JP2002148724A - Mount carrier unit and film scanner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To rapidly scan mounts relating to plural orders even if troublesome work is not carried out. SOLUTION: Levers 53 and 58 which are turnably supported around shafts 52 and 57 are respectively arranged near an insertion stocker loading plate 21 (on which a mount housing box housed with the mount 8 and the dummy mount 9 is placed) existing in a main body section 11 of the mount carrier unit and near a movable table 24. The levers 53 and 58 respectively shield the light of photodetecting sections 54b and 59b of photocouplers 54 and 59 according to whether either of the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 exists on the insertion stocker loading plate 21 and the movable table 24. As a result, whether an object for scanning is the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is detected.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a mount carrier unit used for scanning a film held on a mount and a film scanner including the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A photographic processing apparatus capable of automatically performing processes such as exposure, development, bleach-fixing, and stabilization on a photosensitive material such as photographic paper is known. When exposing a photosensitive material by such a photographic processing apparatus, direct (analog) exposure for exposing the photosensitive material with light transmitted through a photographic film is widely performed. On the other hand, in recent years, so-called digital exposure, in which a photosensitive material is exposed to light controlled based on a digital image signal obtained by imaging a film with a film scanner having an image sensor such as a CCD, has been put to practical use. ing. By adopting the digital exposure method, various image processing such as color correction, density correction, and sharpening can be performed with a high degree of freedom, rapid reprinting is possible, and color and density reproducibility It is possible to obtain a good print with high image quality and excellent resolution.

In the above-described film scanner, the mount is film-scanned in order to accurately and efficiently read an image recorded on one frame of film (usually a positive film) held on a paper or plastic mount. There is a case where a mount carrier unit for transporting to a position is attached.

An example of such a mount carrier unit is as follows:
It is described in JP-A-11-112714. The mount carrier unit described in this publication has a mount storage box (stocker) on both sides of the carrier body. And in this mount carrier unit,
The mount stored in one mount storage box is fed to the carrier main body, and is transported to the other mount storage box via the scanning position together with the carrier main body while being sandwiched by the roller pair in the carrier main body and stored therein. .

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION When mounting of a plurality of orders is to be collectively scanned by the mount carrier unit described in the above publication,
What is necessary is just to collect these mounts into a single stack so that mounts according to a plurality of orders form one stack and store them in the mount storage box. However, since the mount carrier unit described in the above publication cannot distinguish the order break, if mounts related to a plurality of orders are collectively stored in a mount storage box, an index print is printed for each order. You will not be able to create or sort prints for each order.

For this reason, when it is necessary to create an index print for each order, one print is required for each order.
Replace multiple mount storage boxes containing mounts for the order each time the mounts run out and mount them on the scanner in order, or wait until there is no mount for one order in the mount storage box, and then proceed to the next order. Either put the minutes mount in the box. Such replacement work and mounting and storage work are
If the number of mounts in the order is relatively large, it is not so complicated. However, when the number of mounts in one order is small, only a very small number of mounts are stored in the mount storage box compared to the number that can be stored, and the mount storage box cannot be used effectively. As a result, the above-mentioned operations need to be performed frequently and become very complicated. As a result, it takes a long time to complete the scanning. In addition, even in the case of performing automatic processing of printing and the like, including scanning of the mount, since the scanning of one order is completed immediately, the operator needs to perform the above-mentioned operation clearly with the scanner. There are disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a mount carrier unit capable of quickly scanning mounts according to a plurality of orders without performing a complicated operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a film scanner capable of quickly scanning mounts according to a plurality of orders without performing complicated operations.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a mount carrier unit according to the first aspect of the present invention has a mount storage unit so that images recorded on a film held by each mount are continuously scanned. A mount carrier unit for sequentially transporting mounts stacked and stored in a box one by one, having a different characteristic from the mount, and transporting the mounts in an order according to a relative position to the mount in the mount storage box. The dummy mount to be scanned and used for scanning can be distinguished from the mount.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mount carrier unit in which mounts stacked and stored in a mount storage box are sequentially arranged one by one so that images recorded on a film held by each mount are continuously scanned. In the mount carrier unit to be transported, a dummy mount having a shape characteristic different from that of the mount and being transported in an order according to a relative position to the mount in the mount storage box and subjected to scanning is provided. And a first sensor for distinguishing the mount from the mount based on the shape characteristic thereof.

According to the first and second aspects, the dummy mount can be distinguished from the mount, so that mounts according to a plurality of orders are stacked and stored in the mount storage box.
Even when these are continuously scanned, it is possible to create an index print and sort the prints for each order simply by arranging the dummy mount between the orders. In addition, the number of mounts that can be stored in the mount storage box is equal to or close to the number that can be stored, so the number of mount storage operations in the mount storage box can be reduced. And the time required until scanning is completed can be significantly reduced. Therefore, when performing the automatic processing, it is not necessary for the operator to work clearly with the scanner.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the mount carrier unit, the first sensor is disposed closer to the mount storage box than a scanning position.

According to the third aspect, since the dummy mount is determined before the scanning, the dummy mount can be passed through the scanning position at a higher speed than when the dummy mount is conveyed. Therefore, the processing capability of the mount carrier unit can be improved.

Further, the mount carrier unit of the present invention detects that neither the mount nor the dummy mount is present in the mount storage box based on the shape characteristics of the mount and the dummy mount. And a second sensor for performing the operation.

According to the fourth aspect, the drive of the mount carrier unit itself can be automatically stopped. This is the same in the case of a film scanner according to claim 6 described later.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a film scanner for sequentially transporting mounts stacked and stored in a mount storage box one by one and continuously scanning an image recorded on a film held in each mount. In, a scanning means, a dummy mount having an appearance characteristic different from the mount and being transported in an order according to a relative position to the mount in the mount storage box, and subjected to scanning, An image analyzing means for distinguishing from the mount based on an image signal obtained by the scanning means is provided.

According to the fifth aspect, an image signal obtained by scanning is used to distinguish the dummy mount from the mount based on its appearance characteristics. In addition to the advantage obtained by the item 1, for example, the print size can be automatically changed for each order. Further, unlike the case of the second aspect, since a sensor is not required, there is an advantage that the structure is simple.

In order to display the printing conditions on the dummy mount, the shape of the dummy mount is changed in accordance with the printing conditions, or characters, symbols, bar codes, etc. are printed on the surface of the dummy mount in accordance with the printing conditions. Alternatively, a film in which print conditions are displayed as an image may be held in a dummy mount.

The film scanner according to claim 6 is
The image analysis means can detect that both the mount and the dummy mount have disappeared in the mount storage box.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, the mount carrier unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a film scanner portion of a photographic processing apparatus using the mount carrier unit according to the present embodiment.
The mount carrier unit 2 according to the present embodiment is detachably attached to the film scanner 1 shown in FIG. The mount carrier unit 2 includes a main body 11 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and two mount storage boxes 1 attached near both ends of the main body 11, respectively.
2 and 13. Of the two mount storage boxes 12 and 13, one (right) mount storage box 12 is a mount discharge side, and the other (left) mount storage box 13 is a mount receiving side. That is, the mounts stored in the mount storage box 12 are sequentially discharged one by one from here, and are sequentially stored in the mount storage box 13 after scanning.

Above the mount carrier unit 2,
A light source unit 3 including a halogen lamp is disposed, and an image pickup unit 4 including a CCD line sensor 68 (see FIG. 16) is disposed below the mount carrier unit 2. The film scanner 1 is provided with a personal computer 5 for performing various processes and a display 6 and a keyboard 7 connected to the personal computer 5. The film scanner 1 includes a print head 69 (see FIG. 16) for performing digital exposure of photographic paper, a processor for performing development and the like, and a printer having a sorter 70 (see FIG. 16) for sorting developed prints. A processor (not shown) is connected.

Next, the detailed structure of the mount carrier unit 2 will be described in the order of the mount storage box and the main body. First, mount storage boxes 12 and 13
Will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
Is a front view of the mount storage box 12 on the mount discharge side, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the mount storage box 13 on the mount receiving side. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view near the lower end of the mount storage box 13 on the mount receiving side. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the dummy mount stored in the mount storage boxes 12 and 13 together with the mount.

As shown in FIG. 2, a mount storage box 12 formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape has a mount 8 holding a positive film on which an image is recorded, and a dummy mount not holding a positive film. 9 are stored so as to be stacked. Each of the mount 8 and the dummy mount 9 has a substantially square outer shape, and has substantially the same size and thickness. However, as shown in FIG. 5, a notch 9a is provided near the center of each side of the outer periphery between the corners 9c of the dummy mount 9, and a circle is formed near the center of the dummy mount 9. Opening 9b is provided. Thus, the four notches 9 are formed in the dummy mount 9.
The a is provided so that the notch 9a can be detected by the lever 53 (see FIG. 9) described later, even if the dummy mount 9 is stored in the mount storage box 12 in any direction of up, down, left, and right. That's why.

In the mount storage box 12, the mounts 8 are stacked one by one for each order, and one dummy mount 9 is arranged at a break position of the mounts 8 for one order. A weight (weight) 14 that can freely move up and down is arranged above the stacked mount 8 and dummy mount 9, and presses the mount 8 and dummy mount 9 downward. Although the lower end of the mount storage box 12 is closed, a mount outlet 12a is provided in a portion adjacent to the lower end of the side wall on the mount storage box 13 side. The mount outlet 12a has a height substantially equivalent to one mount. Further, at a portion adjacent to a lower end portion of the side wall opposite to the side wall provided with the mount discharge port 12a, a mount push-out claw 23 (see FIG. 6) provided on the main body portion 11 enters and exits the inside of the mount storage box 12. A hole 12b is provided to enable the above. Thus, the mounts 8 and the dummy mounts 9 stored in the mount storage box 12 are pushed out by the mount push-out claws 23 in order from the one at the lowermost position and discharged.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, a mount 8 is provided in a mount storage box 13 which is formed in a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape.
And the dummy mount 9 can be stored such that they are stacked on each other. The mount storage box 13
The upper part is slightly inclined in a direction away from the mount storage box 12. And the mount storage box 13
Of the pair of opposed side walls 13a and 13b, the lower end of the side wall 13a on the mount storage box 12 side is provided at a position higher than the lower end of the side wall 13b by several mounts. Thereby, the mounting storage box 13
A receiving port 13c for receiving the mount 8 and the dummy mount 9 is formed below the side wall 13a.

As shown in FIG. 4, the lower ends of a pair of opposed side walls 13a and 13b of the mount storage box 13 are hollowed out in the vicinity of the center, respectively, and have mounting holding pieces (stoppers). The support shafts 16 are located at the lower end of each side wall 13a, 13b at one end.
a and 17a are supported so as to be swingable. Further, on the outer side of the recessed portion, mount holding pieces 16 and 17 are attached to respective side walls 13a and 13b.
Spring plates 18 and 19 for restricting the swing angle of the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 so as not to protrude outside are mounted. On the other hand, the mount holding pieces 16, 17 and the side walls 13a, 1
3b, the mount holding pieces 16, 17 are
The angle of the one surface 16b, 17b with respect to the horizontal plane exceeds a predetermined angle (substantially equal to the inclination angle of the side wall 13a) and does not swing away from the spring plates 18, 19. That is, when no external force is applied, the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 are at their inner positions (holding positions) corresponding to the above-described predetermined angle by their own weights (the force from above is applied to the surfaces 16b and 17b). When the force from below is applied to the surfaces 16c and 17c opposed to the surfaces 16b and 17b, they are at the outer positions (passing positions) where they come into contact with the spring plates 18 and 19. When the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 are at the outer positions, the mount holding pieces 1
The thicknesses of 6 and 17 are substantially absorbed by the thicknesses of the side walls 13a and 13b. Therefore, in this state, the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 hardly protrude from the inner surfaces of the side walls 13a and 13b.

Next, the structure of the main body 11 will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the main body 11 of the mount carrier unit 2. FIG. 7 is a front view of the mount carrier unit 2. FIG. 8 shows FIG.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line IIIV-IIIV of FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the portion depicted in FIG. FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. FIG. 11 shows the mount carrier unit 2
FIG. 4 is a side view for explaining a mechanism for lifting and lowering a discharge roller included in the main body unit of FIG. FIG. 12 is a side view for explaining the elevating mechanism of the discharge roller as viewed from a direction orthogonal to FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view for explaining a lifting mechanism and a rotating mechanism of the discharge roller. FIG. 14 is a side view for explaining an elevating mechanism of a mount table included in the main body 11 of the mount carrier unit 2. FIG.
5 is a perspective view thereof.

As shown in FIG. 6, the main body 11 is provided with a moving plate 25 holding a moving table 24 having an opening 24a formed in a portion other than the edge. The mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) discharged from the mount storage box 12 is placed on the movable table 24. The mount 8 mounted on the moving table 24 includes a pair of arms 29a and 29b supported by the moving plate 25.
Mounting retainer roller 26 attached to the tip of
a, 26b press down from above,
4 so that it does not move easily. FIG.
, The illustration of the root portion of the arm 29b is omitted.

When the ball screw 28 is driven to rotate by the pulse motor 27, the moving plate 25
It is movable horizontally along the rails 20a, 20b. Assembling adjustment is performed using an assembling jig so that the movable table 24 moves in a direction (sub-scanning direction) perpendicular to the main scanning direction of scanning by the imaging unit 4.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the moving plate 25 is at the rightmost position, the mount storage box 12 is mounted at a position adjacent to the moving table 24 and slightly higher than the moving table 24. A flat insertion stocker mounting plate 21 to be mounted is provided. A motor 22a as a drive source and a pair of pulleys 22b and 22c connected to the motor 22a are provided on the side of the insertion stocker mounting plate 21.
And the belt 22d stretched over the pulleys 22b and 22c
An extruding claw driving mechanism 22 constituted by a claw holding member 22e supported by a belt 22d is disposed. The push-out claw driving mechanism 22 holds the mount push-out claw 23 disposed on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21 by a claw holding member 22e. Thereby, the mount push-out claw 23 can reciprocate on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21 along the moving direction of the moving plate 25.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 8 and 9, a light emitting portion 54a is provided at a position adjacent to the insertion stocker mounting plate 21.
A photocoupler 54, which is a sensor in which the light-receiving unit 54b and the light-receiving unit 54b are arranged opposite to each other, and a lever 53 rotatable about a shaft 52 are arranged. The top 53a at one end of the lever 53 is located at a position corresponding to the hole 21a provided in the insertion stocker mounting plate 21. The hole 21 a is provided at a position corresponding to the notch 9 a of the dummy mount 9 stored in the mount storage box 12. The lever 53 is urged by a coil spring (not shown) supported by the shaft 52 in a direction in which the top 53a moves upward. The other end 53b of the lever 53 is connected to the shaft 52 so that the top 53a of the lever 53 passes between the light emitting portion 54a and the light receiving portion 54b of the photocoupler 54 when the top 53a of the lever 53 projects from the hole 21a. Extending in the same direction.

Therefore, when the dummy mount 9 is mounted on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21 or when neither the mount 8 nor the dummy mount 9 is mounted (that is, the dummy mount 9 is mounted in the mount storage box 12). Of the lever 53 or the notch 9 of the dummy mount 9).
a, the top 53a of the lever 53 protrudes from the hole 21a, and the light emitting portion 54a and the light receiving portion 54
b is shielded from light by the portion 53b of the lever 53. On the other hand, when the mount 8 is mounted on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21 (that is, when the mount storage box 12 is mounted).
In the case where the mount 8 is at the lowest position in the inside), the top 53a of the lever 53 is pressed down by the mount 8 so that the top 53a of the lever 53 does not protrude from the hole 21a, and the light emitting portion 54a
The light is not blocked by the portion 53b of the lever 53 between the light receiving portion 54b and the light receiving portion 54b. As described above, in the mount carrier unit 2 of the present embodiment, based on the output signal of the light receiving unit 54b, the case where the mount 8 is on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21 and the case where the dummy mount 9 is , 9 can be distinguished.

Further, as shown in FIG.
A photocoupler 59, which is a sensor in which a light-emitting unit 59a and a light-receiving unit 59b are arranged to face each other,
A lever 58 rotatable about a shaft 57 is disposed. The top 58a at one end of the lever 58 is located at a position corresponding to the hole 24a provided in the movable base 24. The hole 24a is provided in the mount 8 mounted on the moving table 24.
And at a position corresponding to the vicinity of the corner of the dummy mount 9. The lever 58 is urged by a coil spring (not shown) supported by the shaft 57 so that the top 58a moves upward. When the top 58a of the lever 58 does not protrude from the hole 24a, the light emitting portion 59 of the photocoupler 59 is turned on.
a and extends in the same direction as the shaft 57 so as to pass between the light receiving portion 59a and the light receiving portion 59b.

Therefore, when either the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is placed on the movable base 24, the top 58a of the lever 58 and the corner 9c of the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 face each other. So lever 5
8 is pushed down by the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9, and the top 58a of the lever 58 is opened from the hole 24a.
a does not protrude, and the portion between the light emitting portion 59a and the light receiving portion 59b is shielded by the portion 58b of the lever 58. On the other hand, when neither the mount 8 nor the dummy mount 9 is mounted on the movable base 24, the top 58a of the lever 58 protrudes from the hole 24a, and a portion of the lever 58 is provided between the light emitting portion 59a and the light receiving portion 59b. No light is blocked by 58b. As described above, in the mount carrier unit 2 of the present embodiment, based on the output signal of the light receiving portion 59b, the case where the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is It is possible to distinguish from the case where it is not placed. Therefore, by judging by combining the output signal of the light receiving unit 54b and the output signal of the light receiving unit 59b, the case where the mount 8 is mounted on the movable base 24 and the case where the dummy mount 9 is mounted And the case where none of these are placed.

As described above, according to the mount carrier unit 2 of the present embodiment, the dummy mount 9 can be distinguished from the mount 8 by the output signals of the light receiving sections 54b and 59b. Are stacked and stored, and even if they are continuously scanned, the printer processor connected to the film scanner 1 only needs to arrange the dummy mount 9 so as to sandwich the dummy mount 9 between the orders. Index prints can be created and prints can be sorted for each order. Also,
Since the number of mounts 8 which is equal to or close to the storable number can be stored in the mount storage box 12, the number of mount storage operations in the mount storage box 12 can be reduced. And the time required until scanning is completed can be significantly reduced. Therefore, when performing the automatic processing, the operator must use the film scanner 1
There is no need to work in a straightforward manner.

As shown in FIG. 6, on the lower surface of the main body 11 and on the moving path of the moving table 24, light emitted from the light source 3 and transmitted through the film is picked up by the imaging unit 4.
Is provided with a slit 30 for supplying the liquid. The slit 30 is oriented in the element arrangement direction (main scanning direction) in accordance with the position of the CCD line sensor 68 (see FIG. 16) arranged in the imaging unit 4.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 11 to 13, when the movable plate 25 is at the leftmost position on the opposite side of the insertion stocker mounting plate 21 across the slit 30, the movable table 24 At an adjacent position, a flat mount base 31 on which the mount storage box 13 is placed is arranged. Between the right end of the mount table 31 and the slit 30, a pair of discharge rollers 33a and 33b, the surfaces of which have been subjected to a ceramic coating process for preventing slippage, are arranged. The discharge rollers 33a and 33b extend perpendicular to the moving direction of the moving plate 25 and are fixed to a shaft 32 that can move up and down.

Both ends of the shaft 32 are connected to a substantially U-shaped arm 40 near its open end. The arm 40 is rotatably supported on a shaft 42 parallel to the shaft 32 on the left side of the open end. Further, a hole 40a is provided in the left end surface of the arm 40, and one end of the link member 44 is inserted into the hole 40a. The link member 44 is connected to the shaft 4
2 is rotatably supported by a shaft 37 extending parallel to the left side of the second member 2, and the other end is placed on one end of the link member 43. The link member 43 is rotatably supported by a shaft 46 extending perpendicularly to the shafts 37 and 42, and has the other end located below the solenoid 45. The other end of the link member 43 is pushed down by a pin 45a projecting downward from the lower end when the switch of the solenoid 45 is turned on.

Therefore, when the switch of the solenoid 45 is turned on, the link member 43 pivots around the shaft 46 and lifts the other end of the link member 44, whereby the link member 44 pivots around the shaft 37. Then, the left end of the arm 40 is pushed down, whereby the arm 40 rotates around the shaft 42 to lift the shaft 32 and the discharge rollers 33a, 33b. That is, in the mount carrier unit 2 of the present embodiment, the shaft 32
Since the discharge rollers 33a and 33b are connected to the solenoid 45 via the arm 40 and the link members 43 and 44, by controlling the solenoid 45, the shaft 32 is connected via the link members 43 and 44 and the arm 40.
In addition, the discharge rollers 33a and 33b can be moved up and down.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 13, the shaft 42 supports a gear 42a and a pulley 49 at one end. The gear 42a is connected to the shaft 32
With the gear 32a supported by the gear. A round belt 51 is stretched over the pulley 49. Further, the round belt 51 is stretched around a pulley 47 supported by the ball screw 28 and pulleys 48 and 50 for compensating for a difference in height between the two pulleys 47 and 49. Therefore, when the ball screw 28 is turned to move the moving plate 25, the turning is performed by the pulleys 47, 48,
The discharge rollers 33a and 33b are transmitted from the shafts 49 and 50 to the shaft 42 and the shaft 32, and rotate.

The discharge rollers 33a and 33b move upward by controlling the solenoid 45 as described above when the moving plate 25 approaches the left position after scanning is completed. And the discharge roller 33
a and 33b contact the lower surface of the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 pressed from above by the mount holding rollers 26a and 26b, and send and output the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 on the moving table 24 by its own rotation. To send to the left. As a result, the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 for which scanning has been completed is placed on the mount table 31.

As described above, in the mount carrier unit 2 of the present embodiment, the discharge rollers 33a and 33b can be moved up and down so that the discharge rollers 33a and 33b do not contact the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 until the scanning is completed. Thus, the distance between the scanning position, which is the slit 30, and the discharge rollers 33a, 33b can be reduced. Therefore, the mount carrier unit 2 of the present embodiment is particularly small in size in the feeding direction (left-right direction) of the mount 8 and is small.
High quality image data can be obtained without causing any adverse effect due to the contact between the discharge rollers 33a and 33b with the mount 8 during scanning.

In the mount carrier unit 2 of the present embodiment, the discharge rollers 33a and 33b
Alternatively, the drive source for feeding the dummy mount 9 to the mount table 31 is the same pulse motor 27 as the drive source for transporting the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 to the scanning position. Therefore, the discharge rollers 33a,
The mechanism for rotating 33b is greatly simplified.

In the mount carrier unit 2 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Below the mount holding pieces 16, 17, the lowermost mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 in the mount storage box 13, which is held by the mount holding pieces 16, 17 located on the inner side, moves from the mount holding piece 16 side. Mount 8
About 2.5 sheets, mount 8 on the mount holding piece 17 side
Are arranged about 1.5 sheets apart from each other. for that reason,
The discharge rollers 33a and 33b can send the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 onto the mount table 31 with a relatively small feeding force even when the surface is slippery.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 14, and 15, the mount base 31 is normally positioned on the upper surface of the mount base 31 with respect to the shaft 34 which is parallel to and to the left of the shaft 37. Are rotatably supported so as to be horizontal. Also, on both sides of the mount table 31,
Push-up levers 35a and 35b are arranged. The push-up levers 35a and 35b are rotatably supported on the shaft 37 so that the push-up levers 35a and 35b extend in the horizontal direction at normal times. The shaft 37 has a motor 38 disposed on the side of the mount table 31 and the eccentric pin 3.
6, are connected via a link member 39 and an arm 41. The gear 34a disposed at one end of the shaft 34 is a gear 37a disposed at one end of the shaft 37.
a.

Therefore, when the motor 38 is rotated, the shaft 34 is rotated via the eccentric pin 36, the link member and the arm 41, and at the same time, the shaft 37 is rotated via the gears 34a and 37a. Accordingly, the mount base 31 and the push-up levers 35a and 35b supported by the shafts 34 and 37 are changed from the horizontal state to the inclined state. With this inclination, the mount table 31 and the lifting lever 35
The mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 supported from below by a and 35b is a mount storage box 13 above.
Move inside the.

At this time, as described above, the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 are pushed up from below by the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 to be at the outer positions (passing positions) where they come into contact with the spring plates 18 and 19. Therefore, the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 lifted from below by the mount table 31 and the push-up levers 35a and 35b passes through the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 and moves upward. Then, the mounting holding pieces 16 and 17 are
The elastic force from 19 returns to the inner position. Then, the motor 38 rotates in the reverse direction, and the mount table 31 and the push-up levers 35a and 35b return to the horizontal position. Then, the mounts 8 and the dummy mounts 9 stored in the mount storage box 13 are returned to the inner positions.
The lower end is supported by 6 and 17, and is held inside the mount storage box 13.

As described above, in the present embodiment, at least one gap is provided between the lower end of the mount held by the mount storage box 13 by the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 and the main body 11. Discharge roller 3
As a mechanism for rotating and driving the discharge rollers 33a and 33b, the pulse motor 27 and the pulleys 47 to 50 which are shared with the moving plate 25 as described above can reduce the feeding force of the 3a and 33b. A simple member made of the above members can be used.
That is, the mount carrier unit 2 of the present embodiment
Is small because the mechanism for rotating and driving the discharge rollers 33a and 33b is simplified.

Next, the control system of the film scanner 1 including the mount carrier unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a main part of the film scanner 1 and a printer processor connected thereto. In FIG. 16, a controller 61 is a CPU controlled by appropriate software.
And hardware such as ROM and RAM. The controller 61 is a light receiving unit 5 of the photocouplers 54 and 59.
4b, 59b, motors 22a, pulse motors 27, motors 38, and drivers 63, 64, 6 for the solenoids 45
5, 66, timing generator 62 of CCD line sensor 68, print head 69 of printer processor
And the sorter 70.

The controller 61 includes a photocoupler 5
Signals output from the light receiving sections 54b and 59b of the fourth and 59 light receiving sections are provided. The controller 61 includes drivers 63 and 6
Drive signals for the motor 22a, the pulse motor 27, the motor 38 and the solenoid 45 are supplied to 4, 65 and 66, respectively. Further, the controller 61 gives a command to the timing generator 62 in synchronization with these drive signals to generate various timing signals to be supplied to the CCD line sensor 68. Light emitted from the light source unit 3 and transmitted through the film held by the mount enters the CCD line sensor 68. The signal output from the CCD line sensor 68 is given to the controller 61 as an image signal after being subjected to predetermined processing. After this image signal is appropriately processed by the controller 61, it is given to the print head 69 at a predetermined timing. Further, the controller 61 supplies a command for sorting the developed photographic paper for each order to the sorter 70.

Next, a schematic operation of the film scanner 1 including the mount carrier unit 2 will be described.
When the operation of the mount carrier unit 2 is started, first, an output signal from the light receiving unit 54b is given to the controller 61, and it is determined whether or not the mount 8 is on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21. Next, a drive signal of the motor 22a is given from the controller 61 to the driver 63,
The mounting storage box 12 is mounted by the mounting extrusion claw 23.
The lowermost mount 8 or dummy mount 9 is pushed out onto the movable base 24.

Then, an output signal from the light receiving section 59b is given to the controller 61, and it is determined whether or not the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is on the movable base 24. As a result, when neither the mount 8 nor the dummy mount 9 is present on the movable base 24, the operation of the mount carrier unit 2 is stopped. When either the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is on the movable base 24, a driving signal is given to the driver 64 of the pulse motor 27, and the movable base 24 starts to move rightward. Mobile platform 2
When 4 reaches the slit 30, the moving speed of the moving table 24 is changed to a speed suitable for scanning (usually lower than the speed before and after the slit 30), and a predetermined command is sent from the controller 61 to the timing generator 62. Given.

When it is detected from the output signals from the light receiving sections 54b and 59b that the dummy mount 9 is mounted on the movable base 24, it is not necessary to perform scanning. It is preferable to move the movable table 24 without changing the speed. Thereby, the processing capability of the mount carrier unit 2 can be increased.

When the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 passes through the scanning position and the movable table 24 reaches near the left end, a drive signal is supplied from the controller 61 to the driver 65 of the motor 38. Thereby, the discharge roller 33
a and 33b move upward and come into contact with the lower surface of the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9. Discharge rollers 33a, 33b
Is rotated by the pulse motor 27 via the pulleys 47 to 50 and the ball screw 28, so that the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9
It is fed onto the mount table 31 by 3b.

After the discharge rollers 33a and 33b rotate by a predetermined angle, a drive signal is supplied from the controller 61 to the driver 66 of the solenoid 45. As a result, the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is lifted and stored in the mount storage box 13 via the mount holding pieces 16 and 17. The operation timing of the motor 38 and the solenoid 45 is determined by the number of pulses given to the pulse motor 27.

When it is detected by the output signals from the light receiving portions 54b and 59b that the mount 8 is mounted on the moving table 24, the signal is output from the CCD line sensor 68 and processed by the controller 61. The image signal is supplied to the print head 69, and the photographic paper is exposed based on the image recorded on the film of the mount 8. on the other hand,
The moving table 2 is controlled by output signals from the light receiving units 54b and 59b.
When it is detected that the dummy mount 9 is placed on the mount 4, an image signal for creating an index print of the mount 8 for one order before the dummy mount 9 is detected is output. It is provided from the controller 61 to the print head 69. Then, a signal is supplied from the controller 61 to the sorter 70 so that one order print including the index print is arranged on a sorting plate different from the other prints.

Next, a film scanner according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 17 is a plan view of the main body of the mount carrier unit used in the film scanner according to the present embodiment.

The main body 11 'of the mount carrier unit shown in FIG. 17 has the first configuration except that it does not include the levers 53 and 58 and the photocouplers 54 and 59 which rotate around the shafts 52 and 57. The configuration is the same as that of the main body 11 of the mount carrier unit 2 according to the embodiment. In this embodiment, the same members as those shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The mount storage box attached to the main body 11 'is the same as the mount storage boxes 12 and 13 described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of the main part of the film scanner of this embodiment and a printer processor connected to the film scanner. As is clear from FIG. 18, the film scanner of the present embodiment is different from FIG. 16 only in that an image analysis unit 61a is provided in the controller 61 and the light receiving unit of the photocoupler is not connected to the controller 61. It differs from the described film scanner. The image analysis unit 61a includes the CCD line sensor 6
8 has a function of analyzing an image signal from the camera 8 and determining whether the image signal is related to a film held on the mount 8 or a dummy mount.

FIG. 19 shows an example of a dummy mount used in the present embodiment. The dummy mount 91 shown in FIG. 19 (a) has the same outer shape as the dummy mount 9 shown in FIG.
have. At this time, the image analysis unit 61a
If the image signal obtained from the line sensor 68 has a shape similar to that of the opening 91a at the center, it is determined that the scanning target is the dummy mount 91. Also,
The dummy mount 92 shown in FIG. 19 (b) has the same outer shape as the dummy mount 9 shown in FIG. 5, is substantially square, and has a bar code 92a printed at the center. The bar code 92a is
It is preferable that the print condition of the mount 8 to be scanned thereafter is displayed. At this time, if the image signal obtained from the CCD line sensor 68 has a bar code 92a at the center, the image analysis unit 61a determines that the scanning target is the dummy mount 92. Note that the dummy mount may be other than the one illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B as long as the dummy mount has a different external characteristic from the mount 8.

Next, a schematic operation of the film scanner according to the present embodiment will be described. When the operation of the mount carrier unit 2 is started, a drive signal of the motor 22a is given from the controller 61 to the driver 63,
The mounting storage box 12 is mounted by the mounting extrusion claw 23.
The lowermost mount 8 or dummy mount 9 is pushed out onto the movable base 24.

Thereafter, the driver 6 of the pulse motor 27
4 is supplied with a drive signal, and the movable table 24 starts to move rightward. When the moving table 24 reaches the slit 30, the moving speed of the moving table 24 is changed to a speed suitable for scanning (usually lower than the speed before and after the slit 30). Instructions are given.

When the mount 8 or the dummy mount 91 or 92 passes through the scanning position and the movable table 24 reaches near the left end, a drive signal is supplied from the controller 61 to the driver 65 of the motor 38. As a result, the discharge rollers 33a and 33b move upward and come into contact with the lower surface of the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9. Discharge roller 3
3a and 33b are pulleys 47 to 50 and ball screw 2
The mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is fed onto the mount base 31 by the discharge rollers 33a and 33b because the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is rotated by the pulse motor 27 through the mount motor 8.

After the discharge rollers 33a and 33b rotate by a predetermined angle, a drive signal is supplied from the controller 61 to the driver 66 of the solenoid 45. As a result, the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is lifted and stored in the mount storage box 13 via the mount holding pieces 16 and 17. The operation timing of the motor 38 and the solenoid 45 is determined by the number of pulses given to the pulse motor 27.

Based on the image signal obtained by the CCD line sensor 68, the image analyzing section 61a determines that the object to be scanned placed on the movable base 24 is the mount 8.
Is determined, the image signal output from the CCD line sensor 68 and processed by the controller 61 is given to the print head 69, and the photographic paper is exposed based on the image recorded on the film of the mount 8. . On the other hand, when the image analysis unit 61a determines that the dummy mount 91 or 92 is mounted on the movable base 24, the mount for one order before the dummy mount 91 or 92 is scanned. An image signal for creating an index print according to 8 is provided from the controller 61 to the print head 69. And sorter 7
A signal is supplied from the controller 61 to the controller 61 so that one order print including this index print is arranged on a different sorter plate from the other prints. The operation of the mount carrier unit is based on CCD
Based on the image signal obtained by the line sensor 68, stop when the image analysis unit 61a determines that the scanning target placed on the moving table 24 is neither the mount 8 nor the dummy mount 91 or 92. I do.

As described above, according to the film scanner according to the present embodiment, the dummy mount 91 or 9 based on the image signal obtained by the CCD line sensor 68 is used.
Since the mount 2 can be distinguished from the mount 8, even if the mounts 8 according to a plurality of orders are stacked and stored in the mount storage box 12, and these are continuously scanned, the dummy mounts 91 or By simply arranging the prints 92 in a sandwiched manner, it is possible to create index prints and sort prints for each order. In addition, the number of mounts 8 equal to or close to the storable number can be stored in the mount storage box 12, so that the number of mount storage operations in the mount storage box 12 can be reduced, The complexity involved in these operations is reduced, and the time required until scanning is completed can be significantly reduced. Therefore, when performing automatic processing,
This eliminates the need for the operator to perform the work on the scanner 1 clearly.

In this embodiment, when the dummy mount 92 is used, the print conditions of the mount 8 to be scanned after the dummy mount 92 (for example,
(Print size) can be the print condition displayed on the barcode 92a. Thereby, for example, the print size can be automatically changed for each order. Unlike the first embodiment, the photocouplers 54 and 59 and the levers 53 and 58 are different from the first embodiment.
There is also an advantage that the structure is simple because of no need.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various design changes can be made within the scope of the appended claims. It is. For example, in the first embodiment, the photocouplers 54 and 59,
Further, both the lever 53 and the lever 58 may be provided at positions close to the insertion stocker mounting plate 21. Further, the light receiving portion 59b may be shielded from light even when neither the mount 8 nor the dummy mount 9 is provided on the movable base 24. This is the same for the light receiving unit 54b.

The photocouplers 54 and 5
9, and the lever 53 and the lever 58 may be arranged closer to the mount storage box 13 than the scanning position. However, in this case, since the dummy mount is found after the scanning is completed, the transport speed of the dummy mount cannot be made higher than the transport speed of the mount. Further, as means for distinguishing the mount from the dummy mount, not only a device having a photocoupler and a lever but also any other known device can be used. In the above-described embodiment, the mount storage box 13 is inclined with respect to the main body 11, but the mount storage box 13 may protrude perpendicular to the main body.

The mechanism for raising and lowering the discharge rollers 33a and 33b is not limited to the mechanism using the solenoid 45, the link members 43 and 44, and the arm 40 as described above, and various other mechanisms may be employed. It is possible. Further, the mechanism for feeding the mount 8 onto the mount base 31 may be other than the mechanism using the discharge rollers 33a and 33b.

Also, mount holding pieces 16 and 17 for holding the mount 8 in the mount storage box 13.
Is the side wall 1 of the mount storage box 13 as described above.
It is not always necessary to be rotatably supported by 3a, 13b, and may function as described above, for example, by sliding against side walls 13a, 13b.

The mechanism for raising and lowering the mount table 31 includes the motor 38 and the link member 39 as described above.
The invention is not limited to the one using the arm 41, and various other mechanisms can be adopted.

[0074]

As described above, according to the first and second aspects, since the dummy mount can be distinguished from the mount, mounts of a plurality of orders are stacked and stored in the mount storage box, and these are continuously mounted. Even when scanning is performed, index prints can be created and prints can be sorted for each order simply by arranging the dummy mounts between the orders. In addition, the number of mounts that can be stored in the mount storage box is equal to or close to the number that can be stored, so the number of mount storage operations in the mount storage box can be reduced. And the time required until scanning is completed can be significantly reduced.

According to the third aspect, since the dummy mount is determined before scanning, the dummy mount can be passed through the scanning position at a higher speed than when scanning is performed when the dummy mount is transported. Therefore, the processing capability of the mount carrier unit can be improved.

According to the fourth and sixth aspects, the drive of the mount carrier unit itself can be automatically stopped.

According to the fifth aspect, an image signal obtained by scanning is used to distinguish a dummy mount from a mount based on its appearance characteristics. In addition to the advantage obtained by the item 1, for example, the print size can be automatically changed for each order. Further, unlike the case of the second aspect, since a sensor is not required, there is an advantage that the structure is simple.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a film scanner portion of a photographic processing apparatus using a mount carrier unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a mount storage box on a mount discharge side used in the mount carrier unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a mount storage box on a mount receiving side used in the mount carrier unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of a lower end of a mount storage box on a mount receiving side.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a dummy mount stored in a mount storage box together with the mount.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a main body of the mount carrier unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the mount carrier unit depicted in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line IIIV-IIIV of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a side view for explaining a mechanism for lifting and lowering a discharge roller included in the main body of the mount carrier unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view for explaining a lifting roller elevating mechanism as viewed from a direction orthogonal to FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view for explaining a lifting mechanism and a rotating mechanism of a discharge roller.

FIG. 14 is a side view for explaining an elevating mechanism of a mount base included in a main body of the mount carrier unit.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the elevating mechanism of the mount table depicted in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of main parts of a film scanner and a printer processor connected thereto.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a main body of a mount carrier unit used in a film scanner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a film scanner according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a main part of a printer processor connected thereto.

FIG. 19 is a plan view showing an example of a dummy mount used in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Film scanner 2 Mount carrier unit 3 Light source part 4 Image pick-up part 8 Mount 9 Dummy mount 11 Main body part 12 Mount storage box 13 Mount storage box 16, 17 Mount holding pieces 18, 19 Spring plate 21 Insertion stocker mounting plate 23 Mount push nail 24 Moving table 25 Moving plate 27 Pulse motor 30 Slit 31 Mount table 33a, 33b Discharge roller 35a, 35b Push-up lever 38 Motor 45 Solenoid 54, 59 Photocoupler 53, 58 Lever 61 Controller 68 CCD line sensor

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A mount carrier unit for sequentially transporting mounts stacked and stored in a mount storage box one by one so that images recorded on a film held by each mount are continuously scanned. A dummy mount having a different feature from that of the mount storage box and conveyed in an order according to a relative position with respect to the mount and provided for scanning can be distinguished from the mount. A mount carrier unit characterized by being configured. 2. A mount carrier unit for sequentially transporting mounts stacked and stored in a mount storage box one by one so that images recorded on a film held by each mount are continuously scanned. A dummy mount that has a different shape characteristic from the first and that is transported in the order according to the relative position to the mount in the mount storage box and is subjected to scanning, based on the shape characteristic, A mount carrier unit comprising a first sensor for distinguishing from a mount. 3. The mount carrier unit according to claim 2, wherein the first sensor is disposed closer to the mount storage box than a scanning position. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second sensor for detecting that neither the mount nor the dummy mount is present in the mount storage box based on the shape characteristics of the mount and the dummy mount. The mount carrier unit according to claim 2, wherein 5. A film scanner for sequentially transporting mounts stacked and stored in a mount storage box one by one and continuously scanning an image recorded on a film held in each mount, comprising: a scanning unit; An image obtained by the scanning means having a dummy mount having an appearance characteristic different from that of the dummy mount that is transported in an order according to the relative position to the mount in the mount storage box and is subjected to scanning. An image analyzing means for distinguishing the mount from the mount based on a signal. 6. The film scanner according to claim 5, wherein the image analysis unit can detect that both the mount and the dummy mount have disappeared in the mount storage box.