. 12, the line scanner units 4a to 4c can be tilted and connected in accordance with the curved surface of the imaging object 6d.

[0038] Also, as shown in FIG. 13, on the upper surface, there is an inclined surface on one side of the horizontal plane. The width of the horizontal plane is narrower than the width of one line scanner unit 4b, and the length of the inclined surface is narrower than the width of two line scanner units 4c and 4a. For the imaging object 6e, the line scanner units 4a and 4b can be tilted according to the horizontal plane and the inclined surface of the imaging object 6e, the number of arrangements in the width direction for any line scanner units 4b and 4c can be increased and connected, and the positions of the imaging units 10 of the line scanner units 4a to 4c can be adjusted. Also, as shown in FIG. 13, even when the distances from the line scanner units 4a to 4c to the imaging object 6e are different due to the connection of the line scanner units 4a to 4c, the imaging width can be adjusted by adjusting the positions of the imaging units 10 of the line scanner units 4a to 4c.

[0039] Other configurations and operations are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0040] According to Embodiment 2, similar to Embodiment 1, it can contribute to customization according to the widths and shapes of the imaging objects 6a to 6e, the line scanner units 4 (4a to 4e) can be connected in any number of arrangements and at any angles, and the positions of the imaging units 10 of each line scanner unit 4 (4a to 4e) can be adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to image the imaging object 6 (6a to 6e) with a complex shape from multiple directions.

[0041] [Embodiment 3] The image reading apparatus according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 14 is a block diagram schematically showing a ninth example of the configuration of the image reading apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0042] Embodiment 3 is a modification of Embodiment 1, in which part or all of the control or data processing performed on the image control board (12 in FIG. 4) is performed by the line scanner control device 80.

[0043] The line scanner control device 80 is electrically connected to the image control boards (12 in FIG. 4) in the line scanner units 3a to 3n. As the line scanner control device 80, for example, a microcomputer, a personal computer, a notebook personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc. can be used. The line scanner control device 80 can be configured to control the operations of the imaging unit (10 in FIG. 4) and the illumination unit (30 in FIG. 4) through the image control board (12 in FIG. 4) and process the image data acquired by the image sensor (11 in FIG. 4) by executing a stored predetermined program.

[0044] The line scanner control device 80 may be configured to control (position adjustment) the position of the imaging unit (10 in FIG. 2) on the guide rail (20 in FIG. 2) in each of the line scanner units 3a to 3n. The line scanner control device 80 may be configured to control the operation of the image sensor 11 (for example, select pixels to be used) in each of the line scanner units 3a to 3n so as to focus on the imaging object (5a in FIG. 1). The line scanner control device 80 may be configured to control the operations of the image sensor (11 in FIG. 2) and the illumination unit (30 in FIG. 2) in each of the line scanner units 3a to 3n to be synchronized using a synchronization signal common to the image reading devices 1 (1a to 1e). The line scanner control device 80 may be configured to perform a process of collecting and combining the image data acquired by the imaging unit (10 in FIG. 2) in each of the line scanner units 3a to 3n to generate combined image data.

[0045] Other configurations and operations are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Further, Embodiment 3 may be applied to Embodiment 2.

[0046] According to Embodiment 3, similar to Embodiment 1, it can contribute to customization according to the width and shape of the imaging objects 6a to 6e, and by performing part or all of the control and data processing of the line scanner units 3a to 3n by the line scanner control device 80, the design and manufacture of the device can be simplified.

[0047] [Form 4] The image reading apparatus according to Form 4 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 15 is a front view schematically showing a ninth example of the configuration of the image reading apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0048] The image reading apparatus 1 is an apparatus for acquiring an image. The image reading apparatus 1 has a configuration in which a plurality of line scanner units 3a to 3n are connected with an arbitrary number of arrangements in the width direction with respect to any of the line scanner units 3a to 3n (it is also possible with an arbitrary relative angle and an arbitrary relative position in the height direction with respect to any of the line scanner units 3a to 3n). Each of the line scanner units 3a to 3n includes a housing 60, an illumination unit 30, and an imaging unit 10.

[0049] The housing 60 is configured to be able to take in light from a surface facing at least a part of the imaging object 5. The guide rail 20 is fixed in the housing 60 so as to extend in the width direction. The illumination unit 30 is fixed to the housing 60 so as to irradiate at least a part of the imaging object 5. The imaging unit 10 is arranged to be movable along the guide rail 20 within the housing 60 and is configured to capture at least a part of the imaging object 5 irradiated by the illumination unit 30 to acquire image data.

[0050] According to Form 1, since it has a configuration that can be connected by changing the number of arrangements in the width direction with respect to any of the line scanner units 3a to 3n, an arbitrary relative angle, and an arbitrary relative position in the height direction with respect to any of the line scanner units 3a to 3n, and the imaging unit 10 within the line scanner units 3a to 3n can be adjusted in position along the guide rail 20, it can contribute to customization according to the width and shape of the imaging object 5.

[0051] Note that the line scanner control device according to Form 4 can be configured by so-called hardware resources (information processing devices, computers), and those having the configuration illustrated in FIG. 16 can be used. For example, the hardware resource 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, a network interface 103, etc., which are interconnected by an internal bus 104.

[0052] Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 16 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the hardware resource 100. The hardware resource 100 may include hardware not shown (for example, an input / output interface). Alternatively, the number of units such as the processor 101 included in the device is not intended to be limited to the example in FIG. 16. For example, a plurality of processors 101 may be included in the hardware resource 100. As the processor 101, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. can be used.

[0053] As the memory 102, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. can be used.

[0054] As the network interface 103, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) card, a network adapter, a network interface card, etc. can be used.

[0055] The functions of the hardware resource 100 are realized by the above-described processing module. The processing module is realized, for example, by the processor 101 executing a program stored in the memory 102. Further, the program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. Furthermore, the above-described processing module may be realized by a semiconductor chip. That is, the functions performed by the above-described processing module may be realized by software being executed on some hardware.

[0056] Some or all of the above aspects may be described as follows in the appended claims, but are not limited thereto.

[0057] [Appendix 1] An image reading apparatus in which a plurality of line scanner units are connected in the number of arrangements in the width direction with respect to any one of the line scanner units, or at an arbitrary relative angle, or at an arbitrary relative position in the height direction with respect to any one of the line scanner units, wherein each of the line scanner units, a housing configured to be able to take in light from a surface facing at least a part of an imaging object, a guide rail fixed in the housing so as to extend in the width direction, a lighting unit fixed to the housing so as to irradiate at least a part of the imaging object, an imaging unit disposed movably along the guide rail in the housing and configured to capture at least a part of the imaging object irradiated by the lighting unit to acquire image data, and an image reading apparatus comprising the same. [Appendix 2] The shape of the outer peripheral surface of the housing is an arbitrary polyhedral shape, and the housing is connected to each other at an arbitrary relative angle by combining any surface other than the surface for taking in light of the housing and any surface other than the surface for taking in light of another adjacent housing, The image reading apparatus according to Appendix 1. [Appendix 3] The imaging unit is fixed to the housing and configured to focus an optical signal from at least a part of the imaging object irradiated by the illumination unit; an image sensor disposed in the housing and configured to convert the optical signal converged by the lens into an electrical signal to generate the image data; an image control board configured to control each operation of the imaging unit and the illumination unit and process the image data generated by the image sensor; and includes the image reading apparatus according to appended note 1 or 2. [Appended note 4] The image control board is configured to cooperate with the image control boards of the other line scanner units other than its own line scanner unit in the image reading apparatus to control the position of the imaging unit on the guide rail. The image reading apparatus according to appended note 3. [Appended note 5] The image control board is configured to cooperate with the image control boards of the other line scanner units other than its own line scanner unit in the image reading apparatus to control the operation of the image sensor so as to focus on the imaging object. The image reading apparatus according to appended note 3 or 4. [Appended note 6] The image control board is configured to control the operations of the image sensor and the illumination unit of its own line scanner unit so as to synchronize with the operations of the image sensor and the illumination unit of the other line scanner units using a common synchronization signal in the image reading apparatus. The image reading apparatus according to any one of appended notes 3 to 5. [Appended note 7] The image control board is configured to perform a process of combining the image data acquired by the imaging unit of its own line scanner unit and the image data acquired by the imaging unit of another line scanner unit other than its own line scanner unit in the image reading apparatus to generate combined image data. The image reading apparatus according to any one of Appendices 3 to 6. [Appendix 8] Comprising a line scanner control device that is electrically connected to the image control board of each of the line scanner units and configured to control each operation of the imaging unit and the illumination unit through the image control board and process the image data acquired by the image sensor. The image reading apparatus according to Appendix 3. [Appendix 9] The line scanner control device is configured to control the position on the guide rail of the imaging unit in each of the line scanner units. The image reading apparatus according to Appendix 8. [Appendix 10] The line scanner control device is configured to control the operation of the image sensor in each of the line scanner units so as to focus on the object to be imaged. The image reading apparatus according to Appendix 8 or 9. [Appendix 11] The line scanner control device is configured to control the operations of the image sensor and the illumination unit in each of the line scanner units to be synchronized using a common synchronization signal in the image reading apparatus. The image reading apparatus according to any one of Appendices 8 to 10. [Appendix 12] The line scanner control device is configured to perform a process of collecting and combining the image data acquired by the imaging unit in each of the line scanner units to generate combined image data. The image reading apparatus according to any one of Appendices 8 to 11. [Appendix 13] An image reading method for reading an image using an image reading apparatus in which a plurality of line scanner units are connected in the number of arrangements in the width direction with respect to any of the line scanner units, or at an arbitrary relative angle, or at an arbitrary relative position in the height direction with respect to any of the line scanner units, each of the line scanner units a housing configured to be able to take in light from a surface facing at least a part of an imaging object, a guide rail fixed in the housing so as to extend in the width direction, a lighting unit fixed to the housing so as to irradiate at least a part of the imaging object, an imaging unit disposed movably along the guide rail in the housing and configured to capture at least a part of the imaging object irradiated by the lighting unit to acquire image data, and comprising the image reading method includes a step of controlling, by hardware resources in the image reading apparatus, positions of the imaging units on the guide rails in each of the line scanner units. Image reading method. [Appendix 14] A program to be executed on hardware resources in an image reading apparatus in which a plurality of line scanner units are connected in the number of arrangements in the width direction with respect to any of the line scanner units, or at an arbitrary relative angle, or at an arbitrary relative position in the height direction with respect to any of the line scanner units, each of the line scanner units a housing configured to be able to take in light from a surface facing at least a part of an imaging object, a guide rail fixed in the housing so as to extend in the width direction, a lighting unit fixed to the housing so as to irradiate at least a part of the imaging object, an imaging unit disposed movably along the guide rail in the housing and configured to capture at least a part of the imaging object irradiated by the lighting unit to acquire image data, comprising The program causes the hardware resources in the image reading apparatus to execute a process of controlling the positions of the imaging units on the guide rails in each of the line scanner units. Program.

[0058] Note that the disclosure of the above patent document is incorporated herein by reference and can be used as the basis or part of the present invention as necessary. Within the scope of the entire disclosure of the present invention (including the claims and the drawings), further modifications and adjustments of the form or embodiments can be made based on the basic technical idea. Also, within the scope of the entire disclosure of the present invention, various combinations or selections (including non-selections if necessary) of various disclosure elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each form or embodiment, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible. That is, the present invention naturally includes various deformations and modifications that could be made by those skilled in the art according to the entire disclosure including the claims and the drawings and the technical idea. Also, regarding the numerical values and numerical ranges described in this application, any intermediate value, lower numerical value, and small range are considered to be described even if not explicitly stated. Furthermore, each disclosure item of the above-cited document is, as necessary, considered to be included in (belong to) the disclosure of the present application and can be used in combination with the description items of this document as part of the disclosure of the present invention in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0059] 1, 1a~1e, 2a~2e Image reading apparatus 3, 3a~3n, 4a~4e Line scanner unit 5, 5a~5c, 6a~6e Object to be imaged 10 Imaging unit 11 Image sensor 12 Image control board 13 Lens 20 Guide rail 30 Lighting unit 31 Housing 32 Board 33 Light emitting element 34 Diffuser 40 Lighting unit power supply 50 External interface unit 60, 61 Housing 70 Connecting member 80 Line scanner control device 100 Hardware resources 101 Processor 102 Memory 103 Network interface 104 Internal bus

Claims

1. An image reading apparatus in which a plurality of line scanner units are connected in the number of arrays in the width direction with respect to any of the line scanner units, or at an arbitrary relative angle, or at a relative position in the height direction with respect to any of the line scanner units, Each of the line scanner units includes: A housing configured to be able to take in light from a surface facing at least a part of an imaging object; A guide rail fixed in the housing so as to extend in the width direction; An illumination unit fixed to the housing so as to irradiate at least a part of the imaging object; An imaging unit that is disposed movably along the guide rail in the housing and is configured to capture at least a part of the imaging object irradiated by the illumination unit to acquire image data. An image reading apparatus comprising the above.

2. The shape of the outer peripheral surface of the housing is an arbitrary polyhedral shape, and the housings are connected to each other at an arbitrary relative angle by combining any surface other than the light-incorporating surface of the housing and any surface other than the light-incorporating surface of another adjacent housing. The image reading apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. The imaging unit includes: A lens fixed to the housing and configured to focus an optical signal from at least a part of the imaging object irradiated by the illumination unit; An image sensor disposed in the housing and configured to convert the optical signal converged by the lens into an electrical signal to generate the image data; An image control board configured to control each operation of the imaging unit and the illumination unit and process the image data generated by the image sensor. Comprising the above, The image reading apparatus according to Claim 1.

4. The image control board is configured to cooperate with the image control boards of other line scanner units other than its own line scanner unit in the image reading apparatus to control the position on the guide rail of the imaging unit. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The image control board is configured to cooperate with the image control boards of other line scanner units other than its own line scanner unit in the image reading apparatus to control the operation of the image sensor so as to focus on the imaging object. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3.

6. The image control board is configured to control the operations of the image sensor and the illumination unit of its own line scanner unit so as to synchronize with the operations of the image sensor and the illumination unit of other line scanner units using a common synchronization signal in the image reading apparatus. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3.

7. The image control board is configured to perform a process of combining the image data acquired by the imaging unit of its own line scanner unit and the image data acquired by the imaging unit of other line scanner units other than its own line scanner unit in the image reading apparatus to generate combined image data. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3.

8. A line scanner control device is provided, which is electrically connected to the image control boards of each of the line scanner units, controls the operations of the imaging unit and the illumination unit through the image control board, and processes the image data acquired by the image sensor. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3.

9. An image reading method for reading an image using an image reading apparatus in which a plurality of line scanner units are connected in an array number in the width direction, an arbitrary relative angle, or a relative position in the height direction with respect to any of the line scanner units, wherein each of the line scanner units, includes a housing configured to be able to take in light from a surface facing at least a part of an imaging object, a guide rail fixed in the housing so as to extend in the width direction, an illumination unit fixed to the housing so as to irradiate at least a part of the imaging object, and an imaging unit disposed movably along the guide rail in the housing and configured to capture at least a part of the imaging object irradiated by the illumination unit to acquire image data, and the image reading method includes a step of controlling, by hardware resources in the image reading apparatus, positions of the imaging units on the guide rails in each of the line scanner units. Image reading method.

10. A program to be executed on hardware resources in an image reading apparatus in which a plurality of line scanner units are connected in an array number in the width direction, an arbitrary relative angle, or a relative position in the height direction with respect to any of the line scanner units, wherein each of the line scanner units, includes a housing configured to be able to take in light from a surface facing at least a part of an imaging object, a guide rail fixed in the housing so as to extend in the width direction, an illumination unit fixed to the housing so as to irradiate at least a part of the imaging object, ​An imaging unit that is disposed movably along the guide rail within the housing and is configured to capture at least a part of the imaging object irradiated by the illumination unit to acquire image data. Comprising The program causes the hardware resources in the image reading apparatus to execute a process of controlling the position on the guide rail of the imaging unit in each of the line scanner units. Program.

Images