Picture image input device

A picture image input device, comprising:

• a light source that emits light for reading onto original medium;
• a projection optical system forming light from the original medium into an image;
• a reading unit containing at least a linear image sensor that receives the image from the projection optical system and converts the image into an electrical signal;
• a driving unit that moves the original medium relative to the reading unit;
• and
• a folding joint unit that can switch between a closed position where the reading unit and the driving unit are joined with the original medium interposed between the reading unit and the driving unit, and an open position where the reading unit and the driving unit are positioned to move along the original medium.

A picture image input device, comprising:

• a light source that illuminates an original medium for reading;
• an image sensor;
• image forming means for forming an image of the original medium on the image sensor;
• driving means for moving the original medium relative to the image sensor;
• and
• folding means for changing the picture image input device between one of an open state and a folded state, wherein the driving means moves the original medium when the picture image input device is in the folded state and the picture image input device moves along the original medium in the open state.

A picture image input device, comprising:

• a light source that emits light to illuminate an original medium for reading;
• an image sensor;
• a projection optical system that forms an image of the original medium on the image sensor;
• a driving unit that enables to move the original medium relative to the image sensor or enables to move the picture image input device itself along the original medium;
• and
• a switching mechanism that changes between a first mode of the picture image input device, in which the image sensor is closed with respect to the exterior, and a second mode of the picture image input device, in which the image sensor is exposed to the exterior, wherein the driving unit moves the original medium with respect to the image sensor in the first mode, and wherein the driving unit moves the image sensor with respect to the original medium in the second mode.