JP2000272783A - Image recording sheet holder and image reader to which such holder is applicable - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent dirt and damage to a film surface in feeding a film held by a holder for reading an image photographed by the film. SOLUTION: A film carrier holder 1 includes a plate holder base 2 having a storage portion 21 for a film F, a lower transparent plate 3 detachably mounted on the storage portion 21 and an upper frame 4 for fixing the film. The upper frame 4 has a frame body 4a with a glass (with a glass plate 42 mounted on a flame body 41) for holding the whole film surface of the film F together with the lower transparent plate 3 and a frame body 4b with no glass consisting of the flame body only for holding the film F at its peripheral edge together with the holder base 2. A method for holding the whole film surface or a method for holding the film at its peripheral edge only is selectable and, if the latter method is selected, dirt and damage to the film surface can be prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sheet on which an image such as a photograph printed on a developed film or a photographic paper (hereinafter, referred to as an image recording sheet) is photoelectrically converted into an electric signal and taken in. The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus and an image recording sheet holder that is applied to the image reading apparatus and holds the sheet at a predetermined image reading position so that the sheet can be fed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-321988, for example, a negative image or a positive image (hereinafter, referred to as a frame image) photographed in each frame of a film is a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) area sensor. And CC
2. Description of the Related Art There is known an image reading apparatus that captures an image with an image sensor such as a D-line sensor, performs predetermined image processing, and outputs the image to a monitor television or the like.

[0003] Such an image reading apparatus comprises a film feeding means,
A dedicated film feeding holder (hereinafter, referred to as a film carrier holder) provided with a film, which is provided with an illuminating unit, an optical unit, and an imaging unit, is fed by the film feeding unit, and the film is read by a predetermined image. After feeding to the position,
Illuminate the film with a predetermined illuminance with lighting means such as a lamp,
The optical image of the generated frame image is formed on an imaging unit via an optical unit such as a photographing lens, and the imaging unit converts the optical image into an electric signal and reads it. Further, by using a photographing lens having a small F number (bright photographing lens) to increase the amount of light incident on the imaging surface of the imaging means as much as possible, the reading speed of the image is increased.

If the F-number of the taking lens is reduced, the depth of focus becomes shallow, and if the film fed by the film carrier holder is warped (that is, if the film surface is not flat), the problem is solved. Due to this, partial defocusing occurs in the light image of the frame image projected on the image forming surface. To prevent this, the film carrier holder adopts a structure that sandwiches and holds the film between a pair of glass plates. Have been.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of a film carrier holder applied to a conventional image reading apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional film carrier holder 100 holds a film F (separated into frame images) to be read by an unillustrated image reading device (scanner). Lower glass plate 1 for through window
A holder frame 101 into which the base plate 02 is fitted, and a holding frame 104 which is attached to the holder base 101 via a hinge 103 so as to be openable and closable and has an upper glass plate 105 corresponding to the lower glass plate 102 are provided. .

[0007] Then, as shown in FIG. 1A, the film F is placed on the surface of the lower glass plate 102 with the holding frame 104 opened, and then, as shown in FIG. By closing the holding frame 104, the film F is held in a state of being tightly held between the upper and lower glass plates 102 and 105 (a state where the film surface is flat).

[0008]

In the conventional film carrier holder 100, the film F is sandwiched between the upper and lower glass plates 102 and 105 in order to flatten the film surface. If dust or dirt adheres to the surface in contact with F, there is a problem that the dust or dirt transfers to the film F and contaminates or damages the film F.

In order to solve such a problem, the film F may not be sandwiched between a pair of glass plates, and only the peripheral portion of the film F may be fixed. If a certain degree of flatness cannot be ensured due to warpage or radius, a partial defocus may occur in the optical image of the frame image formed on the imaging surface.

Therefore, if the method of holding the film F of the film carrier holder 100 is fixed to one of the above-mentioned methods, the problem of contamination, damage, or partial blurring of the read image remains.

The above-mentioned problem is not limited to the case where a photographed image of a film is read. For example, a paper printed with an image or a photo printed on a photographic paper is irradiated with illumination light, and the paper or the photo is illuminated. The same applies to an image reading apparatus having a configuration in which reflected light from an image is focused on an imaging surface and photoelectrically converted into an electric signal by an imaging element and read.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an image recording sheet holder and a holder for holding an image recording sheet, in which a user can select between holding only a peripheral portion and holding the entire sheet surface. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image reading apparatus which can reliably capture an image without blur by changing the depth of focus of the taking lens according to the sheet holding method.

[0013]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an image recording sheet holder used for image reading in an image reading apparatus for reading an image recorded on a sheet, wherein the sheet exposes the image to the outside. A holder base having a storage portion to be stored in a retracted state, and a detachably attached to the holder base so as to sandwich and fix a peripheral portion of the sheet stored in the storage portion to the holder base. The upper frame body and the entire sheet stored in the storage section are sandwiched between the holder base and the transparency detachably mounted on the holder base to fix the sheet surface flat. And a fixing member (claim 1).

According to the above construction, an image recording sheet such as a film on which a photograph is taken or a recording paper on which an image is formed is stored in the storage portion of the holder base, and is fixed by the fixing member or the upper frame to fix the image. Attached to the recording sheet holder. When the fixing member is used, the entire image recording sheet is sandwiched between the fixing member and the holder base, and the sheet surface is held flat. When using the upper frame,
In the image recording sheet, only the peripheral portion of the sheet is sandwiched between the upper frame and the holder base, and the sheet surface is held in a state where it is not fixed. Then, the image recording sheet held by the image recording sheet holder is illuminated with illumination light to generate an optical image of an image formed on the image recording sheet, and this optical image is photoelectrically converted into an electric signal and read.

When the image recording sheet is held by the fixing member, the sheet surface is fixed flat, so that the optical image of the image formed on the image recording sheet does not defocus as a whole. A high-speed image reading process can be performed by using a bright lens system. On the other hand, when the image recording sheet is held by the upper frame, only the peripheral portion of the sheet surface is fixed, and there is no member that comes into contact with other portions. It does not transfer to the sheet and is not stained or damaged. Therefore, by selectively adopting one of the holding methods, it is possible to appropriately handle the image recording sheet in accordance with the importance.

The present invention also relates to an image recording sheet holder used for image reading in an image reading apparatus for reading an image recorded on a sheet, wherein the sheet is stored in a state where the image is exposed to the outside. A holder base having an accommodating portion, and an upper frame removably mounted on the holder base so as to clamp and fix a peripheral portion of the sheet accommodated in the accommodating portion to the holder base. And a transparent fixing member removably mounted on the upper frame so as to sandwich the whole of the sheet stored in the storage portion between the holder base and the flat surface of the sheet. (Claim 2).

According to the above arrangement, the image recording sheet is accommodated in the accommodating portion of the holder base, and is fixed to the upper frame or the upper frame to which the fixing member is attached, so that the image recording sheet is attached to the image recording sheet holder. When the upper frame body to which the fixing member is attached is used, the entire image recording sheet is sandwiched between the fixing member and the holder base, and the sheet surface is held flat. When an upper frame without a fixing member is used, the image recording sheet is sandwiched between the upper frame and the holder base only at the periphery of the sheet, and the sheet surface is held in an unfixed state. When the image recording sheet is held by the upper frame on which the fixing member is mounted, since the sheet surface is fixed flat, the optical image of the image formed on the image recording sheet may be out of focus as a whole. It is possible to form an image on the imaging surface without using a lens system, and a high-speed image reading process can be performed by using a bright lens system. On the other hand, when the image recording sheet is held by the upper frame body to which the fixing member is not attached, only the peripheral portion of the sheet surface is fixed, and there is no member that comes into contact with other portions. No dust or dirt adheres to the image recording sheet and becomes dirty or damaged.

In the image recording sheet holder, the upper frame may be rotatably fixed to the holder base by a hinge.

According to this structure, when the image recording sheet is stored in the storage portion of the holder base, and the upper frame is rotated in a direction to close the storage portion, the upper frame is fitted into the storage portion and the image is recorded. The sheet is held between the upper frame and the holder base. When a fixing member is mounted on the upper frame, the image recording sheet is held between the fixing member and the holder base. Further, in this state, when the upper frame is rotated in a direction to open the storage section, the image recording sheet can be removed.

Further, according to the present invention, in the image recording sheet holder, a surface of the storage portion provided on the holder base, which faces the fixing member, has transparency.

According to the above arrangement, the fixing member and the surface of the holder base receiving portion facing the fixing member are transparent, so that the holder base receiving portion is moved from one side of the holder base to the other side. Can be transmitted. Therefore, this image recording sheet holder reflects the illumination light like a negative film or a positive film and transmits the illumination light to generate an optical image of the recorded image and a photo printed on photographic paper. Thus, any of the image recording sheets on which the optical image of the recording image is generated can be held for image reading.

According to the present invention, in the above-mentioned image recording sheet holder, the holder base has a plurality of storage portions arranged in a line, and each storage portion has an upper frame and a fixing member. (Claim 5).

According to the above arrangement, by mounting the image recording sheets in the respective storage portions of the image recording sheet holder, a plurality of image recording sheets can be continuously fed by the image recording sheet holder. it can.

According to the present invention, there is provided an image recording sheet holder for holding a sheet on which an image is recorded, an illuminating means for illuminating the sheet, and forming a light image of the sheet generated by the illumination on an imaging surface. An image reading apparatus, comprising: an optical unit that performs optical conversion; an aperture unit provided in the optical unit; and an imaging unit that is provided on the imaging surface and photoelectrically converts the optical image into an electric signal and reads the electrical image. The holder for holding the sheet flat by contacting the sheet with a sheet holding member having transparency provided on the image forming surface side, or on the image forming surface side Input means for inputting whether or not the sheet is held flat by bringing the sheet into contact with a sheet holding member having an opening provided therein; A diaphragm diameter switching means capable of switching between two stages, large and small, and the image recording sheet holder abutting the sheet on a sheet holding member provided with an opening provided on the image forming surface side, thereby causing the sheet to contact the sheet. A control means is provided for controlling the aperture diameter switching means so as to reduce the aperture diameter when it is input that the aperture diameter is to be held flat (claim 6).

According to the above arrangement, the image recording sheet mounted on the image recording sheet holder is illuminated by the illumination means,
The optical image of the recording image thus generated is formed on an imaging surface by an optical unit, and is photoelectrically converted into an electric signal by the imaging unit and read.

At this time, if it has been input by the input means that the image recording sheet holder is to hold the sheet flat by bringing the sheet into contact with the sheet holding member having the opening. The input means inputs the information that the aperture diameter of the aperture means is set to a small diameter and the image recording sheet holder holds the sheet flat by bringing the sheet into contact with a sheet holding member having transparency. In this case, the aperture diameter of the diaphragm means is set to a large diameter. That is, when only the peripheral portion of the recording image sheet is held, the amount of transmitted light to the imaging surface is set to be small, and when the entire recording image sheet is held, the amount of transmitted light to the imaging surface is set to be large. You.

When the image recording sheet is held on the entire sheet surface, the sheet surface is fixed to be flat, so that the optical image of the image formed on the image recording sheet does not defocus as a whole. Since the focal point of the optical means can be made shallow, the aperture diameter of the aperture means is increased, and the light amount on the image pickup surface is made as large as possible to read the image at high speed.

On the other hand, when the image recording sheet is held only at the periphery of the sheet surface, if the sheet surface has a radius, the optical image of the image formed on the image recording sheet is partially out of focus. However, since the aperture diameter of the aperture means is reduced and the depth of focus of the optical means is set to be large, partial defocusing of the captured image is prevented.

According to the present invention, there is provided an image recording sheet holder for holding a sheet on which an image is recorded, an illuminating means for illuminating the sheet, and forming a light image of the sheet generated by illumination on an imaging surface. An image reading apparatus, comprising: an optical unit that performs optical conversion; an aperture unit provided in the optical unit; and an imaging unit that is provided on the imaging surface and photoelectrically converts the optical image into an electric signal and reads the electrical image. A holder for holding the sheet flat by bringing the sheet into contact with a sheet holding member having transparency provided on the image forming surface, or provided on the image forming surface side. Detecting means for detecting whether the sheet is held flat by bringing the sheet into contact with a sheet holding member provided with an opening, and reducing the aperture diameter of the aperture means. Aperture diameter switching means capable of switching between two stages, large and small, and the image recording sheet holder abutting the sheet on a sheet holding member provided with an opening provided on the image forming surface side, thereby causing the sheet to contact the sheet. A control means for controlling the aperture diameter switching means so as to reduce the aperture diameter when it is detected that the aperture diameter is to be held flat (claim 7).

According to the above construction, the method for holding the image recording sheet in the image recording sheet holder is detected by the detecting means, and the image recording sheet holder is brought into contact with the sheet holding member having the opening by contacting the sheet. When it is detected that the sheet is to be held flat, the aperture diameter of the squeezing means is set to a small diameter, and the image recording sheet holder contacts the sheet with a transparent sheet holding member. When it is detected that the sheet is held flat, the aperture diameter of the aperture means is set to a large diameter. That is, when only the peripheral portion of the recording image sheet is held, the amount of transmitted light to the imaging surface is set to be small, and when the entire recording image sheet is held, the amount of transmitted light to the imaging surface is set to be large. You.

[0031]

FIG. 6 is an external view of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention. The image reading apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus for reading a frame image photographed on each frame of a film, and the read image is reproduced and displayed on a display of a host computer, for example.

The image reading device 5 is provided with a power switch 51a and a focus adjustment operation button 51b on the lower portion of the front surface of a box-shaped casing 51, and the focus adjustment operation button 51b.
A film insertion port 51c is provided at the upper part of the camera, and a power lamp 51e is provided at the upper part of the power switch 51a.

The focus adjustment operation button 51b is used to adjust the focus of the lens system L (see FIG. 7) for forming a light image of the developed film F on the image pickup surface of the image pickup device 57 composed of a CCD line sensor. . The carrier holder insertion opening 51c is for setting the film F to read an image photographed in each frame of the film F, and a shutter 51d for preventing intrusion of dust or the like is provided so as to be openable and closable. . The power lamp 51e is connected to the power switch 5
This indicates the setting state of 1a, and is turned on when the power switch 51a is turned on, and turned off when the power switch 51a is turned off.

The image reading device 5 can read a frame image of a negative or positive film F mounted on a dedicated film carrier holder, and mounts the film F separated for each frame image into the carrier holder insertion port 51c. Any of the film carrier holders 1 and 1a to be mounted and the film carrier holder 1b to which a plurality of films F can be mounted can be set.

The image reading device 5 functions as a peripheral device that supports image processing in the host computer 7. The host computer 7 includes a control body 71, a display 72, and a keyboard 73 as shown in FIG.
The image reading device 5 is connected to the control main body 71 via a SCSI cable 74, and performs an image reading operation according to a control command from the host computer 7.

That is, when a frame image is required, the host computer 7 activates predetermined control software, transmits a predetermined command based on the control software to the image reading device 5, and causes the image reading device 5 to capture the frame image.
The image reading device 5 initializes the device in accordance with a command transmitted from the host computer 7, and performs CCD initialization.
After the image sensor 57 (see FIG. 7) composed of a line sensor is scanned relative to the frame image of the film F, the data of the frame image (image data) is taken in, and each image data is subjected to predetermined image processing. Are sequentially transferred to the host computer 7. The host computer 7 stores the received image data in an image memory (not shown) in the control main body 71, performs predetermined processing such as processing and editing, and displays the processed data on the display 72 as necessary.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image pickup optical system of the image reading device 5. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a top view of the image reading device 5 and shows a configuration in which a plurality of films F are automatically fed by the film carrier holder 1b.

A film carrier holder 1 is provided in the apparatus main body.
A carriage 52 for holding the carriage b is provided, and a carriage driving mechanism 53 for moving the carriage 52 forward and backward in the longitudinal direction is provided.

The carriage driving mechanism 53 includes the carriage 5
The spiral shaft 53a is disposed in parallel with the motor 2 and screwed into place on the carriage 52, and a motor 53b such as a pulse motor for driving the spiral shaft 53a to rotate forward and reverse. The carriage 5 is rotated by the forward rotation of 53a.
2 moves forward (moves rightward in FIG. 7), whereby each film F mounted on the film carrier holder 1b is fed to a predetermined image reading position. Further, the carriage 52 is moved backward by the reverse rotation by the electric motor 53b (FIG. 7).
To the left), thereby ejecting the film carrier holder 1b.

At a predetermined position of the image reading position in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the carriage 52, a light source 54 including a lamp, a fluorescent lamp, and the like for illuminating the frame image fed to the reading position is provided. A reflecting mirror 55 is provided at a predetermined position facing the light source 54 with the carriage 52 interposed therebetween. Further, the lens system L and the image sensor 57 are placed on an optical axis parallel to the spiral shaft 53a of the light beam reflected by the reflecting mirror 55.
(Hereinafter, referred to as a CCD 57).

The reflecting mirror 55 reflects the light image of the frame image formed by the illumination of the light source 54 to the CCD 57 side, and the lens system L forms the light image on the imaging surface of the CCD 57. The lens system L is adjustable in focus and has a diaphragm 56 for adjusting the amount of transmitted light inside. This aperture 56 has an open aperture value Avo [EV
Value] and a predetermined aperture value Av having a smaller transmitted light amount.
[EV value].
It can be switched by a. The drive of the actuator 56a is performed by an aperture control unit 62 (not shown) (FIG. 8).
Reference).

The reason why the amount of transmitted light of the lens system L can be switched in two stages is based on the difference in the method of mounting the film F on the film carrier holder 1b. That is,
As described later, a mechanism for sandwiching the film F between two transparent plates and holding the film surface evenly in the film carrier holder 1b and a mechanism for sandwiching the film F between the two transparent plates, And a mechanism for holding the lens in an open state, so that the amount of transmitted light of the lens system L can be switched according to these holding methods. The relationship between the mechanism for holding the film F and the aperture value of the lens system L will be described later.

The CCD 57 photoelectrically converts a light image of a frame image into an electric signal and reads the electric signal. Carriage 5
The frame image is guided to the image pickup surface in line units by the rectilinear motion of 2, whereby the CCD 57 relatively moves the frame image in the longitudinal direction and scans (reads the frame image). Although a line sensor is used as the CCD 57 in this embodiment, an area sensor may be used.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of a film carrier holder applied to the image reading apparatus 5. The first embodiment is a film carrier holder 1 for holding a film F divided for each frame image and feeding the film F to an image reading position.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which the film F is sandwiched between two transparent plates and held by the film carrier holder 1, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the film F sandwiched between the frame and the transparent plate. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state held in the first position;

The film carrier holder 1 comprises a holder base 2 having a rectangular shape in a plan view and a lower transparent plate 3 made of a transparent plate member such as a transparent glass plate or a transparent resin plate which is detachably mounted on the holder base 2. An upper frame 4 is detachably mounted on the upper part of the lower transparent plate 3.

The holder base 2 is a base for holding the film F, and has a rectangular through window 21 formed at the center position. The through window 21 is a storage portion for the film F, and a step portion 22 extending outward is formed on the upper inner peripheral surface thereof, and the lower transparent plate 3 is fitted into the step portion 22. I have.

The lower transparent plate 3 fixes the film F by sandwiching the film F with the upper frame 4. The lower transparent plate 3 has a rectangular shape slightly smaller than the planar shape of the step portion 22, and is fitted into the step portion 22 so that the peripheral edge portion is supported by the step portion 22 so that the lower transparent plate 3 passes through the through window 21 of the holder base 2. Be attached. The thickness of the lower transparent plate 3 is set to be thinner than the depth of the step portion 22, whereby the lower transparent plate 3 is fitted into the step portion 22, and further stacked with the film F interposed therebetween to form an upper frame body. 4 can be fitted.

The image reading device 5 according to the present embodiment
Is designed to transmit the illumination light through the film F to generate a light image of the frame image.
1, the lower transparent plate 3 is composed of a transparent plate member. The light image of the frame image is reflected by reflecting illumination light on an image (non-transmissive image) such as a photograph printed on photographic paper. In the case where the lower transparent plate 3 is formed, the lower transparent plate 3 does not need to be formed of a transparent plate member. Further, the lower transparent plate 3 may be omitted, and a recess may be formed in the holder base 2 in place of the through window 21 to serve as a storage section for the film F.

The upper frame 4 has a first frame 4a (hereinafter referred to as a first frame 4a) in which a transparent glass plate 42 having the same shape as the lower transparent plate 3 is attached to a frame 41 having substantially the same outer dimensions as the lower transparent plate 3. The frame 4 includes a glass frame 4a) and a second frame 4b (hereinafter, referred to as a glassless frame 4b) including only a frame to which the glass plate 42 is not attached. The glass plate 42 is used as a transparent member for transmitting illumination light. Instead of the glass plate, a transparent plate made of another transparent member such as an acrylic resin may be used.

The frame with glass 4a is formed by cutting the inner peripheral edge of the frame 41 at the lower portion of the inner peripheral surface of the frame 41 over its entire length.
A glass plate 42 is fitted into the annular fitting groove 41a, and is fixed by, for example, an adhesive. The depth dimension of the annular fitting groove 41a is the lower transparent plate 3.
Is set to be the same as or slightly shallower than the thickness of the film F by the lower transparent plate 3 and the frame 4a with glass.
Is sandwiched between the upper transparent plate 3 and the glass plate 42.

On the other hand, the glassless frame 4b is
The lower transparent plate 3 and the frame 4 without glass
When the film F is interposed between the upper transparent plate 3 and the frame 4b, the peripheral edge of the film F is interposed between the upper transparent plate 3 and the frame 4b without glass.

The holder base 2 is provided with an arc-shaped concave recess 23 at an appropriate position on the outer portion of the step 22, and the lower transparent plate 3 mounted on the step 22 is By inserting a jig such as an index finger or a mower into the removal groove 23 and raising it, it is easily taken out.

When the frame 4a with glass is used for holding the film F, the entire film surface is sandwiched between the lower transparent plate 3 and the glass plate 42, so that there is an advantage that the film surface can be held flat. Since the entire surface of the lower transparent plate 3 and the glass plate 42 directly contact the front and back surfaces of the film F,
If dust or dirt adheres to these transparent plate members, the dust or dirt adheres to the film F, and the film F may be stained or damaged. On the other hand, when the glassless frame 4b is used to hold the film F, only the periphery of the film surface is formed by the holder base 2 and the glassless frame 4b (or by the lower transparent plate 3 and the glassless frame 4b). )
It is difficult to reliably hold the film surface in a flat state because it is sandwiched. However, since there is no member directly in contact with the front and back surfaces of the film F, dust and dirt adhere to the film F and F is not stained or damaged.

As described above, the film holding mechanism using the frame 4a with glass and the film holding mechanism using the frame 4b without glass have mutually contradictory advantages and disadvantages. 1, both film holding mechanisms are provided so that a user can selectively use one of the film holding mechanisms according to the importance of handling the film F.

When the film holding mechanism using the frame 4a with glass is used, the lower transparent plate 3 is mounted on the step portion 22 of the through window 21, and the film F is placed on the lower transparent plate 3. And the frame 4a with glass is the film F
Laminated on top. Therefore, when the frame 4a with glass is employed, as shown in FIG. 2, the film F mounted on the film carrier holder 1 is pressed and sandwiched by the lower transparent plate 3 and the glass plate 42, thereby forming a film. F is held in a flat state with the deflection corrected.

On the other hand, when the film holding mechanism using the glassless frame 4b is used, as shown in FIG. 3, the film F is directly loaded on the step 22 of the through window 21 without using the lower transparent plate 3. The glass-free frame 4b is superposed thereon, and the film F is made of the holder base 2 and the glass plate 42.
As a result, only the peripheral portion is pressed and nipped, whereby the film F is held without the image portion coming into contact with the object. The lower transparent plate 3 can be mounted on the step 22 also in the film holding mechanism using the frame 4b without glass.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views showing a second embodiment of the film carrier holder applied to the image reading apparatus 5, wherein FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view and FIG. 4B is an assembled perspective view.

In the film carrier holder 1a according to the second embodiment, the upper frame 4c has a structure in which a transparent plate can be attached and detached.

As shown in FIG.
Has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the upper frame 4c is composed of a transparent plate 42 'made of a glass plate, a transparent resin plate or the like, and a frame 41' to which the transparent plate 42 'is detachable. It is configured.

The frame 41 'is opened downward at the lower edge of the crosspiece constituting the other three sides except one short side, and has a groove width extending from the open position to the back (upper part in the figure). (A so-called dovetail groove) 41a 'is formed such that the diameter gradually increases. The dovetail 41a 'is for mounting and holding the transparent plate 42'.
An inclined surface 42a 'corresponding to the dovetail groove 41a' is formed at a side edge of the transparent plate 42 'facing the dovetail groove 41a'.

The transparent plate 42 'is provided with a dovetail groove 41a' of the frame 41 '.
The inclined surface 42a 'is formed in the dovetail
1a ', and slide in the longitudinal direction (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 4 (a)) to fit the frame 4 as shown in FIG.
c.

According to the film carrier holder 1a according to the second embodiment, the frame 4c can be formed by inserting and removing the glass plate 42 'with respect to the frame 41' without providing the frame 4b without glass. It is possible to switch between a state with a plate and a state without a glass plate, thereby reducing the number of parts and contributing to a reduction in parts costs.

In this embodiment, an inclined surface 42a is formed on a side edge of the transparent plate 42 'as a detachable structure of the transparent plate 42', and a dovetail groove 41 is formed in the frame 41 'correspondingly.
Although a structure in which a 'is formed is adopted, a locking piece or flange is projected from the side edge of the transparent plate 42', and the locking piece or flange is fitted into the frame 41 'correspondingly. Alternatively, the guide groove may be formed.

Although not shown, the frame 41 'may be rotatably attached to the holder base 2 by a hinge. In this way, the frame 41 'is integrated with the holder base 2, so that the handling is easy and the frame 41' is not lost. In this case, the hinge may be buried in the holder base 2 so as not to protrude from the surface. In this way, when the film F is mounted, there is no protrusion on the surface of the holder base 2 and, in feeding the film carrier holder 1a,
There is no obstacle. Further, even when the film carrier holder 1a is handled, there is no problem that the film carrier holder 1a is damaged by being caught by the protrusion.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the film carrier holder applied to the image reading apparatus 5.

The film carrier holder 1b according to the third embodiment is for continuously feeding a plurality of films F, and has a plurality of through-holes 21 arranged in a line at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction. It is composed of an elongated holder base 2a and a plurality of upper frames 4 corresponding to the respective through windows 21. The mechanism for holding the film F by the upper frame 4 is the same as in the first and second embodiments. Therefore, the upper frame 4 may be any of the frame 4a with glass, the frame 4b without glass, and the frame 4c to which the transparent plate 42 'is detachable.

In the first to third embodiments, the lower transparent plate 3 is fitted into the step 22 of the holder base 2, but a recess is formed in the holder base 2 instead of the through window 21. The lower transparent plate 3 may be omitted by forming the bottom surface of the concave portion (the surface facing the upper frame body 4) with a transparent member. With this configuration, the structure of the film carrier holder is simplified, the number of parts is reduced, and the cost can be further reduced.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram relating to image reading control of the image reading apparatus 5 according to the present invention. In the figure, the same members as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, the film carrier holder 1 (or 1a,
The feeding mechanism of 1b) is omitted.

In the figure, a sensor 58 detects whether or not the film F mounted on the film carrier holder 1 is held by a transparent plate. Sensor 5
Reference numeral 8 denotes a reflection type photo interrupter, for example, which projects light toward the upper transparent plate 42, receives the reflected light, and outputs the received light amount to the control means 6 as shown in FIG. I do. The control means 6 determines the presence or absence of the upper transparent plate 42 based on the detection level from the sensor 58. That is, the control means 6 determines that the upper transparent plate is present when the detection level exceeds the predetermined threshold, and determines that there is no upper transparent plate when the detection level is lower than the predetermined threshold. The result of the determination is based on an aperture control unit 62 and a timing generator 63 for controlling the aperture value of the aperture 56 and the exposure time of the CCD 57.
(Hereinafter referred to as T · G63).

Instead of directly detecting the upper transparent plate 42, the upper transparent plate 42 is attached to the frame 41 as shown in FIG.
Mark 43 (two types of marks having different light reflectivities) indicating the presence or absence of the mark 43 may be displayed, and this mark 43 may be detected. For example, if the upper transparent plate is used, a white mark is used. If the upper transparent plate is not used, a mark of a color other than white (for example, a black mark) is used. The presence or absence of the upper transparent plate 42 can be determined in the same manner as described above.

In the film carrier holder 1 according to the first embodiment, for example, a black mark 43 is fixedly attached to a predetermined position of the frame 4b without glass, and the frame 4 of the upper frame 4a is fixed.
The white mark 43 may be attached to the predetermined position of 1,
In the film carrier holder 1a according to the second embodiment, a black-and-white reversing mechanism of the mark 43 is provided at a predetermined position of the frame 41 ', and when the transparent plate 42' is mounted, a white mark is displayed and the transparent plate 42 'is displayed. It is preferable that the white mark is inverted to the black mark when the is attached. This mechanism can be easily configured by providing a window at a predetermined position of, for example, the black frame 41 'and attaching a white mark to a portion of the transparent plate exposed from the window. In this mechanism, when the transparent plate 42 'is not mounted, the inside of the window becomes black. However, when the transparent plate 42' is mounted, a white mark is exposed from the window. The window portion is inverted between black and white in accordance with the mounting and dismounting of the transparent plate 42 '.

Further, a transmissive photo-interrupter can be used as the sensor 58, and a light-receiving element can be used if the illumination light of the light source 54 is used. Further, instead of the optical sensor, an electric field sensor using a displacement of an electric field or a magnetic field sensor using a displacement of a magnetic field may be used, and a change in a current flowing through a resistor may be used. Further, the presence or absence of the transparent plate 42 'can be detected using a mechanical switch.

Returning to FIG. 8, the light emission control section 61 controls the light emission of the light source 54. The light emission control unit 61 controls on / off of the light source 54 and the amount of light emission based on a control signal from the control unit 6. When the control unit 6 is activated by turning on the power switch 51a, the control unit 6 outputs a lighting signal to the light emission control unit 61 to turn on the light source 54, and prepares for image reading. The light emission control unit 61 receives the lighting signal, supplies a predetermined power to the light source 54, and turns on the light source 54 with a predetermined light emission amount. Thus, in the image reading process, the film F fed to the image reading position is illuminated with a predetermined illuminance.

The aperture control unit 62 controls switching of the aperture of an aperture 56 provided in the lens system. As described above, the aperture 56 can be switched between an open aperture value Avo and an aperture value Av having a smaller aperture than the aperture value Avo. The aperture control unit 62 determines the aperture 56 based on the determination result of the presence or absence of the transparent plate from the control means 6. Is set to either the small aperture value Avo or the large aperture value Av. That is, the aperture control unit 62 sets the aperture value of the aperture 56 to a large aperture value Av when the determination result indicates that there is no transparent plate, and sets the aperture value of the aperture 56 to a small aperture value when the determination result indicates that the transparent plate exists. Set to Avo.

The reason why the aperture value is switched and controlled is that when the transparent plate is not provided, the entire light image of the frame image is formed by the lens system L because the film surface of the film F is not held flat.
The image reading speed may be reduced because the focus may not be formed within the focal depth of a portion of the optical image and a partial area of the optical image formed on the imaging surface of the CCD 57 may be defocused. This is to increase the depth of focus of the lens system L (that is, widen the focus range) to prevent defocus. When a transparent plate is provided, the film surface of the film F is held flat and the above-described problem of defocus does not occur. Therefore, the aperture value of the aperture 56 is minimized (the lens system L is made as bright as possible). Then, high-speed reading of an image is enabled.

The TG 63 generates a timing signal and a synchronous clock for controlling the driving of the CCD 57 and the A / D converter 64. The timing signal is a signal for controlling imaging of the CCD 57 (timing signal for starting and stopping exposure) and A / A of a pixel signal read from the CCD 57.
This signal controls the timing of the D conversion process. Also,
The synchronous clock is a synchronous signal for controlling reading of a pixel signal from the CCD 57 and controlling A / D conversion of each pixel signal. The TG 63 has a reference clock therein, divides the reference clock based on a control signal from the control means 6, generates a required timing signal and a synchronous clock, and outputs the generated signal to the CCD 57 and the A / D converter 64. .

The A / D converter 64 converts a pixel signal (analog signal) read from the CCD 57 into a digital signal (hereinafter, the A / D converted pixel signal is referred to as pixel data, and is a set of pixel data constituting an image). Is called image data.)
Is converted to

The image processing circuit 65 performs signal processing such as shading, white balance and gamma correction on the pixel data input from the A / D converter. The image memory 66 is a memory for storing image data output from the image processing circuit 65. The SCSI control section 67 controls data communication between the host computer 7 and the image reading device 5. The SCSI control section 67 receives the image data request command transmitted from the host computer 7 and inputs the command to the control means 6. And control means 6
When the image of the film F is read, the image data stored in the image memory 66 is read and transmitted to the host computer 7.

The control means 6 comprises a microcomputer, and includes the above-described light emission control section 61, aperture control section 62, T / G6
3. Controlling the driving of each member of the image processing circuit 65, the image memory 66, and the SCSI control section 67 to centrally control the reading of the frame image photographed on the film F.

Next, the operation of reading a frame image by the image reading device 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 shows a processing procedure when a plurality of films F are automatically read by the film carrier holder 1b.

When the power switch 51a is turned on, the light source 54 is turned on and the control means 6 is initialized (S1, S2). By this initialization, the count value N of the image reading number counter is reset to "0", and the total number of images to be read (the number of films mounted on the film carrier holder 1b) M is set. The number of films M is input from the keyboard 73 of the host computer 7.

Subsequently, when the film carrier holder 1b is inserted into the carrier holder insertion slot 51c, this is detected by a sensor (not shown), and the detection signal is input to the control means 6. The control means 6 drives the electric motor 53b based on the detection signal, whereby the carriage 52 (that is, the film carriage holder 1b) moves straight and the leading film F is fed to a predetermined image reading position (S3).

Subsequently, the mechanism for holding the film F fed to the image reading position is detected by the sensor 58 (FIGS. 7 and 8) (S4), and based on the detection result, the upper frame 4 is moved to the frame with glass. 4a is determined (S5).
If the upper frame 4 is the frame 4a with glass (S
5 is YES), and the aperture value of the aperture 56 is small Avo.
(That is, the focal depth of the lens system L is set to be shallower), and the exposure time of the CCD 57 is set to a predetermined short time (S6, S7). On the other hand, when the upper frame 4 is the frame 4b without glass (NO in S5),
The aperture value of the aperture 56 is set to a large aperture value Av (that is, the focal depth of the lens system L is set to be deep), and the exposure time of the CCD 57 is set to a predetermined long time (S8, S9). ).

Subsequently, the CCD 57 is scanned relative to the frame image equivalently by the linear movement of the carriage 52, and the frame image is read (S10). In this case, as described above, the film F is a frame 4a having glass.
The image is read at a higher speed than that held by the frame 4b without glass. This is because the brightness on the imaging surface is large,
This is because the exposure time is set shorter than that held in b. Note that the film F and the film carrier holder 1b may be fixed and the CCD 57, the lens system L, and the light source 54 may be integrally moved and scanned. Furthermore, CCD57
May be a two-dimensional sensor.

When the reading of the frame image is completed, the CCD 5
7, the pixel signals are read out, sequentially converted into pixel data by the A / D converter 64, then subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing circuit 65, and temporarily stored in the image memory 66 (S11). ). Further, the image data stored in the image memory 66 is read out according to a command from the host computer 7 and transmitted to the host computer 7 via the SCSI cable 74 (S12). The host computer 7 performs required processing such as processing and editing of image data, and displays the processed data on the display 72 as necessary.

Subsequently, the count value N is incremented by 1 (S13), and it is determined whether the count value N has exceeded the total number M of image readings (S14). If the count value N is equal to or less than the total number M of image readings (N in S14,
O), returning to step S3, reading processing of the next frame image is performed (S2 to S13), and when the count value N exceeds the total number M of image readings (YES in S14), a series of image processing ends.

In the above embodiment, the sensor 58 is provided in the image reading device 5 and the film carrier holder 1 is provided.
(Or 1b, 1c), the mechanism for holding the film F attached to the film F is determined and the aperture value of the aperture 56 is automatically switched and set. However, the sensor 58 is removed, and FIGS.
Is provided with an aperture switch 51f as shown by a virtual line,
The user may manually set the aperture value of the aperture 56 according to the holding mechanism of the film F. With this configuration, the control of the control unit 6 is simplified, and the problem of malfunction based on the detection result of the sensor 58 is eliminated.

In the processing procedure of FIG. 10, the mechanism for holding the film F is determined each time the film F is fed to the image reading position.
In the case where the film holding by the frame with glass 4a and the film holding by the frame without glass 4b are mixed, a suitable image reading process can be performed for each film F. In the case where all the films F are held by one method, it is preferable to determine the film holding mechanism only for the top frame image and set the aperture value of the aperture 56 first. By doing so, the image reading processing procedure is simplified, and the processing speed can be increased and stabilized.

[0091]

As described above, according to the present invention,
An image recording sheet holder used for image reading in an image reading apparatus that reads an image recorded on a sheet, wherein only a peripheral portion of the upper frame is used as a method of fixing an image recording sheet stored in a storage portion of a holder base. And the method of selectively fixing the entire sheet surface with a transparent fixing member.For image recording sheets that require careful handling of the sheet surface, only the peripheral edge of the upper frame is used. By adopting the method of fixing the sheet, it is possible to prevent contamination and damage when the entire sheet surface is fixed.

Further, since the transparent fixing member is detachably attached to the upper frame, the structure of the image recording sheet holder is simplified, the number of parts is reduced, and the cost is reduced.

Further, since the upper frame body to which the transparent fixing member can be attached and detached is rotatably attached to the holder base by the hinge, the storage of the image recording sheet holder when not in use is facilitated and the upper frame body can be easily mounted. Loss can be prevented.

Also, the illumination light can be transmitted through the surface of the holder base receiving portion where the fixing member faces, so that the image recording sheet can read the optical image obtained by transmitting the illumination light through the sheet surface. Regardless of the type of reading an optical image obtained by reflecting illumination light on the sheet surface, the image recording sheet can be held and an image can be read by an image recording apparatus.

Further, since a plurality of image recording sheets are arranged in a line and can be mounted, images of a plurality of films can be read continuously, and the operability of the image reading apparatus is improved.

An image reading apparatus for reading an image recorded on a sheet, wherein a method for holding the image recording sheet holder can be input, and the aperture diameter of the aperture means can be switched at least in two stages, large and small. When it is input that the image recording sheet holder is to hold the sheet evenly by bringing the sheet into contact with a sheet holding member having an opening provided on the imaging surface side, The aperture diameter of the aperture means is set to a small diameter (the brightness of the imaging surface is increased), and the image recording sheet holder holds the sheet evenly by bringing the sheet into contact with a transparent sheet holding member. When the input is input, the aperture diameter of the aperture means is set to a large diameter (the brightness of the imaging surface is reduced), so that the flatness of the sheet surface is ensured. There the image recording sheet or foul sheet surface, allows reading of the image without damaging the image recording sheets flat 担性 seat surface is ensured to allow faster reading images.

An image reading apparatus for reading an image recorded on a sheet, wherein the sheet holding method of the image recording sheet holder can be automatically determined, and the aperture diameter of the aperture means can be switched at least in two stages, large and small. When it is detected that the image recording sheet holder holds the sheet evenly by bringing the sheet into contact with a sheet holding member having an opening provided on the image forming surface side. The aperture diameter of the aperture means is set to a small diameter (the brightness of the imaging surface is increased), and the image recording sheet holder holds the sheet evenly by bringing the sheet into contact with a transparent sheet holding member. When it is detected that the aperture value is large, the aperture diameter of the aperture means is set to a large diameter (the luminance of the imaging surface is reduced), so that the aperture value can be easily set, Work is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of a film carrier holder applied to an image reading apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view showing a state where a film is held by a frame with glass.

FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view showing a state where a film is held by a frame without glass.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a second embodiment of the film carrier holder applied to the image reading apparatus according to the present invention, wherein (a) is an exploded perspective view and (b) is an assembled perspective view.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a third embodiment of the film carrier holder applied to the image reading apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an external view of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an imaging optical system of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram related to image reading control of the image reading apparatus.

9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining a method of detecting a transparent plate by an optical sensor, wherein FIG. 9A is a diagram for directly detecting a transparent plate, and FIG. 9B is a diagram showing the presence or absence of a transparent plate provided on a frame. FIG. 7 is a diagram in the case of detecting a mark for judging.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a frame image reading operation of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention.

11A and 11B show an example of the structure of a conventional film carrier holder. FIG. 11A is a perspective view showing a state in which a holding frame is opened, and FIG. 11B is a perspective view showing a state in which the holding frame is closed. is there.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1a, 1b Film carrier holder (holder for image recording sheet) 2 Holder base 21 Through window 22 Step 23 Removal groove 3 Lower transparent plate 4 Upper frame 4a First frame (frame with glass) 4b Second frame Frame (frame without glass) 4c, 41, 41 'Frame 42, 42' Transparent plate 43 Mark 5 Image reading device 51 Casing 51a Power switch 51b Focus adjustment operation button 51c Carrier holder insertion opening 51d Shutter 51e Power lamp 51f Aperture Changeover switch 52 Carriage 53 Drive mechanism 53a Spiral shaft 54 Light source 55 Reflecting mirror 56 Aperture 56a Actuator 57 Image sensor (CCD) 58 Sensor 6 Control means 61 Light emission control unit 62 Aperture control unit 63 T / G 64 A / D converter 65 Image Processing circuit 66 Image memory 67 S CSI controller 7 Host computer 71 Control body 72 Display 73 Keyboard 74 SCSI cable F Film L Lens system

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An image recording sheet holder used for image reading in an image reading apparatus for reading an image recorded on a sheet, wherein the sheet is stored in a state where the image is exposed to the outside. A holder base having an upper frame body detachably mounted on the holder base so as to sandwich and fix a peripheral edge of the sheet stored in the storage portion between the holder base and the storage; A transparent fixing member that is removably mounted on the holder base so as to sandwich the whole of the sheet housed between the holder base and the holder base and fix the sheet surface flat. An image recording sheet holder characterized in that: 2. An image recording sheet holder used for image reading in an image reading apparatus for reading an image recorded on a sheet, wherein the sheet is stored in a state where the image is exposed to the outside. A holder base having an upper frame body detachably mounted on the holder base so as to sandwich and fix a peripheral edge of the sheet stored in the storage portion between the holder base and the storage; A transparent fixing member which is removably mounted on the upper frame so as to clamp the whole of the sheet housed in the portion between the holder base and the holder base and flatly fix the sheet surface. An image recording sheet holder, characterized in that: 3. The image recording sheet holder according to claim 2, wherein the upper frame is rotatably fixed to the holder base by a hinge. 4. The image recording sheet holder according to claim 1, wherein a surface of the storage portion provided on the holder base, which faces the fixing member, has transparency. Image recording sheet holder. 5. The image recording sheet holder according to claim 1, wherein the holder base has a plurality of storage portions arranged in a line, and an upper frame body for each storage portion. An image recording sheet holder comprising a fixing member. 6. An image recording sheet holder for holding a sheet on which an image is recorded, illuminating means for illuminating the sheet, and optical means for forming a light image of the sheet generated by illumination on an imaging surface. A diaphragm provided in the optical means, and an image reading apparatus provided on the imaging surface, and an imaging means for photoelectrically converting the light image into an electric signal and reading the light image, wherein the image recording sheet holder, The sheet is held flat by bringing the sheet into contact with a sheet holding member having transparency provided on the image forming surface side, or an opening provided on the image forming surface side Input means for inputting whether the sheet is to be held flat by bringing the sheet into contact with a sheet holding member having a portion, and an opening diameter of the aperture means being at least two steps large and small. And an image recording sheet holder holding the sheet evenly by bringing the sheet into contact with a sheet holding member having an opening provided on the image forming surface side. And a control means for controlling the aperture diameter switching means so as to reduce the aperture diameter when the input is performed. 7. An image recording sheet holder for holding a sheet on which an image is recorded, illuminating means for illuminating the sheet, and optical means for forming a light image of the sheet generated by illumination on an imaging surface. A diaphragm provided in the optical means, and an image reading apparatus provided on the imaging surface, and an imaging means for photoelectrically converting the light image into an electric signal and reading the light image, wherein the image recording sheet holder, The sheet is held flat by contacting the sheet with a sheet holding member having transparency provided on the image forming surface, or an opening provided on the image forming surface side Detecting means for detecting whether the sheet is held flat by bringing the sheet into contact with a sheet holding member provided with: and an opening diameter of the squeezing means in at least two stages, large and small. A switchable aperture diameter switching means, and the image recording sheet holder holds the sheet evenly by bringing the sheet into contact with a sheet holding member having an opening provided on the image forming surface side. An image reading apparatus, comprising: a control unit that controls the aperture diameter switching unit so as to reduce the aperture diameter when the aperture diameter is detected.