Image processing apparatus and image processing method

Abstract

To increase image reading accuracy despite local deviation of a lens or a light receiving element.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus has: a sensor chip that is formed of a light receiving element arrangement in which a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged including in order first to third light receiving elements each receiving a ray of light and outputting a light receiving signal, and outputs an output signal changing in accordance with the plurality of light receiving signals; a lens array unit in which a plurality of lenses are arranged including first to third lenses each condensing the ray of light to each light receiving element; and a correction circuit that receives input of the output signal and outputs a corrected output signal. When a first light receiving signal and a third light receiving signal included in the output signal have equal characteristics, and the first light receiving signal and a second light receiving signal included in the output signal have different characteristics, the correction circuit outputs the corrected output signal corrected so that the characteristics of the second light receiving signal included in the output signal is made equal to the characteristics of the first light receiving signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image processing device and an image processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] In image processing devices, various techniques have been devised for performing various corrections when outputting images. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for performing various corrections such as color mixing correction, color shading correction, and light collection correction on the output signal of a solid-state imaging element as a correction related to image quality in an image processing device, and then outputting the signal (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013 / 099613 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional correction technology has been premised on the use of sensor devices that meet a certain standard. In recent years, with growing interest in environmental conservation, efforts are being called for to utilize sensor devices that have deteriorated in quality without discarding them, as stated in Target 12.5 of the SDGs, "Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse." For this reason, it was necessary to develop technology that could effectively utilize sensor devices of lower quality, such as those with variations in alignment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one aspect, in order to solve the above problem, a sensor chip includes a light receiving element array in which a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged in order, the light receiving elements including a first light receiving element that receives a first light ray and outputs a first light receiving signal, a second light receiving element that receives a second light ray and outputs a second light receiving signal, and a third light receiving element that receives a third light ray and outputs a third light receiving signal, the sensor chip outputting an output signal that changes in response to the plurality of light receiving signals including the first light receiving signal, the second light receiving signal, and the third light receiving signal; a first lens that focuses the first light ray onto the first light receiving element; a second lens that focuses the second light ray onto the second light receiving element; and a third lens that focuses the third light ray onto a third light receiving element; and a correction circuit that receives the output signal and outputs a corrected output signal, wherein when the characteristics of the first and third light receiving signals included in the output signal are equal and the characteristics of the first and second light receiving signals included in the output signal are different, the correction circuit outputs the corrected output signal in which the characteristics of the second light receiving signal included in the output signal are corrected to be equal to the characteristics of the first light receiving signal.

[0006] In one aspect to solve the above problem, a sensor chip includes a light receiving element array in which a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged in order, the light receiving elements including a first light receiving element that receives a first light ray and outputs a first light receiving signal, a second light receiving element that receives a second light ray and outputs a second light receiving signal, and a third light receiving element that receives a third light ray and outputs a third light receiving signal, the sensor chip outputting an output signal that changes in response to the plurality of light receiving signals including the first light receiving signal, the second light receiving signal, and the third light receiving signal; a first lens that focuses the first light ray onto the first light receiving element; a second lens that focuses the second light ray onto the second light receiving element; and a third lens that focuses the third light ray, and a correction circuit that receives the output signal and outputs a corrected output signal, wherein when the characteristics of the first light receiving signal and the third light receiving signal included in the output signal are equal and the characteristics of the first light receiving signal and the second light receiving signal included in the output signal are different, the correction circuit outputs the corrected output signal in which the characteristics of the second light receiving signal included in the output signal are corrected to be equal to the characteristics of the first light receiving signal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the appearance of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a first image sensor module according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 3 is a plan view schematically illustrating the arrangement of a plurality of image reading chips included in an image reading unit and a plurality of lenses included in a lens array unit according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the arrangement of a plurality of light receiving elements included in one image reading chip according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of element misalignment and a reading result according to the embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the correction circuit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a procedure of a process performed by a correction circuit according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the appearance of an image processing device 1 according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the image processing device 1 is a scanner that reads an image. As a scanner, the image processing device 1 optically reads an object to be read and outputs image data. The image processing device 1 includes a case 10, a front cover plate 20, and a rear cover plate 30.

[0009] The front cover plate 20 includes a plate-shaped portion 21 formed in a substantially rectangular shape, a first leg portion 22a, and a second leg portion 22b, and supports a document to be introduced into the introduction port on the plate-shaped portion 21. The document is an example of a medium.

[0010] The case 10 has a roughly box-like shape and houses various devices described below inside. The case 10 includes a paper feed opening 11, a paper discharge opening 12, a display panel 13, and an operation switch 14. The paper feed opening 11 is located on the upper side of the case 10, and a document on the plate-shaped portion 21 of the front cover plate 20 is introduced into the paper feed opening 11 through between the first leg portion 22a and the second leg portion 22b. The paper discharge opening 12 is introduced from the paper feed opening 11 and discharges the document after the image has been read by the internal device. The display panel 13 is located on the upper side of the case 10 and displays the operating status of the image processing device 1 as well as the reading accuracy or reading range, etc. The operation switch 14 allows input of information regarding the operation or reading accuracy, etc. of the image processing device 1.

[0011] The rear cover plate 30 is disposed behind the front cover plate 20 and is provided so as to cover the paper feed opening 11 when the front cover plate 20 is closed.

[0012] 2 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of the image processing device 1 according to the embodiment. The operation of the image processing device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The image processing device 1 includes, inside the case 10, a first paper feed roller 51a and a second paper feed roller 51b, a paper discharge roller 52, two transparent plates, a first transparent plate 53a and a second transparent plate 53b, an image sensor module section 41 having a first image sensor module 41a and a second image sensor module 41b, and a main board 60.

[0013] In the image processing device 1, a document placed on the plate-shaped unit 21 is transported from the paper feed slot 11 to between the first transparent plate 53a and the second transparent plate 53b by the first paper feed roller 51a and the second paper feed roller 51b. When the document is transported between the first transparent plate 53a and the second transparent plate 53b, the first image sensor module 41a irradiates a first side of the document with light through the first transparent plate 53a, receives the light reflected from the document, and generates an image signal based on a signal obtained by photoelectric conversion, thereby reading an image formed on the first side of the document. Similarly, the second image sensor module 41b irradiates a second side of the document different from the first side with light through the second transparent plate 53b, receives the light reflected from the document, and generates an image signal based on a signal obtained by photoelectric conversion, thereby reading an image formed on the second side of the document. Here, the first side of the document is the front or back side, and the opposite side is the second side. Furthermore, the light reflected from the original is light from the image.

[0014] The first image sensor module 41a and the second image sensor module 41b are each, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) line sensor of a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) type. The image signals generated by the first image sensor module 41a and the second image sensor module 41b are transferred to the main board 60 and processed. The document is then read line by line, and each time reading is completed, the document is transported by rollers in the direction of the paper discharge outlet 12. The read document is transported to the paper discharge outlet 12 by paper discharge rollers 52.

[0015] The first paper feed roller 51a, the second paper feed roller 51b, and the paper discharge roller 52 constitute a transport unit that transports documents, and the image processing device 1 according to this embodiment is a so-called sheet-fed double-sided scanner. As another example, the image processing device 1 may be a single-sided scanner.

[0016] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of the first image sensor module 41a according to the embodiment. The configuration of the second image sensor module 41b is similar to that of the first image sensor module 41a.

[0017] 3, the first image sensor module 41a includes a first case 411, a light source 412, a lens array unit 413, a module substrate 414, an image reading unit 415 for reading an image, and a correction circuit 55. The image reading unit 415 is a semiconductor device. The light source 412, the lens array unit 413, and the image reading unit 415 are housed between the first case 411 and the module substrate 414. The first case 411 has a slit. The light source 412 has, for example, R, G, and B light emitting diodes (LEDs), and switches between the R, G, and B light emitting diodes at high speed to emit light in sequence. The R light emitting diode is a red LED, the G light emitting diode is a green LED, and the B light emitting diode is a blue LED. Light emitted from light source 412 is irradiated onto the medium to be read through the slit, and light from the medium to be read is input to lens array unit 413 through the slit. Lens array unit 413 guides the input light to image reading unit 415.

[0018] The correction circuit 55 includes a memory 511 . The memory 511 stores a correction amount 521 .

[0019] FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing the arrangement of a plurality of image reading chips included in the image reading section 415 and a plurality of lenses included in the lens array unit 413 according to the embodiment. 4 shows an X-axis and a Y-axis that are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis represents the direction in which the first image reading chip 421-1 to the m-th image reading chip 421-m and the first lens 431-1 to the n-th lens 431-n, which are multiple image reading chips, are lined up in a normal state. Here, m represents an integer of 2 or greater, and in practice represents an integer greater than this. Furthermore, n represents an integer of 3 or more, and in practice represents an even larger number.

[0020] 4 shows the lens array unit 413 and the image reading unit 415 as viewed from above, and for the sake of convenience, the lens array unit 413 and the image reading unit 415 are shown offset from each other. In other words, in reality, the lens array unit 413 and the image reading unit 415 overlap when viewed from above, but they are offset from each other in the illustration. In this embodiment, the lens array unit 413 has n lenses, ie, first lens 431-1 to n-th lens 431-n, and the image reading unit 415 has m image reading chips, ie, first image reading chip 421-1 to m-th image reading chip 421-m.

[0021] 4, m image reading chips, namely, first image reading chip 421-1 to m-th image reading chip 421-m, are arranged in a line in the X-axis direction, which is a one-dimensional direction, on module substrate 414. Each of first image reading chip 421-1 to m-th image reading chip 421-m has a large number of light receiving elements arranged in a row, and the higher the density of the light receiving elements of first image reading chip 421-1 to m-th image reading chip 421-m, the higher the image reading resolution of the image processing device 1 that can be realized. Furthermore, the greater the number of image reading chips, the more the image processing device 1 that can read larger images can be realized.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing the arrangement of a plurality of light receiving elements included in one image reading chip according to the embodiment. 5 shows an X-axis and a Y-axis that are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis represents the direction in which the first to r-th light receiving elements 531-1 to 531-r, which are multiple light receiving elements, are lined up when normal. Here, r represents an integer greater than or equal to 3, and in practice may represent a larger number. For example, r may be 16.

[0023] FIG. 5 shows the first image reading chip 421-1 as viewed from above. In this embodiment, the first image reading chip 421-1 has r light receiving elements, ie, a first light receiving element 531-1 to an r-th light receiving element 531-r.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 5, first light receiving element 531-1 to r-th light receiving element 531-r are arranged on module substrate 414 in the X-axis direction, which is a one-dimensional direction.

[0025] Here, the configuration of the first image reading chip 421-1 has been described as a representative example, but the configurations of the other image reading chips, second image reading chip 421-2 to mth image reading chip 421-m, are similar.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the element misalignment and the read result P1 according to the embodiment. X-axis and Y-axis, which are orthogonal to each other, are shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows the state viewed from above. FIG. 6 shows the first element M1 to the fifth element M5 and the read result P1. Here, the first element M1 to the fifth element M5 are lenses or light receiving elements. That is, here, the misalignment of the lenses and the misalignment of the light receiving elements will be explained together. In reality, the relative misalignment between the lens alignment and the light receiving elements is the problem.

[0027] In the example of Figure 6, under normal circumstances, the first element M1 to the fifth element M5 are aligned in a row along the center line C1, but the third element M3 is bent and shifted by a first shift amount h in a direction parallel to the Y axis from the center line C1. When a straight line parallel to the center line C1 is read, the reading result P1 will normally be a straight line parallel to the center line C1, but due to the misalignment of the third element M3, distortion occurs in the location corresponding to the third element M3.

[0028] Here, an example of a process for correcting distortion caused by bending of such an element will be described, taking the first image reading chip 421-1 as an example. First, an offset table is created. The amount of deviation in the direction parallel to the Y axis relative to the direction parallel to the X axis is defined as y=tbl[x], where x represents a value on the X axis and represents each pixel read by the first image reading chip 421-1. As an example, the deviation amount y may be determined based on the result of reading a straight line that serves as a reference line using the first image reading chip 421-1. As another example, the deviation amount y may be determined by reading a plurality of lines using the first image reading chip 421-1, and averaging the deviation amount for each x. This example is particularly effective when a straight line cannot be prepared.

[0029] An offset table that holds information on the deviation amount y=tbl[x] is stored in the memory 511 as the correction amount 521. Next, the correction circuit 55 performs a correction based on the offset table, shifting the coordinates of the read pixel values in the Y-axis direction according to the amount of deviation y=tbl[x] for each pixel corresponding to each x. This shift cancels out the amount of deviation y=tbl[x], that is, it shifts the coordinates by the same amount as the amount of deviation y=tbl[x] in the opposite direction to the deviation.

[0030] A specific example is given below. The pixel value at coordinates (x, y) in the original image is represented as io[x][y]. The pixel value of the coordinates (x, y) in the image after conversion by the correction circuit 55 is expressed as ia[x][y]. Then, as an example, the relationship of equation (1) holds. Note that equation (1) is an example of a correction equation, and other calculation equations may be used as the correction equation.

[0031] [Number 1] ia[x][y]=io[x][y+xi]*(1-k) +io[x][y+xi+1]*k where: xi=int(tbl[x]) k=tbl[x]-int(tbl[x]) * indicates multiplication. int() represents integerization. ··(1)

[0032] Here, the first image reading chip 421-1 has been described as an example, but such correction is performed on the output signals from each of the first image reading chip 421-1 to the m-th image reading chip 421-m. The correction value of such correction is designed to absorb 4M fluctuations in the signal output section for the lens or light receiving element.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the correction circuit 55 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 shows an X-axis and a Y-axis that are perpendicular to each other. FIG. 7 shows the first lens L1 to the third lens L3, the first light ray R1 to the third light ray R3, the first light receiving element D1 to the third light receiving element D3, the first light receiving signal G1 to the third light receiving signal G3, the output signal A1, the correction circuit 55, and the corrected output signal B1.

[0034] Here, the first lens L1 to the third lens L3 represent three lenses arranged consecutively in the lens array unit 413 shown in FIG. 5. The first light receiving element D1 to the third light receiving element D3 represent three light receiving elements arranged consecutively in the first image reading chip 421-1 shown in FIG. These three lenses and three light receiving elements may be applied to any lenses and light receiving elements of the lens array unit 413 and the first image reading chip 421-1, as long as there is a relationship in which each lens focuses light onto each light receiving element.

[0035] In the lens array unit 413, a plurality of lenses including a first lens L1, a second lens L2, and a third lens L3 are arranged. The first lens L1 focuses the first light ray R1 onto the first light receiving element D1. The second lens L2 condenses the second light ray R2 onto the second light receiving element D2. The third lens L3 condenses the third light ray R3 onto the third light receiving element D3. The first image reading chip 421-1, which is an example of a sensor chip, is made up of a light receiving element array in which a plurality of light receiving elements including a first light receiving element D1, a second light receiving element D2, and a third light receiving element D3 are arranged in that order. The first light receiving element D1 receives the first light ray R1 and outputs a first light receiving signal G1. The second light receiving element D2 receives the second light ray R2 and outputs a second light receiving signal G2. The third light receiving element D3 receives the third light ray R3 and outputs a third light receiving signal G3. The first image reading chip 421-1 outputs an output signal A1 that changes in response to a plurality of light receiving signals including a first light receiving signal G1, a second light receiving signal G2, and a third light receiving signal G3. The correction circuit 55 receives the output signal A1 and outputs a corrected output signal B1.

[0036] When the characteristics of the first and third received light signals G1 and G3 included in the output signal A1 are equal, and the characteristics of the first and second received light signals G1 and G2 included in the output signal A1 are different, the correction circuit 55 outputs a corrected output signal B1 in which the characteristics of the second received light signal G2 included in the output signal A1 are corrected to be equal to the characteristics of the first received light signal G1.

[0037] Therefore, when the characteristics of the second received light signal G2 are different from the characteristics of the first received light signal G1 and the third received light signal G3, the correction circuit 55 can convert the output signal A1 into a corrected output signal B1 so that the characteristics of the second received light signal G2 are equal to the characteristics of the first received light signal G1 and the third received light signal G3. As a result, even if there is a local misalignment of the line sensor in the sensor chip, the correction circuit 55 can suppress the influence on the scanned image, thereby improving the image reading accuracy.

[0038] Here, the characteristics change depending on the amount of misalignment of each of the plurality of light receiving elements included in the light receiving element array. Furthermore, the characteristics change depending on the amount of misalignment of each of the multiple lenses included in the lens array unit 413. In reality, the characteristics change depending on the amount of deviation in the relative positions of the light receiving element and the lens.

[0039] Therefore, in the image processing device 1, for example, if there is no misalignment among the multiple light receiving elements, correction can be made according to the amount of misalignment among the multiple lenses, and conversely, if there is no misalignment among the multiple lenses, correction can be made according to the amount of misalignment among the multiple light receiving elements. Furthermore, even when there is misalignment among the multiple light receiving elements and also among the multiple lenses, correction can be performed based on the relative amounts of misalignment between the multiple light receiving elements and the multiple lenses.

[0040] In this embodiment, the characteristic is an index value that represents the degree of linearity of a plurality of lenses or a plurality of light receiving elements that are normally arranged in a straight line. Note that the degree of non-linearity may be used instead of the degree of linearity. Such characteristics are determined by the amount of coordinate deviation caused by partial curvature of the lenses or the light receiving elements, and such local deviations cause distortion in the scanned image. In this embodiment, such local deviations can be compensated for.

[0041] The correction circuit 55 includes a memory 511 . The correction circuit 55 corrects the input output signal A1 in accordance with the correction amount 521 stored in the memory 511, and outputs a corrected output signal B1. Therefore, the correction circuit 55 can perform correction based on the correction amount 521 obtained in advance by experiment or the like.

[0042] The correction amount 521 is prepared for each light receiving element. Therefore, the correction circuit 55 can perform highly accurate correction for each light receiving element.

[0043] The correction amounts 521 are stored as an array in the memory 511. That is, the correction amounts for the array of multiple pixels of the line sensor are stored in the same array in the area of the memory 511. The array in the area of the memory 511 represents a physically lined up array. In this way, the correction amounts for the array of multiple pixels are stored in a consolidated memory area, rather than in discrete memory areas. Therefore, the time required for the correction circuit 55 to read the correction amount 521 from the memory 511 can be shortened.

[0044] FIG. 8 shows an example of the procedure of the process performed by the correction circuit 55 according to the embodiment. In this example, the first image reading chip 421-1 will be described as an example, and the same applies to the other sensor chips, the second image reading chip 421-2 to the m-th image reading chip 421-m.

[0045] In step S1, the correction circuit 55 receives an output signal from the first image reading chip 421-1, and then proceeds to the process of step S2. Here, the output signal contains information of a plurality of received light signals.

[0046] In step S2, the correction circuit 55 determines whether or not the received light signal satisfies a predetermined condition based on the input signal. Here, the predetermined condition is a condition that determines whether or not the correction circuit 55 corrects the input signal, and is set in advance.

[0047] If the correction circuit 55 determines in step S2 that the light reception signal satisfies the predetermined condition, the result of step S2 is YES, and the process proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if the correction circuit 55 determines in step S2 that the light reception signal does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the result of step S2 is NO, and the process proceeds to step S4.

[0048] In step S3, the correction circuit 55 corrects the input signal and outputs a corrected output signal that is the result of the correction. Then, the processing of this flow ends.

[0049] In step S4, the correction circuit 55 outputs the input signal. In this case, the correction circuit 55 does not correct the signal, and outputs the signal as is. Then, the processing of this flow ends.

[0050] As described above, the image processing device 1 according to this embodiment can improve the positional reproducibility of the scanned image, that is, can improve the reproducibility of scanning straight lines on the object to be scanned. As a result, the image processing device 1 can improve the image scanning accuracy even if there is a local misalignment of the lens or light receiving element, thereby improving the quality of the scanned image.

[0051] As a specific example, in this embodiment, the correction circuit 55 can correct distortion caused by local curvature in a CIS scanned image. A CIS is composed of a light source, a lens array, a line sensor, and a circuit board and housing that control these components. While correcting the position and tilt of an entire line sensor or individual sensor chips has been well-known, correction for distortion caused by local curvature of the light-receiving elements within a sensor chip has not been performed. Here, local curvature refers to misalignment of elements, and distortion refers to the focus deviation of various objects. An example of local curvature is a sensor chip, where tiny light-receiving elements are arranged in a straight line, but in reality, some of them may be slightly misaligned. In such cases, the misaligned portions will distort the lines in the scanned image. Similarly, a lens array, where tiny lenses are arranged in a straight line, may be slightly misaligned. In such cases, the misaligned portions will distort the lines in the scanned image.

[0052] As mentioned above, in image processing devices such as scanners that use line sensors, techniques for correcting installation errors in sensor chips in which multiple sensors are arranged in a line have been known for some time, and various countermeasures have been implemented, but the misalignment of multiple sensors within a sensor chip is minute, and no special measures have been implemented. If the misalignment within a sensor chip were only one pixel, it might not be a big problem, but when inspecting dimensions, for example, it could be detected as a bend, which could become a problem. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to further improve image quality, this problem has been identified and a method for dealing with the problem has been found. That is, in this embodiment, calibration for the amount of misalignment within the sensor chip can be performed using an offset table or the like, and distortion due to local bending within the sensor chip can be corrected.

[0053] Here, the image processing device 1 may be, for example, a CIS type image reading device or imaging device, or may be a printing device or a multifunction peripheral in which such a device is incorporated. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of the configuration and operation of the image processing device 1 has been described, but it is also possible to provide an image processing method for performing the image processing according to this embodiment.

[0054] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the present embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to the present embodiment and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate.

[0055] The present disclosure includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments, for example, configurations with the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effects. The present disclosure also includes configurations that replace non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments. The present disclosure also includes configurations that achieve the same effects or purposes as the configurations described in the embodiments. The present disclosure also includes configurations in which publicly known technology is added to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0056] Although the embodiments have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs within the scope of the gist of this disclosure.

[0057] [Note] Below, the dependent configuration examples may or may not apply. (Configuration example 1) a first light receiving element that receives the first light beam and outputs a first light receiving signal; a second light receiving element that receives the second light beam and outputs a second light receiving signal; a third light receiving element that receives the third light ray and outputs a third light receiving signal; a light receiving element array in which a plurality of light receiving elements including the following elements are arranged in order, the first received light signal; the second received light signal; the third received light signal; a sensor chip that outputs an output signal that changes in response to a plurality of received light signals, including: a first lens that focuses the first light beam onto the first light receiving element; a second lens that focuses the second light beam onto the second light receiving element; a third lens that condenses the third light beam onto the third light receiving element; a lens array unit in which a plurality of lenses including the a correction circuit to which the output signal is input and which outputs a corrected output signal; and The correction circuit when the characteristics of the first and third received light signals included in the output signal are equal and the characteristics of the first and second received light signals included in the output signal are different, outputting the corrected output signal in which the characteristics of the second received light signal included in the output signal are corrected to be equal to the characteristics of the first received light signal. 1. An image processing device comprising:

[0058] (Configuration example 2) the characteristics change depending on the amount of deviation of each of the plurality of light receiving elements included in the light receiving element array. The image processing device according to (Configuration Example 1) is characterized in that:

[0059] (Configuration example 3) the characteristics change depending on the amount of misalignment of each of the lenses included in the lens array unit. The image processing device according to (Configuration Example 1) or (Configuration Example 2) is characterized in that:

[0060] (Configuration example 4) The correction circuit having a memory, correcting the input output signal in accordance with the correction amount stored in the memory, and outputting the corrected output signal; The image processing device according to any one of (Configuration Example 1) to (Configuration Example 3).

[0061] (Configuration Example 5) The correction amount is prepared for each of the light receiving elements. The image processing device according to (Configuration Example 4) is characterized in that:

[0062] (Configuration Example 6) The correction amount is stored as an array in the memory. The image processing device according to (Configuration Example 5) is characterized in that:

[0063] (Configuration Example 7) a first light receiving element that receives the first light beam and outputs a first light receiving signal; a second light receiving element that receives the second light beam and outputs a second light receiving signal; a third light receiving element that receives the third light ray and outputs a third light receiving signal; a light receiving element array in which a plurality of light receiving elements including the following elements are arranged in order, the first received light signal; the second received light signal; the third received light signal; a sensor chip that outputs an output signal that changes in response to a plurality of received light signals, including: a first lens that focuses the first light beam onto the first light receiving element; a second lens that focuses the second light beam onto the second light receiving element; a third lens that condenses the third light beam onto the third light receiving element; a lens array unit in which a plurality of lenses including the a correction circuit to which the output signal is input and which outputs a corrected output signal; In an image processing device having The correction circuit when the characteristics of the first and third received light signals included in the output signal are equal and the characteristics of the first and second received light signals included in the output signal are different, outputting the corrected output signal in which the characteristics of the second received light signal included in the output signal are corrected to be equal to the characteristics of the first received light signal. An image processing method comprising:

[0064] (Configuration Example 8) the characteristics change depending on the amount of deviation of each of the plurality of light receiving elements included in the light receiving element array. The image processing method according to (Configuration Example 7) is characterized in that:

[0065] (Configuration Example 9) the characteristics change depending on the individual deviation amounts of the plurality of lenses included in the lens array unit. 10. The image processing method according to (Configuration Example 7) or (Configuration Example 8), wherein:

[0066] (Configuration Example 10) The correction circuit having a memory, correcting the input output signal in accordance with the correction amount stored in the memory, and outputting the corrected output signal; The image processing method according to any one of (Configuration Example 7) to (Configuration Example 9), characterized in that:

[0067] (Configuration Example 11) The correction amount is prepared for each of the light receiving elements. The image processing method according to (Configuration Example 10) is characterized in that:

[0068] (Configuration Example 12) The correction amount is stored as an array in the memory. The image processing method according to (Configuration Example 11) is characterized in that: [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...image processing device, 10...case, 11...paper feed port, 12...paper discharge port, 13...display panel, 14...operation switch, 20...front cover plate, 21...plate-shaped portion, 22a...first leg portion, 22b...second leg portion, 30...rear cover plate, 41...image sensor module portion, 41a...first image sensor module, 41b...second image sensor module, 51a...first paper feed roller, 51b...second paper feed roller, 52...paper discharge roller, 53a...first transparent plate, 53b...second transparent plate, 55...correction circuit, 60...main board, 411...first case, 412...light source, 413...lens array unit, 414...module board, 415...image reading section, 421-1...first image reading chip, 421-2...second image reading chip, 421-3...third image reading chip image reading chip, 421-m...mth image reading chip, 431-1...first lens, 431-2...second lens, 431-n...nth lens, 511...memory, 521...correction amount, 531-1...first light receiving element, 531-2...second light receiving element, 531-3...third light receiving element, 531-r...rth light receiving element, A1...output signal, B1...corrected output signal, C1...center line, D1...first light receiving element element, D2...second light receiving element, D3...third light receiving element, G1...first light receiving signal, G2...second light receiving signal, G3...third light receiving signal, h...first deviation amount, L1...first lens, L2...second lens, L3...third lens, M1...first element, M2...second element, M3...third element, M4...fourth element, M5...fifth element, P1...reading result, R1...first light ray, R2...second light ray, R3...third light ray

Claims

1. a first light receiving element that receives the first light beam and outputs a first light receiving signal; a second light receiving element that receives the second light beam and outputs a second light receiving signal; a third light receiving element that receives the third light beam and outputs a third light receiving signal; a light receiving element array in which a plurality of light receiving elements including the following elements are arranged in order, the first received light signal; the second received light signal; the third received light signal; a sensor chip that outputs an output signal that changes in response to a plurality of received light signals, including: a first lens that focuses the first light beam onto the first light receiving element; a second lens that focuses the second light beam onto the second light receiving element; a third lens that condenses the third light beam onto the third light receiving element; a lens array unit in which a plurality of lenses including the a correction circuit to which the output signal is input and which outputs a corrected output signal; and The correction circuit When the characteristics of the first and third received light signals included in the output signal are equal, and the characteristics of the first and second received light signals included in the output signal are different, the corrected output signal is output, in which the characteristics of the second received light signal included in the output signal are corrected to be equal to the characteristics of the first received light signal.

1. An image processing device comprising:

2. the characteristics change depending on the amount of deviation of each of the plurality of light receiving elements included in the light receiving element array.

2. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein:

3. the characteristics change depending on the individual deviation amounts of the plurality of lenses included in the lens array unit.

2. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein:

4. The correction circuit having a memory, correcting the input output signal in accordance with the correction amount stored in the memory, and outputting the corrected output signal; 2. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein:

5. The correction amount is prepared for each of the light receiving elements.

5. The image processing device according to claim 4.

6. The correction amount is stored as an array in the memory.

6. The image processing device according to claim 5,

7. a first light receiving element that receives the first light beam and outputs a first light receiving signal; a second light receiving element that receives the second light beam and outputs a second light receiving signal; a third light receiving element that receives the third light beam and outputs a third light receiving signal; a light receiving element array in which a plurality of light receiving elements including the following elements are arranged in order, the first received light signal; the second received light signal; the third received light signal; a sensor chip that outputs an output signal that changes in response to a plurality of received light signals, including: a first lens that focuses the first light beam onto the first light receiving element; a second lens that focuses the second light beam onto the second light receiving element; a third lens that condenses the third light beam onto the third light receiving element; a lens array unit in which a plurality of lenses including the a correction circuit to which the output signal is input and which outputs a corrected output signal; In an image processing device having The correction circuit When the characteristics of the first and third received light signals included in the output signal are equal, and the characteristics of the first and second received light signals included in the output signal are different, the corrected output signal is output, in which the characteristics of the second received light signal included in the output signal are corrected to be equal to the characteristics of the first received light signal. An image processing method comprising:

8. the characteristics change depending on the amount of deviation of each of the plurality of light receiving elements included in the light receiving element array.

8. The image processing method according to claim 7.

9. the characteristics change depending on the amount of misalignment of each of the lenses included in the lens array unit.

8. The image processing method according to claim 7.

10. The correction circuit having a memory, correcting the input output signal in accordance with the correction amount stored in the memory, and outputting the corrected output signal; 8. The image processing method according to claim 7.

11. The correction amount is prepared for each of the light receiving elements.

11. The image processing method according to claim 10.

12. The correction amount is stored as an array in the memory.

12. The image processing method according to claim 11.

Images