PAGE TURNER AND STAND

A page turner which turns pages of a book, including a holding table which holds the book in an opened state, amain body section which turns each page of the opened book from a page-turning start point to a page-turning end point, a casing which is constituted by a plurality of constituent surfaces, and accommodates the holding table and the main body section in a rectangular parallelepiped shape formed of the plurality of constituent surfaces when the page turner is accommodated; and a stand on which an imaging apparatus for photographing each page of the book is placed, in which the stand includes a pair of self-standing leg sections, and support the rectangular parallelepiped casing with the casing being held upright and interposed between the pair of leg sections when the page turner is accommodated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a page turner and a stand

2. Description of the Related Art

As an apparatus which automatically turns pages of a book, a page turner has been conventionally known which turns overlapping pages one by one by sticking thereto (refer, for example, to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (Kokal) Publication No. 2016-010907). This page turner mainly includes a page-turning main body section, a holding table, and an imaging apparatus stand

The page-turning main body section includes an arm which reciprocates on a circular arc trajectory, a sticking section which is provided at a distal end of the arm and sticks to pages of an opened book held on the holding table one by one and turns over each page, a driving section (motor) which drives the arm and the sticking section, an air blowing section which blows air toward the rear side of a turned page so that the page does not return to its page-turning start point , a control system (an electronic circuit; including a power supply circuit) which controls respective operations of the driving section, the air blowing section and the like.

Here, while air is being blown toward the rear side of the page being turned by the sticking section from the air blowing section arranged above the page-turning start point of the book, the page is guided to its page-turning end point after it is separated from the sticking section, and thereby prevented from returning to its page-turning start point. In the process of sequentially turning pages, the pages are sequentially photographed with a camera in a tablet or the like placed on the imaging apparatus stand, whereby the digitization of the book is achieved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a page turner which turns pages of a book, comprising: a holding table which holds the book in an opened state; a main body section which turns each page of the opened book from a page-turning start point to a page-turning end point; a casing which is constituted by a plurality of constituent surfaces, and accommodates the holding table and the main body section in a rectangular parallelepiped shape formed of the plurality of constituent surfaces when the page turner is accommodated; and a stand on which an imaging apparatus for photographing each page of the book is placed, wherein the stand includes a pair of self -standing leg sections, and supports the rectangular parallelepiped casing with the casing being held upright and interposed between the pair of leg sections when the page turner is accommodated.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stand which constitutes a page turner together with a holding table which holds a book in an opened state and a main body section which turns each page of the opened book from a page-turning start point to a page-turning end point , and on which an imaging apparatus for photographing each page of the book is placed, comprising: a pair of self -standing leg sections, wherein the stand supports a casing which accommodates the holding table and the main body section in a rectangular parallelepiped shape formed of a plurality of constituent surfaces with the casing being held upright and interposed between the pair of leg sections when the page turner is accommodated.

The above and further objects and novel features of the present invention will more fully appear from the following detailed description when the same is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to he expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, although the embodiment described below is provided with various technically preferable limitations in order to carryout the present invention, these limitations are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the embodiment and examples shown in the drawings

FIG. 1is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of a page turner1according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that in the following descriptions a case is described in which pages p of a book B are turned from left to right. InFIG. 1, the page turner1mainly includes a page-turning main body section (also simply referred to as a main body section)10which turns pages P of the book B, a holding table20which holds the opened book B, a casing30which covers the page-turning main body section10and the holding table20when the page turner1is accommodated, and an imaging apparatus stand (also simply referred to as a stand)70on which an information. processing terminal (a smartphone, a tablet, etc.)80including imaging means for imaging pages P of the book B is placed. Note that the page turner1may separately include a page holding section which holds a turned page p at a page-turning end point, and a book holder which fixes the book B held by the holding table20, although not shown.

The page-turning main body section10includes an accommodation case11having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, an arm section12which can be accommodated in the accommodation case11, a first driving section13such as a motor which swings the arm section12from right to left and from left to right, a sticking section14which is attached to a distal end of the arm section12and sticks to a page P of the book B, a second driving section15such as a motor which rotates the sticking section14, an air blowing section16which makes air pass above pages P at a page-turning start point and blows air against a page P being turned by the sticking section14so as to assist the page-turning operation or separates the page P from the sticking section14, and a control section not shown which controls respective operations of the sections. The page-turning main body section10is independent from the holding table20, and its position and direction with respect to the holding table20can be adjusted as needed, based on the size of the book B.

Also, the air blowing section16is independent from the accommodation case11having a page-turning mechanism (structure) constituted by the arm section12, the first driving section13, the sticking section14, and the second driving section15. By the air blowing section16being independent from the accommodation case11, the size (capacity) of the accommodation case11can be reduced. In addition, the degree of flexibility for arrangement of the air blowing section16can be improved.

More specifically, the independently provided air blowing section16is rotatable with respect to the accommodation case11. When the blowing section16is to be accommodated, it is rotated and moved toward a side surface of the accommodation case11so as to be at a position where the air blowing section16and the accommodation case11are aligned and the upper surface of the accommodation case11and the air blowing port of the air blowing section16are substantially flush with each other, whereby the horizontal size (a size in an x-axis direction) of an area occupied. by the moved air blowing section16and the accommodation case11fits within the horizontal size of a predetermined book, e.g., the A4 horizontal size.

As a result of this design, the height of the page-turning main body section10when it is accommodated (corresponding to the width when accommodated) can be made smaller than that of a conventional page-turning main body section (having a structure where an air blowing section and an accommodation case are integrally provided), and the horizontal size when it is accommodated becomes equal to the horizontal size of a predetermined book, e.g., the A4 horizontal size (the size of a predetermined book is hereinafter described as the A4 size), whereby the page turner1can he compactly accommodated,

Also, the air blowing section16is rotatably fixed to a fixing table described below. Accordingly, when the air blowing section16is to be used, it is rotated and moved toward the upper surface of the accommodation case11while being rotated in a horizontal direction with respect to the fixing table, so that the air blowing direction thereof is adjusted on a horizontal plane such that air is blown onto a page P being turned by the sticking section14, as shown inFIG. 1. Also, by this structure where the air blowing section16is independently provided, a reduction in the size (capacity) of the accommodation case11. is achieved, which enables the page turner1to be compactly accommodated. and the weight thereof to be reduced.

The holding table20includes a pair of holding plates21and22which are foldable by a hinge. Here, in the case where pages P of the book B are turned from left to right, one holding plate21arranged on the left side in the pair of holding plates21and22is placed along the top of the table, and the other holding plate22arranged on the right side is placed on the table while being inclined to rise at a predetermined angle to the one holding plate21. On the one holding plate21, the book B whose pages P have not been turned is placed. That is, a position on the side of the one holding plate21becomes a page-turning start point of each page P. On the other holding plate22, turned pages P are held. That is, a position on the side of the other holding plate22becomes a page-turning end point of each page P.

As a result, the holding table20holds the book B such that pages P at page-turning end points are more inclined in a direction to rise with respect to the seam of the book B than pages P at page-turning start points. Note that, since the pair of holding plates21and22are foldable by the hinge, an angle formed between the paired holding plates21and22can be adjusted and a tilt angle el of a pages P at a page-turning end point with respect to the horizontal plane is adjustable.

The tilt angle θ1is preferably adjusted in a range of 30° to 45°.

Also, the holding table20can be divided so that it fits within the A4 size as a whole when the page turner1is accommodated. More specifically, the holding table20has a main body section23including holding plates21aand22aand an expansion unit24including holding plates21band22b, and can he divided into the main body section23and the expansion unit24. More specifically, the page turner1is designed such that, when it is to be accommodated, the vertical size (a size in a y-axis direction) of an area occupied by the holding plates21aand22aand the page-turning main body section10fits within the A4vertical size by the expansion unit24being removed. Also, the pair of holding plates21and22of the holding table20holds the book B such that pages P at page-turning end points are more inclined in a direction to rise with respect to the seam of the book B than pages P at page-turning start points, and therefore the holding plates21aand21bconstituting the holding plate21at a page-turning start point should preferably be provided with non-slip sheets21eand21f.

As such, the horizontal size (a size in an x-axis direction) of the area occupied by the holding plates21aand22aand the page-turning main body section10fits within the A4horizontal size by the air blowing section16being rotated and moved toward the side surface of the accommodation case11, and the vertical size (a size in a y-direction) of the area occupied by the holding plates21aand22aand the page-turning main body section10fits within the A4 vertical size by the expansion unit24being removed from the main body section23. That is, the vertical and horizontal size of the area occupied by the holding plates21aand22aand the page-turning main body section10can fit within the A4 size when the page turner1is accommodated.

Also, the sizes of the respective sections are designed such that any book up to the A4 size can be placed on the holding table20by the expansion unit24being mounted on the main body section23so as to expand the size of the holding table20when the page turner1is used. As a result, the downsizing of the page turner1for accommodation is achieved without affecting its page-turning operation,

The casing30functions as an installation sheet for preventing the page-turning main body section10and the holding table20from shifting when the page turner1is used, and functions as a cover for covering the page-turning main body section10and the holding table20when the page turner1is accommodated. The main body section23including the holding plates21aand22ais fixed to the casing30. A guide (illustration) for guiding a user about an installation position of the page-turning main body section10and an installation position of the imaging apparatus stand70on the holding plate20is written inside the casing30, details of which will be described below. Also, the casing30is provided with a support section40which supports the holding plate22at predetermined angles (several levels). The support section40is provided with a groove that supports a stand not shown which is arranged on a back portion of the holding plate22at predetermined angles (multiple levels).

The imaging apparatus stand70includes a stage71extending in a direction diagonal to a page P at a page-turning start point of the opened book B (a page P which has not been turned) serving as an imaging target and parallel to the installation surface of the imaging apparatus stand70. On the stage71, the information processing terminal80such as a tablet terminal is placed as an imaging apparatus and a camera in the information processing terminal80photographs a page P at a page-turning start point (a page which has not been turned) via an opening portion provided in the stage71. The installation position of the imaging apparatus stand70is written on the above-described guide (illustration) written in the casing30. Therefore, an installation sheet on which an installation position is written for each size of the book B need not be separately prepared, which eliminates time and work to prepare the installation sheet and install each of the units. Accordingly, the imaging apparatus stand70can be easily installed at an appropriate position.

FIG. 2Ais a top view showing the structure of the casing30in the page turner1, andFIG. 2Bis a perspective view showing a state where the page turner1is accommodated.

In the present embodiment, the casing30includes at least four constituent surfaces31,32,33and34constituting a substantially rectangular parallelepiped by folding its broken-line portion inward, as shown inFIG. 2A. The respective vertical and horizontal sizes of the two constituent surfaces31and33among the four constituent surfaces31to34are the A4 size, the one constituent surface33among the four constituent surfaces31to34couples the two constituent surfaces31and33of the A4 size to form a back portion, and the constituent surface34among the four constituent surfaces31to34is coupled to the constituent surface31of the A4 size. When the page turner1is to be accommodated, the holding table20is folded, and the air blowing section16is rotated and moved toward the side surface of the accommodation case11so that the upper surface of the accommodation case11and the air blowing port of the air blowing section16are substantially flush with each other, the expansion unit24is removed from the main body section23, and the broken-line portion of the casing30is folded inward, whereby the page-turning main body section10including the accommodation case11and the air blowing section16and the holding table20(the holding plate21aand the holding plate22a) are covered. Note that the folding plate21aof the main body section23is fixed to the constituent surface31. As a result , the entire casing30can have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape constituted by at least the four constituent surfaces31,32,33and34(the entire portion constituting the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape is hereinafter referred to as a main body unit50), as shown inFIG. 2B. Also, the expansion unit24is removed from the main body section23, folded, and accommodated with it being interposed between the holding plate21aand the holding plate22aof the folded holding table20.

Here, the main body unit50is accommodated with the page-turning main body section10being on the upper side and the holding plate21aand the holding plate22abeing on the lower side for workability at the time of use. That is, by the main body unit50being installed such that the page-turning main body section10is on the far side from the user and the holding table20is on the near side, page-turning operations can be easily performed when the page turner1is used. By the main body unit50being accommodated with the page-turning main body section10being on the upper side and the holding plate21aand the holding plate22abeing on the lower side, the main body unit50is naturally installed such that the page-turning main body section10is on the far side and the holding table20is on the near side when the casing30is unfolded so as to use the page turner1, as shown inFIG. 2B. Also, by the main body unit50being accommodated with the page-turning main body section10being on the upper side and the holding plate21aand the holding plate22abeing on the lower side as described above, the page-turning main body section10can be supported from below by the holding table20(the holding plate21aand the holding plate22a) without special support means being provided.

Note that, on the constituent surface32corresponding to the back portion of the casing30, a stand installation plate (mounting plate)76to which the imaging apparatus stand70is rotatably fixed is provided, details of which will be described below.

FIG. 3AandFIG. 3Bare perspective views each showing a state where the page turner1is accommodated. When the page turner1is to be accommodated, the substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body unit50is inserted between a pair of leg sections constituting the imaging apparatus stand70, as shown inFIG. 3A. The sizes of sections such as the page-turning main body section10and the holding table20, spacing between the leg sections constituting the imaging apparatus stand70, and the like have been designed such that the length of the main body unit50is of the A4 vertical size, the depth of the main body unit50is of the A4 horizontal size, and the main body unit50has a thickness (depth) that allows it to be within the spacing between the leg sections constituting the imaging apparatus stand70. Also, the sizes of the sections (e.g., the height of the page-turning main body section10and the height of the holding table20at the time of folding) have been designed such that the substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body unit50is positioned within the spacing between the leg sections constituting the imaging apparatus stand70. By having a substantially A4 size for accommodation, the main body unit50can be easily stored in an ordinary cabinet, bookcase or the like. Also, by the structure where the imaging apparatus stand70is used as a file folder when the main body unit50is accommodated, the accommodation of the imaging apparatus stand70itself is not required to be considered.

FIG. 4AandFIG. 4Bare perspective views each showing a state of the page turner1in the middle of transition from an accommodated state to a usage state so as to be used. When the page turner1is to be used, the main body unit50taken out of the imaging apparatus stand70is placed on a desk or the like such that the upper side and the lower side of the main body unit50are on the far side and the near side from the user, and the three constituent surfaces32,33and34of the casing30are unfolded, as shown inFIG. 4A.FIG. 4Bshows a state where the casing30has been unfolded, Here, the folding plate21aof the main body section23is fixed to the constituent surface31. Accordingly, by the three components32,33and34being unfolded with the constituent surface31being on the lower side, the casing30is unfolded with the holding plate21aof the main body section23being arranged at a predetermined position. That is, the casing30is unfolded such that the user can easily proceed to the subsequent setting operation.

FIG. 5Ais a diagram showing the expansion unit24for the page turner1, andFIG. 5Bis a diagram showing a state where the expansion unit24has been attached to the page turner1. The expansion unit24includes the pair of holding plates21band22bwhich are foldable by a hinge. The holding plates21band22binclude insertion plates21cand22cfor positioning and fixing the holding plates21band22bon the holding plates21aand22aby being inserted into slits (not shown) provided in side portions of the holding plates21aand22a. After the casing30is unfolded as described above, the expansion unit24is mounted on the side portions of the holding plates21aand22a, as shown inFIG. 5B. As such, by the holding plates21and22being dividable into the holding plates21aand22aand the expansion unit24including the holding plates21band22b, the main body unit50can be compactified (A4 size) for accommodation and during usage can he used. for book B of maximum A4 size.

FIG. 6AandFIG. 6Bare diagrams each showing a state of the page-turning main body section10when the page turner1is accommodated. The air blowing section16is fixed to a fixing table16aconnected to the accommodation case11in a manner to be rotatable around a rotation axis17. When being accommodated, the air blowing section16is rotated. around the rotation axis17in a direction indicated by arrow “a” and thereby laterally positioned., In the state where the air blowing section16has been laterally positioned, the height of the air blowing port of the air blowing section16and the height of the accommodation case11are substantially flush with each other, so that stability at the time of accommodation is ensured, as shown inFIG. 6AandFIG. 6B. Also, on the bottom of the accommodation case11, an insertion plate42is provided which prevents the page-turning main body section10from shifting during a page-turning operation by being inserted into a slit (not shown) provided in a side portion of the holding plate21ain the holding table20when the page-turning main body section10is arranged on the casing30. Further, a non-slip sheet43for preventing the page-turning main body section10from shifting during a page-turning operation is attached to the bottom surface of the accommodation case11. Accordingly, a weight to prevent the book B from shifting is not required for the page-turning main body section10itself, whereby the page turner1can be downsized and the weight can be reduced.

FIG. 7AandFIG. 7Bare diagrams each showing a state of the page-turning main body section10when the page turner1is used. When the page turner1is to be used, the air blowing section16is rotated around the rotation axis17in a direction indicated by arrow “b” so as to be moved to an area above the accommodation case11, and is rotated around a rotation axis18of the fixing table16ain a horizontal direction indicated by arrow “c”, whereby the direction of air from the air blowing section16can be adjusted such that the air is blown onto a page P being turned by the sticking section14.

FIG. 8Ais an exploded view showing the structure of the imaging apparatus stand70, and FIG BB is a side view showing the accommodated state of the imaging apparatus stand70.FIG. 9is a side view showing the structure of the imaging apparatus stand70when in use,

The imaging apparatus stand70includes a stage71on which the information processing terminal80such as a tablet terminal is placed and leg sections72and73each structured such that its height is adjustable, as shown inFIG. 8B. The stage71includes a fixing plate71abent at an angle of 90° with respect to a placement surface on which the information processing terminal80is placed, and is fixed to the leg section72when the fixing plate71ais fixed to a distal end plate72aof the leg section72with a screw74. Note that a fixing means and a fixing method therefor are not limited. For example, the stage71and the leg section72may be fixed by being fitted together without using the screw74.

The leg section72includes the above-described distal end plate72a, a bottom plate72b, and side plates72cand72dconnected to each other at predetermined intervals by the distal end plate72aand the bottom plate72bsuch that the main body unit50is supported from both side surfaces when the main body unit50is inserted thereinto for accommodation as described above. In the side plates72cand72d, a plurality of paired holes vertically arranged at predetermined intervals are formed.

On the other hand, the leg section73includes side plates73aand73bfor fixing the leg section72(e.g., the stage71) at a desired height and a bottom plate73cfor connecting the side plates73aand73bat a predetermined interval. In the side plates73aand73b, paired holes are respectively formed at the corresponding positions. The leg section72and the leg section73are fixed to each other by a pair of screws75aand75bwith one of the plurality of paired holes on the side plates72cand72dof the leg section72and the paired holes on the side plates73aand73bof the leg section73being aligned with each other. Since the plurality of paired holes vertically arranged at predetermined intervals are formed in the side plates72cand72din the leg section72, the height of the stage71can be adjusted in accordance with the viewing angle of the camera in the information processing terminal80, the size of the book B, or the like by changing holes into which the screws75aand75bare inserted. Note that a fixing means and a fixing method therefor are not limited. For example, the leg section72and the leg section73may he fixed by being fitted together without using the screws75aand75b. In the bottom plate73cof the leg section73, a hole73dfor fixing the leg section73to the casing30with a screw is formed. A method for fixing the leg section73will be described later.

FIG. 8Bshows a state of the imaging apparatus stand70when the page turner1is accomodated. When the page turner1is to be accommodated, the imaging apparatus stand70is placed such that the stage71is removed from the leg section72, the fixing plate71ais brought into contact with the bottom plate73cof the leg section73, and a distal end of the stage71is brought into contact with the inner side of the distal end plate72aof the leg section72. By this structure, the imaging apparatus stand70can reliably hold the substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body unit50. Note that the above-described structure of the imaging apparatus stand70is merely an example. For example, the stage71may be moved to a predetermined position by using a rotation mechanism without being removed from the leg section72.

When the page turner1is to be used, the fixing plate71aof the stage71is inserted into the distal end plate72ain the leg section72and is fixed thereto with the screw74, as shown inFIG. 9. Then, the height of the leg section72is adjusted in accordance with the viewing angle of the camera in the information processing terminal80, the size of the hook B, or the like, and the leg section72is fixed to the leg section73with the screw75a(75b) Note that , although the imaging apparatus stand70is placed on the casing30when the page turner1is used, a non-slip sheet may be attached to the bottom plate73cof the leg section73or the imaging apparatus stand70may be fixed to the casing30with a screw or the like to prevent an installation position from shifting during a page-turning operation.

FIG. 10AandFIG. 10Bare top views for describing a method for fixing the imaging apparatus stand70. In the present embodiment, a stand installation plate76for fixing the imaging apparatus stand70at a predetermined angle is threadably mounted on the constituent surface32corresponding to the back portion of the casing30, as shown inFIG. 10A. The stand installation plate76is horizontally rotatable by using the screw threadably mounted as the rotation axis76a. At a predetermined position of the stand installation plate76, a male screw (fixing section)76bis provided.

When using the page turner1, the user places the imaging apparatus stand70on the stand installation plate76such that the male screw76bis inserted into the hole73dformed in the bottom plate73cof the leg section73. Then, a cap (not shown) provided with a female screw is screwed into the male screw76bso as to fix the imaging apparatus stand70on the stand installation plate76.

Then, the user rotates the stand installation plate76around the rotation axis76ain the horizontal direction and thereby adjusts the direction of the imaging apparatus stand70such that the opening section in the stage71is positioned above a page P of the book B placed on the holding plate21a, as shown inFIG. 10B. In the side portion of the holding plate21a, a slit21dis formed, so that a part of the rotated stand installation plate76enters the above-described slit21d.

As shown inFIG. 10A, the imaging apparatus stand70is designed such that the width of the stand installation plate76and the width of the constituent surface32are substantially the same or the width of the stand installation plate76is slightly smaller than the width of the constituent surface32, as shown inFIG. 10A. Accordingly, when the page turner1is not being used, i.e., when accommodated, the stand installation plate76is arranged along the constituent surface32corresponding to the back portion of the casing30and therefore does not interfere with the accommodation. That is, the imaging apparatus stand70can be easily fixed to an appropriate installation position, and the position (orientation) of the imaging apparatus stand70can be easily adjusted.

Note that, in the present embodiment, a guide sheet60on which a guide (illustration) for guiding the user of the installation position of the page-turning main body section10and the installation position of the imaging apparatus stand70for each book size is written is attached (or printed) inside the casing30, as described below. Accordingly, the stand installation plate76is constituted by a transparent acrylic plate to prevent the stand installation plate76from blocking the guide (illustration).

FIG. 11is a top view showing the structure of a part of the casing30that is also used as the installation sheet for the page turner1. Inside the casing30of the present embodiment, the guide sheet60on which the guide (illustration) for informing the user of the installation position of the page-turning main body section10and the installation position of the imaging apparatus stand70is written is attached (or printed). More specifically, markers (A6, B6˜, A5˜, B5˜ and A4) each representing an installation position on the holding plate20for each book size and symbols (A, B and C) each representing an installation position of the page-turning main body section10adapted to a book size with the holding table20on the casing30as a reference are written for each of the markers. On the guide sheet60, installation position guides P1, P2and P3for the page-turning main body section10are written corresponding to the above-described symbols (A, B and C)

The user confirms the size of the book B to be placed and the marker corresponding to the size (A6, B6˜, A5˜, B5˜, A4˜) of the book B, places the book B on the holding table20such that it corresponds to the marker, confirms the symbols (A, B and C) written for the marker, and installs the accommodation case11of the page-turning main body section10at one of the installation position guides P1(A), P2(B) and P3(C) respectively corresponding to the symbols (A, B and C). As a result, the page-turning main body section10will be installed at the installation position which matches the size of the book B. On the guide sheet60, an installation position guide P4at which the imaging apparatus stand70is installed is also written. The user can install the imaging apparatus stand70at an appropriate position by only rotating the stand installation plate76where the imaging apparatus stand70has been fixed to the installation position guide P4written on the guide sheet60.

FIG. 12is an external view showing the structure of another imaging apparatus stand90for the page turner1.FIG. 12shows a state of the imaging apparatus stand90when the page turner1is accommodated. The imaging apparatus stand90includes a stage91on which the information processing terminal80such as a tablet terminal is placed and leg sections92and93each structured such that its height is adjustable.

The stage91includes a placement surface100on which the information processing terminal80is placed, and the placement surface100is provided with an opening section101for exposing the camera in the information processing terminal80placed to be oriented downward. The opening section101is formed in an elongated shape along a longitudinal direction with respect to the stage91. Also, a tapered section102is formed, at the bottom of a distal end portion (on the right side as illustrated) of the stage91to ensure the viewing angle of the camera (to prevent vignetting due to the thickness of the stage91). By this structure as well, a weight reduction is achieved.

Also, on both side surfaces of a rear end portion (on the left side of the drawing) of the stage91, stoppers103aand103bfor fixing the stage91to the leg section92in a horizontal state when the page turner1is used are formed. In addition, on both side surfaces of the rear end portion (on the left side of the drawing) of the stage91, movable shafts104aand104bare provided. The function of the movable shafts104aand104bwill be described later.

The leg section92includes side plates110aand110band a bottom plate110which connects the side plates110aand110bto each other at predetermined intervals, and thereby supports the main body unit50from both side surfaces when. the main body unit50is inserted thereinto for accommodation. En the side plates110aand110b, adjustment holes112aand112bfor adjusting and fixing the height of the leg section92with respect to the leg section93are formed opposing each other. The function of the adjustment holes112aand112bwill be described below.

Also, the side plates110aand110beach have a shape whose upper side projects forward, and groove sections113aand113binto which the stoppers103aand103bin the above-described stage91are inserted are respectively formed in the protruding portions. In the groove sections113aand113b, hole sections114aand114binto which the movable shaft104aand104in the above-described stage91are inserted are respectively formed. The functions of the groove sections113aand113band the hole sections114aand114bwill be described later.

The leg section93includes side plates120aand120bfor holding the leg section92(i.e., the stage91) and fixing the leg section92at a desired height, and a bottom plate120cfor connecting the side plates120aand120bto each other at predetermined intervals. On the side plates120aand120b, paired lifting buttons122aand122bwhich are fitted into the adjustment holes112aand112bof the leg section92are provided at opposing positions. The function of the lifting buttons122aand122bwill be described later. On the bottom plate120cof the leg section93, a hole120dfor fixing the leg section93to the casing30with a screw is formed/

FIG. 13is a perspective view showing the imaging apparatus stand90in an accommodated state. The leg section92is arranged inside the side plates120aand120bof the leg section93, and the movable shafts104aand104bof the stage91are respectively inserted into the hole sections114aand114bformed on both side. surfaces of a distal end portion of the leg section92. At the time of accommodation, unlike the above-described imaging apparatus stand70, this imaging apparatus stand90is rotated downward using the movable shafts104aand104bas rotation axes so as to put the placement surface100into a vertical. state without the stage91being removed from the leg section92. In this state, the substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body unit50shown inFIG. 2Bis accommodated between the side plates110aand110bof the leg section92.

FIG. 14is a perspective view showing the imaging apparatus stand90at the time of use. When the page turner1is to be used (when turning pages). the substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body unit50is taken out from between the side plates110aand110bof the leg section92, the stage91is rotated (arrow A) using the movable shafts104aand104bas rotation axes until the placement surface100becomes horizontal, and then the stage91is slid backward along the hole sections114aand114b(arrow B) When the stage91is slid backward, the stoppers103aand103bformed in both side portions of the stage91are respectively inserted into the groove sections113aand113bof the leg section92so as to be engaged therewith. As a result, the stage91is reliably fixed to the leg section92in a horizontal state without being fixed thereto with a screw or the like.

FIG. 15AandFIG. 15Bare perspective views for describing an engagement mechanism between the stage91and the leg section92by the imaging apparatus stand90. Note that, inFIG. 15AandFIG. 15B, a structure related to only one of surfaces is shown. Accordingly, in the following descriptions, a structure related the other surface is indicated by a symbol within parentheses The movable shaft104a(104b) of the stage91is inserted into the hole section114a(114b) formed on the side surface of the distal end portion of the leg section92. The stopper103a(103b) on the side portion of the stage91is formed to correspond to the shape of the groove section113a(113b) in the side surface of the distal end portion of the leg section92. When the stage91is slid forward by the length of the stopper103a(103b) being adjusted, an engagement between the stopper103a(103b) and the groove section113a(113b) is released. When the stage91is slid backward, the stopper103a(103b) engages with the groove section113a(113b).

As a result of this structure, the stage91can be rotated using the movable shaft104a(104b) as a rotation axis when the stage is slid forward, and can be fixed when the stage91is slid backward. That is , at the time of accommodation, the stage91is slid forward and rotated downward, as shown inFIG. 13. At the time of use, the stage91is rotated to be in a horizontal state and then slid backward and fixed, as shown inFIG. 14.

FIG. 16is a perspective view for describing the structure of a lifting mechanism by the imaging apparatus stand90. Note that, inFIG. 16, a structure related to only one of surfaces is shown. Accordingly, in the following descriptions, a structure related to the other surface is indicated by a symbol within parentheses As described above, on the side plate110a(110b), an adjustment hole112a(112b) for adjusting and fixing the height of the leg section92is formed. The adjustment hole112a(112b) has a shape where five circular holes formed at predetermined intervals in a vertical direction have been connected to one another in line by a long hole having a predetermined width, and the lifting button122a(122b) of the leg section93is inserted from outside into the adjustment hole112a(112b). By the lifting button122a(122b) being locked in one of the circular holes in the adjustment hole112a(112b), the leg section92can be fixed to the leg section93at a desired height (which is, in the example of the drawing, a height in one of five levels).

FIG. 17AandFIG. 17Bare perspective views for describing the structure of the lifting button122a(122b) of the imaging apparatus stand90, andFIG. 17Cis a side view of the lifting button122a(122b). The lifting button122a(122b) includes a circular operation section130positioned on the leg section93side and a locking section131positioned on the adjustment hole112a(112b) side of the leg section92. The locking section131has a length exceeding the diameter of the operation section130(the diameter of the circular holes in the adjustment hole112a(112b) and has a width slightly smaller than the width of the long hole which connects the circular holes in the adjustment hole112a(112b).

FIG. 18AandFIG. 18Bare perspective views for describing a state occurring when the height of the leg section92to which the stage91has been fixed is adjusted in the imaging apparatus stand90.FIG. 19AandFIG. 19Bare perspective views for describing a state where the height of the leg section92to which the stage91has been fixed is fixed in the imaging apparatus stand90.

When the leg section92to which the stage91has been fixed is to be lifted and lowered, the operation section130of the lifting button122a(122b) is operated. More specifically, the operation section130of the lifting button122a(122b) is rotated by 90° from outside the leg section93such that the locking section131of the lifting button122a(122b) is angled to be along the long hole connecting the circular holes the adjustment holes112a(112b), as shown inFIG. 18A. When the locking section131of the lifting button122a(122b) enters a state where it is along the adjustment hole112a(112b), the locking section131enters a free state so that the leg section92can be moved (slid) upward or downward, as shown inFIG. 18B.

Then, the leg section92is moved (slid) upward or downward (see arrow A) so as to adjust the height (pull-out amount) of the leg section92such that one of the circular holes in the adjustment hole112a(11.2b) corresponds to the position of the locking section131of the lifting button122a(122b) and the stage91has a desired height, as shown inFIG. 18A.

After the height of the stage91, i.e., the pull-out amount of the leg section92is determined, the operation section130of the lifting button122a(122b) is rotated by 90° from outside the leg section93, as shown inFIG. 19A. When the operation section130is rotated by 90°, the locking section131is rotated to be substantially horizontal to the circular holes in the adjustment hole112a(112b), as shown inFIG. 19B. When the side plate110a(110b) of the leg section92is inserted between the operation section130and the locking section131, the up-and-down movement of the leg section92is restricted. As a result, the leg section92to which the stage91has been fixed is fixed at a desired height. By this structure, the height of the stage91can be easily adjusted in accordance with the viewing angle of the camera in the information processing terminal80, the size of the book B or the like.

FIG. 20is a top view showing the structure of a part of the casing30for describing another guide sheet61according to the present embodiment. Note that sections corresponding to those inFIG. 11are provided with the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted. On the guide sheet61, installation position guides P4a, P4band P4ceach representing an installation position of the imaging apparatus stand70based on a book size are written in addition to markers (A6, B6˜, A5˜, B5˜ and A4˜), symbols (A, B and C) each representing an installation position of the page-turning main body section10, and installation position guides P1, P2and P3each representing an installation position of the page-turning main body section10, as with the above-described guide sheet60. In the following descriptions, the installation position guides P4a, P4band P4care described in detail.

FIG. 21is a top view for describing the installation position guide P4aon the guide sheet61. The installation position guide P4arepresents an installation position of the imaging apparatus stand70when a book B of a standard size (A4, B5, A5, B6 and A6) is placed on the holding table20. In the cases of book B of standard sizes (A4, B5, A5, B6 and A6), their diagonal lines substantially coincide with one another. Accordingly, for cases of a book B of standard sizes (A4, B5, A5, B6 and A6), the installation position guide P4ais written at an angle at which the diagonal line of each of these book B and the center of the stage71in the imaging apparatus stand70substantially coincide with each other.

When a book B of standard sizes (A4, B5, A5, B6 and A6) is placed on the holding table20, the user rotates the stand installation plate76to which the imaging apparatus stand70has been fixed such that the stand installation plate76coincides with the installation position guide P4awritten on the guide sheet61. By the installation position of the imaging apparatus stand70being rotated to coincide with the installation position guide P4a, operations such as the position adjustment of the imaging apparatus stand70and the viewing angle adjustment of the camera in the information processing terminal80for setting the pages P of the book B of standard sizes (A4, B5, A5, B6 and A6) to be within the viewing angle of the camera in the information processing terminal80can be achieved with a minimal amount of effort.

Note that, in this state, the center of the opening section101formed along the longitudinal direction of the stage91and the diagonal line of the book B substantially correspond to each other. Accordingly, the user is only required to move. the information processing terminal80along the longitudinal direction of the opening section101in the stage91so as to align the imaging means. That is, by merely moving the information processing terminal80along the longitudinal direction of the opening section101in the stage91, the user can easily adjust the position of the camera in the information processing terminal.80.

FIG. 22is a top view for describing the installation position guide P4bon the guide sheet61. The installation position guide P4brepresents an installation position of the imaging apparatus stand70when a book B having an aspect ratio vertically longer than that of each standard size (in the drawing, only the standard A4 size is shown as an example) is placed on the holding table20. In the case of a book B having an aspect ratio vertically longer than that of the standard size (A4 size), the book B is shifted from the diagonal line of the standard size (A4 size) o Accordingly, for the case of a book B having an aspect ratio vertically longer than that of the standard size (A4 size), the installation position guide P4bis written at an angle at which the diagonal line of the book B having this size and the center of the stage71in the imaging apparatus stand70substantially coincide with each other.

When a book B having an aspect ratio vertically longer than that of the standard size (A4 size) is placed on the holding table20, the user rotates the stand installation plate76to which the imaging apparatus stand70has been fixed such that the stand installation plate76coincides with the installation position guide P4bwritten on the guide sheet61. By the installation position of the imaging apparatus stand70being rotated to coincide with the installation position guide P4b, operations such as the position adjustment of the imaging apparatus stand70and the viewing angle adjustment of the camera in the information processing terminal80for setting the pages P of the book B having an aspect ratio vertically longer than that of the standard size (A4 size) to he within the viewing angle of the camera in the information processing terminal80can be achieved with a minimal amount of effort. In this case as well, by merely moving the information processing terminal80along the longitudinal direction of the opening section101in the stage91as described above, the user can easily adjust the position of the camera in the information processing terminal80.

FIG. 23is a top view for describing the installation position guide P4con the guide sheet61. The installation position guide P4crepresents an installation position of the imaging apparatus stand70when a book B having an aspect ratio horizontally longer than that of each standard size (in the drawing, only the A4 size is shown as an example) is placed on the holding table20. in the case of a book B having an aspect ratio horizontally longer than that of the standard size (A4 size), the book B is shifted from the diagonal line of the standard size (A4 size). Accordingly, for the case of a hook B having an aspect ratio horizontally longer than that of the standard size (A4 size), the installation position guide P4cis written at an angle at which the diagonal line of the book B having this size and the center of the stage71in the imaging apparatus stand70substantially coincide with each other.

When a book B having an aspect ratio horizontally longer than that of the standard size (A4 size) is placed on the holding table20, the user rotates the stand installation plate76to which the imaging apparatus stand70has been fixed such that the stand installation plate76coincides with the installation position guide P4cwritten on the guide sheet61. By the installation position of the imaging apparatus stand70being rotated to coincide with the installation position guide P4c, operations such as the position adjustment of the imaging apparatus stand70and the viewing angle adjustment of the camera in the information processing terminal80for setting the pages P of the book B having an aspect ratio horizontally longer than that of the standard size (A4 size) to be within the viewing angle of the camera in the information processing terminal80can be achieved with a minimal amount of effort. In this case as well, by merely moving the information processing terminal80along the longitudinal direction of the opening section101in the stage91as described above, the user can easily adjust the position of the camera in the information processing terminal80.

According to the above-described embodiment , the holding table20and the page-turning main body section10having the page-turning mechanism (structure) are accommodated inside a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape formed by the casing30including the plurality of constituent surfaces31to34, and the casing30forming the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape is supported with it being held. upright and interposed between the pair of side plates72cand72dconstituting the leg section72of the imaging apparatus stand70and the pair of side plates73aand73bconstituting the leg section73. Accordingly, by the imaging apparatus stand70where the information processing terminal80having the camera for photographing pages P of a book B is placed, the page turner1can be compactly accommodated and easily stored in an ordinary cabinet, bookshelf or the like.

Also, according to the above-described embodiment, the stage71where the information processing terminal80having the camera for photographing pages P of a book B is placed is supported at a predetermined height by the pair of side plates72cand72dconstituting the leg section72of the imaging apparatus stand70and the pair of side plates73aand73bconstituting the leg section73which support the casing30of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with the casing30being held upright and interposed therebetween. Accordingly, the imaging apparatus stand70can be used as a stand where the information processing terminal80is placed when the page turner1is used, and can be used as a file folder which supports the accommodated page turner with it being held upright when the page turner1is accommodated.

Moreover, according to the above-described embodiment the leg section72which supports the stage71is supported at multiple levels of height by the leg section73. Accordingly, the imaging apparatus stand70can be used as a stand where the information processing terminal80is placed when the page turner1is used, and can be used as a file folder which supports the page turner1accommodated in the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape by the casing30with the page turner1being held upright when the page turner1is accommodated.

Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the pair of side plates72cand72dconstituting the leg section72of the imaging apparatus stand70and the pair of side plates73aand73bconstituting the leg section73are arranged at an interval by which the casing30where the page turner1has been accommodated in the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape can be interposed. Accordingly, the imaging apparatus stand70can be used as a stand where the information processing terminal is placed when the page turner1is used, and can be as a file folder which supports the substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing30where the page turner1has been accommodated with the casing30being held upright when the page turner1is accommodated.