JP2006013673A - Image reading apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reading apparatus capable of being used for a crime-prevention apparatus without the need for separately providing a sensor which is not used for its ordinary image reading processing operation. <P>SOLUTION: The image reading apparatus 1 includes: an actuator for activating a scanning carriage 27 so that it is brought into an external light monitor state attended with a shift to a crime-prevention mode; a CCD line sensor 29 that reads an image of an original in the ordinary mode or detects external light in a prescribed region around its own apparatus 1 as an electric signal in the crime-prevention mode when the scanning carriage 27 is brought into the external light monitor state; and a control section 2 for discriminating the presence and absence of an abnormality on the basis of whether or not the level of the electric signal detected by the CCD line sensor 29 exceeds a threshold 41. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus, and more particularly to an image reading apparatus that detects light in a predetermined area around the apparatus (hereinafter, also referred to as “external light”) using a unit that reads an image of a document.

  Criminal criminals in intrusion crimes such as empty nests are becoming more and more diversified and sophisticated year by year, and these criminals aim not only for cash and precious metals stored in houses but also for important corporate documents and data. ing. With respect to such intrusion crimes, the awareness of defense is increasing regardless of individuals or companies, and various crime prevention devices have been introduced in houses and offices.

  Introducing a crime prevention device that detects anomalies such as a house or office while the user is out and notifies the user or security company of the anomaly is safe and secure. There is a problem that it takes. In view of such circumstances, Patent Document 1 discloses an image reading apparatus that can be introduced at low cost by utilizing the characteristic that power is always turned on in preparation for facsimile transmission / reception.

  The image reading apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes a sensor for detecting indoor light, temperature, vibration, sound, door opening / closing, and the like in addition to a configuration for performing facsimile transmission / reception. When it is determined that there is an abnormality based on this, the image data of a message that conveys the date and time of the occurrence of an abnormality in the facsimile apparatus of a predetermined destination registered in advance, the content of the abnormality that has occurred, etc. is automatically transmitted. The facsimile apparatus of the predetermined destination outputs the image data of the transmitted message on a recording sheet, and the user can grasp the content of the abnormality from the message recorded on the recording sheet and take an appropriate action.

JP 2002-57869 A

  However, the image reading apparatus of Patent Document 1 needs to include a separate sensor for detecting indoor light and the like. That is, a sensor that is not used when the image reading apparatus performs a normal processing operation has to be added separately.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus that can be used as a security device without adding a sensor that is not used in a normal processing operation.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image reading apparatus according to claim 1, driving means for operating the movable member so that the movable member enters an external light monitoring state in accordance with the shift to the crime prevention mode, and the movable member Detecting means for detecting light in a predetermined area around the apparatus as an electric signal by a reading means for reading an image of the document, and the electric signal detected by the detecting means has a predetermined threshold Determining means for determining the presence / absence of an abnormality based on whether or not the threshold is exceeded.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the image reading apparatus moves the movable member so that the movable member moves to the outside light monitoring position in accordance with the transition to the crime prevention mode. Driving means for collecting, detecting means for collecting the light collected by the condensing means and guided by the movable member at the external light monitoring position as an electrical signal by a reading means for reading an image of the document, and the detecting means Determining means for determining the presence / absence of an abnormality based on whether or not the electrical signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image reading device according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a detection sensitivity adjusting unit that adjusts a detection sensitivity of the electric signal detected by the detection unit.

  The image reading apparatus according to claim 4 is the image reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the detection sensitivity adjusting means is configured to detect a detection sensitivity of the electrical signal detected by the detection means, and a level of the detected electrical signal is predetermined. It adjusts every predetermined time so that it may become the target level.

  The image reading device according to claim 5 is the image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the level change amount after the level change amount of the electrical signal detected by the detection unit exceeds a predetermined threshold. Measuring means for measuring the time until the absolute value of the value exceeds the threshold, and the determining means determines whether there is an abnormality based on whether the time measured by the measuring means exceeds a set time It is characterized by that.

  The image reading apparatus according to claim 6 is a notification means for notifying a predetermined external communication terminal when the determination means determines that there is an abnormality in the image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. It is characterized by having.

  According to the image reading apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, light in a predetermined area around the apparatus is detected as an electric signal by the reading unit that reads an image of the document, and the presence / absence of an abnormality is determined based on the detected electric signal. Therefore, it can be used as a crime prevention device that detects a predetermined area around the device itself, for example, light above the position where the image reading device is placed, without adding a sensor that is not used in normal processing operation.

  According to the image reading apparatus of claim 2, the light of a predetermined area around the apparatus is collected, the light guided by the movable member is detected as an electric signal by the reading means for reading the image of the document, and the detected electric signal is detected. In order to determine the presence or absence of abnormalities based on the above, without adding a sensor that is not used in normal processing operation, a predetermined area around the device itself, for example, light that illuminates the safe surroundings placed around the image reading device It can be used as a security device to monitor.

  According to the image reading device of claim 3, in addition to the effect of the image reading device of claim 1 or 2, in order to adjust the detection sensitivity of the electric signal to be detected, the presence or absence of abnormality corresponding to the ambient brightness Can be determined.

  According to the image reading apparatus of the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect of the image reading apparatus of the third aspect, the electric signal detected at every predetermined time so that the level of the detected electric signal becomes a predetermined target level. Since the detection sensitivity is adjusted, the presence or absence of abnormality can always be accurately determined even if the ambient brightness changes.

  According to the image reading device of claim 5, in addition to the effect of the image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the level change after the level change amount of the detected electrical signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Measure the time until the absolute value of the quantity exceeds the threshold, and determine whether there is an abnormality based on whether the measured time exceeds the set time. An erroneous determination such as determination can be prevented, and the presence or absence of abnormality can be determined accurately.

  According to the image reading device of claim 6, in addition to the effect of the image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in order to notify a predetermined external communication terminal when it is determined that there is an abnormality. A user having an external communication terminal can know that an abnormality has occurred in a predetermined area around the image reading apparatus.

  Hereinafter, an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The image reading apparatus 1 has a function of transmitting and receiving document image data to and from an external apparatus, a function of transmitting an e-mail, and a function of receiving a command from an external communication terminal and executing a process corresponding to the command. It is an apparatus provided with.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an image reading apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the image reading apparatus 1 includes a control unit (MPU: Microprocessing Unit) 2, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 3, a light collecting unit 4, a reading unit 5, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 6, a codec (CODEC). : Coder and Decoder) 7, image memory 8, sound collection unit 9, communication unit 10, LAN I / F (Local Area Network Interface) 11, operation unit 12, display unit 13, and recording unit 14. Each part except the optical part 4 is communicably connected by a bus 15. Further, the image reading apparatus 1 and the external communication terminal 16 can communicate via a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) 17.

  The image reading apparatus 1 has a normal mode and a security mode as setting modes. In the normal mode, a facsimile transmission / reception function and a copy function are executed. In the security mode, light in a predetermined area around the own apparatus 1 is monitored. Execute a security function to determine whether there is an abnormality.

  The control unit 2 controls each unit constituting the image reading apparatus 1 according to a control program stored in the ROM 3. The ROM 3 stores a control program for controlling each part of the image reading apparatus 1 by the control unit 2, and the control program in the ROM 3 can be rewritten.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the light collecting unit 4 and the reading unit 5 of the image reading apparatus 1. As illustrated, the reading unit 5 includes a hollow flat bed reading unit (FBS) 18 and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 19 on the flat bed reading unit 18. . Further, as shown in the figure, the flat bed reading unit 18 includes a light introducing unit 20 that protrudes outward from the position where the automatic document feeder 19 is placed. In the present embodiment, the light introduction unit 20 is provided on the left side with respect to the automatic document feeder 19 in FIG. 2, but may be provided on the right side with respect to the automatic document feeder 19.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the light collecting unit 4 includes a monitoring mirror 21, a light collecting lens 22, and a white plate 23, and the monitoring mirror 21 and the light collecting lens 22 are arranged from the outside of the flat bed reading unit 18. The white plate 23 is attached on the light introducing portion 20 in this order. The light introduction unit 20 is provided with an opening 24 for introducing light reflected by the white plate 23 into the flat bed reading unit 18 below the white plate 23.

  The monitoring mirror 21 is mounted so as to be adjustable in horizontal angle so that the monitoring area can be changed by rotating around the vertical axis, and reflects the light in a predetermined area around the device 1 and guides it to the condenser lens 22. is there. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in order to monitor the vicinity of the safe 25 placed in a certain office, the user adjusts the horizontal angle of the monitoring mirror 21 in advance, so that the intruder is intruded around the safe 25. Can be reflected by the monitoring mirror 21 and guided to the condenser lens 22. The condenser lens 22 collects the light reflected by the monitoring mirror 21 and guides it to the white plate 23. The condenser lens 22 is a lens capable of adjusting the transmittance, and can adjust the intensity and color of input light to an optimum state. Instead of using such a condensing lens 22, the input light may be adjusted to an optimum intensity or color by overlapping a filter on the lens.

  The white plate 23 reflects the light collected by the condenser lens 22 and guides it into the flat bed reading unit 18 from the opening 24. The white plate 23 has a white light reflecting surface, and is made of a material that reflects light as diffused light, such as a so-called PVC plate. The projecting dimension of the light introducing unit 20 from the position where the automatic document feeder 19 is placed, and the width and position of the opening 24 are such that light is emitted from the opening 24 into the flat bed reading unit 18 in the normal mode (when reading the document). Is set as appropriate so as not to interfere with the reading of the document. The size of the monitoring mirror 21, the condensing lens 22, and the white plate 23, the distance between them, and the like are reflected on the white plate 23 by the light reflected by the monitoring mirror 21 and collected by the condensing lens 22. To a flat bed reading unit 18 is set to be suitable. As described above, the condensing unit 4 functions as a condensing unit that collects light in a predetermined area around the device 1.

  In this embodiment, only the horizontal angle of the monitoring mirror 21 can be adjusted, and external light monitoring is performed at the installation height of the monitoring mirror 21, but the angle of the monitoring mirror 21 can also be adjusted in the vertical direction, and The position can also be adjusted, and the angle and position of the condenser lens 22 and the white plate 23 can also be adjusted, so that the position is not limited to the installation height of the monitoring mirror 21, and any room in the room where the image reading apparatus 1 is installed. The light in the height region may be monitored.

  Moreover, in the condensing part 4 in this embodiment, although the monitoring area | region can be changed by rotating the monitoring mirror 21 around a vertical axis, by rotating the condensing lens 22 around a vertical axis, FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to collect light in a predetermined area around the device 1 with the condenser lens 22 and the white plate 23 without providing the monitoring mirror 21. In that case, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the locus of the focusing position of the condenser lens 22 and the white plate 23 are in a positional relationship. In the case of contact with the white plate 23 (FIG. 5A) and in the case where the locus of the focusing position of the condenser lens 22 intersects the white plate 23 at two points (FIG. 5B), the former case is used. The deviation between the focus position of the condenser lens 22 and the position of the white plate 23 in the latter case is larger than the maximum value La of the deviation amount between the focus position of the condenser lens 22 and the position of the white plate 23. The maximum value Lb of the quantity becomes smaller (La> Lb). Therefore, the positional relationship between the focus position of the condenser lens 22 and the white plate 23 is monitored when the locus of the focus position of the condenser lens 22 intersects the white plate 23 at two points. It is preferable because high-precision monitoring can be performed in the entire area.

  The reading unit 5 includes an actuator (not shown) in the flat bed reading unit 18, a scanning carriage 27, an imaging lens 28, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) line sensor 29, as shown in FIG. As described above, an AFE (Analog Front End) circuit 30, an A / D conversion (Analog to Digital Conversion) circuit 31, and a shading correction circuit 32 are provided.

  The actuator moves the scanning carriage 27 with an electric motor or the like in the sub-scanning direction of the document (left-right direction in FIG. 2). The scanning carriage 27 is a movable member that scans in order to read a document, and includes a first scanning carriage 33 and a second scanning carriage 34. The first scanning carriage 33 includes a light source 35 and a mirror 36, and the second scanning carriage 34 includes two mirrors 37, which are configured to be movable by an actuator in the sub-scanning direction. The scanning carriage 27 is in the document reading area in the normal mode, and when reading a document placed on the transparent document placing plate 38 of the flatbed reading unit 18, a reading direction (right direction in FIG. 2) is used. The original is irradiated with light by the light source 35 of the first scanning carriage 33 that moves to), the reflected light is reflected by the mirror 36, and the reflected light moves in the reading direction with a delay from the first scanning carriage 33. The light is reflected by the mirror 37 of the carriage 34 and guided to the imaging lens 28. Further, when reading a document placed on the document tray 39 of the automatic document feeder 19, the document is positioned below the reading position P 1, and light is emitted from the light source 35 to the document when the document is transported and passes the reading position P 1. The reflected light is reflected by the mirror 36, and the reflected light is reflected by the mirror 37 of the second scanning carriage 34 and guided to the imaging lens 28.

  On the other hand, in the security mode, the scanning carriage 27 is moved by the actuator to the outside light monitoring position below the opening 24 of the light introducing unit 20 in accordance with the transition to the security mode, as shown in FIG. The light collected by the section 4 and incident from the opening 24 is reflected by the mirror 36 of the first scanning carriage 33, and the reflected light is reflected by the mirror 37 of the second scanning carriage 34 and guided to the imaging lens 28. Therefore, when the scanning carriage 27 (movable member) is in the external light monitoring state, the scanning carriage 27 is moved to the external light monitoring position, and the actuator is moved to the crime prevention mode. It functions as a driving means for moving the scanning carriage 27 so as to move to the light monitoring position. Note that when reading a document in the normal mode, the length of the optical axis from the document reading position to the imaging lens 28 is always kept constant even if the scanning carriage 27 moves in the reading direction. On the other hand, when the scanning carriage 27 moves to the external light monitoring position in the security mode, the length of the optical axis from the white plate 23 to the imaging lens 28 becomes longer than the length of the optical axis that is maintained constant in the normal mode. It is conceivable that the image is slightly out of focus, but even if the image is slightly out of focus, there is no problem in detecting an abnormal light.

  In the normal mode, the imaging lens 28 forms an image on the CCD line sensor 29 of the reflected light of the image of the document guided by the scanning carriage 27. On the other hand, in the crime prevention mode, the light guided by the scanning carriage 27 is imaged on the CCD line sensor 29.

  In the normal mode, the CCD line sensor 29 reads the reflected light of the image of the original image formed by the imaging lens 28 for each main scanning line and outputs it as image data. On the other hand, in the crime prevention mode, the light imaged by the imaging lens 28 is detected at a predetermined period, and an electrical signal corresponding to the detected light, specifically, an analog detection signal is detected for each main scanning line. Output as. Therefore, the CCD line sensor 29 functions as a reading unit that reads an image of a document in the normal mode, and in the security mode, the light collected by the light collecting unit 4 and guided by the scanning carriage 27 at the external light monitoring position is an electric signal. It functions as a detecting means for detecting as. In addition, as described above, the CCD line sensor 29 detects light at a predetermined period in the crime prevention mode, but accumulates detection values for a predetermined time (for a plurality of times), and uses the average value for abnormality. It is preferable to determine whether or not there is a stable abnormality. However, it is possible to determine abnormality every time one line (one time) is detected. The CCD line sensor 29 may be a monochrome sensor or a color sensor. However, when the light guided into the flatbed reading unit 18 is red light used for a warning light or the like in the crime prevention mode, the CCD line sensor 29 is more colored than the monochrome sensor. The sensor is more suitable for detecting red light.

  The reduction optical system of the condensing lens 22 of the condensing unit 4 and the imaging lens 28 of the reading unit 5 reduces incident light and forms an image on the CCD line sensor 29. As shown in FIG. In the mode, if light is detected using only a part of the width (effective width R) of the CCD line sensor 29, the light corresponding to the effective width R on the CCD line sensor 29 is displayed on the white plate 23. The detection width is S, and an increase in size of the condenser lens 22 and the like can be prevented. Further, as described above, a wider area can be monitored by rotating the condenser lens 22 or the like. At this time, the position of the effective width R on the CCD line sensor 29 moves to the left and right as the condenser lens 22 rotates, and the position of the effective width S on the white plate 23 also moves to the left and right. .

  Although not shown, the AFE circuit 30 includes an analog amplifier, and the control unit 2 gains the AFE circuit 30 so that the level of the analog detection signal detected by the CCD line sensor 29 becomes a predetermined target level. The set value is adjusted every predetermined time. The AFE circuit 30 adjusts the gain of the analog detection signal using the gain of the analog amplifier as the gain corresponding to the gain setting value, and sets the analog detection signal to a level suitable for A / D conversion. However, the range of gain that can be adjusted by the AFE circuit 30 is normally limited, and gain adjustment is performed within the limited range. The AFE circuit 30 includes two types of analog amplifiers corresponding to different gain setting values: an analog amplifier corresponding to the gain setting value in the normal mode and an analog amplifier corresponding to the gain setting value in the security mode. You may prepare.

  As described above, the control unit 2 adjusts the gain setting value for the AFE circuit 30 every predetermined time so that the level of the analog detection signal detected by the CCD line sensor 29 becomes a predetermined target level. It functions as a detection sensitivity adjustment unit that adjusts the detection sensitivity every time. Specifically, a time zone in which the periphery of the image reading apparatus 1 gradually becomes bright will be described as an example. As shown in FIG. 7, first, gain adjustment is performed so that the level of the analog detection signal becomes the target level, and convergence is achieved. Then, the gain adjustment is finished (period P). After the gain adjustment is finished, the level of the analog detection signal gradually changes as the surroundings gradually become brighter, and the gain adjustment is started again after a predetermined time t (for example, several minutes) (period Q). When light having an abnormal brightness is guided to the CCD line sensor 29, analog detection is performed in the period P in which gain adjustment is being performed and in the period Q in which gain adjustment is not being performed than when normal light is being guided. A large amount of signal level change is detected.

  The degree of light level change (change amount) per unit time due to a natural phenomenon is gradual (small change amount in minute time), and the degree of light level change per unit time (change amount) when an abnormality occurs Small compared to. The present invention determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the amount of change in light level, and detects the amount of change in light level while adjusting the detection sensitivity at predetermined intervals as described above. Even if the brightness changes, the presence or absence of abnormality can always be accurately determined. In this embodiment, the detection sensitivity is adjusted by adjusting the gain and increasing / decreasing the gain. However, the detection sensitivity may be adjusted by increasing / decreasing the light storage time of the light in the CCD line sensor 29.

  The A / D conversion circuit 31 converts the image data of the document whose gain has been adjusted by the AFE circuit 30 in the normal mode into the image data of the digital document, and similarly, the analog detection signal whose gain has been adjusted by the AFE circuit 30 in the security mode. Is converted into a digital detection signal. The shading correction circuit 32 performs shading correction on the image data of the A / D converted digital document in the normal mode and outputs it to a predetermined output destination. Similarly, in the crime prevention mode, the shading correction circuit 32 outputs the digital detection signal. Perform shading correction and output to a predetermined output destination.

  Note that the reading unit 5 may be provided with only the flat bed reading unit 18 without including the automatic document feeder 19 as long as it can detect light in a predetermined area around the apparatus 1, or the flat bed reading unit 18. It is also possible to provide only the automatic document feeder 19 without the. When the reading unit 5 includes only the automatic document feeder 19, the document reading position is fixed, and the opening / closing cover, which is a movable member, is opened by driving means such as a motor or a cylinder so that light is at the document reading position. Light is monitored as it enters from the reading glass. In this case, if the light of the predetermined area | region around the own apparatus 1 can be detected, it is not necessary to provide the condensing part 4 in particular.

  In addition, the white plate 23 of the light collecting unit 4 is not a diffusion plate but a mirror, and the scanning carriage 27 is periodically moved in the sub-scanning direction within a predetermined range, thereby periodically changing the monitoring region. Good. The detection target of the CCD line sensor 29 is light of a specific color at a specific position, for example, when a warning lamp is provided near the entrance / exit in the room where the image reading apparatus 1 is installed, the entrance / exit opens and the suspicious object is opened. It is also possible to limit the warning light to red light or the like that is turned on when an intruder is detected. In this case, the light may be captured in advance, the output value of the CCD line sensor 29 at that time may be stored, and used for abnormality determination.

  The RAM 6 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the control unit 2 and stores mode information 40, a threshold value 41, a set time 42, communication destination information 43, and a log 44. The mode information 40 is information indicating whether the current setting mode of the image reading apparatus 1 is the normal mode or the security mode. The threshold value 41 is a fixed value that is set in advance by the user from the operation unit 12 or a value that is updated according to the degree of change of light every predetermined time (degree of change in ambient brightness) other than when an abnormality is detected. It is. In the latter case, the level change amount of the analog detection signal is detected small when the surrounding is bright, and the level change amount of the analog detection signal is detected when the surrounding is dark. This is because the threshold value 41 is also updated according to a change in ambient brightness every predetermined time, so that the presence / absence of abnormality can be more accurately determined. When the level change amount of the digital detection signal output from the reading unit 5 exceeds the threshold value 41, the control unit 2 changes the level of the digital detection signal after the level change amount of the digital detection signal exceeds the threshold value 41. It functions as a measuring means for measuring the time until the absolute value of the quantity exceeds the threshold value 41 (hereinafter referred to as “duration”).

  Hereinafter, a method for measuring the duration when abnormal light is detected for a certain period of time during the time when the surroundings gradually become bright will be described. When the control unit 2 determines that the level change amount of the digital detection signal after the shading correction detected by the CCD line sensor 29 greatly exceeds the natural light level change amount with time, that is, as illustrated in FIG. As described above, when it is determined that the level change amount of the digital detection signal (the increase amount of the detection signal between time T0 and time T1) exceeds the threshold value 41, time measurement is started. Then, after a certain time during which the abnormal light is detected, the control unit 2 has the absolute value of the level change amount of the digital detection signal (the decrease amount of the detection signal between time T2 and time T3) exceeding the threshold value 41. If it is determined that the time has elapsed, the measurement of the time, that is, the duration time is terminated. As described above, the control unit 2 determines the original natural level change amount after the change amount of the digital detection signal after the shading correction (the increase or decrease amount of the level per unit time) greatly exceeds the natural light level change amount. The time until it is determined that the state has returned (here, the time from time T1 to time T3) is measured as the duration. In this embodiment, the duration from when the level change amount of the digital detection signal exceeds the threshold value 41 until the absolute value of the level change amount of the digital detection signal exceeds the threshold value 41 is set as the duration time. The time during which the level of the detection signal exceeds a threshold that is a predetermined level may be set as the duration.

  The set time 42 is a reference time for the control unit 2 to determine whether there is an abnormality. The control unit 2 determines that there is an abnormality when the duration exceeds the set time 42. The set time 42 is preset from the operation unit 12 by the user. As described above, the control unit 2 functions as a determination unit that determines whether there is an abnormality based on whether the level change amount (electric signal) of the digital detection signal detected by the CCD line sensor 29 exceeds the threshold value 41. . The communication destination information 43 is the telephone number of the external communication terminal 16 that notifies the occurrence of an abnormality when the control unit 2 determines that there is an abnormality when the duration exceeds the set time 42, and is registered in advance by the user. Has been. The log 44 indicates the time when the level change amount of the digital detection signal output from the reading unit 5 exceeds the threshold 41, the duration, the time when the external communication terminal 16 is notified of the occurrence of an abnormality, and the command received from the external communication terminal 16 This is information that records the contents of the processing executed based on this.

  The codec 7 uses the MH (Modified Huffman), MR (Modified READ), MMR (Modified Modified READ), JBIG (Joint Bi-level Image Group) method, etc., for the original image data output from the reading unit 5 in the normal mode. Encoding and decoding. The image memory 8 stores image data of a document encoded by the codec 7 and the like.

  The sound collection unit 9 collects sound, and specifically includes a microphone or the like. In the case where the image reading apparatus 1 is provided with a handset, the sensitivity of the microphone built in the handset may be increased as compared with normal and used as the sound collecting unit 9.

  The communication unit 10 includes a modem 45 and an NCU (Network Control Unit) 46. The modem 45 is, for example, a recommendation V.10 of ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector). Modulation and demodulation of transmission / reception data according to the 34 standard or the like. The NCU 46 is a line network control device that controls a telephone line to place or disconnect a call, and is connected to the PSTN 17. In the normal mode, the communication unit 10 transmits / receives document image data to / from an external device by facsimile. On the other hand, in the crime prevention mode, when the duration exceeds the set time 42 and the control unit 2 determines that there is an abnormality, an abnormality is caused by connecting to the external communication terminal 16 of the telephone number registered in the communication destination information 43 in advance. It is for notifying the occurrence. Accordingly, the control unit 2 that notifies the external communication terminal 16 of the occurrence of abnormality via the communication unit 10 functions as a notification unit that notifies the predetermined external communication terminal 16 of the fact when the control unit 2 determines that there is an abnormality. To do.

  In addition, the communication unit 10 receives a command returned from the external communication terminal 16 when the external communication terminal 16 is notified of the occurrence of an abnormality. This command cancels the crime prevention mode for the image reading apparatus 1 to change to the normal mode, notifies the security company or the like, or sounds a warning sound from a speaker (not shown) of the display unit 13 to be described later. It is for letting you do. Processing corresponding to each of the plurality of commands is preset between the image reading apparatus 1 and the external communication terminal 16. Further, the communication unit 10 receives a mode change command for changing the mode information 40 from the external communication terminal 16.

  The LAN I / F 11 is an interface that connects a LAN (Local Area Network) 47 and the image reading apparatus 1 so as to communicate with each other. A client PC 48 is installed in the LAN 47, and the communication destination information 43 and the like stored in the RAM 6 of the image reading apparatus 1 can be changed from the client PC 48 and the log 44 can be confirmed. The LAN 47 is also provided with a mail server 49 and a router 50, and the control unit 2 uses the mail server 49 and the router 50 instead of the process of notifying the occurrence of an abnormality from the communication unit 10 to the external communication terminal 16. It is also possible to send an e-mail notifying the occurrence of an abnormality, and to receive a command from the external communication terminal 16 via the router 50. Furthermore, the image reading apparatus 1 can communicate with a predetermined PC on the network by peer-to-peer via the LAN I / F 11.

  The operation unit 12 includes various operation keys for inputting a copy or facsimile transmission instruction, such as a cursor key for changing the setting mode of the image reading apparatus 1 and performing various settings / registrations. It is linked. Various input operations by the user are performed in the operation unit 12. The user usually inputs from the operation unit 12 and changes the setting mode, but the setting mode can be changed by time. For example, when the time when a person enters the room where the image reading device 1 in the security mode is installed is around 8:00 am, the time when the security mode is released (change from the security mode to the normal mode) of the image reading device 1 Can be set to 7:45 am so that when a person enters the room around 8 am, it is not determined that there is an abnormality. Conversely, the change from the normal mode to the crime prevention mode can also be set by time, and only one of them can be set. Even if an instruction to start document reading processing (such as a copy or facsimile transmission instruction) is input during the crime prevention mode, the external light monitoring is not stopped, and the crime prevention mode is not used unless a special operation such as password input is performed. The ambient light monitoring state is continued until the release time is reached.

  The display unit 13 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), an LED lamp, a speaker, and the like, and displays the current mode of the image reading device 1 and a warning sound from the speaker. Further, the user can check the log 44 on the display unit 13. The liquid crystal display device of the display unit 13 may be a touch panel type, and various settings / registrations of the image reading device 1 may be performed from the display unit 13 instead of the operation unit 12. The recording unit 14 records an image of image data of a document received by facsimile in the normal mode on a sheet. As a recording method in the recording unit 14, for example, various recording methods such as an electrophotographic method and an ink jet recording method can be used.

  In the image reading apparatus 1 configured as described above, the processing operation of each part of the image reading apparatus 1 when the crime prevention mode is set will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The processing operation of each unit of the image reading apparatus 1 is performed according to a control command issued by the control unit 2 based on a control program stored in the ROM 3.

  First, when the image reading apparatus 1 is set from the normal mode to the security mode, the actuator moves the scanning carriage 27 to the outside light monitoring position in accordance with the shift to the security mode. Then, the reading unit 5 detects light in a predetermined area around the device 1 collected by the light collecting unit 4 and guided by the scanning carriage 27 as an electric signal (S1). If light detection starts immediately after the crime prevention mode is set, abnormal lighting may occur due to the lighting in the room when the crime prevention mode is set or the light entering from the corridor when the user opens the entrance and exits the room. Since the crime prevention function operates in spite of the absence, the light detection is set appropriately, for example, after 5 minutes have elapsed since the crime prevention mode was set, for example, after 5 minutes.

  The CCD line sensor 29 of the reading unit 5 detects light in a predetermined area around the device 1 collected by the light collecting unit 4 and guided by the scanning carriage 27 as an analog detection signal (electric signal). Gain adjustment, A / D conversion, and shading correction are performed and output from the reading unit 5 as a digital detection signal. The control unit 2 determines whether or not the level change amount of the digital detection signal (electric signal) of the light detected in this way has exceeded the threshold value 41 (S2). When it is determined that the level change amount of the digital detection signal exceeds the threshold value 41 (S2: YES), the absolute value of the level change amount exceeds the threshold value 41 after the level change amount of the digital detection signal exceeds the threshold value 41. The interval time, that is, the duration time is measured (S3). Then, it is determined whether the measured duration has exceeded the set time 42 stored in the RAM 6 (S4). If it is determined that the duration has not exceeded the set time 42 (S4: NO), it is determined that there is no abnormality (S5), the duration is reset (S17), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the duration has exceeded the set time 42 (S4: YES), it is determined that there is an abnormality (S6), and the sound collecting unit 9 collects surrounding sounds (S7). Since the sound collected by the sound collection unit 9 is transmitted to the outside in a later process, the sound collection by the sound collection unit 9 is continuously performed for a predetermined time. This sound collection time can be changed.

  Next, the control unit 2 calls the external communication terminal 16 having the telephone number registered in the communication destination information 43 of the RAM 6 via the communication unit 10 (S8). Then, after the call is made, it is determined whether or not a line with the external communication terminal 16 is connected (S9). When the line with the external communication terminal 16 is connected (S9: YES), an abnormality occurs in the external communication terminal 16 Is notified (S10). Specifically, a voice message such as “An error has occurred at ○ hour ○ minute” is transmitted. On the other hand, when the line with the external communication terminal 16 is not connected (S9: NO), the external communication terminal 16 is called again (S8). After notifying the occurrence of abnormality in S9, the control unit 2 transmits the sound collected by the sound collection unit 9 for a certain period of time to the external communication terminal 16 (S11). Thus, by transmitting the sound, the user possessing the external communication terminal 16 can grasp the situation when the abnormality occurs from the sound.

  After transmitting the sound collected for a certain period of time, the control unit 2 transmits a voice message prompting command input from the communication unit 10 (S12). Specifically, a number corresponding to the command is notified, and a voice message is transmitted to urge the user to press the desired number. For example, a voice message such as “Press 1 to notify the security company, press 2 to make a warning sound from the speaker, or press 3 to cancel the security mode” is transmitted.

  Then, the control unit 2 determines whether or not a command has been input based on a signal returned from the external communication terminal 16 when the user presses the number key (S13). If it is determined that no command has been input (S13: NO), that is, if no command has been input and a predetermined time has elapsed, the processing from S15 described later is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that a command has been input (S13: YES), processing according to the command is performed (S14). For example, when it is determined that “1” is input at the external communication terminal 16 in the case of the above example, a command corresponding to “1”, that is, a predetermined process for notifying the security company of the occurrence of an abnormality is performed. After the process corresponding to the command is completed, a voice message notifying that the process is completed is transmitted to the external communication terminal 16. In this way, after executing the process based on the command, the external communication terminal 16 is notified that the process has been completed. Next, the control unit 2 determines whether or not the line with the external communication terminal 16 is disconnected (S15). If it is determined that the line is disconnected (S15: YES), the log 44 is stored in the RAM 6 (S16). Then, the measured duration is reset (S17), and the process is terminated.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the image reading apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a predetermined area around the image reading apparatus 1, for example, without adding a sensor that is not used in normal processing operation, for example, It can be used as a security device that can monitor the light etc. that illuminates the surroundings of the safe 25 placed around the image reading device 1 and can always accurately determine whether there is an abnormality even if the ambient brightness changes. Can do. In addition, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination such as determining an instantaneous light change as being abnormal, and accurately determining whether or not there is an abnormality. Furthermore, the user who has the external communication terminal 16 can know the occurrence of an abnormality in a predetermined area around the image reading apparatus 1, and the user can communicate with the image reading apparatus 1 from the external communication terminal 16 even when he is out. To respond to an abnormality, for example, to notify a security company.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation implementation is possible within the range of the summary of this invention. For example, in this embodiment, ambient sound is collected by the sound collection unit 9 in S7, and the sound is transmitted to the external communication terminal 16 in S11. However, these processes may be omitted as necessary. . However, in order for the user to more clearly grasp the situation when the abnormality occurs, it is preferable to perform the processes of S7 and S11 as in the present embodiment. Further, instead of performing a process of connecting a telephone line to the external communication terminal 16 and notifying the occurrence of an abnormality in S8, the mail address of the external communication terminal 16 is stored in the communication destination information 43, and the mail server from the LAN I / F 11 The occurrence of abnormality may be notified by sending an e-mail to the external communication terminal 16 via 49 and the router 50. In that case, in response to the notification of the occurrence of an abnormality by the e-mail, a command may be received from the external communication terminal 16 via the router 50, and processing corresponding to the received command may be performed. If it is determined in S6 that there is an abnormality, a warning sound may be immediately emitted from the speaker of the display unit 13.

  Next, in the image reading apparatus 1, the processing operation of each part when the mode information command is received from the external communication terminal 16 and the mode information 40 is changed will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the control unit 2 determines whether or not a call is made from the outside (S21). If it is determined that a call has been made (S21: YES), it is determined whether or not the other party's telephone number matches the telephone number of the communication destination information 43 (S22). When it is determined that the telephone number of the other party does not match the telephone number of the communication destination information 43 (S22: NO), that is, when the incoming call is from other than the external communication terminal 16, other processing such as facsimile reception I do. On the other hand, when it is determined that the telephone number of the other party matches the telephone number of the communication destination information 43 (S22: YES), the line with the external communication terminal 16 that is the other party is connected (S23).

  Next, the control unit 2 transmits a voice message that prompts the user to input a password registered in advance in the RAM 6 (S24), and based on the signal returned from the external communication terminal 16, the password is transmitted. It is determined whether or not a number has been input (S25). If it is determined that the password has not been entered (S25: NO), that is, if the password has not been entered even after a predetermined time has elapsed, a voice message prompting the user to enter the password again is transmitted. (S24), the subsequent processing is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the password has been input (S25: YES), it is determined whether the password is correct (S26). If it is determined that the entered password is not correct (S26: NO), that is, if an incorrect password is entered, the line is disconnected (S30) and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the input security code is correct (S26: YES), it is notified whether the current setting mode stored in the mode information 40 is the normal mode or the security mode, and the mode change command A voice message that prompts the user to input is sent (S27). For example, a voice message such as “Currently normal mode. If you want to change the mode, please press 1. If you don't want to change it, please press 3.” is sent.

  And the control part 2 judges whether the mode change command of the mode information 40 was input based on the signal returned from the external communication terminal 16 by the user's key operation from the external communication terminal 16 (S28). If it is determined that a mode change command has been input (S28: YES), the mode information 40 is changed from the current setting mode to the other setting mode (S29). That is, when the image reading apparatus 1 is currently in the normal security mode, the mode is changed to the security mode, and conversely, when the current mode is the current security mode, the mode is changed to the normal mode. When the change of the mode information 40 is completed, the fact that the change of the mode information 40 is completed may be transmitted to the external communication terminal 16 by a voice message. After changing the mode information 40, the line is disconnected (S30), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that no mode change command has been input (S28: NO), that is, if no mode change command has been input even after a predetermined time has elapsed, or a command that does not require mode change has been input. The line is disconnected (S30), and the process is terminated. If the line is disconnected during the process after the line is connected in S23, the process ends at that point.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the image reading apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, even if the user is not in the room where the image reading apparatus 1 is installed, the mode information 40 of the image reading apparatus 1 is obtained. Can be changed from the normal mode to the security mode, or from the security mode to the normal mode. For this reason, for example, even if it is noticed that the image reading device 1 has been forgotten to be set in the security mode after going out, the normal mode can be changed to the security mode from the outside, and the image reading device 1 is suddenly installed from the outside. Even when it is necessary to return to the room, the security mode can be canceled so that the image reading apparatus 1 does not determine that there is an abnormality when the user returns to the room, which is very useful as a security device.

  The present invention can be used for a facsimile apparatus installed in a private house or office.

It is explanatory drawing which showed the structural example of the image reading apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which showed schematic structure of the condensing part and the reading part at the time of the crime prevention mode of the image reading apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed the structural example of the condensing part. 1 is a plan view showing an example of an office in which an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed. It is a schematic diagram of the plane which shows the positional relationship of the locus | trajectory of the position where the focusing of a condensing lens is focused, and a white board. It is a schematic diagram of the plane which shows the width | variety of the CCD line sensor used for the light detection reduced by the reduction optical system at the time of a crime prevention mode. It is explanatory drawing about the automatic sensitivity adjustment function in the time slot | zone when the circumference | surroundings become bright gradually. It is explanatory drawing about the continuation time in case abnormal light is detected for a fixed time in the time slot | zone where an environment becomes bright gradually. 6 is a flowchart showing processing operations performed in the image reading apparatus when set in a security mode. 6 is a flowchart showing processing operations performed in the image reading apparatus when set in a security mode. 6 is a flowchart showing processing operations performed in the image reading apparatus when a mode change command is received from an external communication terminal to change mode information.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image reader 2 Control part 4 Condensing part 5 Reading part 6 RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Communication part 16 External communication terminal 27 Scanning carriage 29 CCD line sensor 30 AFE circuit 41 Threshold value 42 Setting time

Claims (6)

Driving means for operating the movable member so that the movable member is in an external light monitoring state in accordance with the transition to the security mode;
Detecting means for detecting light in a predetermined area around the apparatus as an electric signal by a reading means for reading an image of a document when the movable member is in the external light monitoring state;
An image reading apparatus comprising: a determination unit that determines whether there is an abnormality based on whether or not the electrical signal detected by the detection unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value. A light collecting means for collecting light in a predetermined area around the device itself;
Driving means for moving the movable member so that the movable member moves to the outside light monitoring position in accordance with the transition to the crime prevention mode;
Detection means for detecting light collected by the light collecting means and guided by the movable member at the external light monitoring position as an electrical signal by a reading means for reading an image of a document;
An image reading apparatus comprising: a determination unit that determines whether there is an abnormality based on whether or not the electrical signal detected by the detection unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a detection sensitivity adjusting unit that adjusts a detection sensitivity of an electric signal detected by the detection unit.   The detection sensitivity adjustment unit adjusts the detection sensitivity of the electrical signal detected by the detection unit at predetermined time intervals so that the level of the detected electrical signal becomes a predetermined target level. Item 4. The image reading apparatus according to Item 3. Measuring means for measuring the time from when the level change amount of the electrical signal detected by the detection means exceeds a predetermined threshold until the absolute value of the level change exceeds the threshold;
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether there is an abnormality based on whether or not a time measured by the measurement unit exceeds a set time.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a predetermined external communication terminal when the determination unit determines that there is an abnormality.

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