JPH0918648A - Scanner device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an output of image data stored in the scanner to an external device without an expensive parallel bus I/F by providing a data read speed arithmetic means, an image read sensor scanning control means and read image storage means to the external device. CONSTITUTION: When a start signal is outputted from an output port P1 of an external device 18, a speed arithmetic means 7 calculates a data input speed to provide an output of 3-byte R, G, B data equivalent to one picture element to the scanner based on a confirmation signal GJ from an output port P2 and outputs the speed to a scanning control means 6. The means 6 generates horizontal and vertical scanning control signal based on the data input speed to control a CCD 4 and a vertical scanning motor 5. Image data outputted from the CCD 4 are separated into three outputs R, G, B and they are latched in latch means 12 to 14 via D/A converters 9 to 11. A signal generating means 8 sets three output speeds of R, G and B and time intervals of RSEL, GSEL and BSEL. The time interval is set based on the read speed data by the external device 18.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a scanner device capable of outputting image information written on a photographic film or paper read by an image reading sensor to an external device such as a personal computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a data transfer system, a serial system and a parallel system are known. For example, 1 byte (=
When transmitting 8-bit data, the serial method requires the receiving side to receive one bit at a time, but the parallel method allows the data to be transmitted at a time, so signal exchange can be omitted. Data can be transmitted at higher speed. Also in the scanner device, in order to shorten the "output time", the data can be output in parallel by the "GPI".
A bus interface such as "B" or "SCSI" having a parallel output transfer rate of 1 megabyte per second or more is used.

An example using a bus interface such as "GPIB" or "SCSI" is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 183674/1993. That is, JP-A-5-183
In No. 674, the image memory is switched depending on the image size to store all images or temporary storage. When the image size is small, after scanning the image data in the image memory switched to all image storage, There is disclosed a scanner device that outputs all at once and sequentially outputs image data in an image memory switched for temporary storage while performing a scanning operation when the image size is large. The data communication in this case is an interface such as the above-mentioned "GPIB" or "SCSI".

[0004]

As described above, the parallel method enables higher speed communication than the serial method, but since the bus interface such as "SCSI" is expensive, it is provided in all personal computers. is not. In order for users to enjoy the effects of the above parallel method,
The interface board must be purchased separately, resulting in an expensive system. Further, in the case of collectively outputting the image data obtained by scanning the above-mentioned small image size, since the amount of data is small, high speed is not required. For a user who scans such a small image size, the expensive bus interface that he has purchased will be wasted.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the image data stored in the scanner device can be stored only by an output request signal from an external device without using an expensive parallel type bus interface. It is an object to provide a scanner device that can output to an external device.

[0006]

According to a first scanner device of the present invention for achieving the above object, image data read by a line sensor for image reading based on a scanning signal from a connected external device. In a scanner device capable of outputting the data to an external device, a read speed calculating means for calculating a data read speed of the external device from a scanning signal output from the external device, and the image reading based on the output of the read speed calculating means. A scanning control means for controlling the scanning speed of the scanning sensor and a holding means for holding the read image data in synchronization with the reading of the image reading sensor.

Further, the second scanner device according to the present invention for achieving the above object uses the image data read by the image reading line sensor based on the scanning signal from the connected external device. In a scanner device capable of outputting to, a driving unit that drives the image reading sensor to a predetermined scan, and a reading speed calculation unit that calculates a data reading speed of the external device from a scanning signal output from the external device, Based on the output of the reading speed calculation means, a scanning control means for controlling the scanning speed of the driving means and the image reading sensor, and holding the read image data and based on a scanning signal from the external device. And a data holding unit that outputs the held data.

Further, a third scanner device according to the present invention for achieving the above object is the above-mentioned first or second scanner device, wherein the scanning signal from the external device is:
The image reading line sensor is a signal for scanning image data corresponding to a predetermined number of pixels.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the first scanner device according to the present invention calculates the data reading speed of the scanning signal output from the external device, and based on this speed, the image scanning speed of the image reading sensor. Control. The image data read at the scanning speed synchronized with the external device is latched by the holding means and is output from the holding means when there is a read signal from the external device.

A second scanner device according to the present invention for achieving the above object calculates a data reading speed of a scanning signal output from an external device, and based on this speed, an image scanning speed of an image reading sensor. Control. The scanning position of the image is determined by moving the image reading sensor to a predetermined scan by the driving unit. Then, the image data read at a predetermined position at the scanning speed synchronized with the external device is latched by the holding means, and when there is a selection signal for reading from the external device, the holding data is read from the holding means respectively. Output.

A third scanner device according to the present invention for achieving the above object scans an image in the first or second scanner device based on a data read speed of a scan signal output from an external device. At this time, the image reading line sensor scans a range corresponding to a predetermined number of pixels.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration diagram for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 to 17 described in detail below
Shows the structure of the scanner device, and 18 shows the above scanner.
An external device such as a personal computer that sends and receives data to and from the device is shown.

In the scanner device in FIG. 1, 1
Is a developed photographic film, 2 is a light source for projecting the developed photographic film 1, and 3 is a light source 2
Line (one-dimensional) type image sensor (hereinafter CCD)
4) is an image forming lens for forming an image on the image forming device 4. Denoted at 5 is a driving means for moving the CCD 4 in the direction perpendicular to the sensor direction in order to read the two-dimensional image data by changing the scanning line of the CCD 4 by the sub-scanning motor. The above C
If the scanning of the CD 4 itself is the main scanning, the above movement corresponds to the sub-scanning.

The CCD 4 and the sub-scanning motor 5 are controlled by a main scanning control signal from the scanning control means 6, respectively.
The two signals are controlled by the sub-scanning control signal, and these two signals are determined by the confirmation signal (GJ) output from the external device 18 to the speed calculation means 7 of the scanner-device. The speed calculator 7 measures the confirmation signal (GJ), which is a value unique to the external device 18, and calculates the data input speed required to output a predetermined number of bytes of data from the external device 18 to the scanner device. And outputs it to the scanning control means 6.

The calculated speed data is also output to the data output signal generating means 8, and the data output signal generating means 8 outputs the confirmation signal (GJ) output simultaneously with the speed calculating means 7. A transfer signal for outputting the image data from the scanner device to the external device is generated based on the speed data signal.

On the other hand, the image data output from the CCD 4 is decomposed into three outputs of R (red), G (green) and B (blue), which are the three primary colors, and each A / D converter 9, 10, 11
Is output to Then, after being converted into a digital value, it is outputted to each latch means 12, 13, 14 and held (latched) there. The above A / D conversion is controlled by an A / D pulse from the scanning control means 6 which generates a main / sub scanning control signal, and the latch similarly outputs from the scanning control means 6 after the A / D conversion value is determined. Controlled by output. As a result, the latch output is input to each of the selection means 15, 16 and 17.

In the case of this embodiment, the transfer signals generated by the data output signal generating means are R (red), G (green), and
Three selection signals (RSE) corresponding to each output of B (blue)
L, GSEL, BSEL) are the above selection means (15, 1)
6, 17) are selectively output. Only the latch output corresponding to this selection signal is output to the external device (18). In the case of this embodiment, R (red), G (green), and B are output.
Since one pixel is composed of three (blue) outputs, one pixel is sequentially output. Incidentally, each selection signal is given to each latch means 12, 1
The latch enable signals 3 and 14 are also provided, and when the selection signal is output and the latch output is output to the external device 18, the latch is prohibited. This is to prevent the external device 18 from changing data during data input.

Now, the input / output port of the external device 18 will be described in detail. The output ports are P1 and P2, and P1 is a start signal (S
T) is output, and P2 outputs the confirmation signal (GJ). Input ports are P3 and P4, and P3 is a port for inputting a signal generated by the scanning control means 6 for each line scanning of the CCD 4 as a 1-line output confirmation signal (LJ).
This signal is recognized as a line break of the image data and is used for image display on an external device. P4 is an input port for image data transferred from the scanner device to an external device.

The operation of the first embodiment will be described below. When a start signal (ST) for instructing the start of scanning is output from the output port P1 of the external device, the speed calculation means 7 corresponds to one pixel based on the confirmation signal (GJ) from the output port P2. The data input speed required to output the 3-byte (R, G, B) data to be output from the external device 18 to the scanner device is calculated, and the speed is output to the scanning control means 6. The scanning control means 6 generates a main / sub scanning control signal based on the data input speed to control the CCD 4 and the sub scanning motor 5. In this case, when the input speed is high, the main / sub-scanning control signal is increased to increase the image signal of the CCD 4 and drive the sub-scanning motor at high speed. That is, the scanning time becomes faster as the external device has a faster reading speed.

The image data output from the CCD 4 is R
It is decomposed into three outputs of (red), G (green), and B (blue),
The three decomposed outputs are converted into digital values by the A / D converters 9 to 11 and then output to the latch means 12 to 14 and held therein. The data output signal generation means 8 outputs R (red), G (green), and
Three output speeds of B (blue), RSEL / GSEL / BSE
Set L time interval. This RSEL / GSEL / B
The time interval of SEL is set based on the speed data, which is the time when the external device 18 reads 3 bytes of R, G, and B. For example, when the R / G / B read speed of the external device 18 is every 30 us, it is 10 us (30 us / 3 = 10 u).
The selection signal of RSEL / GSEL / BSEL is switched every s). According to the first embodiment, the image data latched in the holding means in the scanner device can be output only by the selection signal from the external device without using an expensive parallel type bus interface. Further, since the handshake (synchronization) signal between the frame memory and the CPU is unnecessary as compared with the case where the image data is held in the frame memory or the like, the image data can be transferred at high speed and the frame memory and the handshake can be performed. Since the circuit and the signal line can be omitted, the structure can be simplified.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram for explaining the second embodiment, and FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b) are flow charts for explaining the operation of the second embodiment.
Chart, FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the confirmation signal (GJ). FIG. 5 shows selection pulses, latch pulses, transfer pulses, shift pulses, etc., and R, G,
6 is a graph showing the relationship between B and the data output.

In FIG. 2, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and only different portions will be described below. The second embodiment is an embodiment in which a RISC type CPU is used instead of the scan control means 6, the speed calculation means 7 and the data output signal generation means 8. Here, RISC is "Reduced
-Instruction-Set-Compute
It is an abbreviation for "r" and is a CPU that can execute one instruction in one clock of the original vibration. For example, when the original vibration is 20 MHz (megahertz), one command can be executed in 50 ns (nanosecond). For reference, the conventional CPU is "CISC" (Comp
lexed-Instruction-Set-Com
It is called a "putter)", and it usually takes about 200 ns because one instruction is executed in four clocks. Therefore, in the RISC type CPU, the output of the sensor (light receiving unit) is transferred to the CCD shift register by the transfer pulse and is output one by one by the shift pulse, so that the processing speed is four times faster.

As shown in FIG. 2, the RISC type CPU 20 outputs A / D pulses for controlling the A / D converters 9-11 and latches for controlling the latch means 12-14. The I / O port 21 having an input / output port for outputting a pulse and a control pulse for controlling the CCD 4 and for inputting a start signal from P1 of the external device 18 and a signal interval of "GJ" are first provided. During the scanning operation, the pulse output unit 22 for generating the R, G, B selection signals and the drive pulse for the sub-scanning motor during the scanning operation, and the generation interval of the selection signal from the measured value of the signal interval of "GJ" described later and , A control unit for calculating a drive speed for driving the sub-scanning motor 5 including a stepping motor, and control and operation of the I / O port 21 and the pulse output unit 22. And ROM24 for storing programs of the arithmetic unit 23, data of results of calculations of the calculation units 23 - RAM 2 for temporarily storing data and address
5 and a data bus 26 and an address bus 27 for exchanging these data.

The operation of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b). Figure 3 (a) shows RI
3 is a main flowchart for explaining the operation of the SC type CPU 20, and FIG. 3 (b) is a flowchart for a subroutine for performing a main scan of the CCD 4 (see the first embodiment).
Incidentally, "S" in the flowchart represents a processing number.

In S1, a start signal from P1 of the external device 18 is input, and when the signal changes from "1" to "0", the process proceeds to S2. In S2, the one-pixel read confirmation signal (hereinafter referred to as GJ) output from P2 of the external device 18 is waited for to be "0", and when it is "0", the process proceeds to S3.
A timer is started to calculate the data input rate required to output from the external device 18 to the scanner device. This timer is provided in the pulse output unit 22. Here, in the GJ, the external device corresponds to one pixel (3
This is a signal corresponding to the time for reading (byte) data, and after the timer starts the start of reading, it operates as shown in FIG. That is, while GJ is "0", R ・ G
-B data is being read, and while "1", other processing is being performed.

In S4, it is judged whether or not the reading of the R, G, and B data is completed, and when the reading is completed, S is executed.
Move to 5. In S5, the measured value of the timer, that is,
RAM where GJ is "0" is "TGJ"
25. In S6, it waits until GJ changes from "1" to "0", and when it becomes "0", the process shifts to S7. In S7, the GJ cycle time is calculated from the value of "TGJ" and the value of S6, and this value is stored in the RAM 25 as "TP". S
In step 8, the switching timing for setting each of the R, G and B selection means in the selected state is calculated from the value of "TGJ". This switching timing depends on the time when each of RSEL, GSEL, and BSEL is "0" (selected state) is "TGJ
/ 3 ", GJ becomes" 0 ", the timer counter is cleared, and the time from the start of counting to the end of each output is" T "in the order of R, G, B.
GJ / 3 ”,“ 2TGJ / 3 ”, and“ TGJ ”. The pulse output unit (22) sequentially outputs RSEL / GSEL / BSEL pulses when a predetermined count set value is reached based on the timing calculation value when GJ becomes "0" (selected state). FIG. 5 shows the switching timings "TGJ / 3", "2TGJ / 3", "TGJ",
6 is a graph showing the relationship between the selection pulse, the latch pulse, the transfer pulse, the shift pulse and the like described below and the R, G, B data outputs.

In S9, the driving speed (driving pulse time interval) for driving the stepping motor 5 which is the sub-scanning motor is calculated. The driving speed is the GJ cycle "TP"
And is proportional to the read speed of the external device 18 and inversely proportional to the square of the time for scanning the CCD 4 for one line. still,
The "one-line main scanning time" is the processing time of S12 described later, which is about several ms. The reason why the driving speed of the motor is set to this relationship is that the external device is considering displaying while reading the data.

In S10, driving of the motor is started (output of driving pulse is permitted). In step S11, it is determined whether the driving of the stepping motor 5, which is the sub-scan, is completed and the CCD 4 reaches the end of the document (film). If the sub-scanning is completed, the process proceeds to S13 to stop the motor, and if not completed, the process proceeds to the CCD main scanning subroutine in S12 to perform the main scanning for one line. S12 CCD
When the main scanning is completed, the process returns to S11, and the driving of the stepping motor 5 in S13 is stopped.

The CCD main scanning subroutine of S12 will be described below with reference to FIG. The number of pixels of CCD4 is 20
Each pixel has 00 R, G, and B sensors. In S20, the count value (y) is CC
The number of pixels of D4 is set to "2000". I / in S21
A transfer pulse is output from the O port 21 to the CCD 4, and the sensor output is a shift register (not shown) in the CCD 4.
Transfer to In S22, a shift pulse is output from the I / O port 21 and a sensor output for one pixel is output from the shift register to each A / D converter 9, 10, 11.
At this time, the R, G, and B sensor outputs are simultaneously output.

In S23, the A / D conversion pulse is output from the I / O port 21 and the A / D converters 9, 10 and 11 perform the A / D conversion. In S24, the latch pulse is output from the I / O port 21, and each holding means 12, 13, 1 is output.
4 is made to latch each A / D conversion value. At this time, when the selection pulse is output from the pulse output unit (22), the latch is not performed. The latch is performed only when the selection pulse is not issued. In step S25, "y" is subtracted, and in step S26, it is determined whether or not the scanning for one line is completed depending on whether "y" has become "0". If "y" is not "0", the process returns to S22, and if "0", the subroutine is ended.

Here, the processing speeds when a CISC type CPU and a RISC type CPU are used in the above subroutine will be compared. Generally, one CCD
The interval of main scanning for the line also serves as the integration time of the sensor, which is usually several ms. In the case of RISC type CPU,
If the main scan for one line is 6 ms, the processing from S22 to S26 for scanning one pixel is 3us (6000us / 20).
00 = 3us). Therefore, RIS
Since the processing speed of the C type CPU is 50 ns, the main scanning of one line corresponds to 60 steps (3000 ns / 50 ns =
This is a calculation that can perform the processing of 60). On the other hand, CIS
C-type CPU has 15 steps (3000ns / 20
Since the time is only 0 ns = 15), parallel control by the I / O port is impossible.

In this embodiment, the pulse control relating to the main scanning of the CCD 4 is performed by the I / O port 21, but it is also possible to perform it by the pulse output unit 22. But,
In this case, a CPU having many pulse output ports must be used, which complicates the configuration.

6A and 6B show the data read time and the main scan time of the external device 18 in this embodiment.
It shows the relationship with the sub-scanning time. Fig. 3 (a)
FIG. 6 shows the calculation process of "motor drive speed" in S9 of FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. Now, the number of pixels in the sub-scanning direction that the external device can read is "Nx" and the number of pixels in the main scanning direction that the external device can read are "Ny", and the time for the external device to read data for one pixel is "Tp", The time for main scanning 2000 pixels (reading time for one line of CPU) is "Ts", and the time for sub-scanning film width (36 mm) (scanning time for one screen) is "Tf", 36 mm
Assuming that the width is the sub-scanning speed "Vf" during sub-scanning, the following relationship holds: Nx = Tf / Ts (1) Ny = Ts / Tp (2). Considering that the external device displays the data at the same time as reading the data, it is desirable that the pixel pitches in the vertical and horizontal directions are equal to each other so that the display image is not vertically or horizontally distorted. Therefore, Ny / Nx = 1 ... … (3) is established. From the above (1) to (3), Tf = Ts.Ts / Tp (4), so Vf = 36 mm / Tf (5) Vf = 36.Tp / (Ts.Ts) .... (6) is led.

From the equation (6), it is understood that the slower the reading of the external device 18, the faster the sub-scanning speed and the faster the scanning, because the relationship of the equation (3) is to be maintained. Therefore, if the distortion of the display image is corrected on the external device 18 side, the sub-scanning speed does not have to be controlled.
Further, the slower Tp is than Ts, that is, the slower the reading speed of the external device is, the external device thins out and reads the image data, and thus the total number of pixels to be read decreases.
As a result, the scan time becomes faster. Conversely, when only a small image (reduced image) is required, the external device can intentionally delay the Tp signal and perform high-speed scanning.

Using equation (6), the scanning speed Vf at points "A1" and "A2" in FIG. 6A is obtained. From the figure, Tp = 3
Substituting 0 us and Ts = 6 ms into the equation (6) gives a scanning speed Vf = 30 mm / sec, and similarly, "B1" and "B"
2 ", Tp = 30us, Ts = 10ms
Substituting into equation (6) gives Vf = 10.8 mm / sec.

Further, FIG. 6 (b) shows the position satisfying the relation of the expression (3) under the condition that the number of pixels in the main scanning direction which can be read by the external device is Ny = 1000. T
When p = 5us, Ts = 5ms, Tf = 5sec
The value becomes (Vf = 7.2 ms / sec) (C1 point). When Tp = 10 us, Ts = 10 ms, Tf =
A value of 10 sec (Vf = 3.6 ms / sec) (C
2 points).

The second embodiment of the present invention has been described above. According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment described above, a RISC type CPU is further used.
Signal processing can be performed in parallel, and signal processing can be performed faster.

According to the embodiments of the present invention described above, the following configurations can be adopted. Appendix 1 The reading speed measuring means for measuring the data reading speed of the external device based on the scanning signal from the connected external device, and the scanning speed of the image reading sensor based on the output of the reading speed measuring means. Scan control means for controlling, holding means for holding the read image data in synchronization with the reading of the image reading sensor, a scanner provided, a scanning signal for driving the scanner, and the holding means. And an external device capable of outputting a selection signal for selectively outputting the image data, which is connected to a sensor driving unit for driving the image reading sensor to a predetermined scanning position. Read speed measuring means for measuring a data read speed of the external device based on a scanning signal from the external device, and the read speed. Based on the output of the measuring means, a scanning control means for controlling the scanning speed of the sensor driving means and the image reading sensor, and the read image data are divided into a plurality of pieces in synchronization with the reading of the image reading sensor. Holding means for holding the same, a scanner provided therein, and an external device for outputting a scanning signal for driving the scanner and a selection signal for selectively outputting the image data held by the holding means. In the scanner device capable of outputting the image data read by the line sensor for image reading to the external device based on the scanning signal from the connected external device, the scanner system having Drive means for driving to the scanning position,
Based on the output of the reading speed calculating means for calculating the data reading speed of the external device from the scanning signal output from the external device, and the output of the reading speed calculating means, the scanning speed of the driving means and the image reading sensor is determined. And scanning control means for controlling, and data holding means for holding the divided read image data by dividing it into a plurality of pieces, and for outputting the plurality of pieces of the held data based on the scanning signal from the external device. A scanner device characterized by the above. Supplementary Note 4 In the image data, a predetermined number of bytes represents a predetermined number of pixels, and the data input speed signal is generated each time an external device inputs data of a predetermined number of pixels. The scanner device according to claim 1.

[0039]

The image data latched in the holding means in the scanner device can be output only by a selection signal from an external device without using an expensive parallel type bus interface. Further, since the handshake (synchronization) signal between the frame memory and the CPU is unnecessary as compared with the case where the image data is held in the frame memory or the like, the image data can be transferred at high speed and the frame memory and the handshake can be performed. Since the circuit and the signal line can be omitted, the structure can be simplified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of a confirmation signal (GJ).

FIG. 5 is a graph showing a relationship between a selection pulse, a latch pulse, a transfer pulse, a shift pulse, etc. and R, G, B data outputs.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the data read time and the main scanning time / sub scanning time of the external device 18 in the second embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A scanner device capable of outputting image data read by an image reading line sensor to the external device based on a scan signal from a connected external device, wherein the scan signal output from the external device. Read speed calculating means for calculating the data read speed of the external device, scanning control means for controlling the scanning speed of the image reading sensor based on the output of the reading speed calculating means, and A scanner device, comprising: a holding unit that holds the read image data in synchronization with the reading. 2. A scanner device capable of outputting image data read by a line sensor for image reading to the external device based on a scanning signal from a connected external device, wherein the image reading sensor is scanned in a predetermined manner. Drive means for driving to a position, read speed calculation means for calculating the data read speed of the external device from the scanning signal output from the external device, and the drive means and the above based on the output of the read speed calculation means. A scanning control unit that controls the scanning speed of the image reading sensor; and a data holding unit that holds the read image data and outputs the held data based on a scanning signal from the external device. Characteristic scanner device. 3. The scanning signal from the external device is a signal for scanning the image data corresponding to a predetermined number of pixels by the image reading line sensor. Or the scanner device according to 2.