JP2001330900A - Photographic film processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To decrease the signal lines from first sensors and the signal lines from second sensors of a photographic film processing device having two transporting routes. SOLUTION: The photographic film processing device has the first sensors (42, 33 and 34) disposed in the first transporting route for processing the first photographic film, the second sensors (38, 39 and 46) disposed in the second transporting route for processing the second photographic film, a changeover mechanism and a control section for controlling the prescribed processing according to the first photographic film or the second photographic film. The device described above has sensor changeover means (6, 25, 26 and 7) for changing over the signals of the first sensors and the signals of the second sensors and outputting the same to the control section.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a first opening for processing a first photographic film, a first transport path for transporting the first photographic film, and a first transport path for transporting the first photographic film. A first sensor, a second opening for processing a second photographic film, a second transport path for transporting the second photographic film, and a second sensor disposed on the second transport path. A switching mechanism for setting either the first opening or the second opening in the processing optical path, and a control unit for controlling a predetermined process according to the first photographic film or the second photographic film. The present invention relates to a photographic film processing apparatus provided.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There are two typical photographic films: 135 type negative film (corresponding to a first photographic film) and 240 type negative film (APS film, corresponding to a second photographic film). There is one
As a photographic film processing apparatus for exposing and printing an image frame of a developed negative film, it is preferable that any type of negative film can be processed. For this purpose, for example, using a film transport unit called a negative carrier, a first opening for processing the first photographic film into the unit and a first transport path for transporting the first photographic film, A second opening for processing a photographic film and a second transport path for transporting the second photographic film; and setting either the first opening or the second opening in a processing optical path. And a mechanism for switching one of the photographic films (scanning of image frames, projection exposure of image frames, etc.). In order to control the processing timing of such a photographic film, sensors for detecting the positions of the image frames of the photographic film which are symmetrical to the processing, etc., are provided in the respective transport paths. Then, when processing the first photographic film, the timing of processing is controlled by a signal from the first sensor disposed on the first transport path, and when processing the second photographic film, the second timing is used. The processing timing and the like are configured to be controlled by a signal from a second sensor disposed on the transport path.

[0003]

However, since the input and output signals of the first sensor and the input and output signals of the second sensor are connected so as to be input to the control unit, a large number of signal lines are connected to the control unit. The problem is that many input terminals of the control unit are consumed, and that the number of signal line cables increases and the cost increases.

Accordingly, the present invention focuses on the point that both the first transport path and the second transport path are not used at the same time, and switches between the first sensor and the second sensor to provide only one of them. Is connected to the control unit.

[0005]

In a photographic film processing apparatus according to the present invention, a first opening for processing a first photographic film, a first conveying path for conveying the first photographic film, and A first sensor disposed on the first transport path, a second opening for processing a second photographic film, and a second opening for transporting the second photographic film.
A transport path, a second sensor disposed on the second transport path, a switching mechanism for setting either the first opening or the second opening in the processing optical path,
A photographic film processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls a predetermined process according to the photographic film or the second photographic film.
Means is provided that includes a sensor switching unit that switches between the first sensor and the second sensor and connects to the control unit.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A photographic film processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings showing an embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a photographic film processing apparatus according to the present invention. This photographic film processing apparatus includes a printing unit P1 for projecting and exposing a frame image of a negative film onto a photographic paper P, and a processor unit P2 for performing a developing process on the exposed photographic paper 3. The printing unit P1 may be configured to read a frame image of a negative film with a scanner and digitally expose the photographic paper P by a digital exposure unit instead of the projection exposure.

A print section P1 formed by projection exposure includes a light source 11, a dimming filter 12 for adjusting the color balance of light applied to the negative film, a mirror tunnel 13 for uniformly mixing light passing through the dimming filter, and a negative film. A unit 14 equipped with a zoom lens type printing lens for forming a frame image on photographic paper, a shutter 15, and a negative carrier 20 on the same optical axis where an exposure optical path (corresponding to a processing optical path) is formed in a film transport path. It is provided in. Although not shown in FIG. 1, by moving the unit 14 in a direction perpendicular to the exposure optical axis, a frame image of a negative film can be read by a scanner to obtain information for correcting the image. it can.

In the case of a printing section by digital exposure, digital data is obtained by forming a frame image of a negative film on an image pickup device of a scanner instead of photographic paper, and a PLZT exposure mechanism is provided based on the digital data. The photographic paper is directly exposed using a laser exposure mechanism.

The printing paper 3 is stored in a printing paper magazine 3a, and the printing paper 3 pulled out from the printing paper magazine 3a.
Is conveyed by rollers 82 and then cut by a cutter 81 to a predetermined print size. When the cut photographic paper 3 is fed to a predetermined position on the exposure table 83, the frame image of the negative film is exposed. The exposed photographic paper 3
After being sent to the processor section P2 by the rollers 82 and passing through the development processing section 84 and the drying processing section 85, it is discharged as a finished print from the discharge section 86.

<Structure of Negative Carrier> FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the internal structure of the negative carrier 20. The negative carrier 20 can process two negatives having different widths. That is, the first negative film (corresponding to the first photographic film) called 135 type and the second negative film (corresponding to the second photographic film) called 240 type (APS type) can be processed. it can.

The negative carrier 20 includes a base unit 21
And a movable unit 22 configured to be slidable with respect to the base unit 21. The movable unit 22 includes a first transport path H1 for transporting the first negative film, and a second negative film. A second transport path H2 for transport is formed. First transport path H1
Is provided with a first negative mask 23 and a first opening K1.
Are formed. In the second transport path H2, a second negative mask 24 is provided, and a second opening K2 is formed. A cartridge insertion section 27 and a cartridge sensor 28 for detecting that a cartridge has been inserted are provided upstream of the second transport path H2.

The base unit 21 includes the mobile unit 2
A guide rail 21a for guiding the second opening 2 vertically (in the direction of arrow C) is formed, and is switched between a position where the first opening K1 faces the processing light path and a position where the second opening K2 faces the processing light path. It is configured to be possible. In FIG. 2, the second
The opening K2 is set in the processing light path, and the second negative film can be processed. The moving unit 22 is formed with a positioning protrusion 22a, and is set at a predetermined position by engaging with the set grooves 21b and 21c formed in the base unit 21. The operator, Figure 2
In order to switch the transport path for processing from the state of (1), the positioning protrusion 22a is lifted to move the moving unit 22.
May be moved to engage with the other set groove 21c. FIG. 3 shows the switched state. Further, a first limit switch 25 and a second limit switch 26 are provided to detect which transport path H1 or H2 the mobile unit 22 is currently in.

The positioning projection 22a of the moving unit 22
Is provided in the vicinity of the projection 22b. When the first negative film or the second negative film is being processed, the lock member 19 is connected to the projection 22b so that the transport path of the moving unit 22 cannot be switched. It is configured to enter above. In addition, a common take-up mechanism R1 common to both transport paths is provided, and the configuration thereof will be described later.

<Process of First Negative Film> FIG.
The drawing shows the processing path of the first negative film, and includes a film insertion section S for inserting the negative film, a first transport path H1, a common winding mechanism R1, and a winding mechanism R2.

The film insertion section S includes a film insertion roller pair 40, a motor 41 for driving the film insertion roller pair 40, a film sensor 42 provided immediately upstream of the film insertion roller pair 40, and a film insertion roller pair. Guide members 43 and 44 are provided on an upstream side and a downstream side of 40, respectively, to form an insertion passage, and a free roller 45 is provided at an end of the insertion passage. When the first negative film is inserted from the film insertion section S and the film sensor 42 detects the leading end of the negative film, the motor 41 is activated to feed the negative film to the first transport path H1. .

The first transport path H1 includes drive rollers 30a, 31a, 32a and pressure rollers 30b, 3 functioning as a first transport mechanism for transporting the first negative film.
1b and 32b, and a stepping motor (not shown) for driving the driving rollers 30a, 31a and 32a. Along the first transport path H1, a barcode sensor 33 for reading a barcode formed on the first negative film and a screen detection sensor 34 for detecting an edge of a frame image are provided. . And
Based on the output of the screen detection sensor 34, the frame image is positioned in the first opening K1 formed in the first negative mask 23. The film sensor 42, the barcode sensor 33, and the screen detection sensor 34 correspond to a first sensor.

In the state shown in FIG. 4, the negative film passing through the first opening K1 is taken up by the common take-up mechanism R1, but when the support shaft 61a is lifted, the negative film is not taken up, The carrier 20 is discharged to the outside. The first negative film inserted in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 4 is scanned by the frame image and wound up by the common take-up mechanism R1, but once the scanning of all the frame images is completed, the first negative film is temporarily stopped. The film is rewound in the direction of arrow B. At this time, the take-up mechanism R2 takes up the work. After the winding mechanism R2 once winds up, the first negative film is fed out again in the direction of arrow A to expose each frame image.

<Process Path of Second Negative Film> FIG.
The drawing shows the processing path of the second negative film, and includes a cartridge insertion section 27 into which the cartridge C is inserted, a second transport path H2, and a common winding mechanism R1 similar to that shown in FIG.

The second negative film sent from the cartridge C is transported along the second transport path H2. In the second transport path H2, drive rollers 35a, 36a, 37a functioning as a second transport mechanism, pressure rollers 35b,
36b, 37b and drive rollers 35a, 36a, 37a
And a stepping motor (not shown) for driving the motor. The second transport mechanism is configured to be operable independently of the first transport mechanism. Further, along the second transport path H2, a barcode sensor 38 for reading a barcode formed on the second negative film, a perforation detection sensor 39 for detecting perforation, and a barcode sensor formed on the second negative film. And a magnetic head 46 for detecting the magnetic information. Then, the second negative film transported in the direction of arrow A is the second negative film.
The frame image of the second negative film is positioned in the second opening K2 formed in the negative mask 24 and is sequentially scanned. When the scanning of all the frame images is completed, the frame image is once rewound in the direction of arrow B and wound up in the cartridge C. And
After that, the frame image is sent out again in the direction of arrow A, and each frame image is exposed. Further, in the second negative film, the perforations and the image frames are associated with each other, so that the screen edge can be detected based on the detection signal from the perforation detection sensor 39. The bar code sensor 38, the perforation detection sensor 39, and the magnetic head 46 correspond to a second sensor.

As shown in FIG. 6, the film sensor 42 disposed on the first transport path H1 of the negative carrier 20
, A barcode sensor 33 and a screen detection sensor 34
The detection signals respectively output from and are input to the sensor switching circuit 6. Further, the detection signals output from the barcode sensor 38, the perforation detection sensor 39, and the magnetic head 46 disposed on the second transport path H2 are input to the sensor switching circuit 6. Because of such a configuration, the output signal from each sensor is appropriately standardized through a preamplifier, a waveform shaping circuit, or the like, and then converted to a sensor switching circuit 6.
Is preferably entered. Then, the sensor switching circuit 6 switches and controls a sensor (first sensor or second sensor) on either the first transport path H1 or the second transport path H2 in response to a switching signal from the control unit 7. It is configured to be connected to the unit 7.
That is, three pairs of signal lines are laid between the sensor switching circuit 6 and the sensors (first sensors) on the first transport path H1, and the sensor switching circuit 6 and the second transport path H
Three sets of signal lines are also laid between the second sensor and the second sensor. Then, three sets of signal lines and one set of switching signal lines are laid between the sensor switching circuit 6 and the control unit 7. Therefore, four signal lines are sufficient in place of six signal lines in the related art, and the number of signal lines can be reduced by two. First
In the case of a configuration in which the power supply and the control signal to the sensor and the second sensor are also switched, the effect of reducing the number of wirings becomes more significant. The sensor switching means includes a first limit switch 25, a second limit switch 26,
And a sensor switching circuit 6.

In FIG. 6, the first limit switch 25
Operates, a detection signal from the limit switch is input to the control unit 7, and the control unit 7 outputs a first switching signal to the sensor switching circuit 6 to select a sensor on the first transport path H1. Then, the sensor of the first transport path H1 is replaced by the controller 7 instead of the sensor of the second transport path H2.
It is connected to. Also, the second limit switch 2
When the switch 6 operates, the detection signal from the limit switch is input to the control unit 7, and the control unit 7 outputs a second switching signal to the sensor switching circuit 6 to select a sensor on the second transport path H2. Then, the sensor of the second transport path H2 is connected to the control unit 7 instead of the sensor of the first transport path H1. In this manner, the sensors are switched in accordance with the switching of the transport path, so that appropriate processing can be performed according to the photographic film in each transport path. Note that it is natural that the control content of the control unit 7 is also switched according to the switching of the sensor. By using the sensor switching circuit 6 as described above, signals having the same meaning are input to the same input terminal of the control unit 7 even if the transport paths are different.
Can be shared, and the effect of efficiently developing software can be obtained.

As the first sensor and the second sensor, photosensors such as light emitting diodes and phototransistors, or magnetic heads can be employed, and these sensors output various detection signals. In addition, various power supplies and signals may be input to these sensors. For example, there is a case where a signal for changing the light amount of the light emitting diode in an analog manner is output from the control unit to the light emitting diode constituting each sensor via the sensor switching circuit. Therefore, between these sensors and the sensor switching circuit, and between the sensor switching circuit and the control unit, not only signal lines output from each sensor but also signal lines to each sensor are wired. Therefore, in such a case, the signal from each sensor is switched and the signal to each sensor and the power supply are also switched. Thus, in the case of a configuration in which the power supply and the control signal to the first sensor and the second sensor are also switched, the number of wirings can be significantly reduced. An optical sensor or a magnetic sensor may be used as the first limit switch and the second limit switch. The sensor switching circuit preferably uses a semiconductor switching element or a semiconductor logic element, but can also be realized by a structure that switches mechanical contacts.

[0024]

As described above, according to the photographic film processing apparatus of the present invention, the number of wirings between each sensor and the control unit in the first and second transport paths can be reduced. The advantage is that the supply of stable quality and the cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a photographic film processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing an internal configuration of a negative carrier in the photographic film processing apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing an internal configuration of a negative carrier in the photographic film processing apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a processing path of a first negative film.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a processing path of a second negative film.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram around a sensor switching circuit in the photographic film processing apparatus of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 H1 first transport path K1 first opening 25 first limit switch 42 film sensor, first sensor 33 barcode sensor, first sensor 34 screen detection sensor, first sensor H2 second transport path K2 second opening 26th 2 limit switch 38 barcode sensor, second sensor 39 perforation detection sensor, second sensor 46 magnetic head, second sensor 6 sensor switching circuit 7 controller

Claims (1)

[Claims] A first opening for processing a first photographic film, a first conveyance path for conveying the first photographic film, and a first sensor disposed on the first conveyance path; A second opening for processing a second photographic film, a second conveying path for conveying the second photographic film, a second sensor disposed on the second conveying path, and the first opening A photographic film processing apparatus comprising: a switching mechanism for setting any one of the second openings in a processing optical path; and a control unit for controlling a predetermined process according to the first photographic film or the second photographic film. 5. A photographic film processing apparatus comprising: a sensor switching unit that switches between the first sensor and the second sensor and connects to a control unit according to a switching operation of the switching mechanism. Place.