Image reading device and image forming device

Abstract

To solve the problem in which operations become complicated when measuring the shape of an object to be read by using respective pieces of image information acquired by scanning image acquisition means and imaging means.SOLUTION: An image reading device 200 has: scanning image acquisition means 210 that performs scanning along a placement surface of a placement surface member 201 to acquire image information on an object to be read placed on the placement surface; and imaging means 220 that picks up an image of the object to be read to acquire the image information on the object to be read. The image reading device has shape measuring means 500 that executes shape measurement processing on the same object to be read placed on the placement surface by using the pieces of image information on the same object to be read including the image information acquired by the scanning image acquisition means and the image information acquired by the imaging means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading device and an image forming device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an image reading device has been known that has a scanning image acquisition means that scans along the mounting surface of a mounting surface member to acquire image information of an object to be read placed on the mounting surface, and an imaging means that captures an image of the object to be read to acquire image information of the object to be read.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image reading device that includes a reading unit (scan image acquisition means) that reads a face-down document on a contact glass (placing surface member) from below, and a rotatable pressure plate that presses the face-down document onto the contact glass. This device also includes an imaging section (imaging means) that images, from above, a face-up document placed on the top surface of the pressure plate in a closed state. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a conventional image reading device is used to measure the shape of an object to be read using image information acquired by a scanning acquisition means and an imaging means, the work becomes complicated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a method for scanning along the mounting surface of a mounting surface member. While doing so, light is irradiated from a light source from the rear side of the mounting surface. a scanning image acquiring means for acquiring image information of an object to be read placed on the placement surface; From the mounting surface side of the mounting surface member and an imaging means for imaging an object to be read and acquiring image information of the object to be read, and a shape measuring means for performing a shape measurement process on the same object to be read placed on the placement surface using the image information acquired by the scanning image acquiring means and the image information acquired by the imaging means. The shape measurement process includes a dimension measurement process for measuring a height dimension of a predetermined portion of the same object to be read, and when image information of the same object to be read is acquired by the imaging means, light is irradiated from the light source. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, the operation of measuring the shape of an object to be read using image information acquired by the scanning image acquisition means and the imaging means can be facilitated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for reading image information of a document set on a contact glass using an image reading unit of the image forming apparatus; [Figure 4] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of measuring the dimensions of a three-dimensional object in the left-right direction (X direction) of the device in shape measurement process 1. (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of measuring the dimensions of a three-dimensional object in the front-back direction (Y direction) of the device in shape measurement process 1. (c) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an object to be measured. [Figure 5] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing another example of measuring the dimensions of a three-dimensional object in the left-right direction (X direction) of the device in the shape measurement process 1. (b) is an explanatory diagram showing another example of measuring the dimensions of a three-dimensional object in the front-back direction (Y direction) of the device in the shape measurement process 1. (c) is an explanatory diagram showing another example of an object to be measured. [Figure 6] 5(a) and 5(b) are plan views of the three-dimensional object of FIG. 5(c) as viewed from above. [Figure 7] 1(a) is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the pressure plate has been opened to a first predetermined angle so that the imaging unit is positioned at a first specified position in shape measurement process 2. FIG. 1(b) is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the pressure plate has been opened to a second predetermined angle so that the imaging unit is positioned at a second specified position in shape measurement process 2. [Figure 8]1(a) is an explanatory diagram seen from the front side of the device when measuring the shape of a three-dimensional object using an imaging unit used in shape measurement process 3. FIG. 1(b) is an explanatory diagram seen from the side of the device when measuring the shape of a three-dimensional object using an imaging unit used in shape measurement process 3. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 3 is a schematic diagram of the image reading unit of the image forming apparatus when viewed from above with the pressure plate in an open state. FIG. [Figure 11] (a) is an explanatory diagram seen from the front side of the device when measuring the shape of a three-dimensional object using the imaging unit of embodiment 2 in shape measurement process 4. (b) is an explanatory diagram seen from the side side of the device when measuring the shape of a three-dimensional object using the imaging unit of embodiment 2 in shape measurement process 4. (c) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an autofocus mechanism. (d) is a graph illustrating the relationship between lens position and contrast obtained by the autofocus mechanism. [Figure 12] 1(a) is an explanatory diagram seen from the front side of the device when measuring the shape of a three-dimensional object using an imaging unit used in shape measurement process 5. FIG. 1(b) is an explanatory diagram seen from the side of the device when measuring the shape of a three-dimensional object using an imaging unit used in shape measurement process 5. [Figure 13] 1A is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example in which an imaging unit is provided on a pressure plate and another imaging unit is provided below a contact glass, as seen from the front side of the device, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of the same configuration example as seen from the side of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, an embodiment (hereinafter, this embodiment will be referred to as "Embodiment 1") in which an image reading device as image reading means according to the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus equipped with electrophotographic image recording means will be described. The image forming apparatus in this embodiment is an image forming apparatus equipped with an electrophotographic image forming unit, but may also be equipped with an image forming unit of another image forming method, such as an inkjet method. The image forming apparatus in this embodiment is a tandem color image forming apparatus of an intermediate transfer type equipped with four photosensitive members in the image forming unit, but may also be another color image forming apparatus or a monochrome image forming apparatus. In the following description, Y, M, C, and K represent components for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment 1 includes an image forming unit 100 as an image recording means, and an image reading unit 200 which is an image reading device as an image reading means. The image forming apparatus 1 also includes an operation panel 2 that accepts instructions and operations from a user, etc.

[0011] The image forming unit 100 records (forms) an image on a recording material, namely, paper P. The image forming unit 100 of the first embodiment is a tandem image forming apparatus in which imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K for the respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are arranged along the rotation direction of an intermediate transfer belt 31 serving as an intermediate transfer body. The imaging units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K each include a photosensitive element 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K serving as a latent image carrier, respectively.

[0012] Each of the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K is provided with a charging device around the photoconductor 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K as charging means for uniformly charging the photoconductor surface to a predetermined potential. Each of the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K is provided with an optical writing device around the photoconductor 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K as electrostatic latent image forming means for writing an electrostatic latent image onto the photoconductor surface uniformly charged by the charging device by exposing the surface to light in accordance with image information. Each of the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K is also provided with a developing device around the photoconductor 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K as developing means for creating a toner image by developing the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor with toner of the respective color (Y, M, C, and K). Each of the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K is provided with a primary transfer device around the photosensitive member 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K as a primary transfer means for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive member onto the intermediate transfer belt 31. Each of the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K is provided with a cleaning device around the photosensitive member 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K as a cleaning means for removing and cleaning residual toner on the photosensitive member.

[0013] The color toner images formed on the photoconductors 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 31 by the primary transfer device so as to be superimposed on each other, forming color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 31. The color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 31 are transported to an opposing area (secondary transfer area) to the secondary transfer device 30 as the intermediate transfer belt 31 rotates.

[0014] Meanwhile, below the image forming unit 100, a paper feed unit 60 is provided as a feed unit that feeds paper P. The paper feed unit 60 of the first embodiment is composed of three paper feed trays 60A, 60B, and 60C, namely, upper, middle, and lower trays. The paper feed unit 60 feeds paper P one sheet at a time by a pickup roller 61 from one of the paper feed trays 60A, 60B, and 60C selected in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 500 of the image forming unit 100. Then, the paper P is transported to the secondary transfer area by a transport roller pair 62 along a transport path indicated by a dashed line in the figure.

[0015] The color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 31 is secondarily transferred by the secondary transfer device 30 onto a sheet of paper P, which is conveyed by a pair of conveying rollers 62 at a predetermined timing in the secondary transfer region. The sheet of paper P on which the color toner image has been formed is then conveyed to a fixing device 40 as a fixing means, where the color toner image is fixed onto the sheet of paper P by the action of heat and pressure. After the fixing, the sheet of paper P is conveyed along a conveyance path indicated by a dashed line in the figure, and is discharged onto a sheet discharge tray 50 as a discharge section.

[0016] The image reading section 200 reads image information of an original G, which is an object to be read, placed on the placement surface (upper surface) of a contact glass 201, which is a placement surface member, and is disposed above the image forming section 100. The image reading section 200 of the present embodiment 1 includes a scanning reading unit 210 as a scanning image acquisition means that scans along the placement surface (upper surface) of the contact glass 201 to acquire image information from the lower side of the original G placed on the contact glass 201. The image reading section 200 of the present embodiment 1 also includes an imaging unit 220 as an imaging means that captures an image of the original G, which is an object to be read placed on the placement surface of the contact glass 201, from the upper side to acquire image information from the upper side of the original G.

[0017] The image reading unit 200 is provided with a pressure plate 202 that can be opened and closed relative to a contact glass 201 and serves as a pressing member that presses a document G placed on the contact glass 201 against the upper surface of the contact glass 201. The pressure plate 202 is supported so as to be openable and closable by a pressure plate hinge 203 that is installed on the rear side of the device. In addition, an imaging unit 220 is installed on the front side of the pressure plate 202 via a unit hinge 204.

[0018] When image information (image information from below) of the original G is obtained using only the scanning and reading unit 210 (without using the imaging unit 220), the original G is set on the contact glass 201, the pressure plate 202 is closed, and an acquisition operation is performed. On the other hand, when image information (image information from above) of the original G is obtained using the imaging unit 220 (including when the scanning and reading unit 210 is also used), the original G is set on the contact glass 201, and the acquisition operation (imaging operation) is performed with the pressure plate 202 open.

[0019] When image information of the original G is acquired by the scanning and reading unit 210, the first traveling body 211 and the second traveling body 212 both start traveling, and light is emitted from the light source 211a provided in the first traveling body 211. Then, the light reflected from the underside of the original G is reflected by the mirror 211b of the first traveling body 211, reflected by the mirrors 212a and 212b provided in the second traveling body 212, passes through the imaging lens 213, and then enters the reading sensor 214. The reading sensor 214 constructs image information of the underside of the original G based on the incident light, and sends the image information to the control unit 500.

[0020] The imaging unit 220 is equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS, and receives light from the imaging area with the image sensor to generate image information, which is then sent to the control unit 500. The imaging unit 220 of the first embodiment is provided on the pressure plate 202, and the position of the imaging unit 220 relative to the contact glass 201 (particularly, the distance between the contact glass 201 and the imaging unit 220) can be changed by changing the opening angle of the pressure plate 202. By opening the pressure plate 202 at a predetermined angle, the imaging unit 220 takes a predetermined position relative to the contact glass 201, and is set so as to be able to capture an image of the entire area of ​​the contact glass 201.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing for reading image information of the document G set on the contact glass 201 using the image reading unit 200 of the first embodiment. When image information of the document G on the contact glass 201 is read by the image reading unit 200, the user first opens the pressure plate 202 to a predetermined angle (S1) as shown in Fig. 2, and sets the document G on the contact glass 201 (S2). Then, the user operates the operation panel 2 to input reading conditions and the like, and issues a command to start reading (S3).

[0022] Based on the input contents and instructions input to the operation panel 2, the control unit 500 controls the image reading unit 200, and first, the imaging unit 220 mounted on the pressure plate 202, which is opened to a predetermined angle, captures an image of the document G on the contact glass 201 from above (S4). As a result, image information (top shot image information) of the entire area of ​​the contact glass 201 including the document G is acquired, and this image information is sent to the control unit 500. The control unit 500 performs a process of acquiring the size of the document G on the contact glass 201 from the top shot image information of this entire area (S5).

[0023] Next, the control unit 500 determines whether double-sided scanning is being performed, in which image information on both the top and bottom surfaces of the document G is read, based on input information such as the reading conditions input in processing step S3 (S6). If it is determined that double-sided scanning is being performed (Yes in S6), the control unit 500 adjusts the imaging area to correspond to the size of the document G using the focus function of the imaging unit 220 based on the document size acquired in processing step S5, and images the document G from above (S7). As a result, image information from the top side of the document G (top shot image information) is acquired (S8), and the image information is sent to the control unit 500.

[0024] Furthermore, the control unit 500 specifies the scanning range based on the document size acquired in processing step S5, and causes the first traveling body 211 and the second traveling body 212 to travel according to the scanning range, and reads the document G from the bottom side by the scanning reading unit 210 (S9). As a result, image information from the bottom side of the document G is acquired (S10), and the image information is sent to the control unit 500.

[0025] On the other hand, if it is determined that only the underside of the document is to be scanned (No in S6, Yes in S11), the control unit 500 specifies the scanning range based on the document size acquired in processing step S5, and causes the first traveling body 211 and the second traveling body 212 to travel according to the scanning range, thereby capturing an image of the document G from below (S12). As a result, image information from the underside of the document G is acquired (S13), and the image information is sent to the control unit 500.

[0026] On the other hand, if it is determined that only the top surface of the document is to be scanned (No in S6, No in S11), the control unit 500 adjusts the imaging area to correspond to the size of the document G based on the document size acquired in processing step S5, and images the document G from above (S14). As a result, image information from the top side of the document G (top shot image information) is acquired (S15), and the image information is sent to the control unit 500.

[0027] The image information acquired in the above manner is used, for example, for forming an image on paper P by image forming unit 100 based on the user's instruction (copy instruction). The acquired image information is also stored in a storage device within the device based on the user's instruction (scan instruction), or sent to and stored in a storage device external to the device via an output interface. The acquired image information is also used, for example, for shape measurement processing of a solid object (three-dimensional object) to be read based on the user's instruction (shape measurement instruction).

[0028] [Shape measurement process 1] Next, an example of performing shape measurement processing of a solid object (three-dimensional object) using image information acquired by the image reading unit 200 (hereinafter, this example will be referred to as "shape measurement processing 1") will be described. FIG. 4(a) is an explanatory diagram for measuring the dimensions of a three-dimensional object in the left-right direction of the device (left-right direction in FIG. 1; hereinafter referred to as the "X direction"). FIG. 4(b) is an explanatory diagram for measuring the dimensions of a three-dimensional object in the front-rear direction of the device (front-rear direction on the paper surface in FIG. 1; hereinafter referred to as the "Y direction"). In the following explanation, the up-down direction of the device is referred to as the "Z direction." In FIG. 4, "X3" indicates the X-direction position of the optical axis of the lens of the imaging unit 220, "Y3" indicates the Y-direction position of the optical axis of the lens of the imaging unit 220 (however, this changes depending on the angle of the pressure plate 202), and "Z5" indicates the distance from the lower surface of the lens of the imaging unit 220 to the top surface of the contact glass.

[0029] The three-dimensional object R to be measured is a rectangular parallelepiped as shown in Fig. 4(c), but is not limited to this shape. For example, as shown in Figs. 5(a) to (c), the three-dimensional object R to be measured may be cylindrical.

[0030] In this shape measurement process 1, heights Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 of a three-dimensional object R as shown in Figure 4(c) and Figure 5(c) are measured. When measuring the height Z1 of the three-dimensional object R, it can be calculated using the following formula (1).

number

[0031] Note that "X3" is the X-direction position of the optical axis of the lens of imaging unit 220 when pressure plate 202 is opened at a predetermined angle and imaging unit 220 is positioned at a specified position. Also, "X2" is the X-direction position of the left end of three-dimensional object R. Also, "X1" is the X-direction position in the XZ plane of a point where a line passing through a point on the lower surface of the lens of imaging unit 220, which passes through the optical axis of the lens, and the upper end of the left end of three-dimensional object R, intersects with contact glass 201 when pressure plate 202 is opened at a predetermined angle and imaging unit 220 is positioned at a specified position.

[0032] Similarly, when measuring the height Z2 of the three-dimensional object R, it can be calculated using the following formula (2).

number

[0033] Note that "X4" is the X-direction position of the right end of the three-dimensional object R. Also, "X5" is the X-direction position on the XZ plane of the point where a line passing through a point on the surface of the lower side of the lens of the imaging unit 220 where the optical axis of the lens passes and the upper end of the right end of the three-dimensional object R intersects with the contact glass 201 when the pressure plate 202 is opened at a predetermined angle and the imaging unit 220 is positioned at a specified position.

[0034] Furthermore, when measuring the height Z3 (=Z2) of the three-dimensional object R, it can also be calculated using the following formula (3).

number

[0035] Note that "Y3" is the Y-direction position of the optical axis of the lens of imaging unit 220 when pressure plate 202 is opened to a predetermined angle and imaging unit 220 is positioned at a specified position. Also, "Y2" is the Y-direction position of the front end of three-dimensional object R. Also, "Y1" is the Y-direction position in the YZ plane of a point where a line passing through a point on the lower surface of the lens of imaging unit 220 and the upper end of the front end of three-dimensional object R intersects with contact glass 201 when pressure plate 202 is opened to a predetermined angle and imaging unit 220 is positioned at a specified position.

[0036] Furthermore, when measuring the height Z4 of the three-dimensional object R, it can be calculated using the following formula (4).

number

[0037] It should be noted that "Y4" is the Y-direction position of the rear end of the three-dimensional object R. Also, "Y5" is the Y-direction position in the YZ plane of the point where a line passing through a point on the surface of the lower lens of the imaging unit 220 where the optical axis of the lens passes and the upper end of the rear end of the three-dimensional object R intersects with the contact glass 201 when the pressure plate 202 is opened at a predetermined angle and the imaging unit 220 is positioned at a specified position.

[0038] It is difficult to measure the heights Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 of the three-dimensional object R with high accuracy using only the image information acquired by the scanning and reading unit 210 or only the image information acquired by the imaging unit 220. In this shape measurement process 1, both the scanning and reading unit 210 and the imaging unit 220 are used to enable high-accuracy measurement of the heights Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 of the three-dimensional object R.

[0039] Specifically, to calculate the height Z1 of the three-dimensional object R using the above-described formula (1), Z5, X1, X2, and X3 must be obtained. Z5 and X3 are predetermined values, but X1 and X2 must be measured. X2 is the X-direction position of the left edge of the three-dimensional object R, and therefore can be measured with high accuracy from image information acquired by the scanning and reading unit 210. X2 can also be measured from image information acquired by the imaging unit 220. However, because the scanning and reading unit 210 scans along the surface of the contact glass 201 to read image information, the dimensional accuracy and positional accuracy in the surface direction of the contact glass 201 are very high. Therefore, in this shape measurement process 1, X2 is measured from image information acquired by the scanning and reading unit 210.

[0040] On the other hand, X1 can be measured from image information acquired by the imaging unit 220. Specifically, for example, the imaging unit 220 receives light (direct light) emitted from the light source 211a on the first traveling body 211 of the scanning and reading unit 210. Using this, X1 can be found from the X-direction position of the boundary on the image acquired by the imaging unit 220 where the presence or absence of reception of direct light from the light source 211a switches.

[0041] The other heights Z2, Z3, and Z4 of the three-dimensional object R can also be measured in the same manner as Z1.

[0042] To explain the flow of shape measurement process 1 for measuring the heights Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 of the above-mentioned three-dimensional object R, the user first opens pressure plate 202 to a predetermined angle and sets three-dimensional object R, which is the object to be read, on contact glass 201. Then, the user operates operation panel 2 to input shape measurement conditions such as the location where the height is to be measured, and issues a command to start shape measurement. As a result, control unit 500 acquires image information of three-dimensional object R on contact glass 201 using both scanning and reading unit 210 and imaging unit 220.

[0043] When specifying the location for measuring height, the user may specify it by operating operation panel 2, but other methods are also possible. For example, it is possible to set a sheet (such as a design drawing) on ​​which an image showing the location is displayed on contact glass 201 in advance, obtain image information using scanning / reading unit 210 or imaging unit 220, and identify the predetermined location from the image information. In this case, the user's operation of specifying the location for measuring height can be omitted.

[0044] Furthermore, an imaging operation is also performed by the imaging unit 220 during the acquisition operation by the scanning and reading unit 210. That is, during the acquisition operation in which image information of the three-dimensional object R on the contact glass 201 is acquired while scanning by the traveling bodies 211, 212 of the scanning and reading unit 210, the imaging unit 220 captures an image of the entire area of ​​the contact glass 201. This allows the imaging unit 220 to acquire an image of the entire area of ​​the contact glass 201, including the direct light of light emitted from the light source 211a on the first traveling body 211, during the acquisition operation by the scanning and reading unit 210.

[0045] In this manner, the control unit 500 acquires the image information from the scanning and reading unit 210 and the image information from the imaging unit 220, and then calculates the parameters X1 to X5 and Y1 to Y5 required to calculate the heights Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 of the three-dimensional object R from this image information. Then, the control unit 500 calculates the heights Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 of the three-dimensional object R above the contact glass 201 using the above-mentioned formulas (1) to (3). Thereafter, the control unit 500 outputs the results of the shape measurement process onto paper P using the image forming unit 100, stores them in a storage device within the device, or transmits them to an external device via an output interface, for example.

[0046] The results of this shape measurement process 1 include, for example, the calculation results of heights Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 of the three-dimensional object R, and an image of the three-dimensional object R based on image information from the imaging unit 220. In particular, by including the image of the three-dimensional object R based on image information from the imaging unit 220, it becomes possible to grasp the internal shape of the upper opening hole R1 in the cylindrical three-dimensional object R shown in Fig. 5(c). As a result, it becomes possible to distinguish and grasp whether the internal shape of the upper opening hole R1 in the three-dimensional object R has the dimensional shape shown in Fig. 6(a) or the dimensional shape shown in Fig. 6(b).

[0047] In this shape measurement process 1, it is necessary to hold the pressure plate 202 in an open state at a predetermined angle in order to position the imaging unit 220 at a specified position. The pressure plate hinge 203 of this embodiment 1 is provided with a mechanism for temporarily holding the pressure plate 202 in an open state at a predetermined angle, so the user can easily open the pressure plate 202 at the predetermined angle.

[0048] The specified position of the imaging unit 220 does not have to be predetermined, but may be arbitrarily determined by the user. For example, the pressure plate hinge 203 of the first embodiment may be provided with a mechanism that can temporarily hold the pressure plate 202 in an open state at any angle, and may also be provided with a detection means such as an encoder that detects the open angle of the pressure plate 202. In this way, even if the user opens the pressure plate 202 to any angle, the open angle of the pressure plate 202 can be determined by the detection means. Once the open angle of the pressure plate 202 is determined, the position of the imaging unit 220 installed on the pressure plate 202 relative to the contact glass 201 (particularly, the distance between the contact glass 201 and the imaging unit 220) can be determined. Therefore, the values ​​of Z5, X3, and Y3 described above can be determined.

[0049] However, as described above, if the user can arbitrarily determine the specified position of the imaging unit 220, the imaging direction of the imaging unit 220 will also change depending on the opening angle of the pressure plate 202. For this reason, it is preferable to install the imaging unit 220 on the pressure plate 202 via a unit hinge 204 so that the imaging direction of the imaging unit 220 can be adjusted so that the imaging direction of the imaging unit 220 remains vertical even if the opening angle of the pressure plate 202 changes.

[0050] [Shape measurement process 2] Next, another example (hereinafter, this example will be referred to as "shape measurement process 2") of performing shape measurement processing of a three-dimensional object R using image information acquired by the image reading unit 200 will be described. Note that descriptions that overlap with the above description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0051] FIG. 7(a) is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the pressure plate 202 is opened to a first predetermined angle so that the imaging unit 220 is positioned at the first specified position. FIG. 7(b) is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the pressure plate 202 is opened to a second predetermined angle so that the imaging unit 220 is positioned at the second specified position. This shape measurement process 2 performs imaging operations using the imaging unit 220 at multiple different opening angles of the pressure plate 202, generates parallax image information from multiple image information acquired by each imaging operation, and calculates the heights Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 of the three-dimensional object R.

[0052] To explain the flow of shape measurement process 2 for measuring heights Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 of three-dimensional object R, the user first opens pressure plate 202 to a first predetermined angle and sets three-dimensional object R, which is the object to be read, on contact glass 201. Then, the user operates operation panel 2 to input shape measurement conditions and the like and issue a command to start shape measurement. As a result, control unit 500 uses both scanning and reading unit 210 and imaging unit 220 to acquire image information of three-dimensional object R on contact glass 201.

[0053] In this shape measurement process 2, first, an acquisition operation is performed by the scanning and reading unit 210. That is, image information of the three-dimensional object R on the contact glass 201 is acquired while scanning by the traveling bodies 211 and 212 of the scanning and reading unit 210. This makes it possible to obtain the length and position in the X direction and the length and position in the Y direction of the three-dimensional object R on the contact glass 201 with high accuracy.

[0054] Next, in this shape measurement process 2, an acquisition operation (image capturing operation) is performed by the imaging unit 220. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 7(a), with the pressure plate 202 opened to a first predetermined angle and the imaging unit 220 positioned at a first specified position, the imaging unit 220 captures an image of the entire area of ​​the contact glass 201. This allows the control unit 500 to acquire image information of the three-dimensional object R captured from the first specified position.

[0055] Next, the user moves the pressure plate 202 so that the pressure plate 202 opens at a second predetermined angle, and positions the imaging unit 220 at a second specified position as shown in Fig. 7(b). Then, the imaging unit 220 captures an image of the entire area of ​​the contact glass 201. This allows the control unit 500 to obtain image information of the three-dimensional object R captured from the second specified position.

[0056] Once two pieces of image information captured from the first and second specified positions have been acquired in this manner, the control unit 500 performs a parallax image generation process to generate parallax image information (distance image information). In the parallax image generation process, first, one piece of image information of the two pieces of image information is set as reference image information, and the other piece of image information is set as comparison image information. Using these, the parallax between the two pieces of image information is calculated to generate parallax image information. This parallax image information represents a parallax image in which pixel values ​​corresponding to the parallax values ​​(distance values) calculated for each image portion on the reference image related to the reference image information are expressed as pixel values ​​for each image portion.

[0057] Specifically, for a certain row of the reference image information, the control unit 500 defines a block consisting of multiple pixels (e.g., 16 pixels x 1 pixel) centered around a pixel of interest. Meanwhile, for the same row in the comparison image information, blocks of the same size as the defined block of the reference image information are shifted by one pixel horizontally, and correlation values ​​indicating the correlation between feature quantities indicating characteristics of pixel values ​​of the block defined in the reference image information and feature quantities indicating characteristics of pixel values ​​of each block in the comparison image information are calculated. Then, based on the calculated correlation values, a matching process is performed to select the block of the comparison image information that is most highly correlated with the block of the reference image information from among the blocks in the comparison image information. Then, a disparity value is calculated as the positional deviation between the pixel of interest in the block of the reference image information and the corresponding pixel in the block of the comparison image information selected by the matching process. By performing this process of calculating disparity values ​​for the entire reference image information or a specific region, disparity image information can be obtained.

[0058] The feature of a block used in the matching process can be, for example, the value (brightness value) of each pixel in the block, and the correlation value can be, for example, the sum of the absolute values ​​of the differences between the value (brightness value) of each pixel in the block of the reference image information and the value (brightness value) of each pixel in the block of the comparison image information corresponding to these pixels. In this case, the block with the smallest sum can be said to be most correlated.

[0059] When the matching process in the control unit 500 is realized by hardware processing, methods such as SSD (Sum of Squared Difference), ZSSD (Zero-mean Sum of Squared Difference), SAD (Sum of Absolute Difference), and ZSAD (Zero-mean Sum of Absolute Difference) can be used.

[0060] Based on the parallax image information generated as described above, the control unit 500 calculates heights Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 from the parallax values ​​of pixels corresponding to the points of heights Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 of the three-dimensional object R. Thereafter, the control unit 500 outputs the results of this shape measurement processing onto paper P using the image forming unit 100, stores the results in a storage device within the device, or transmits the results to an external device via an output interface, for example.

[0061] Here, the two pieces of image information captured by the imaging unit 220 from the first and second specified positions, respectively, have relatively low dimensional accuracy and positional accuracy. Therefore, in this shape measurement process 2, as described above, image information is acquired by the scanning and reading unit 210 for the three-dimensional object R, which is the same reading target as these two pieces of image information. The image information acquired by the scanning and reading unit 210 has high dimensional accuracy and positional accuracy for the length and position in the X direction and the length and position in the Y direction of the three-dimensional object R. Therefore, in this shape measurement process 2, the two pieces of image information captured by the imaging unit 220 are corrected based on the length and position in the X direction and the length and position in the Y direction of the three-dimensional object R obtained from the image information by the scanning and reading unit 210. As a result, high-precision image information with corrected dimensional accuracy and positional accuracy can be obtained as reference image information and comparison image information in the parallax image generation process.

[0062] Then, by performing a parallax image generation process using the reference image information and comparison image information with high dimensional and positional accuracy obtained by this correction, it is possible to generate parallax image information with highly accurate parallax values ​​(distance values).As a result, the heights Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 of the three-dimensional object R calculated from this parallax image information can also be measured with high accuracy.

[0063] In this shape measurement process 2, parallax image information generated by capturing images of the three-dimensional object R from two positions above (first and second specified positions) is used. Therefore, it is not limited to measuring the heights Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 of the rectangular three-dimensional object R as shown in FIG. 4(c), but it is also possible to measure the three-dimensional shape of a three-dimensional object with a more complex shape (for example, a three-dimensional object with an uneven or undulating top surface). For example, it is possible to measure the three-dimensional shape of a circuit board on which multiple circuit components are mounted, as shown in FIG. 8(a) described below.

[0064] [Shape measurement process 3] Next, a description will be given of yet another example (hereinafter, this example will be referred to as "shape measurement process 3") of performing shape measurement processing of a three-dimensional object R using image information acquired by the image reading unit 200. Note that descriptions common to the above description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0065] FIG. 8(a) is an explanatory diagram seen from the front side of the device when measuring the shape of a three-dimensional object R by the imaging unit 220′ used in the main shape measurement process 3. FIG. 8(b) is an explanatory diagram seen from the side of the device when the shape of the three-dimensional object R is measured by the imaging unit 220′ used in the main shape measurement process 3. This shape measurement process 3 uses a stereo camera equipped with multiple imaging units 221, 222 as the imaging unit 220' installed on the pressure plate 202, generates parallax image information from multiple image information captured by each imaging unit 221, 222, and measures the shape of the three-dimensional object R.

[0066] To explain the flow of shape measurement process 3 for measuring the shape of three-dimensional object R, the user first opens pressure plate 202 to a predetermined angle and sets three-dimensional object R, which is the object to be read, on contact glass 201. Then, the user operates operation panel 2 to input shape measurement conditions and the like and issue a command to start shape measurement. As a result, control unit 500 uses both scanning and reading unit 210 and imaging unit 220 to acquire image information of three-dimensional object R on contact glass 201.

[0067] In this shape measurement process 3, similar to the above-described shape measurement process 2, first, an acquisition operation is performed by the scanning and reading unit 210 to acquire image information of the three-dimensional object R, and the length and position of the three-dimensional object R in the X direction and the length and position in the Y direction are obtained with high accuracy. Next, in this shape measurement process 3, an acquisition operation (image capturing operation) is performed by the imaging unit 220'. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8(b), with the pressure plate 202 opened to a predetermined angle and the imaging unit 220 positioned at a specified position, an image of the entire area of ​​the contact glass 201 is captured by the imaging sections 221, 222 of the imaging unit 220'. This allows the control unit 500 to acquire two pieces of image information captured by the imaging sections 221, 222 at different positions.

[0068] After acquiring the two pieces of image information by the imaging unit 220', the control unit 500 performs a parallax image generation process to generate parallax image information (distance image information) in the same manner as in the above-described shape measurement process 2. Then, the control unit 500 outputs the results of the shape measurement process 3, such as the generated parallax image information and the height of the three-dimensional object R calculated from the parallax image information, onto paper P by the image forming unit 100, stores it in a storage device inside the device, or transmits it to an external device via an output interface, for example.

[0069] In this shape measurement process 3, the two pieces of image information captured by the imaging unit 220′ also have relatively low dimensional accuracy and positional accuracy. Therefore, in this shape measurement process 3, as in the above-described shape measurement process 2, the two pieces of image information captured by the imaging unit 220′ are corrected based on the length and position in the X direction and the length and position in the Y direction of the three-dimensional object R obtained from the image information captured by the scanning and reading unit 210. This makes it possible to obtain highly accurate image information with corrected dimensional accuracy and positional accuracy as the reference image information and the comparison image information in the parallax image generation process. By performing the parallax image generation process using the reference image information and the comparison image information with high dimensional accuracy and positional accuracy obtained by this correction, it is possible to generate parallax image information with highly accurate parallax values ​​(distance values).

[0070] [Embodiment 2] Next, another embodiment (hereinafter, this embodiment will be referred to as "Embodiment 2") will be described in which an image reading device as image reading means according to the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus equipped with electrophotographic image recording means. Note that explanations common to the above-mentioned first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0071] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the image reading unit 200 viewed from above with the pressure plate 202 in an open state. In the above-described first embodiment, the imaging units 220, 220' were configured to image the object to be read on the contact glass 201 from the side opposite to the side read by the scanning and reading unit 210 (the upper surface side of the contact glass 201) with respect to the contact glass 201. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the imaging unit 230 is disposed on the same side of the contact glass 201 as the side read by the scanning and reading unit 210 (the lower surface side of the contact glass 201) and images the object to be read on the contact glass 201.

[0072] The imaging unit 230 in the second embodiment has the same configuration as the imaging unit 220 in the first embodiment described above, but is disposed below the contact glass 201, below the scanning and reading unit 210, as shown in Fig. 9. The imaging unit 230 is configured so as to be able to capture an image of the entire area of ​​the contact glass 201.

[0073] In the second embodiment, when image information of the original G is acquired by the scanning and reading unit 210, the control unit 500 first performs an acquisition operation (image capturing operation) of the imaging unit 230. Specifically, the control unit 500 controls the image reading unit 200 to cause the imaging unit 230 to capture an image of the original G on the contact glass 201 from below. As a result, image information about the entire area E of the contact glass 201, including the original G, is acquired, and this image information is sent to the control unit 500. The control unit 500 performs a process of acquiring the size of the original G on the contact glass 201 from the image information of this entire area E.

[0074] Next, the control unit 500 specifies the scanning range based on the acquired document size, and causes the first traveling body 211 and the second traveling body 212 to travel in accordance with the scanning range, and reads the document G from below with the scanning and reading unit 210. As a result, highly accurate image information of the document G is obtained by the scanning and reading unit 210.

[0075] According to the second embodiment, by taking advantage of the high-speed acquisition operation (imaging operation) by the imaging unit 230, the size of the document G on the contact glass 201 can be obtained in an extremely short time before the acquisition operation by the scanning and reading unit 210. This makes it possible to appropriately limit the scanning range to the minimum necessary range, thereby shortening the light emission time of the light source 211a on the first traveling body 211 and shortening the acquisition operation time by the scanning and reading unit 210.

[0076] In particular, when the document G is of irregular size E1, the user does not need to perform the tedious input operation of specifying the document size on the operation panel 2, thereby improving convenience. That is, as shown in FIG. 10 , when the document G is of standard size E2, the user typically completes the input operation of specifying the document size by simply pressing a pre-prepared selection button on the operation panel 2. However, when the document G is of irregular size E1, the user typically must specify the document size by performing the tedious input operation of inputting the length and width values ​​of the document size. In the second embodiment, the document size is obtained from the image information acquired by the imaging unit 230, eliminating this tedious input operation. Moreover, since it takes only a very short time to obtain the document size from the image information acquired by the imaging unit 230, the user does not need to wait.

[0077] [Shape measurement process 4] Next, an example of shape measurement processing of a three-dimensional object R using image information acquired by the image reading unit 200 of the second embodiment (hereinafter, this example will be referred to as "shape measurement processing 4") will be described. Note that explanations that overlap with the above explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0078] FIG. 11(a) is an explanatory diagram seen from the front side of the device when the shape of a three-dimensional object R is measured by the imaging unit 230 of the second embodiment. FIG. 11(b) is an explanatory diagram seen from the side of the device when the shape of a three-dimensional object R is measured by the imaging unit 230 of the second embodiment. In this shape measurement process 4, the shape of the three-dimensional object R when viewed from below is measured based on image information obtained by imaging using the imaging unit 230 arranged below the contact glass 201.

[0079] To explain the flow of shape measurement process 4 for measuring the shape of three-dimensional object R, the user first opens pressure plate 202 and sets three-dimensional object R, which is the object to be read, on contact glass 201. Then, the user operates operation panel 2 to input shape measurement conditions and the like and issue a command to start shape measurement. As a result, control unit 500 uses both scanning and reading unit 210 and imaging unit 230 to acquire image information of three-dimensional object R on contact glass 201.

[0080] In this shape measurement process 4, first, an acquisition operation is performed by the scanning and reading unit 210 to acquire image information of the three-dimensional object R, and the length and position in the X direction and the length and position in the Y direction of the three-dimensional object R are obtained with high precision. Next, in this shape measurement process 4, an acquisition operation (imaging operation) is performed by the imaging unit 230. Specifically, the imaging unit 230 captures an image of the entire area of ​​the contact glass 201 from below the contact glass 201.

[0081] At this time, the control unit 500 controls the autofocus function of the imaging unit 230 to focus on each of the different heights, and acquires the parameter values ​​of the autofocus function from the imaging unit 230. For example, in an autofocus mechanism such as that shown in FIG. 11(c), when the imaging lens 230a is moved in the optical axis direction (arrow direction) by the actuator 230b, the contrast of the captured image changes depending on the lens position, as illustrated in FIG. 11(d). By acquiring the lens position (focused lens position) with the highest contrast for each of the different heights of the measurement object (three-dimensional object R) as a parameter value, the distance from that lens position to each of the points on the measurement object (three-dimensional object R) (the height of each point) can be measured. Specific parameter values ​​of the autofocus function include, for example, the output value of an AF sensor in a phase difference method, the focal coordinate position (the position on the focused image), and the focal length.

[0082] In shape measurement process 4, the parameter values ​​of the autofocus function obtained in this manner are used to calculate the height of the relevant location on three-dimensional object R. For example, if three-dimensional object R is a circuit board on which multiple circuit components are mounted, as shown in Fig. 11(a), the distance (height) Z6 from the top surface of contact glass 201 to the board surface is calculated from the parameter values ​​of the autofocus function when the focus is on the board surface. In addition, the distance (height) Z7 from the top surface of contact glass 201 to the circuit component on the board surface is calculated from the parameter values ​​of the autofocus function when the focus is on the circuit component on the board surface.

[0083] Here, the image information obtained by capturing an image using the imaging unit 230 has relatively low dimensional accuracy and positional accuracy. Therefore, in this shape measurement process 4, as described above, image information is acquired by the scanning and reading unit 210 for the three-dimensional object R, which is the same reading target as this image information. The image information acquired by the scanning and reading unit 210 has high dimensional accuracy and positional accuracy for the length and position in the X direction and the length and position in the Y direction of the three-dimensional object R. Therefore, in this shape measurement process 4, the captured image information used for the autofocus function of the imaging unit 230 is corrected based on the length and position in the X direction and the length and position in the Y direction of the three-dimensional object R obtained from the image information from the scanning and reading unit 210. This enables more accurate focusing and allows highly accurate parameter values ​​for the autofocus function to be acquired, allowing the shape (dimensions) of the three-dimensional object R to be measured with higher accuracy.

[0084] [Shape measurement process 5] Next, another example (hereinafter, this example will be referred to as "shape measurement process 5") of performing shape measurement processing of a three-dimensional object R using image information acquired by the image reading unit 200 of this embodiment 2 will be described. Note that explanations common to the above explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0085] FIG. 12(a) is an explanatory diagram seen from the front side of the device when measuring the shape of a three-dimensional object R by an imaging unit 230' used in this shape measurement process 5. FIG. 12(b) is an explanatory diagram seen from the side of the device when measuring the shape of the three-dimensional object R by the imaging unit 230' used in the main shape measurement process 5. This shape measurement process 5 uses a stereo camera equipped with multiple imaging units 231, 232 as the imaging unit 230' placed below the contact glass 201, generates parallax image information from multiple image information captured by each imaging unit 231, 232, and measures the shape of the three-dimensional object R.

[0086] To explain the flow of shape measurement process 5 for measuring the shape of three-dimensional object R, the user first opens pressure plate 202 and sets three-dimensional object R, which is the object to be read, on contact glass 201. Then, the user operates operation panel 2 to input shape measurement conditions and the like and issue a command to start shape measurement. As a result, control unit 500 acquires image information of three-dimensional object R on contact glass 201 using both scanning and reading unit 210 and imaging unit 230'.

[0087] In this shape measurement process 5, similar to the above-described shape measurement process 4, first, an acquisition operation is performed by the scanning and reading unit 210 to acquire image information of the three-dimensional object R, and the length and position in the X direction and the length and position in the Y direction of the three-dimensional object R are obtained with high accuracy. Next, in this shape measurement process 5, an acquisition operation (image capturing operation) is performed by the imaging unit 230'. Specifically, the imaging sections 231 and 232 of the imaging unit 230' capture an image of the entire area of ​​the contact glass 201. This allows the control unit 500 to acquire two pieces of image information captured by the imaging sections 231 and 232 at different positions.

[0088] After acquiring the two pieces of image information by the imaging unit 220', the control unit 500 performs a parallax image generation process to generate parallax image information (distance image information) in the same manner as in the above-described shape measurement process 3. Then, the control unit 500 outputs the results of the shape measurement process 5, such as the generated parallax image information and the height of the three-dimensional object R calculated from the parallax image information, onto paper P by the image forming unit 100, stores it in a storage device inside the device, or transmits it to an external device via an output interface, for example.

[0089] In this shape measurement process 5, the two pieces of image information captured by the imaging unit 230′ have relatively low dimensional and positional accuracy. Therefore, in this shape measurement process 5, the two pieces of image information captured by the imaging unit 230′ are corrected based on the length and position in the X direction and the length and position in the Y direction of the three-dimensional object R obtained from the image information captured by the scanning and reading unit 210. This allows for high-precision image information with corrected dimensional and positional accuracy to be obtained as reference image information and comparison image information in the parallax image generation process. By performing the parallax image generation process using the reference image information and comparison image information with high dimensional and positional accuracy obtained through this correction, parallax image information with highly accurate parallax values ​​(distance values) can be generated. As a result, the shape (height, etc.) of the three-dimensional object R when viewed from below, calculated from this parallax image information, can be measured with high precision.

[0090] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the imaging unit is disposed either above or below the contact glass 201. However, imaging units may be disposed on both sides. For example, as shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b), the imaging unit 220' in the shape measurement process 3 may be disposed on the pressure platen 202, and the imaging unit 230' in the shape measurement process 5 may be disposed below the contact glass 201. With this configuration, two types of image information captured from above and below and image information acquired by the scanning and reading unit 210 can be obtained as image information of the same object to be read. This makes it possible to obtain a larger amount of image information through a series of acquisition operations. Note that the series of acquisition operations referred to here refers to a series of operations that are performed at least without moving the object to be read placed on the placement surface.

[0091] The above description is merely an example, and each of the following aspects provides unique effects. [First aspect] The first aspect is an image reading device (e.g., image reading section 200) having a scanning image acquisition means (e.g., scanning reading unit 210) that scans along the mounting surface (e.g., the upper surface) of a mounting surface member (e.g., contact glass 201) to acquire image information of a read object (e.g., a three-dimensional object R) placed on the mounting surface, and an imaging means (e.g., imaging units 220, 220', 230, 230') that images the read object to acquire image information of the read object, and is characterized by having a shape measurement means (e.g., control section 500) that performs shape measurement processing of the same read object placed on the mounting surface using image information acquired by the scanning image acquisition means and image information acquired by the imaging means. The image information obtained by the scanning image acquisition means and the imaging means differs in content, acquisition time, etc., even for the same object to be read, due to differences in the acquisition method. Generally, scanning image acquisition means can acquire image information with high dimensional accuracy and positional accuracy in the surface direction of the mounting surface, but it is difficult to acquire three-dimensional image information including the depth dimensions of the object to be read. Furthermore, scanning image acquisition means requires scanning time, so the acquisition time of image information is relatively long. In contrast, imaging means does not require scanning time, so the acquisition time of image information is short, but the dimensional accuracy and positional accuracy of the acquired image information are low. Furthermore, imaging means can easily acquire three-dimensional image information including the depth dimensions of the object to be read. As such, there are differences between the scanned image acquisition means and the imaging means in terms of the content of the image information acquired and the acquisition time, so when measuring the shape of the object to be read with high precision, it is desirable to acquire image information of the object to be read using both the imaging means and the scanned image acquisition means. Conventional image reading devices equipped with a scanning image acquisition means and an imaging means are capable of scanning an object to acquire image information using the scanning image acquisition means and capturing an image using the imaging means. However, in conventional image reading devices, the imaging means captures an image of the object to be read placed on the upper surface of a presser member that is closed to cover the placement surface, but does not capture an image of the object to be read placed on the placement surface. On the other hand, the scanning image acquisition means reads an object to be read placed on the placement surface, but does not read an object to be read placed on the upper surface of a presser member that is closed to cover the placement surface. Therefore, in conventional image reading devices, when acquiring (reading) image information of the same object to be read using both the imaging means and the scanning image acquisition means, the user is forced to perform the cumbersome task of moving the object to be read each time. In contrast, in this embodiment, the imaging means, like the scanning image acquisition means, acquires image information of the object to be read placed on the placement surface. Therefore, according to this embodiment, image information of the object to be read can be acquired by both the imaging means and the scanning image acquisition means while the object to be read remains placed on the placement surface. Therefore, it is possible to measure the shape of the object to be read with high accuracy without forcing the user to perform the cumbersome task of moving the object to be read.

[0092] [Second mode] The second aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the scanning image acquisition means includes a scanning image acquisition means (e.g., scanning reading unit 210) that acquires image information of the same object to be read from the placing surface side or the back side of the placing surface member, and the imaging means includes an imaging means (e.g., imaging unit 220, 220') that images the same object to be read from the side opposite to the side read by the scanning image acquisition means, of the placing surface side or the back side of the placing surface member. According to this, the scanning image acquisition means and the imaging means can each acquire image information from opposite sides of the same object to be read. This makes it possible to acquire image information of a portion of the same object that cannot be acquired by the scanning image acquisition means using the imaging means, and also makes it possible to acquire image information of a portion that cannot be acquired by the imaging means using the scanning image acquisition means. Therefore, image information with a larger amount of information can be acquired without forcing the user to perform the cumbersome task of moving the object to be read.

[0093] [Third aspect] The third aspect is characterized in that, in either the first or second aspect, the imaging means has a plurality of imaging units 221, 222, 231, 232 that image the same object to be read from the same side of the placement surface member to obtain image information. This allows parallax image information to be generated from image information captured by the plurality of image capturing units, thereby enabling shape measurement processing to be performed using the parallax image information.

[0094] [Fourth aspect] The fourth aspect is characterized in that, in any of the first to third aspects, it has a pressing member (e.g., pressure plate 202) that can be opened and closed relative to the placement surface and presses the object to be read placed on the placement surface against the placement surface, and the imaging means is provided on the pressing member. According to this, by providing the imaging means on the pressing member provided for the scanning image acquisition means, it is possible to reduce the need for a dedicated member for installing the imaging means, and a simpler configuration can be realized.

[0095] [Fifth mode] A fifth aspect is the fourth aspect, characterized in that the imaging means images the same object to be read at a plurality of different opening angles of the pressing member. According to this aspect, it is possible to obtain image information from different directions of the same object using the same imaging device, thereby obtaining image information with a larger amount of information without forcing the user to perform the cumbersome task of moving the object. Furthermore, according to this aspect, it is possible to generate parallax image information from multiple image information captured from different directions. This makes it possible to perform shape measurement processing using parallax image information without using a stereo camera.

[0096] [Sixth aspect] The sixth aspect is characterized in that, in any of the first to fifth aspects, the same object to be read is imaged by the imaging means, and then image information of the same object to be read is acquired by the scanning image acquisition means based on the image information acquired by the imaging means. This makes it possible to change the operation of the scanned image acquisition means for the same object to be read by using image information acquired by the imaging means. For example, by determining the size of the object to be read by using image information acquired by the imaging means, the scanning range of the scanned image acquisition means can be changed to match the size of the object to be read, thereby shortening the operation time of the scanned image acquisition means. Moreover, since the imaging means can acquire image information of the object to be read faster than the acquisition operation of the scanned image acquisition means, even if the operation of the scanned image acquisition means starts after the operation of the imaging means, the user will not feel any delay in the operation of the scanned image acquisition means.

[0097] [Seventh aspect] A seventh aspect is characterized in that, in any of the first to sixth aspects, the shape measurement process includes a dimension measurement process that measures the dimensions of a predetermined location on the same object to be read (for example, heights Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, etc. of the object to be read), and the shape measurement means acquires image information of a sheet on which an image showing the predetermined location is displayed using the scanning image acquisition means or the imaging means, identifies the predetermined location, and performs the dimension measurement process. This eliminates the need for user operations when specifying the location for dimension measurement, improving convenience.

[0098] [Eighth aspect] An eighth aspect is characterized in that, in any of the first to seventh aspects, the imaging means is equipped with an autofocus function, and the shape measurement process includes a dimension measurement process that measures dimensions of a predetermined location on the same reading object using parameter values ​​obtained by the autofocus function. This makes it possible to easily measure the height of the object to be read placed on the placement surface by using the autofocus function of the imaging means.

[0099] [Ninth aspect] The ninth aspect is an image forming device 1 that includes an image reading means (e.g., image reading unit 200) that reads image information of an object to be read (e.g., a three-dimensional object R) placed on the loading surface (e.g., the upper surface) of a loading surface member (e.g., a contact glass 201), and an image recording means (e.g., image forming unit 100) that records an image on a recording material (e.g., paper P), and is characterized in that the image reading means is an image reading device of any of the first to eighth aspects. According to this aspect, when image information of the same object to be read is acquired by both an imaging means and a scanning image acquisition means and the shape of the object to be read is measured, an image forming device can be provided that can perform measurements without forcing the user to perform the cumbersome task of moving the object to be read.

[0100] [Tenth aspect] A tenth aspect of the present invention is the ninth aspect, characterized in that the image recording means records the result of the shape measurement process in the image reading device on the recording material. This allows the user to immediately receive the recording material on which the results of the shape measurement process for the object to be read are recorded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1: Image forming device 2: Operation panel 10: Imaging section 11: Photoreceptor 31: Intermediate transfer belt 40: Fixing device 100: Image forming unit 200: Image reading unit 201: Contact glass 202: Pressure plate 203: Pressure plate hinge 204: Unit hinge 210: Scanning and reading unit 211: First running body 211a: Light source 212: Second running body 213: Imaging lens 214: Reading sensor 220, 220', 230, 230': Imaging unit 221, 222, 231, 232: Imaging unit 230a: Imaging lens 230b: Actuator 500: Control unit G: Manuscript P:Paper R: Three-dimensional object [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0102] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-175594

Claims

1. a scanning image acquiring means for acquiring image information of an object to be read placed on the placement surface by irradiating light from a light source from the rear side of the placement surface while scanning along the placement surface of the placement surface member; an imaging unit that captures an image of an object to be read from the placement surface side of the placement surface member to acquire image information of the object to be read, a shape measuring means for performing a shape measurement process on the same object to be read placed on the placement surface using image information acquired by the scanning image acquiring means and image information acquired by the imaging means, the shape measurement process includes a dimension measurement process of measuring a height dimension of a predetermined location on the same read object, An image reading apparatus characterized in that when image information of the same object to be read is obtained by the imaging means, light is irradiated from the light source.

2. In the image reading device according to claim 1, The image reading device is characterized in that the imaging means has a plurality of imaging units that capture images of the same object to be read from the same surface side of the placement surface member to obtain image information.

3. 3. The image reading device according to claim 1, a pressing member that can be opened and closed relative to the placement surface and that presses the object to be read that is placed on the placement surface against the placement surface; The image reading device is characterized in that the imaging means is provided on the pressing member.

4. 4. The image reading device according to claim 3, The image reading device is characterized in that the imaging means images the same object to be read at a plurality of different opening angles of the pressing member.

5. 5. The image reading device according to claim 1, an image capturing device for capturing an image of the same object to be read by the imaging means, and then capturing image information of the same object to be read by the scanned image capturing means based on the image information captured by the imaging means;

6. 6. The image reading device according to claim 1, The shape measurement means acquires image information of a sheet on which an image showing the specified location is displayed using the scanning image acquisition means or the imaging means, identifies the specified location, and performs the dimension measurement process.

7. 7. The image reading device according to claim 1, The imaging means has an autofocus function, The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the shape measurement process includes a dimension measurement process for measuring dimensions of a predetermined location on the same object to be read using parameter values ​​obtained by the autofocus function.

8. an image reading means for reading image information of an object to be read placed on the placement surface of the placement surface member; an image forming apparatus including an image recording means for recording an image on a recording material, 8. An image forming apparatus, comprising: an image reading device according to claim 1;

9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the image recording means records the result of the shape measurement process in the image reading device on the recording material.

Images