JP2001024853A - Light transmissible original reading device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inexpensive light transmissible original reading device the user of which can easily visually confirm transmissible originals and which has a long service life. SOLUTION: A light transmissible original reading device is provided with an LED light source 84 as a light source for visual confirmation separately from another LED light source 82 which is used as a light source for reading and, while the LED light source 82 is turned off before starting picture reading, the user of the device projects light upon a photographic film supported at a reading position R along the optical axis L2 by turning on the light source 84 for visual confirmation. At the time of projecting the light upon the film, the user controls the quantity of the output light of the light source 84 in accordance with the type of the photographic film and the density of a frame picture to be read so that the quantity may become the optimum for visual confirmation. Therefore, the user can easily visually confirm the position of the frame picture to be read. In addition, since it becomes unnecessary to turn on the LED light source 82 for reading for a long time, the service life of the light source 82 can be prevented from becoming shorter.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transmissive original reading apparatus, and more particularly, to a transmissive original reading apparatus which irradiates a transparent original with light and reads a transmitted image by a photoelectric conversion element.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image recorded on a transparent original is read by a CCD (charge coupled device) scanner while a transparent original such as a photographic film is conveyed in a sub-scanning direction at a constant reading speed, and the image obtained by the reading is read. 2. Description of the Related Art A transparent original reading apparatus that performs various kinds of correction processing on data and then records an image on a recording material such as photographic paper, displays an image on a display, and the like has been put to practical use. In such a transparent original reading apparatus, compared with a conventional image reading apparatus that records an image recorded on a transparent original on photographic paper by surface exposure, the reading of an image recorded on a transparent original, a printing paper, etc. This has the advantage that work up to image recording on the recording material can be easily automated.

In the above-described transparent original reading apparatus, a halogen lamp is conventionally used as a light source for illuminating the transparent original.
An apparatus using an LED light source that emits light in each of the GB colors (IR (InfraRed) may be added for detecting a flaw position) has also been put to practical use. By applying LED light sources that emit light in each of the RGB colors, a filter for separating the white light source from color is not required, so that the device configuration can be simplified and the setting of conditions such as the balance of each color can be simplified.

[0004]

By the way, in a transparent original reading apparatus, a transparent original is adjusted to a predetermined reading position (especially a brownie photographic film), and the amount of illumination on the transparent original is adjusted according to the image density. There is a device that requires a user to visually check a transparent image of a transparent original when reading the transparent original.

However, in the case of the LED light source, there is a problem that it is difficult to visually check the LED light source because it is a condensing light source because there is no margin in the output light amount of the light source. Further, since the light quantity at the time of reading a document is not suitable for visual confirmation, it is necessary to switch the output light quantity between at the time of document reading and at the time of visual confirmation, and the number of components of a light source control (power supply) circuit increases, leading to an increase in cost. Was.

Further, the light source is turned on at the time of a visual check as well as at the time of reading a document.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a long-life and inexpensive transparent original reading apparatus which can easily confirm a transparent original visually. I do.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transparent original reading apparatus for irradiating an original with light and reading a transmitted image thereof by a photoelectric conversion element, wherein the original is read by the photoelectric conversion element. A first light source that emits light toward the original, and a second light source that is disposed adjacent to the first light source for visual confirmation and emits light toward the original when visually confirming the original, It is characterized by having.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a second light source is provided for visually checking the document, separately from the first light source that emits reading light toward the document when reading the document. I have. At the time of the visual check, the second light source irradiates the original with light having a light amount suitable for the visual check, so that the user can easily visually check the transmitted image. Further, a control means for controlling the light amount of the first light source so that the output light amount is different between the time of the visual check and the time of reading the document, which is conventionally required, can be omitted, and the cost reduction effect is also obtained.

Further, the first light source can be turned off at the time of visual check to prevent the first light source from being turned on for a long time, so that the life of the first light source can be extended.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the second light source is constituted by a white LED element that emits white light.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, as the second light source, an LED light source including a low-power, inexpensive, and small-sized white LED element as compared with another light source such as a halogen lamp is used. Used. Thus, the second light source can be provided separately from the first light source without increasing the power supply capacity and cost of the device and without increasing the size of the device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the second light source is controlled based on at least one of a type of the original and a density of an image recorded on the original. It is characterized by further comprising control means for controlling the amount of emitted light.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the emission amount of the second light source is controlled by the control means based on at least one of the type of the original and the density of the image recorded on the original. . It is known that LED light sources have better responsiveness than halogen lamps, and the control means easily changes the output light amount according to the type of document and image density so that the user can easily check it visually. Can be done. Thus, the user can easily visually check the position of the document, the density of the image recorded on the document, and the like, regardless of the type of the document (for example, negative film / positive film) and the image density.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the second light source is turned on for a visual check for a predetermined time. It is automatically turned off after a lapse of time.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the reading light source section of the second light source is turned on for a predetermined time required for visual confirmation, and unnecessary lighting of the second light source is performed. Is prevented, and a longer life and energy saving can be achieved. At this time, as described in claim 5, in order to prevent the user from being mistaken for a failure of the device, etc.
It is preferable to provide a notifying unit for notifying that the second light source has been turned off because a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of lighting.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the first light source includes a plurality of light emitting elements. And

According to the invention described in claim 6, as the first light source, a light source constituted by a plurality of light emitting elements (LED, EL, etc.) which emit light necessary for reading an original such as RGB is used. . As a result, a filter for separating the color of the white light source can be omitted, and the light amount balance (color balance) of each color such as RGB can be easily adjusted.
Also, by preventing the first light source from being turned on for a long time,
There is no change in the wavelength or light amount of the output light due to heat generation, and there is also an effect that a transparent original can be always read stably.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, a digital laboratory system according to the present embodiment will be described.

(Schematic Configuration of Entire System) FIGS. 1 and 2
1 shows a schematic configuration of a digital laboratory system 10 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the digital lab system 10 includes an area CCD scanner section 14, an image processing section 16, a laser printer section 18, and a processor section 20.
The area CCD scanner unit 14
The image processing unit 16 is integrated as an input unit 26 shown in FIG. 2, and the laser printer unit 18 and the processor unit 20 are integrated as an output unit 28 shown in FIG.

The area CCD scanner section 14 is for reading a frame image recorded on a photographic film F such as a negative film or a reversal film, and is, for example, a 135-size photographic film, a 110-size photographic film, and a transparent film. Photographic film (2
40 size photographic film: so-called APS film), 1
Frame images of photographic films of sizes 20 and 220 (Brownie size) can be read. The area CCD scanner unit 14 reads the frame image to be read by the area CCD 30 and A / D-converts the image data by the A / D converter 32, and then converts the image data into the image processing unit 16.
Output to

The image processing section 16 receives image data (scanned image data) output from the area CCD scanner section 14, and receives image data obtained by photographing with a digital camera 34 or the like, and a document (for example, a reflection document). , Etc.) with a scanner 36 (flatbed type), image data generated by another computer and recorded in a floppy disk drive 38, MO drive or CD drive 40, and via a modem 42. It is configured such that communication image data and the like (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as file image data) received from outside can be input from the outside.

The image processing section 16 stores the input image data in the image memory 44, and stores a color gradation processing section 46, a hypertone processing section 48, and a hyper sharpness processing section 50.
Image processing such as various corrections and the like, and outputs the image data to the laser printer unit 18 as recording image data. Further, the image processing unit 16 outputs the image data subjected to the image processing to an external device as an image file (for example, outputs the image data to a storage medium such as an FD, an MO, a CD, or to another information processing device via a communication line). Transmission, etc.).

The laser printer section 18 has R, G, and B laser light sources 52, and controls a laser driver 54 to record image data (temporarily stored in an image memory 56) input from the image processing section 16. Is applied to the photographic printing paper, and scanning exposure (in the present embodiment, mainly the polygon mirror 58 and the fθ lens 60) is performed.
An image is recorded on the photographic paper 62 by an optical system using the same.

The processor section 20 is provided with a photographic paper 6 on which an image is recorded by scanning exposure by the laser printer section 18.
2 are subjected to color development, bleach-fix, water washing and drying. Thus, an image is formed on the printing paper.

(Configuration of Area CCD Scanner) Next, the configuration of the area CCD scanner section 14 will be described. 1 and 3 show a schematic configuration of an optical system of the area CCD scanner unit 14. FIG. This optical system includes a light source unit 80 for irradiating light to the photographic film F. The photographic film F is set on the light exit side of the light source unit 80, and the screen of the frame image is displayed on the optical axis (imaging optical system). Lens unit 1 described below
A film carrier 90 for transporting the photographic film F set so as to be perpendicular to the (optical axis 02) L1 is disposed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the light source section 80 has an L as a light source for reading a frame image by the area CCD 30.
An ED light source 82 is provided. Also, the reading LED light source 8
An LED light source 84 as a light source for visual observation is provided at the rear of the device (left direction in FIG. 3) and above the device.

The LED light source 82 for reading includes a large number of RGB
It is configured by arranging LED elements of each color, and the optical axis L1
Are arranged to emit light in the direction along.

The visual LED light source 84 is configured by arranging white LED elements for outputting white light, and is directed along the optical axis L2 crossing the optical axis L1 on the photographic film F in the film carrier 90. Are arranged to emit light.

The light source section 80 is provided with a condenser lens 88 along the optical axis L1. The light emitted from the reading LED light source 82 is condensed by a condenser lens 88 so as to correspond to the frame image supported at a predetermined reading position R of the film carrier 90, and is condensed.
To be incident on.

The film carrier 90 is a photographic film F
(135 size photographic film, 110 size photographic film, photographic film with transparent magnetic layer formed thereon (240 size photographic film: so-called APS film), 120 size and 220 size (Broni size) photographic film, etc. ) Is prepared for each area C
It is detachable from the CD scanner unit 14. That is, the user selects the film carrier 90 corresponding to the desired type of the photographic film F, and mounts the film carrier 90 on the area CCD scanner unit 14 such that the predetermined reading position R of the film carrier 90 coincides with the optical axis L1. It has become.

The photographic film F has a negative / positive, which is determined by, for example, a user's visual observation, reading a DX code recorded on the photographic film F, and the like.
The sensitivity of the area CCD 30 is adjusted.

The film carrier 90 has an insertion opening for inserting the photographic film F on the front surface (right side in FIG. 3). A plurality of drive rollers 94 are provided in the film carrier 90 to convey the photographic film F inserted from the insertion port 92 in a predetermined direction (see arrow S). Tray 96 for guiding the sheet to the drive roller 94 is provided.
In the film carrier 90, an optical sensor 98 for detecting the leading end of the photographic film F is provided near the insertion port 92 and downstream of the insertion port 92 in the transport direction of the photographic film F.

On the upper and lower surfaces of the film carrier 90, openings corresponding to the frame images set at the reading position R are provided. The light emitted from the reading LED light source 82 passes through an opening provided on the lower surface of the film carrier 90 along the optical axis L1 and passes through the photographic film F set at the reading position R (that is, the frame image to be read). ), And the amount of light based on the density of the frame image to be read is transmitted. The light from the reading LED light source 82 transmitted through the photographic film F is emitted along an optical axis L1 through an opening provided on the upper surface of the film carrier 90.

The light emitted from the visual LED light source 84 passes along an optical axis L2, passes through an opening provided on the lower surface of the film carrier 90, and passes through the photographic film F set at the reading position R (that is, the photographic film F). (A frame image to be read), and an amount of light based on the density of the frame image to be read is transmitted. The light from the visual LED light source 84 transmitted through the photographic film F is emitted from an opening provided on the upper surface of the film carrier 90 along the optical axis L2.

That is, the light from the visual LED light source 84 transmitted through the photographic film F travels toward the user (visual position) working in front of the apparatus. The user can observe the transmitted image of the photographic film F by looking at the upstream side of the light traveling direction (in the direction of the film carrier 90) along the optical axis L2 from the visual position, so that the frame image to be read is accurate. It is possible to easily confirm whether or not it is set at the reading position R.

It should be noted that the reading L irradiated on the photographic film
In order to correct the bias of the light amount distribution of the light from the ED light source 82 and to reduce the influence of scratches and dust on the photographic film F on the read image, the reading LED light source 82 is used.
A diffusion plate such as a milky white plate, an opal glass, an LSD (light shaving diffuser) may be arranged between the photographic film F and the photographic film F.

An opening is formed between the upper surface or lower surface of the film carrier 90 and the photographic film F at a position corresponding to the reading position R, and this opening allows light to enter the photographic film F (reading region). May be arranged. At this time, the opening on the upper or lower surface of the film carrier 90 is
The size of the photographic film F to be read is prepared in advance by preparing a mask having a different opening area for each type of photographic film F in advance.
The film carrier 90 may be commonly used by exchanging the mask according to the type of the film carrier.

On the side opposite to the light source section 80 with the photographic film F interposed therebetween, a lens unit 102 for imaging light transmitted through a frame image and an area CCD 30 are sequentially arranged along the optical axis L1. Although only a single lens is shown as the lens unit 102, the lens unit 10
Numeral 2 is a zoom lens actually composed of a plurality of lenses. Note that a selfoc lens may be used as the lens unit 102. In this case, it is preferable that both end surfaces of the SELFOC lens are as close to the photographic film F and the area CCD 30 as possible.

The area CCD 30 is provided with a sensing unit in which a plurality of CCD cells are two-dimensionally arranged and an electronic shutter mechanism is provided. The area CCD 30
The light receiving surface of the sensing unit is arranged so as to coincide with the image forming point position of the lens unit 102. Although not shown, a shutter is provided between the area CCD 30 and the lens unit 102.

The area CCD 30 is provided with the film carrier 9
The density information of the frame image positioned at the reading position R of 0 is detected and output to the A / D converter 32 as an image signal.
The A / D converter 32 converts the image signal from the area CCD 30 into a digital signal, and transmits the digital signal to the image processing unit 16 as image data.

The area CCD scanner 14 has
A control unit 110 is provided for controlling the operation of reading the frame image of the photographic film F in the area CCD scanner unit 14. FIG. 4 shows a detailed configuration of the control unit 110.

The control unit 110 includes a CPU 112, a RAM 1
14, an ROM 116, and an I / O port 118. These CPU 112, RAM 114, ROM 11
6. The I / O ports 118 are connected to each other via a bus 120.

The ROM 116 stores the LED of the visual LED light source 84 for each type of the photographic film F and for each negative / positive.
Initial value of drive current (hereinafter referred to as “initial value of drive current”)
And the area C obtained when the visual LED light source 84 is turned on.
An ideal output value (hereinafter, referred to as an “appropriate output value”) of the CD 30 (in the case where a frame image to be read is irradiated with light of an optimal light amount (hereinafter, referred to as “optimal light amount”) is previously set. It is remembered.

The ROM 116 stores a photographic film F
The transport amount of the photographic film F for setting the frame image at the reading position R (hereinafter, referred to as “predetermined transport amount”) is also stored in advance for each type.

The I / O port 118 is connected to an LED light source driving unit 122 for driving the reading LED light source 82 and an LED light source driving unit 124 for driving the visual LED light source 84. In the control unit 110, the LED
By controlling the light source drive units 122 and 124, the ON / O of the reading LED light source 82 and the visual LED light source 84 is performed.
FF switching control is performed. Also, the control unit 110
Then, the reading LED light source 82 and the visual LED light source 84
Of the LED drive current value is also controlled.

More specifically, the LED driving current of the reading LED light source 82 is controlled so that a constant (predetermined value) output light amount is always obtained while the reading LED light source 82 is ON. Visual LE
For the D light source 84, the LED drive current is controlled so as to change the output light amount so as to obtain the optimum light amount according to the type of the photographic film F to be read and the frame image density.

The A / D converter 32 is connected to the I / O port 118, and the control section 110 receives image data obtained by the area CCD 30.

The I / O port 118 is connected to a keyboard 130 (see FIG. 2) mounted on a workbench. On the keyboard 130, a key for the user to instruct fine transport of the photographic film F in the forward direction (arrow S), a key for instructing fine transport of the photographic film F in the opposite direction to the forward direction, and image reading A key for instructing a shift to the mode, a key for inputting a film carrier type (or a photographic film type) and a negative / positive type of the photographic film F are provided.

The I / O port 118 has a roller driving unit (motor, motor) for driving the optical sensor 98 and the driving roller 94 provided in the film carrier 90.
126, which is composed of a motor drive circuit). The control unit 110 controls the driving of the roller driving unit 126 based on the input signal from the optical sensor 98 and the input signal from the keyboard 130, that is, controls the conveyance of the photographic film F.

(Operation) Next, the operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

In the area CCD scanner section 14, the reading position R of the film carrier 90 is determined by the area CCD 30.
An image signal corresponding to the image density of the frame image set in is obtained, is digitally converted by the A / D converter 32, and is transmitted to the image processing unit 16.

The image processing section 16 stores the received data as image data in the image memory 44. This image data is subjected to image processing such as various corrections such as color gradation processing, hypertone processing, and hyper-sharpness processing in the image processing section 16, and then output to the laser printer section 18 as recording image data. You.

The laser printer 18 irradiates the photographic paper with laser light modulated in accordance with the recording image data, and records an image on the photographic paper 62 by scanning exposure. The photographic paper 62 on which an image has been recorded by scanning exposure by the laser printer unit 18 is conveyed to the processor unit 20 and subjected to color development, bleach-fixing, washing, and drying to form an image on the photographic paper.

Next, the processing by the area CCD scanner unit 14 will be described in more detail. FIG. 5 shows area C
A processing flow in the control unit 110 of the CD scanner unit 14 is shown, and will be described below with reference to FIG.

When the user mounts the film carrier 90 of a desired photographic film type on the area CCD scanner unit 14 and inputs the type of the film carrier 90 and the negative / positive type via the keyboard 130 (step 300). Then, the type of the photographic film F to be read is determined from the input type of the film carrier 90, and a predetermined transport amount corresponding to the photographic film is read from the ROM 116 (step 302).

The type of the photographic film F to be read may be determined by the user inputting the type of the photographic film F via the keyboard 130. Alternatively, the type of the photographic film F to be read may be determined by automatically identifying the type of the film carrier 90 mounted on the area CCD scanner unit 14 by a dedicated sensor or the like. The type of the photographic film F to be read may be identified based on the type of the mask set in 90.

Next, at step 304, the ROM 11
From 6, the drive current initial value and the appropriate output value corresponding to the type of the photographic film F and the negative / positive type are read.

Thereafter, the process stands by until the photographic film F is set on the film carrier 90 (step 30).
6). When the photographic film F is inserted through the insertion opening 92 of the film carrier 90 and the leading end of the photographic film F is detected by the optical sensor 98, it is determined that the photographic film F is set on the film carrier 90 (step 30).
(Yes at 6), and the routine proceeds to step 308.

The determination of the type of the photographic film F and the negative / positive type (see step 300) is performed by reading the DX code recorded on the photographic film F set in the film carrier 90. It may be.

In step 308, the roller driving unit 126
, The drive roller 94 is rotated,
The conveyance of the photographic film F at a predetermined speed is started.

In the next step 310, the photographic film F is transported by a predetermined transport amount (step 302) from the start of transport by a known method such as setting the number of pulses of a pulse motor.
(See Reference). Photo Film F
Is transported by a predetermined transport amount (Yes in step 310), it is determined that the frame image has reached the reading position R,
Proceed to step 312. At this time, if a sensor for detecting the edge of the frame image is used, the positioning can be performed more accurately.

In step 312, the roller driving unit 126
, The rotation of the drive roller 94 is stopped, and the conveyance of the photographic film F is stopped.

Next, the routine proceeds to step 314, in which the LED driving section 124 is controlled so that the LED driving current equal to the initial driving current value (see step 304) is set to the visual LE.
The light is supplied to the LED of the D light source 84, and the visual LED light source 84 is turned on.

Thus, light is emitted from the visual LED light source 84 along the optical axis L2. Visual LED light source 84
Is emitted to the frame image of the photographic film F set at the reading position R through an opening provided on the lower surface of the film carrier 90, and the light based on the density of the frame image is Transmits through film F. The light transmitted through the photographic film F passes through an opening provided on the upper surface of the film carrier 90 and exits from the film carrier 90.

At this time, a part of the transmitted light emitted from the film carrier 90 passes through the lens unit 102 and reaches the area CCD 30. The area CCD 30 detects this light and outputs a signal based on the detected light amount. That is, from the area CCD 30, an output signal based on the density of the frame image of the photographic film F set at the reading position R is obtained.

In step 316, the value of the output signal of the area CCD 30 is compared with the appropriate output value read in step 304. If the values are substantially equal (affirmative determination), the frame image to be read is optimally viewed visually. It is determined that a large amount of light is being emitted, and the process proceeds to step 320 described below.

If the value of the output signal of the area CCD 30 is different from the appropriate output value (negative determination in step 316), the flow advances to step 318. In step 318, the area CC
Based on the comparison result between the value of the output signal of D30 and the appropriate output value, the LED driving current of the visual LED light source 84 is increased / decreased, and the process returns to step 316.

That is, the visual LED is selected in accordance with the density of the frame image to be read so as to obtain the optimal light amount for visual observation.
The output of the light source 84 is adjusted. Therefore, the user can always visually confirm the position of the frame image to be read under the optimum light amount.

Instead of the output signal of the area CCD 30, the user may visually determine whether or not the optimum light quantity is obtained, and manually adjust the light quantity. This manual adjustment is performed, for example, by using the keyboard 130 with the visual LED light source 84.
A key may be provided to increase / decrease the output light quantity, and the operation may be performed by pressing this key.

Here, if the user determines by visual observation that the frame image to be read is set accurately at the reading position R, the user shifts to the image reading mode provided on the keyboard 130. Press the key to specify. If it is determined that the frame image to be read is shifted from the reading position R, the photographic film F provided on the keyboard 130 is finely transported in the forward direction (see the arrow S) according to the shift direction. A key for giving an instruction or a key for giving an instruction to finely convey the photographic film F in a direction opposite to the forward direction is pressed.

In step 320, it is determined whether or not an instruction for fine transport of the photographic film F has been input by the user via the keyboard 130. If the instruction for fine transport has not been input (negative determination), step 322 is performed. Then, it is determined whether an instruction to shift to the image reading mode has been input. If an instruction to shift to the image reading mode has not been input (negative determination), the process returns to step 320. That is, by the user,
A key for instructing a shift to an image reading mode, a key for instructing the fine transport of the photographic film F in the forward direction, and a key for instructing the fine transport of the photographic film F in the opposite direction to the forward direction And waits until one of them is pressed.

When the user inputs an instruction to finely transport the photographic film F via the keyboard 130 (Yes at step 320), the process proceeds to step 324.
The photographic film F is finely conveyed in the specified direction, and the process returns to step 320. That is, until the frame image to be read is accurately set at the reading position R, the photographic film F is repeatedly transported finely in the forward or reverse direction to adjust the position of the frame image to be read.

It is determined that the frame image to be read is set at the reading position R by the user, and the keyboard 130
When an instruction to shift to the image reading mode is input through (YES in step 322), the process proceeds to step 326.

In step 326, the LED light source driving unit 1
24, the visual LED light source 84 is turned off.
FF. Next, in step 328, the reading LED light source 8 is controlled by controlling the LED light source driving unit 122.
Turn 2 ON. Specifically, the LED element to emit light is RG
Switching is performed at predetermined time intervals in the order of B.

When the reading LED light source 82 is turned on, the light emitted from the reading LED light source 82 is condensed by the condenser lens 88 to form a light beam having the optical axis L1 as a symmetric axis. Irradiation is performed on the frame image of the photographic film F specified at the reading position R through an opening provided on the lower surface of the film carrier 90. As a result, light of the light amount corresponding to the image density passes through the frame image area of the photographic film F designated at the reading position R, and the illumination light carrying this frame image is also a light beam having the optical axis L1 as a symmetric axis. And enters the lens unit 102 and the area CCD 30
Is detected. An image signal based on the image density obtained by the area CCD 30 is digitally converted and transferred to the image processing unit 16.

In the next step 330, it is determined whether reading of all the frame images of the photographic film F set in the film carrier 90 has been completed, and when the reading of the next frame image is to be performed (negative determination), Returning to step 308, when reading of all the frame images is completed (affirmative determination), the process is terminated.

As described above, in this embodiment, the LED light source 84 is provided as a light source for visual observation separately from the LED light source 82 as a light source for reading, and the LED light source for reading before the start of frame image reading. When the LED 82 is in the OFF state, the visual LED light source 84 is turned ON.
Thereby, the position of the frame image on the photographic film F to be read can be easily visually checked by the user, and it is not necessary to turn on the light source for reading for a long time, and the life of the light source for reading can be extended. . Further, it is not necessary to control the output light amount between the conventional reading light source 82 and the visual check, and the control (power) circuit of the reading light source 82 can be simplified.
Cost can be reduced.

As a light source for visual observation, an inexpensive LE which consumes less power than other light sources such as halogen lamps.
By using the D light source, the device can be realized without significantly increasing power supply capacity and cost. Furthermore, by using an LED light source consisting of a white LED,
Rather than using other light sources or LED light sources of RGB colors,
The device can be downsized.

The LEDs have excellent responsiveness, and as described above, the output light quantity can be easily controlled so that the optimum light quantity is obtained according to the type of the photographic film F and the density of the frame image to be read. It can be carried out. This allows the user to
Regardless of the type of the photographic film F or the density of the frame image, the position of the frame image to be read can be easily confirmed.

In the above description, LE is used as a visual light source.
Although a D light source was used, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a conventionally used white light source such as a halogen lamp may be used as the condensing light source as long as it does not increase power supply capacity, device size, and cost.

In the above description, the visual LED light source 84 is arranged so that light is emitted along an optical axis L2 different from the optical axis L1 so that the user can more easily confirm the visual observation.
While most of the light travels to the viewing position, the invention is not so limited. It suffices if a visual light source is provided separately from the reading light source. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, an LED element constituting a reading LED light source 152 and an LED element constituting a visual LED light source 154 are mounted on a substrate 150 movable in the direction of arrow M. When reading an image, the LED light source 15
2 so that the light output from the substrate 150 is along the optical axis L1.
Is moved (see FIG. 6 (A)).
In order that the light output from the light source 154 is along the optical axis L1,
The substrate 150 may be moved (see FIG. 6B).

Note that, in the above description, the user
Area CCD scanner unit 14 as a transparent original reading device for directly detecting a part of the transmitted light from
Although the example to which the present invention is applied was explained, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may be applied to any transparent document reading apparatus as long as the user has a structure for confirming a transmitted image, for example, an apparatus for confirming a transmitted image via a mirror as shown in FIG. May be.
Hereinafter, the apparatus of FIG. 7 will be described in detail.

The transparent original reading apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 7 includes an LED light source 202 for reading, and an LED light source 2 for viewing.
The light source unit 208 including the light source unit 04 and the condenser lens 206 is provided at the upper part. The LED light sources 202 and 204 have the same configuration as the LED light sources 82 and 84, respectively.

Below the light source unit 208, a film carrier 210 is disposed, and further below the light source unit 208, there is provided an image reading unit 218 configured by covering a lens unit 212 and an area CCD 214 with a casing 216. . The film carrier 210, the lens unit 212, and the area CCD 214 have the same configuration as the above-described film carrier 90, lens unit 102, and area CCD 30, respectively.

From the LED light source 202 for reading, the optical axis L
3 is emitted, is condensed by the condenser lens 206, and irradiates the photographic film F supported at a predetermined reading position in the film carrier 210, and the amount of light corresponding to the density is applied to the photographic film F. To Penetrate. The light from the reading LED light source 202 that has passed through the photographic film F enters the lens unit 212 and forms an image on the light receiving surface of the area CCD 214 so that the frame image recorded on the photographic film F can be read. ing.

On the other hand, from the visual LED light source 204,
Light is emitted along an optical axis L4 that intersects the optical axis L3 on the photographic film F and irradiates the photographic film F supported at a predetermined reading position in the film carrier 210. Transmits through photographic film F. In the casing 216, a concave mirror 220 is disposed on the optical axis L4, and reflects a transmission image of the photographic film F to a viewing window 222 provided in a front inclined portion 216A of the casing 216.

In the area CCD scanner section 200 configured as described above, the LE for reading before starting the image reading is read.
By turning on the visual LED light source 204 when the D light source 202 is in the OFF state, the user can
2. Confirm the transmitted image from 2 and read the photographic film F to be read.
Can be visually confirmed. In addition,
Although a reflecting mirror may be used instead of the concave mirror 220, the transmission image is reflected over a wide field of view to the viewing window 222 by using the concave mirror 220, so that the user can observe a transmission image with a large area. And visual confirmation work becomes easier.

Further, in the above description, the case where the user inputs an instruction to shift to the image reading mode, thereby turning on the LED light source 154 for visual confirmation (simultaneous lighting of RGB) has been described as an example. The present invention is not limited to this. The LED light source 154 may be automatically turned off when it is turned on for a time necessary for visual confirmation. This can prevent the LED light source 154 from being turned on more than necessary. The lighting time for visual confirmation is 1,
It takes 2 minutes.

Further, when the instruction to shift to the image reading mode is input, the LED light source 154 is turned off even if the predetermined time has not been reached, and the user forgets to input the instruction to shift to the image reading mode. Therefore, the light may be automatically turned off when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of lighting for visual confirmation.

When the LED light source 154 is automatically turned off, the monitor 16M displays, for example, "The specified time has passed to save power and extend the life of the light source. The user may be notified that the LED light source 154 has been automatically turned off by displaying a message such as The notifying means is not particularly limited as long as it has a function of notifying the user. In addition to an information display device such as a monitor, a sound output device such as a speaker for outputting a message by voice, or an L
A notification lamp such as an ED may be used.

In the above description, the case where the user visually confirms the transmitted image to confirm the position of the frame image on the photographic film F to be read has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. The light amount balance of RGB at the time of reading the frame image may be adjusted by visually checking the transmitted image. Further, the light amount balance of RGB may be adjusted together with the position confirmation of the frame image.

[0094]

As described above, the present invention has an excellent effect that a transparent original can be easily visually checked and a long-life transparent original reading apparatus can be realized at low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a digital laboratory system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a digital laboratory system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an area CCD scanner unit as a transmission development reading apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit that controls the operation of the area CCD scanner unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in an area CCD scanner unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an optical system of an area CCD scanner unit according to another embodiment.
(B) shows the position of the light source at the time of visual confirmation.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of an area CCD scanner unit as a transmission development reading apparatus according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Digital laboratory system 14 Area CCD scanner part (transmissive original reading device) 30 Area CCD (photoelectric conversion element) 82 LED light source (first light source) 84 LED light source (second light source) 90 Film carrier 94 Drive roller 98 Optical sensor 102 lens unit 110 control unit (control means) 122 LED light source drive unit 124 LED light source drive unit 126 roller drive unit 130 keyboard 152 LED light source (first light source) 154 LED light source (second light source) 200 area CCD scanner unit ( Transmission document reading device) 202 LED light source (first light source) 204 LED light source (second light source) 210 Film carrier 212 Lens unit 214 Area CCD (photoelectric conversion element) 220 Concave mirror 222 Viewing window F Photographic film L1, L2, L3 , L4 Axis R reading position

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A transmissive original reading apparatus that irradiates an original with light and reads a transmitted image by a photoelectric conversion element, wherein a first light source that emits light toward the original when the original is read by the photoelectric conversion element; And a second light source that is disposed adjacent to the first light source for visual confirmation and emits light toward the document when the document is visually confirmed. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second light source is configured by a white LED element that emits white light. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising control means for controlling an amount of light emitted from the second light source based on at least one of a type of the document and a density of an image recorded on the document. The transparent document reading device according to claim 2. 4. The light source according to claim 1, wherein the second light source is automatically turned off after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of lighting for visual confirmation. 2. The transparent document reading device according to claim 1. 5. The transparent document reading apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying that the second light source has been turned off after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of turning on the light source. 6. The transparent original reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first light source includes a plurality of light emitting elements.