JP2000295432A - Image reader, image reading method and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize an appropriate scanning by realizing the highly accurate scan of a reading unit with a simple configuration, while avoiding problems such as unexpected contact with the flat cable of the reading unit to frequently occur during the scan of that read unit. SOLUTION: As a plate-shaped elastic member, an abutting member 20a is provided at one end of a reading unit 20 so as to be elastically turned for a prescribed amount at a support point 20c. The abutting member 20a is abutted/engaged with a flat cable 20b, connected to the reading unit 20 during scanning (prescan or main scan), and the flat cable 20b is regulated into desired state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus, an image reading method, and an electronic device for reading an image such as a microfilm.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a device for reading an image on a microfilm or the like, for example, a microfilm reader / scanner is known. This microfilm reader / scanner has a reader mode for projecting an image projected on a microfilm onto a projection screen, and an image reading mode for projecting an image onto a line sensor and reading the image.
Further, the apparatus is capable of outputting image data read in the image reading mode to the outside.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a conventional microfilm reader / scanner. In the figure, 101 is an illumination lamp for irradiating a microfilm described later and projecting it on a screen or a line sensor, 102 is a microfilm on which a subject image is imprinted, 103 is a projection lens, 104 is a transmission type screen, 105 is It is a reading unit.

The reading unit 105 includes a line sensor 105a having a light receiving element array, a mirror 105b, and a slit member 1 disposed in front of the optical path of the line sensor 105a.
05c. Further, in FIG.
Reference numeral 107 denotes a projection mirror for projecting an image on the screen 104. An image of the microfilm 102 is projected on the screen 104 by image light passing through an image projection optical path constituted by these mirrors 106 and 107.

In the reader mode, the reading unit 105
Is a position outside the image projection optical path, that is, the home position (H
P) 111. The image on the microfilm 102 is projected on a screen 104. In the image reading mode, as shown in FIG.
5 and the light blocking member 112 move in the sub-scanning direction on the image projection optical path, whereby the main scanning and sub-scanning of the reading unit 105 are performed, and the image can be read.

[0006]

As shown in FIGS. 16 (a) and 16 (b), a flat cable 112 is connected to one end of the reading unit 105, and control means is connected via the flat cable 112. To reading unit 10
5 is supplied with an electrical signal.

When the reading unit 105 moves from the retracted state to the HP 111 as shown in FIG. 16A in the sub-scanning direction shown by the arrow M in FIG. 16B, as shown in FIG.
As shown by the broken line in (b), the flat cable 112 is relaxed and bent. There is a problem that the intended movement of the reading unit 105 is hindered by the bending of the flat cable 112. Reading unit 105
In particular, during the main scan, it is necessary to move at an accurate scanning speed according to the set resolution, and high-precision scanning cannot be realized due to the above-described obstacle. In addition, at the time of pre-scan, the desired movement is hindered by the obstacle, which is inconvenient.

In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus, an image reading method, and an electronic apparatus that enable high-precision scanning of a reading unit with a simple configuration and realize proper scanning. .

[0009]

An image reading apparatus according to the present invention includes a reading unit that scans an enlarged projected image of a microfilm and reads the image. The reading unit includes the reading unit. A contact member is provided for contacting the connected flat cable. When the reading unit scans, the contact member contacts the flat cable to regulate the flat cable to an expected state.

In one aspect of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, during scanning of the reading unit, the expected state is maintained even when the flat cable is separated from the contact member.

In one aspect of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the contact member is a plate-like elastic member.

An image reading method according to the present invention is a method of scanning an enlarged projected image of a microfilm using a reading unit and reading the image, wherein the scanning unit is provided with the reading unit when scanning the reading unit. The contact member is brought into contact with a flat cable connected to the reading unit to regulate the flat cable to an expected state.

In one aspect of the image reading method according to the present invention, during scanning of the reading unit, the expected state is maintained even when the flat cable is separated from the contact member.

In one embodiment of the image reading method according to the present invention, the contact member is a plate-like elastic member, and the flat member is elastically biased by the contact member when the contact member comes into contact with the flat cable. Regulate cables.

An electronic device according to the present invention includes a movable body movable on a predetermined path, a flat cable connected to the movable body, and a contact member abutting on the flat cable. At the time of movement, the flat cable is regulated to an expected state by bringing the contact member into contact with the flat cable.

In one aspect of the electronic device of the present invention, when the movable body moves, the expected state is maintained even when the flat cable is separated from the contact member.

In one aspect of the electronic device of the present invention, the contact member is a plate-like elastic member.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG.
1 shows an external configuration of the device of the present invention. In the figure, an apparatus main body 10 mounts a film mounted via a carrier on a film mounting table 10a, and projects an image projected on a microfilm onto a projection screen 19 described later via an illumination system. It has become.

As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus main body 10 includes a reading unit 20 including an image sensor (line sensor 30) described later, and a driving unit 1 for driving the reading unit 20.
A light shielding member 25 for preventing unnecessary external light from entering the reading unit 20, a driving unit 31 for driving the light shielding member 25 so as to cooperate with the reading unit 20 in a predetermined manner, and an image read by the reading unit 20. An image processing unit 2 for processing
An image memory 3 for storing image information obtained by the image processing unit 2, a CPU 4 for controlling the operation thereof, an operation panel 5, and a communication unit 6 for communicating with the outside of the apparatus.
And The apparatus body 10 is a host computer 1
00, and can appropriately output an image to the printer 200 according to an instruction from the host computer 100.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show the internal structure of the device of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes a light source.
1 is a cold mirror 12, a condenser lens 13,
The light is guided to a transmission type projection screen 19 through a microfilm 14, a projection lens 15, an image reversing prism 16, and mirrors 17 and 18, and forms an enlarged projection image of the microfilm 14 on the projection screen 19.

On the back of the projection screen 19, a reading unit 20 is arranged. The reading unit 20 has a shaft 24 fixed to the main body chassis by the driving force of the driving motor 23 transmitted by the timing belts 21, 22a, 22b.
a and 24b are slidably moved freely in the sub-scanning direction.

The light shielding member 25 is disposed between the projection screen 19 and the reading unit 20. This light shielding member 25
The ball screw 26 fixed to the main body chassis is driven by the driving force of the light shielding motor 32 transmitted by the timing belt.
Is controlled so as to be freely movable in the sub-scanning direction. Normally, the reading unit 20 and the light shielding member 25 are on standby at a position outside the projection optical path, and are controlled so that the light shielding member 25 operates in conjunction with a reading operation described later.

Hereinafter, an image reading operation by the apparatus of the present invention will be described. Here, a case where a plurality of readings are continuously performed will be described as an example, but it is needless to say that the reading is performed only once.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an example of various peripheral devices of the image reading apparatus. In the figure, a personal computer that sends a batch scan command is
A computer (PC) 42 is connected to a film feeder 43 that conveys the microfilm to a predetermined site according to a batch scan command received from the reading unit. Here, the batch scan command is to drive the reading unit 20 and the light shielding member 25 of the image reading device 41 by one command,
A predetermined number of images are read continuously.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a sequence for reading a predetermined number of images by one batch scan command. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing various operations between the image reading device and various peripheral devices. It is. Figure 6
At 7, the PC 402 first sends a batch scan command to the image reading device 41 (step S11), and subsequently, the image reading device 41 sends a batch scan command to the film feed device 43 (step S12).

Next, the film feeder 43, which has received the batch scan command, conveys the microfilm to a predetermined position (step S13). When the preparation for reading the microfilm is completed, the film feeder 43
The first scan command is sent to the first scan command (step S14).
When the image reading device 41 receives the scanning command, the CPU 4
, A drive start command is issued, the drive motor 23 of the drive unit 1 is activated, and the read unit 20 waiting at a position outside the projection optical path, that is, at the home position (HP) 33.
Moves in the order of (a), (b), and (c) in FIG. 8, and reads the projected image (step S15). At the same time, the light shielding motor 32 in the drive unit 31 is activated, and the light shielding member 25 moves in conjunction with the reading unit 20. Microfilm 14
Is projected on the projection screen 19 through the image projection optical path by the irradiation of the light source 11. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the reading unit 20 includes a slit 27, a mirror 28, a filter 29, and a line sensor 3.
Contains 0.

The image reading device 41 converts the enlarged projection image of the microfilm read by the reading unit 20 into image data which is an electric signal by the line sensor 30, and sends the image data to the PC 42 (step S1).
6).

When the transmission of the image data to the PC 42 is completed, the image reading device 41 sends a scanning end command to the film feeding device 43 (step S17).

Then, in accordance with a predetermined number of scan commands included in the batch scan command, the remaining number of steps S1 is performed.
Steps 3 to S17 are repeated. Thereafter, the batch scan ends (step S18).

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing another example of various peripheral devices of the image reading apparatus. In the figure, an image reading device 41 includes a printer device 44 that prints an enlarged projected image of a microfilm on a document, and a film feed device 43 that conveys the microfilm to a predetermined portion according to a batch scan command received from the reading unit. Connected.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a sequence for reading a predetermined number of images by one batch scan command. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing various operations between the image reading apparatus and various peripheral devices. It is. FIG.
At 0 and 11, first, a batch scan command is sent from the keyboard of the film feeder 43 to the film feeder 43 (step S21).

Next, the film feeder 43, which has received the batch scan command, conveys the microfilm to a predetermined position (step S22). When the preparation for reading the microfilm is completed, the film feeder 43
The first scan command is sent to the first scan command (step S23).
When the image reading device 401 receives this scanning command, the CPU
4, a read start command is issued, the drive motor 23 of the drive unit 1 is started, and the read unit 2 waiting at a position outside the projection optical path, that is, at the home position (HP) 33
As in the case of FIG. 6, 0 moves in the order of A, B, and C in FIG. 8 to read the projected image (step S24). At the same time, the light shielding motor 32 in the drive unit 31 is activated,
The light blocking member 25 moves in conjunction with the reading unit 20.
The image on the microfilm 14 is projected on the projection screen 19 through the image projection optical path by the irradiation of the light source 11.

The image reading device 41 converts the enlarged projection image of the microfilm read by the reading unit 20 into image data which is an electric signal by the line sensor 30, and sends the image data to the printer device 404 as print data ( Step S25).

When the transmission of the image data to the printer device 44 has been completed, the image reading device 41
Then, a scan end command is sent to (step S26).

Then, in accordance with a predetermined number of scan instructions included in the batch scan instruction, the remaining number of steps S2 is performed.
Steps 2 to S26 are repeated. Thereafter, the batch scan ends (step S27).

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, one end of the reading unit 20 is provided with a contact member 20a which is a plate-like elastic member. The contact member 20a is connected to the reading unit 20 at a fulcrum 20c.
At 0c, a predetermined amount of rotation is possible. The contact member 20a has a function of contacting and engaging with the flat cable 20b connected to the reading unit 20 during scanning (prescan or main scan), and regulating the flat cable 20b to an expected state.

More specifically, when scanning the reading unit 20 in the sub-scanning direction, first, as shown in FIG. 12A, the reading unit 20 has one end (the HP 33 in the case of pre-scanning). The contact member 20a is in contact with the wall surface 31 at this time, and the flat cable 20b is kept in a tensioned state by the elastic force. At this time, the flat cable 20b is regulated in a substantially arc shape following the shape of the contact member 20a.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 12B, the reading unit 20 starts the scanning operation in the direction of arrow M in the figure, and when it has moved to some extent, the contact member 20a and the flat cable 20b are separated. At this time, the flat cable 2
Since 0b has received the contact from the contact member 20a, the flat cable 20b keeps a state in which the flat cable 20b is regulated in a substantially similar arc shape even after the two are separated from each other. And the reading unit 20
Reaches a predetermined portion near the other end, and the scanning ends.

As described above, the shape (state) of the flat cable 20b is regulated by the contact member 20a, and the flat cable 20b is prevented from bending into an irregular shape. Flat cable 2
The inconvenience that 0b touches or gets entangled is suppressed.

Therefore, according to the apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to perform high-precision scanning of the reading unit with a simple configuration, and to realize appropriate scanning.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 13A, the flat cable is bent at the home position so that the flat cable is smoothly bent by forming an initial loop. According to the device of the present invention, it is not necessary to form this initial loop, and therefore, as shown in FIG. 13B, the entire device can be made smaller (the distance of W in the figure).

The contact member is not limited to an arc-like elastic member such as 20a, but may be a protrusion-like member or a member having elasticity.

The present invention is not limited to the image reading apparatus, but includes a movable body movable on a predetermined path, and a flat cable connected to the movable body, and the movable body is driven by an electric signal through the flat cable. Can be applied to various electronic devices whose movement is freely controlled.

In order to realize the functions of the image reading apparatus described in the present embodiment, the program code itself for operating various devices, means for supplying the program code to a computer, and an image reading method , For example, steps S11 to S18 in FIG. 6 and steps S21 to S2 in FIG.
7 and the means for supplying the program code to a computer,
For example, a storage medium storing such a program code belongs to the category of the present invention.

In this case, the program code stored in the storage medium is read out by a predetermined storage / reproduction device, and the EEPROM operates. As a storage medium for storing such a program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the supplied program code, not only the functions of the present embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) or other applications running on the computer. Such a program code is also included in the present invention when the functions of the present embodiment are realized in cooperation with software or the like.

Further, after the supplied program code is stored in the memory provided in the function expansion board of the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or the function expansion unit is operated based on the instruction of the program code. The present invention also includes a system in which a CPU or the like included in the system performs part or all of actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the present embodiment.

[0048]

According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid inconvenience such as accidental contact with a flat cable of a movable body, such as a reading unit, which is likely to occur during movement of the movable body, and to move the movable body with a simple configuration. High-precision scanning of the body is enabled, and appropriate movement can be realized. Further, since it is not necessary to form an initial loop of the flat cable, the entire apparatus can be made compact.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing the internal structure of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of various peripheral devices connected to the image reading device of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a sequence in which a predetermined number of images are read by a single batch scan command in the image reading apparatus and the peripheral devices in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating various operations between the image reading apparatus and various peripheral devices.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an operation example of a reading unit in the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing another example of various peripheral devices connected to the image reading device of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a sequence in which a predetermined number of images are read by one batch scan command in the image reading device and the peripheral device in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating various operations between the image reading apparatus and various peripheral devices.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a positional relationship between a reading unit and a flat cable during scanning.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a movable state of the reading unit of the apparatus of the present invention when compared with a conventional example (comparative example).

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a conventional image reading apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a scanning operation of a conventional image reading apparatus.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a positional relationship with a flat cable during scanning of a conventional reading unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 31 Drive unit 2 Image processing unit 3 Image memory 4 CPU 5 Operation panel 6 Communication unit 10 Device body 11 Light source 12 Cold mirror 13 Condenser lens 14 Micro film 15 Projection lens 16 Image inverting prism 17, 18 Mirror 19 Transmission projection Screen 20 reading unit 20a contact member 20b flat cable 20c fulcrum 23 drive motor 25 light shielding member 27 slit 28 mirror 29 filter 30 line sensor 32 light shielding motor 33 home position (HP) 34 wall surface

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An image reading apparatus comprising: a scanning unit that scans an enlarged projection image of a microfilm and reads the image, wherein the scanning unit is in contact with a flat cable connected to the scanning unit. An image reading apparatus, comprising: a member, wherein the flat cable is regulated to an expected state by bringing the contact member into contact with the flat cable during scanning of the reading unit. 2. The image according to claim 1, wherein during scanning of the reading unit, the expected state is maintained even when the flat cable is separated from the contact member. Reader. 3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contact member is a plate-shaped elastic member. 4. An image reading method for scanning an enlarged projection image of a microfilm using a reading unit and reading the image, wherein the contact member provided on the reading unit is scanned when the reading unit scans. An image reading method, wherein the flat cable is regulated to an expected state by making contact with a flat cable connected to a reading unit. 5. The image according to claim 4, wherein during scanning of the reading unit, the expected state is maintained even when the flat cable is separated from the contact member. Reading method. 6. The flat cable according to claim 6, wherein said contact member is a plate-shaped elastic member, and said flat cable is regulated by a resilient bias of said contact member when said flat cable is in contact with said contact member. The image reading method according to claim 4. 7. A movable body that can move on a predetermined path, a flat cable connected to the movable body, and a contact member that abuts on the flat cable. An electronic device, wherein the flat cable is regulated to an expected state by bringing a contact member into contact with the flat cable. 8. The moving device according to claim 7, wherein the movable member is kept in the expected state even when the flat cable is separated from the contact member.
An electronic device according to claim 1. 9. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the contact member is a plate-shaped elastic member.