Image reading device

Abstract

To provide an image reading device that includes a photographing unit that photographs a placed subject from above and that reads the image of the subject photographed by the photographing unit, and read the image of the photographed subject even when a display unit exists between a placing unit on which the subject is placed and the photographing unit.SOLUTION: An image reading device 20 includes a placing unit 24 on which a subject is placed, a photographing unit 40 that is present above the placing unit 24 and photographs the subject, an irradiation unit 42 that is present above a mounting unit 24 and that irradiates the subject with light, and a display unit 30 located between the mounting unit 24 and the photographing unit 40 and the irradiation unit 42 and outside the imaging range E1 of the photographing unit 40 and the irradiation range E2 of the irradiation unit 42.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A document reading device that includes a document placing table having a document reading unit and an automatic document feeder supported on the document placing table so as to be rotatable between a closed position that covers the top surface of the document placing table and an open position that opens the top surface of the document placing table has been known for some time (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-068980 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To provide an image reading device which has a photographing section for photographing a placed subject from above the subject and reads the image of the subject photographed by the photographing section, and which can read the image of the subject photographed even if a display section exists between a mounting section on which the subject is placed and the photographing section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the image reading device according to the present invention comprises a mounting section on which a subject is placed, a photographing section located above the mounting section and photographing the subject, an illumination section located above the mounting section and irradiating the subject with light, and a display section located between the mounting section and the photographing section and the illumination section, and outside the photographing range of the photographing section and the illumination range of the illumination section.

[0006] Furthermore, a second aspect of the image reading device according to the present invention is the image reading device of the first aspect, wherein the photographing unit and the display unit are arranged side by side in the vertical direction when viewed from the standing position of the operator.

[0007] An image reading device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the image reading device according to the second aspect, wherein the center of the imaging unit and the center of the display unit are aligned on a straight line along the vertical direction.

[0008] Furthermore, a fourth aspect of the image reading device according to the present invention is the image reading device of the first aspect, in which the photographing unit, the irradiation unit, and the display unit are arranged vertically side by side when viewed from the operator's standing position.

[0009] Furthermore, a fifth aspect of the image reading device according to the present invention is the image reading device of the fourth aspect, in which the center of the photographing unit, the center of the irradiation unit, and the center of the display unit are aligned in a straight line along the vertical direction.

[0010] An image reading device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image reading device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the display unit is located at the back, opposite to where the operator is standing.

[0011] An image reading device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the image reading device according to the sixth aspect, wherein the display unit is turned off when the subject is photographed by the photographing unit.

[0012] An image reading device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the image reading device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the irradiation range of the irradiation unit is narrower than the imaging range of the imaging unit.

[0013] An image reading device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the image reading device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the irradiation range does not extend to the near side when viewed from the position where the operator is standing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the first aspect of the invention, even if the display unit is present between the mounting unit on which the subject is placed and the photographing unit and the irradiating unit, the photographed image of the subject can be read.

[0015] According to the second aspect of the invention, the width of the image reading device can be reduced compared to when the photographing unit and the display unit are offset in the width direction when viewed from the operator's standing position.

[0016] According to the third aspect of the invention, the width of the image reading device can be reduced compared to when the center of the imaging unit and the center of the display unit are misaligned in the width direction.

[0017] According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the width of the image reading device can be reduced compared to when the photographing unit, the irradiation unit, and the display unit are offset in the width direction when viewed from the operator's standing position.

[0018] According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the width of the image reading device can be reduced compared to when the center of the imaging unit, the center of the irradiation unit, and the center of the display unit are misaligned in the width direction.

[0019] According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the area on which the subject is placed can be made wider than when the display unit is located at the standing position of the operator.

[0020] According to the seventh aspect of the invention, when the photographing section photographs a subject, power consumption can be reduced compared to when the display section remains lit.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect of the invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in illuminance compared to when the irradiation range of the irradiating unit is wider than the imaging range of the imaging unit.

[0022] According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the illumination range can suppress a decrease in illuminance compared to when the illumination range extends to the near side when viewed from the operator's standing position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus including an image reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing an image reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an image reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an image reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the imaging range of the document camera of the image reading device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a modified example of the image reading device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. For ease of explanation, the arrow UP shown in FIG. 1 indicates the upward direction of the image reading device 20, and the arrow RH indicates the rightward direction of the image reading device 20. Therefore, in the following description, when the up / down and left / right directions are mentioned unless otherwise specified, they refer to the up / down and left / right directions of the image reading device 20. Furthermore, the left / right direction is synonymous with the width direction of the image reading device 20.

[0025] 1 indicates the front direction of the image reading device 20, and the direction opposite to the arrow FR indicates the rear direction of the image reading device 20. The operator is assumed to stand on the front side of the image reading device 20. In other words, the operator's standing position is the front side of the image reading device 20. The direction seen from the operator's standing position is assumed to be the front view. The arrow FR may also be referred to as the front direction of the image reading device 20, and the direction opposite to the arrow FR may also be referred to as the rear direction of the image reading device 20.

[0026] 1, an image forming apparatus 10 equipped with an image reading device 20 according to this embodiment includes a rectangular housing-shaped apparatus main body 12. Inside the apparatus main body 12, there are provided a storage section (not shown) that stores recording paper (not shown) as an example of a recording medium, a transport section (not shown) that transports the recording paper, an image forming section (not shown) that forms an image on the transported recording paper, and a fixing section (not shown) that fixes the image formed on the recording paper.

[0027] A notched step 14 is formed on the right side of the upper end of the device body 12, and the bottom surface of this step 14 serves as a paper discharge section 16. A discharge opening 18 for discharging recording paper with a fixed image is formed on the side wall of the step 14 facing the right side, and the recording paper discharged from the discharge opening 18 is placed on the paper discharge section 16.

[0028] An image reading device 20 is provided on top of the device body 12. The image reading device 20 includes a device body 22 in the shape of a rectangular housing, the length of which in the front-to-back direction and the length of which in the left-to-right direction are approximately equal to those of the device body 12. A part of the top surface 22U of the device body 22 serves as a loading section 24 on which a document (not shown), which is an example of a subject, is placed. The loading section 24 may have projections and recesses.

[0029] 2, the right side of the loading section 24 can be pulled out to the right, and a part of the pulled-out loading section 24 forms part of the document loading section 26 on which a document is loaded when being transported and read. Therefore, inside the device body 22 of the image reading device 20, a transport section (not shown) that transports the document and a reading section (not shown) that reads the image of the document are provided.

[0030] 1 to 4, a display unit 30 having a rectangular shape in a front view with its longitudinal direction extending in the left-right direction is disposed at the rear of the device main body 22 and above the mounting portion 24. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, a quadrangular pillar portion 36 stands in the center in the left-right direction at the rear of the top surface of the device main body 12, and the center in the left-right direction of the rear surface of the display unit 30 is fixed to a support member 37 provided integrally with the upper end of the pillar portion 36.

[0031] That is, the display unit 30 is supported by the pillar 36 via a support member 37, and is fixed in a state inclined backward by a predetermined angle θ1 with respect to the vertical direction so that an operator can easily touch an operation unit 34 described below. As shown in Fig. 2, a notch 28 as an example of a housing capable of housing the pillar 36 is formed at the rear end of the top surface 22U of the device main body 22. The notch 28 is formed in a generally rectangular shape in a plan view with the longitudinal direction extending in the left-right direction, and is formed in a size that allows the pillar 36 to pass through.

[0032] 1 to 3, the display unit 30 has a rectangular frame 32, and the screen enclosed by the frame 32 is an operation unit 34 that is operated by an operator. That is, the display unit 30 has the operation unit 34 configured with a so-called touch panel screen, and the operator can input by touching with his or her fingers items displayed on the screen of the operation unit 34. Note that the operation unit 34 of the display unit 30 is, for example, 15 inches in size, and is heavy, so it is supported by the device body 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 via a pillar 36.

[0033] 4, a support pillar 38 that is taller than the pillar 36 stands independently of the pillar 36 at the same position in the width direction as the pillar 36 on the rear side of the device body 22 of the image reading device 20, in other words, at a position that overlaps with the pillar 36 in a front view as shown in Fig. 3. In other words, the support pillar 38 stands without any connecting member or the like provided between it and the pillar 36.

[0034] A document camera 40, which serves as an example of an imaging unit that captures an image of a document placed on the loading section 24, is provided at the upper end of the support column 38, located above the display section 30. More specifically, the upper end of the support column 38, in a side view seen from the width direction, forms a bent section 38A that is bent forward at a predetermined angle θ2 with respect to the vertical direction, and the document camera 40 is integrally attached to the tip of the bent section 38A. Note that the angle θ2 is preferably set to, for example, 75° to 80°.

[0035] The document camera 40 is configured to be able to communicate data with an image processing unit (not shown) provided inside the device body 12 of the image forming device 10, and image data captured by the document camera 40 can be saved and output by the image processing unit. This image processing unit is also configured to be able to communicate data with a reading unit provided inside the device body 22 of the image reading device 20. When capturing an image with the document camera 40, the operation unit 34 of the display unit 30 is turned off so that light leaking from the operation unit 34 of the display unit 30 is not irradiated onto the mounting unit 24.

[0036] 4, an LED lamp 42 is provided in the bent portion 38A above the display unit 30 and below the document camera 40. The LED lamp 42 is an example of an illumination unit that illuminates the document placed on the loading section 24. In other words, the document camera 40 and the LED lamp 42 are supported by the device body 22 of the image reading device 20 via the support 38, and are positioned above the display unit 30.

[0037] The document camera 40 and LED lamp 42 are fixed in a position that extends beyond the display unit 30 onto the mounting unit 24 in a plan view. The LED lamp 42 includes a light source (not shown) and a projection lens (not shown). 1 and 3 only show the cover 44 that covers the support 38, part of the document camera 40, and part of the LED lamp 42, while the cover 44 is not shown in FIG. 2.

[0038] 3, the display unit 30, document camera 40, and LED lamp 42 are aligned vertically in a front view from the operator's standing position. In detail, the left-right center of the display unit 30 (hereinafter referred to as the "center"), the left-right center of the LED lamp 42 (hereinafter referred to as the "center"), and the left-right center of the document camera 40 (hereinafter referred to as the "center") are aligned on an imaginary center line C, which is an example of a straight line extending vertically from bottom to top, in a front view.

[0039] The center of the document camera 40 can be rephrased as the optical axis of the lens (not shown) in the document camera 40, and the center of the LED lamp 42 can be rephrased as the optical axis of the projection lens in the LED lamp 42. The center of the display unit 30 can be rephrased as the intersection of an imaginary center line in the left-right direction and an imaginary center line (not shown) in the up-down direction of the display unit 30. The imaginary center line in the left-right direction of the display unit 30 is the same as imaginary center line C shown in FIG. 3.

[0040] 4, the display unit 30 is disposed outside the imaging range E1 of the document camera 40 and the illumination range E2 of the LED lamps 42. In other words, the imaging range E1 of the document camera 40 is located on the front side, in front of the lower end 32D of the frame 32 of the display unit 30. Similarly, the illumination range E2 of the LED lamps 42 is located on the front side, in front of the lower end 32D of the frame 32 of the display unit 30.

[0041] Here, the imaging range E1 will be explained. It is desirable to place the document camera 40 as low as possible, but in a situation where it is placed towards the back, the imaging range of the document camera 40 needs to be angled so that it does not overlap with the display unit 30. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, where the left side of the page is the front side, the imaging range E1 is the range indicated by the virtual line K1, and the captured image is distorted.

[0042] Additionally, it is desirable to position the document camera 40 as close to the operator as possible, but if it protrudes too far forward, the document camera 40 may get in the operator's field of view and become a nuisance when the operator operates the operation unit 34 of the display unit 30. For example, as shown in Figure 4, when measured from the line of sight of a tall operator who is 185 cm or taller, if the document camera 40 is not positioned at a height H or higher above the upper end 32U of the frame 32 of the display unit 30, for example, at a height H of 40 mm or higher, the document camera 40 will get in the operator's field of view and become a nuisance.

[0043] Therefore, in this embodiment, the imaging range E1 of the document camera 40 is the range indicated by the virtual line K2 in Fig. 5, and the actual imaging range E1 of the mounting section 24 is the range indicated by the solid line J in Fig. 5. Note that although Figs. 4 and 6 are drawn to show approximately the same range, strictly speaking, the imaging range E1 and the illumination range E2 are different.

[0044] Specifically, the area of ​​the illumination range E2 on the mounting portion 24 is narrower than the area of ​​the imaging range E1, and the positions of the rear side and both left and right sides of the illumination range E2 are approximately the same as those of the imaging range E1, but the front side does not extend as far forward as the imaging range E1. In other words, the illumination range E2 on the front side is closer to the viewer than the solid line J and further back than the imaginary line K2, as shown by the imaginary line K3 in Fig. 5.

[0045] Furthermore, in the loading section 24, the imaging range E1 indicated by the solid line J is wider than the range in which the document is placed (indicated by the imaginary line P in FIG. 5). The range in which the document is placed, i.e., the range indicated by the imaginary line P, is determined by aligning the corners of the document with the corner marks (not shown) provided on the loading section 24. In other words, the reference for the range in which the document is placed is the corner marks provided on the loading section 24.

[0046] Next, the operation of the image reading device 20 according to this embodiment configured as above will be described.

[0047] When reading an image of a document using the image reading device 20 of this embodiment, there are two ways to do this: setting the document on the document loading section 26 and reading the image of the document while transporting it, or placing the document on the loading section 24 and photographing the document from above with the document camera 40 to read the image of the document.

[0048] When an image recorded on a document is read by photographing the document with the document camera 40, as described above, the display unit 30 is positioned in advance outside the photographing range E1 of the document camera 40 and the illumination range E2 of the LED lamp 42. Therefore, even if the display unit 30 is between the loading section 24 on which the document is placed and the document camera 40 and LED lamp 42 in front and side views, it is possible to read the image of the photographed document.

[0049] As described above, the display unit 30, the document camera 40, and the LED lamp 42 are aligned vertically in a front view. Specifically, the centers of the display unit 30, the document camera 40, and the LED lamp 42 are aligned on an imaginary center line C along the vertical direction. Therefore, the width of the image reading device 20, including the display unit 30, is reduced compared to when the centers of the display unit 30, the document camera 40, and the LED lamp 42 are misaligned in the width direction.

[0050] As described above, the display unit 30 is located at the back, opposite the position where the operator is standing. Therefore, the loading section 24 on which the document is placed can be made wider than when the display unit 30 is located at the front, where the operator is standing. Furthermore, when taking a picture with the document camera 40, the operation section 34 of the display unit 30 is turned off. Therefore, when taking a picture with the document camera 40, power consumption is reduced compared to when the operation section 34 of the display unit 30 remains lit.

[0051] Furthermore, the illumination range E2 of the LED lamp 42 is narrower than the imaging range E1 of the document camera 40. Therefore, the reduction in illuminance of the LED lamp 42 is suppressed compared to when the illumination range E2 of the LED lamp 42 is wider than the imaging range E1 of the document camera 40. Furthermore, when viewed from the operator's standing position, the illumination range E2 of the LED lamp 42 does not extend further forward than the imaging range E1 of the document camera 40. Therefore, the reduction in illuminance is suppressed compared to when the illumination range E2 of the LED lamp 42 extends further forward than the imaging range E1 of the document camera 40.

[0052] Furthermore, a notch 28 for passing the pillar 36 is formed at the rear end of the top surface 22U of the device body 22. Therefore, the length of the device body 12 in the front-to-rear direction is reduced compared to when, for example, the device body 12 protrudes rearward from the device body 22, with the pillar 36 standing upright.

[0053] Furthermore, the support column 38 stands independently of the column portion 36. In other words, no connecting member or the like is provided between the support column 38 and the column portion 36. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to the column portion 36 via the display unit 30 by operating the operation unit 34 of the display unit 30, there is no need to worry about the document camera 40 and the LED lamp 42 being affected via the support column 38.

[0054] Furthermore, the display unit 30, which is located between the document loading section 24 on which the document is placed and the document camera 40 and LED lamp 42, may be configured so that the angle θ1 relative to the vertical direction is changeable. In this case, it is preferable that the LED lamp 42 and the document camera 40, including the bent portion 38A, are configured so that the angle θ2 corresponding to the position of the display unit 30 at angle θ1 is automatically set.

[0055] That is, it is preferable to set the angle θ2 of the bent portion 38A relative to the angle θ1 of the display unit 30 in advance so that the display unit 30 is positioned outside the imaging range E1 of the document camera 40 and the illumination range E2 of the LED lamp 42. With this configuration, even if the angle θ1 of the display unit 30 is changed, the image of the document photographed by the document camera 40 can still be read.

[0056] 1 to 4, a small display unit 31 having an operation unit 34 of, for example, about 7 inches may be provided on the front side of the device body 22. In this case, the display unit 31 has a lower end rotatably supported on a rotation axis (not shown) whose axial direction is the left-right direction, and is configured so that the angle θ3 with respect to the vertical direction can be changed.

[0057] That is, when the operator operates the operation unit 34, the display unit 31 is tilted backward at an angle θ3 with respect to the vertical direction (shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 6) to make the operation easier. When an image of a document placed on the loading unit 24 is to be captured, the display unit 31 is raised vertically so as to be out of the capturing range E1 (shown by the solid line in FIG. 6).

[0058] That is, in the case of the image reading device 20 configured as above, when the display unit 31 is raised upright, the display unit 31 is automatically moved out of the photographing range E1. Note that the change in the position of the display unit 31 about the rotation axis may be performed manually, or may be performed automatically by operating the operation unit 34 or the like.

[0059] Although the image reading device 20 according to this embodiment has been described above with reference to the drawings, the image reading device 20 according to this embodiment is not limited to the one shown in the drawings, and the design can be appropriately modified within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, the image reading device 20 according to this embodiment does not need to be provided with a transport unit and a reading unit that transports and reads a document.

[0060] Furthermore, the LED lamp 42 is not limited to a single lamp configuration, and multiple lamps may be provided. In this case, the LED lamp 42 does not necessarily have to be arranged on the imaginary center line C. For example, if two LED lamps 42 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, the pair of left and right LED lamps 42 may be arranged at equal distances on both sides of the imaginary center line C.

[0061] Furthermore, in the image reading device 20 according to this embodiment, it is sufficient that the display unit 30, document camera 40, and LED lamp 42 are aligned vertically above the mounting portion 24, and their centers may be slightly offset horizontally. For example, the display unit 30 may be offset horizontally relative to an imaginary center line C passing through the center of the document camera 40, as long as the offset is within approximately ±5% of the horizontal length of the display unit 30.

[0062] In other words, "slight" here means about 5% of the horizontal length of the display unit 30. However, it is preferable that the display unit 30, document camera 40, and LED lamp 42 are arranged so that their centers are aligned on the imaginary center line C. Also, when capturing an image with the document camera 40, the operation unit 34 of the display unit 30 does not have to be turned off, but may be dimmed as close to being turned off as possible. In this embodiment, such dimming is also included in the term "turned off." [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 20 Image reader 24 Loading section 30 Display section 40 Document camera (example of the photographing section) 42 LED lamp (example of the irradiation part)

Claims

1. A mounting area for placing the subject, an imaging unit located above the mounting unit and configured to capture an image of the subject; an illumination unit located above the mounting unit and configured to illuminate the subject with light; a display unit located between the mounting unit and the photographing unit and the irradiating unit, and outside the photographing range of the photographing unit and the irradiating range of the irradiating unit; Equipped with A support pillar is provided at the back opposite the operator's position. The support pillars are When viewed from the width direction of the device body, the display device has an upper end portion that is bent at an angle of 75° to 80° with respect to the vertical direction and is positioned above the display unit, The image reading device has the photographing unit and the irradiation unit provided at the upper end in order from the tip of the upper end.

2. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the image capturing unit and the display unit are arranged vertically side by side when viewed from the standing position of an operator.

3. 3. The image reading device according to claim 2, wherein the center of the image capturing section and the center of the display section are aligned on a straight line extending in the vertical direction.

4. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the photographing unit, the irradiating unit, and the display unit are arranged vertically side by side when viewed from a standing position of an operator.

5. 5. The image reading device according to claim 4, wherein the center of the photographing unit, the center of the irradiating unit, and the center of the display unit are aligned on a straight line extending in the vertical direction.

6. 6. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is positioned at the back side opposite to a position where an operator is standing.

7. 7. The image reading device according to claim 6, wherein the display unit is turned off when the subject is photographed by the photographing unit.

8. 8. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein an illumination range of the illumination unit is narrower than an imaging range of the imaging unit.

9. 9. The image reading device according to claim 8, wherein the illumination range does not extend to the front side when viewed from a standing position of an operator.

Images