JP2009253712A - Magnified reader system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an enlarged reader system that can be used as both a desktop machine and a mobile machine.
An enlargement comprising a camera unit (1) for photographing an object to be read, recording / reproducing, a mounting table (2) on which the object to be read is placed, and an external monitor unit (3) for displaying an image photographed by the camera unit (1). In the reader system, the camera unit 1 is detachable, and the captured image can be displayed on a camera monitor unit built in the camera unit 1, and can be further enlarged and connected by connecting to the external monitor unit 3. Wide range display is possible.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an enlarged reader system for visually impaired persons.

Conventional enlarged readers are broadly classified into desktop and mobile devices. Since the desktop machine is large and heavy, it is necessary to move the reading object to the place where it is installed, but it has the advantage of being easy to see because it can be displayed on the attached large monitor. In the case of a book that uses a video camera lens and the object to be read is thick, when the object to be read is placed on the mounting table, the focal length of the camera is too long so that the camera will not be in focus. There is something that is. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1.)
On the other hand, the mobile device is light and small and can be carried easily, so it is easy to move it to the place where the object is to be read. It is usually called an electronic loupe and is used in real time like a magnifying glass. Some can be done. Some use a two-dimensional image sensor that is completely in contact with the object to be read and traced. (For example, see Patent Document 2.)
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-149258 JP-A-6-175590

  In the conventional magnifier, the desktop machine is stationary and the installation location is fixed, so it cannot handle reading objects that are difficult to move. On the other hand, the mobile device is portable and can be used anywhere. Since the display screen is small, it is difficult to see an enlarged display beyond a certain level, and furthermore, since a completely contact type two-dimensional image sensor is used, there is a problem that it is not possible to display a reading object that is more than a certain distance away. . Therefore, there is a problem that a user who needs both devices must purchase both. An object of the present invention is to provide an enlarged reader system that can be used as a desktop machine or a mobile machine.

  In order to solve the conventional problems, an enlarged reader system of the present invention is a platform on which an object to be read is placed, a camera unit that captures, records and reproduces the object to be read, and the camera unit. An enlarged reader system comprising an external monitor for displaying video is characterized in that the camera is detachable and the camera monitor is integrally provided in the camera.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an enlarged reader system that can be used as a desktop device or a mobile device by one unit, regardless of the object to be read and the usage status.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the enlarged reader system of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an enlarged reader system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the camera unit 1 can be easily detached from the cradle unit 201 positioned on the mounting table 2 on which the reading object is placed so that the camera unit 1 can be used as a mobile device. Used by attaching to. When the camera unit is mounted on the cradle unit, the reading object on the mounting table is automatically focused. A flexible arm 4 (here, an ERGOTRON LX Desk Mount arm part) to which an external monitor 3 (VESA mount interface standard compliant) of about 17 inches is attached is an upper rear part of the mounting table 2 on which a reading object is placed. It connects with the arm post 202 installed in. The signal cable of the external monitor 3 is connected to the D-SUB terminal 207 installed on the back surface of the support column 204 behind the mounting table 2 on which the reading object is mounted. The controller 5 has a USB cable 507 and is similarly connected to the USB-A terminal 206 installed on the back surface of the support column 204.

  Next, each individual device constituting this system will be described. 2 and 3 are a perspective view of the camera unit 1 on the camera monitor unit 103 side and a perspective view of the camera unit 1 on the lens 113 side. 2 and 3, the camera unit 1 is mounted on the mounting table 2 when used as a desktop machine, an infinite lens 113 from an in-focus range of 10 mm, an image sensor (not shown) having 7 million pixels. A memory (not shown) having a capacity capable of recording about 10 A4 size reading objects and an LED 114 for illuminating the reading object during close-up photography are provided. The docking connector 111 is connected to a docking connector (215 in FIG. 7) installed in the cradle unit 201, and is arranged at the center in the longitudinal direction of the camera unit 1 in consideration of docking workability. The DC-IN connector 108 is connected to a dedicated AC adapter when the built-in battery is charged or driven by an external power source.

  The function of each operation key will be described below. The scroll key 101 scrolls the recorded image up, down, left, and right in the reproduction mode, and further performs switching display of the recorded image. In the menu screen, a mode is selected and determined. Therefore, this key is a key for operating in four directions, up, down, left and right, and the enter key is a right direction key. A recording / reproducing key 102 switches between a recording mode and a reproduction mode.

  A menu key 104 sequentially switches and displays menus such as lighting on / off, image rotation, scroll speed adjustment, deletion of recorded images, screen brightness, color mode level, and setting reset (initialization). The color mode switch key 105 switches the color mode of the screen so that the user can select black-and-white reversal, yellow-black display, or the like in order to set the screen easy for the user to view. The macro / normal switching key 106 switches between the macro mode and the normal mode in the recording mode. A power ON / OFF key 107 turns the power on / off.

  The enlargement / reduction key 109 enlarges / reduces the screen in the recording / playback mode. The return key 110 returns the screen to the bookmark position set in the playback mode. The image capture key 112 records an image in the recording mode and sets a bookmark position in the reproduction mode. Further, when the recorded image is reproduced, a grip 115 is provided so that the camera unit 1 can be held firmly with both hands and key operations can be performed. When used for writing other than reading, a writing support slope 116 is provided so that it can be tilted and fixed when either one of the longitudinal ends of the camera unit 1 is pressed by hand.

  FIG. 4 shows a style diagram when used for writing. In FIG. 4, the user 6 can support writing by stably tilting the camera unit 1 by pressing either one of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the camera unit 1 by hand.

  5, 6, and 7 are respectively a rear perspective view of the mounting table 2 on which an object to be read is mounted, an upper rear perspective view of the cradle unit 201 of the mounting table 2, and a lower front perspective view of the cradle unit 201 of the mounting table 2. FIG.

  In FIG. 5, a cradle unit 201 that holds the camera unit 1 so that the lens optical axis of the camera unit 1 is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the mounting table 2 in FIG. It connects with the base stand 210 installed under the mounting stand 2. The mounting table 2 is preferably composed of a mounting table X208 and a mounting table Y209, each of which can move left and right and back and forth.

  In FIG. 6, a power ON / OFF key 212 is a key for turning on / off the power when the camera unit 1 is mounted on the cradle unit 201 and used as a desktop machine. In this case, the camera unit 1 of FIG. The power ON / OFF key 107 is covered with the casing of the cradle unit 201 and cannot be operated. In FIG. 7, four light sources 216 for illuminating the reading object are arranged on the lower surface of the cradle unit 201 (the surface facing the mounting table 2), and the illumination LED ON / OFF key 214 shown in FIG. If, for example, the right side is turned on, two light sources on the right side are turned on. This is to prevent hand darkness when reading the object to be read by hand. Naturally, when the reading object is placed on the mounting table 2, four light sources can be turned on. In addition, the docking connector 215 is disposed in the center rear part of the cradle part 201 in consideration of the workability of docking with the camera part 1. In FIG. 6, when used as a desktop machine, the magnet 213 is installed inside the camera unit 1 to automatically switch to a mode that enables in-focus image shooting when the camera unit 1 is attached to the cradle unit 201. It is to be detected by the sensor.

  Further, when the camera unit 1 alone is used as a mobile device, the illumination LED 114 is turned on. However, when the camera unit 1 is mounted on the cradle unit 201, that is, when used as a desktop device, the illumination LED 114 is installed below the cradle unit 201. Since the LED 216 is used, the illumination LED 114 of the camera unit 1 is automatically switched to a mode that is not used. The method will be described below.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a mode switching method using the MR sensor. In FIG. 16, when the camera unit 1 is mounted on the cradle unit 201, when the MR sensor installed in the camera unit 1 detects the magnet 213 installed in the cradle unit 201, the signal is sent to the microcomputer. When the detection signal is confirmed at the microcomputer port, the lens unit is automatically set to the optimum shooting mode. Similarly, the camera unit 1 side illumination is automatically switched to the cradle unit side illumination. By the way, as a detection method of mounting the camera unit 1 to the cradle unit, a method in which a lever type detection switch is installed in the cradle unit 201 and a lever of the detection switch is pushed by a protrusion installed in the camera unit 1 is also possible.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the controller 5 on the operation surface side. In FIG. 8, a scroll key 501 scrolls the recorded image up, down, left, and right in the reproduction mode, and further performs switching display of the recorded image. In the menu screen, a mode is selected and determined. Therefore, this key is a key for operating in four directions, up, down, left and right, and the enter key is a right direction key. A recording / playback key 502 switches between a recording mode and a playback mode. A menu key 503 sequentially switches and displays menus such as lighting on / off, image rotation, scroll speed adjustment, deletion of recorded images, screen brightness, color mode level, and setting reset (initialization). A color mode switching key 504 switches the color mode of the screen so that the user can select black and white reversal, yellow black display, or the like in order to set the screen to be easily viewable by the user. The enlargement / reduction key 506 enlarges / reduces the screen in the recording / playback mode. A return key 508 returns the screen to the bookmark position set in the playback mode. An image capture key 505 records an image in the recording mode and sets a bookmark position in the reproduction mode. The operation keys are preferably arranged in the same manner as the camera unit 1 in consideration of operability, but it is also possible to employ a controller for a game machine that employs a USB cable and has the same number of keys.

  FIGS. 9 and 10 are respectively a plan view of an enlarged reader system showing the movable range of the external monitor 3 in the horizontal direction and a side view of the enlarged reader system showing the movable range of the external monitor 3 in the vertical direction. . The external monitor 3 having a size of about 17 inches is as heavy as about 5 kg, and when used as a desktop machine, it is important for safety to maintain the stability of the entire mounting table 2 on which the reading object is placed. Furthermore, since the external monitor 3 is disposed in front of the camera unit 1, it is necessary to keep the movable range of the flexible arm 4 to the minimum necessary in consideration of the detachability of the camera unit 1. Here, the movable range is limited to 30 degrees in the left-right direction and 35 degrees from 15 degrees up to 50 degrees in the up-down direction. A method for the restriction will be described below.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the assembly sequence of the flexible arm base portion A and the arm post peripheral parts in FIG.

  In FIG. 11, a spacer 218, an arm holder 203, and a flexible arm 4 are assembled in this order on the arm post 202 installed on the upper part of the column part 204 of FIG. 5. Since the projection 203b of the flexible arm 4 is fitted into the hole 203a of the arm holder 203, the arm holder 203 is also rotated together when the flexible arm 4 is rotated 30 degrees to the left and right.

  FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. In FIG. 12, the arm holder 203 rotates 30 degrees when the flexible arm 4 rotates 30 degrees to the left and right, so that the C portion of the arm holder 203 contacts the pin 219 and prevents further rotation. Each of the directional movable ranges can be limited to 30 degrees. The material of the spacer 218 in FIG. 11 is preferably resin (for example, POM, nylon) to prevent seizure, and the arm holder 203 is preferably aluminum die-casting in consideration of the shape.

  FIG. 13 shows a C cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 when the flexible arm 4 is at an upper 15-degree position. ERGOTRON LX Desk Mount's flexible arm 4 has a roller E part built in the arm body that moves along the cam shape G part provided on the arm base, and the movement of the roller E part at both ends of the cam shape G part. The structure is limited. In FIG. 13, when the flexible arm 4 tries to move down from the position of 15 degrees above, the roller E part comes into contact with the F part of the arm holder 203 and prevents further rotation, so the downward movable range of the flexible arm 4 is It can be limited to 15 degrees.

  FIG. 14 shows a C cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 when the flexible arm 4 is at the upper 50-degree position. In FIG. 14, the roller E portion incorporated in the flexible arm 4 abuts against a stopper at the upper end of the cam shape G portion of the arm base to prevent further rotation. The angle at that time is 50 degrees, and if it is this angle, it is not necessary to place a limit on safety. By the way, the movable range of the flexible arm 4 is not limited to the above-mentioned range, but is determined in consideration of safety (such as prevention of falling) depending on the size and weight of the mounting table 2.

  FIG. 15 shows an upward perspective view at the start of mounting the camera unit 1 on the cradle unit 201. In FIG. 15, the camera unit 1 is placed on the cradle unit 201 and pushed in the direction of arrow a (parallel to the cradle unit 201) to connect the docking connectors. At this time, the housing of the camera unit 1 can be regulated so that the docking connectors can be connected in parallel by the camera guide 211 shown in FIG. Conversely, when the camera unit 1 is removed, the camera unit 1 can be removed by grasping the camera monitor unit 103 side and the lens 113 side of the camera unit 1 from the opening 217 in FIG.

  When the camera unit 1 is attached to the cradle unit 201 and the power ON / OFF key 212 shown in FIG. 6 is switched to OFF, the secondary battery built in the camera unit 1 can be charged. Further, even when the camera unit 1 is taken out and used as a mobile device, a secondary power source (AC adapter) is connected to the DC-IN connector 108 shown in FIG. 3 and the power ON / OFF key 107 is turned OFF. The battery can be charged. Both are turned on to stop charging and supply power to the enlarged reading device.

  The detailed explanation is added below. FIG. 17 is a block diagram relating to the connection of the AC adapter. First, in specification 1, when the camera unit 1 is mounted on the cradle unit 201 and the DC plug 301 of the AC adapter 300 is connected to the DC-IN connector 205 installed on the back of the column unit 204, the camera unit 1 and the cradle unit 201 are Both docking connectors 111 in FIG. 2 and 215 in FIG. 7 are connected, so that power can be supplied to the power supply circuit of the camera unit 1 through electrical contacts. According to the specification 2, since the DC plug 301 of the AC adapter 300 is directly connected to the DC-IN connector 108 of the camera unit 1, power can be supplied to the power circuit 302 as it is. In a state where the camera unit 1 is mounted on the cradle unit 201, the DC-IN connector 108 of the camera unit 1 is covered with the casing of the cradle unit 201, so that the DC-IN connector 108 of the camera unit 1 is connected to the DC of the AC adapter. Plugs cannot be physically connected.

  The enlarged reader system according to the present invention is useful as an enlarged reader system that can be used as a desktop device or a mobile device by one unit and does not select an object to be read and usage status.

Rear perspective view of an embodiment of an enlarged reader system Camera monitor side perspective view of camera unit Lens side perspective view of the camera unit Style diagram when used for writing Rear perspective view of a mounting table on which an object to be read is mounted Top / back perspective view of cradle part of mounting table Lower front perspective view of cradle part of mounting table Perspective view of the operation surface side of the controller Plan view of the enlarged reader system showing the range of movement of the external monitor in the left-right direction Side view of the enlarged reader system showing the range of vertical movement of the external monitor The perspective view which shows the assembly order of the flexible arm base A part of FIG. 10, and an arm post periphery part. BB sectional view of FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 when the flexible arm is at an upper 15 degree position. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 when the flexible arm is at an upper 50-degree position. Upward perspective view of the camera unit when it is mounted on the cradle Block diagram explaining mode switching by MR sensor Block diagram for AC adapter connection

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera part 2 Mounting stand 3 External monitor 4 Flexible arm 5 Controller 6 User 101 Scroll key 102 Recording / reproduction switching key 103 Camera monitoring part 104 Menu key 105 Color mode switching key 106 Macro / normal switching key 107 Power ON / OFF key 108 DC-IN connector 109 Enlarge / reduce key 110 Return key 111 Docking connector 112 Image capture key 113 Lens 114 LED for illumination (4)
115 grip 116 slope for writing support 201 cradle part 202 arm post 203 arm holder 204 post part 205 DC-IN connector 206 USB-A terminal 207 D-SUB terminal 208 placement allowance X
209 Mounting cost Y
210 Base stand 211 Camera guide 212 Power ON / OFF key
213 Magnet 214 Certification LED ON / OFF key 215 Docking connector 216 Certification LED
217 Opening 218 Spacer 219 Pin 300 AC adapter 301 DC plug 302 Power supply circuit 501 Scroll key 502 Record / playback switch key 503 Menu key 504 Color mode switch key 505 Image capture key 506 Enlarge / reduce key 507 USB cable 508 Return key

Claims (8)

  In the enlarged reader system comprising a mounting table for placing a reading object, a camera unit for photographing, recording and reproducing the reading object, and an external monitor unit for displaying an image photographed by the camera unit, the camera unit A magnifying reading system with a camera monitor unit integrated with the camera unit.   The magnifying reader system according to claim 1, further comprising a cradle unit that electrically connects the camera unit and the external monitor unit.   The magnified reader / writer system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cradle unit holds the camera unit so that a lens optical axis of the camera unit is substantially perpendicular to a surface of the mounting table.   The enlarged reader system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the camera unit is attached to the cradle unit, the reading object on the mounting table is automatically focused.   3. The enlarged reader system according to claim 1, wherein when the camera unit is attached to the cradle unit, the secondary battery built in the camera unit can be charged.   The camera unit has functions such as enlarging, reducing, color mode switching, scrolling, specifying a bookmark, and moving to a bookmark position when the camera unit displays an image on the camera monitor unit. Enlarged reader system as described in.   A controller for performing operations such as enlargement, reduction, color mode switching, scrolling, bookmark designation and movement to a bookmark position when the camera unit is mounted on the cradle unit and an image is displayed on the external monitor unit; 5. The enlarged reader system according to claim 1, wherein:   4. The enlarged reader system according to claim 1, further comprising a light source for illuminating an object to be read on a lower surface of the cradle portion (a surface facing the mounting table).

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