JP2002277975A - Image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the breakage of a diffusion box with a simple constitution. SOLUTION: A photographic film 23 is held by a film carrier 34. Besides, the film carrier 34 has a shape corresponding to the kind of the photographic film 23. The film carrier 34 is attachably/detachably loaded to a carrier loading part 37. The carrier loading part 37 is provided with a movable base member 39 for moving the photographic film 23 to a prescribed reading position. The diffusion box 27 is exchangeably attached to a prescribed reference installation position. The diffusion box 27 has a shape corresponding to the kind of the photographic film 23. A slide control plate 46 is a metallic plate which is vertical to the sliding direction of the carrier loading member 39 and having almost the same width as that of the diffusion box 27.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus, and more particularly to an image reading apparatus for reading an image from a plurality of types of photographic films.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an image reading apparatus, an image recorded on a photographic film is read after being separated into R, G, and B component colors, and image data obtained by reading is subjected to various correction processes and the like. What transmits to an image processing part, an image recording part, etc. is known. Such an image reading apparatus has a film carrier which is detachably attached to the apparatus main body and holds a photographic film, and a light guide for diffusing light emitted from a light source to the photographic film held by the film carrier. And a diffusion box.

As a photographic film to be read, 135 is used.
Type, IX240 type, 120 type, 220 type and the like, and a dedicated film carrier is prepared for each of them. Also recently,
There has been proposed a type in which a single film carrier is provided with a plurality of transport paths and these are switched and used. Also,
With the exchange of the film carrier, the diffusion box has also been exchanged for one having a size compatible with this.

[0004] The film carrier has a transport path and a reading opening corresponding to the type of the photographic film. These film carriers are detachably mounted on a workbench of the image reading apparatus, and a photographic film is set thereon. On the workbench,
A film carrier support is provided, and a corresponding photo film carrier is mounted via the film carrier support. The diffusion box also has a shape and a structure corresponding to the type of the photo film, and the diffusion box corresponding to the photo film to be read is exchangeably mounted on the main body side of the image reading apparatus.

[0005]

In the image reading apparatus as described above, for example, if a 135-size photographic film carrier is erroneously set with a brownie-size photographic film diffusion box mounted,
The diffusion box may come into contact with the film carrier and be damaged. Therefore, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-2943, there has been proposed an image reading apparatus that prevents damage by retracting a diffusion box. However, when the diffusion box is retracted, the structure becomes complicated, so that there is a disadvantage that the number of parts is large and the cost is high.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image reading apparatus which has a simple structure and prevents a diffusion box from being damaged.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an image reading apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that a diffusion box and a film carrier can be exchanged according to the type of a photographic film. At the time of mounting movement of the film carrier, a passage opening is formed to allow passage of the diffusion box protruding from the workbench, and the diffusion box is provided with a slide restricting member along the film carrier mounting path,
The slide regulating member allows the slide of only the conforming film carrier, and regulates the slide of the non-conforming film carrier.

The slide regulating member is formed slightly smaller than the passage opening of a suitable film carrier,
It is preferable to prevent the mounting movement of the incompatible film carrier. Further, it is preferable that the film carrier includes a carrier slide member, is slidably attached to the worktable via the carrier slide member, and the passage opening is formed in the carrier slide member.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a digital lab system provided with an image reading device embodying the present invention. The digital lab system 10 includes an image reading device 11 for reading an image from a photographic film, an input device 13 including an image processing device 12 for performing image processing such as various corrections on the read image data, and R, G, and B laser light sources. And a laser printer section 14 having a modulation section, and an output device 16 including a processor section 15 for performing various development processes.

The image reading apparatus 11 is for reading an image (frame) recorded on a photographic film such as a negative film or a reversal film. For example, in addition to a 135-size photographic film and an IX240-size photographic film, , 110 size, 120 and 220 size (Brownie size), etc. The image reading apparatus 11 can also read a photographic film on a slide mount by using a dedicated mount carrier.

The image processing device 12 performs image processing such as various corrections on the image data output from the image reading device 11, and outputs the image data to the laser printer 1
4 is output. The laser printer unit 14 includes a laser light source and a modulation unit. The modulation unit modulates each laser from the laser light source based on recording image data, and scans and exposes photographic paper with the modulated light to record an image. The processor unit 15 performs color developing, bleach-fixing, washing, and drying processes on the photographic printing paper that has been scanned and exposed, and performs development processing. Thus, an image is formed on the printing paper.

FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing the overall configuration of the image reading apparatus. The image reading device 11 includes a light source 21 including an LED or the like. The light source 21 includes R, G,
B and infrared (IR) LEDs are arranged in a matrix, and are radiated toward the photographic film 23. Note that a metal halide lamp, a halogen lamp, or the like may be used as the light source 21.

On the light emission side of the light source 21, a cylindrical diffusion box 27 and a diffusion plate 28 arranged at the upper end opening of the diffusion box 27 are arranged in order along the optical axis L. The diffusion box 27 includes four flat mirrors surrounding the optical axis L. The flat mirror arranged in the width direction of the photo film 23 has a trapezoidal shape with a long lower side. The flat mirror arranged in the feed direction of the photo film 23 is formed in a rectangular shape. Thereby, the diffusion box 27 is shaped so that the cross-sectional area is gradually reduced from the bottom to the top. The illumination light from the light source 21 is diffused by these mirrors and the diffusion plate 28, and the photographic film 23 is illuminated with uniform illumination light having no light amount unevenness.

The diffusion box 27 has a size corresponding to the image size of the photo film 23, and the diffusion box 27 corresponding to the type of the photo film 23 is attached to the work table 29 of the image reading apparatus 11 in a replaceable manner. In FIG. 2, a diffusion box 27 for a 120-size photographic film 23 is attached. The diffusion box for reading 135 size photographic film is smaller than that used for 120 size. The diffusion box 27 is attached to the work table 29 via a metal plate bracket 30 and the light source housing 3.
It is attached to 1. The light source 2 has a light source 2
1 is arranged.

The imaging lens unit 32 and the image area sensor 33 are arranged along the optical axis L on the opposite side of the photographic film 23 from the light source 21.
The imaging lens unit 32 forms an image of the image frame 23 a recorded on the photographic film 23 on the light receiving surface of the image area sensor 33. Further, the imaging lens unit 32 is configured to be movable along the optical axis L by a lens motor (not shown), whereby the magnification is changed. Also,
Focusing is performed by changing the distance (conjugate length) between the photo film 23 and the image area sensor 33. Although the imaging lens unit 32 shows only a single lens, the imaging lens unit 32 may be a plurality of zoom lenses.

The image area sensor 33 includes R, G, B
The CCD cells are arranged in a matrix, and image data of three colors is sent to the image processing device 12. The image data may be decomposed into three-color image data by a beam splitter or the like, and each image data may be obtained from each of the three-color image area sensors.

A film carrier 34 is removably mounted on a work table 29 of the image reading apparatus 11 via a carrier mounting portion 37. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a 120-size film carrier. As shown in FIG. 3, a film transport mechanism (not shown) is provided in the film carrier 34, and transports the photographic film 23. An opening 35 is provided on the upper surface of the film carrier 34. Above the opening 35, an imaging lens unit 32 and an image area sensor 33 are arranged to read an image on the photographic film 23.

The film carrier 34 is a photographic film 23.
Of the photo film 2 to be read.
It is selected and used according to the three types. Therefore, the film carrier 34 and the diffusion box 27 must always be used in combination with those corresponding to the same type of photographic film 23. Further, the various film carriers 34 are configured to be detachable from the carrier mounting portion 37.

As shown in FIG. 2, a diffusion box 27 is attached to the work table 29 via a bracket 30 so as to protrude from the work table 29. Carrier mounting part 3
7 is a base member 38 attached to the work table 29,
The movable base member 3 that slides on the base member 38
9.

As shown in FIG. 4, the base member 38 has an opening 38a and a guide rod 38b. Opening 3
8a is formed at the center of the base member 38, and the diffusion box 27 protrudes from the opening 38a. The guide rods 38b are arranged on both sides of the opening 38a so as to slide and guide the movable base member 39. A lock member (not shown) is provided on the upper surface of the base member 38, and fixes the movable base member 39 to the base member 38.

On the upper surface of the movable base member 39, a mounting hole 40 for mounting various film carriers 34 is provided.
A fitting projection (not shown) protruding from the lower part of the fourth fitting 4 is fitted. An opening 39a is formed in the center of the movable base member 39 for disposing the diffusion box 27 so as to protrude. Further, a dual-purpose carrier provided with two transport paths for transporting the photo film can be mounted. In this case,
The type of photo film can be switched by sliding.

A slide regulating plate 46 is integrally provided at the tip of the bracket 30. This slide regulating plate 4
6 is formed by bending perpendicularly to the sliding direction, and is formed in a size slightly larger than the diffusion box 27.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. The read image of the photo film 23 is conveyed on the optical axis, stops at a predetermined position, and the light source 21 emits light. Irradiation light from the light source 21 passes through the diffusion box 27 and the diffusion plate 28 and irradiates the photographic film 23. The irradiation light transmitted through the photographic film 23 is imaged by the imaging lens unit 32 and read as image information by the image area sensor 33. The read image information is transmitted to the image processing device 12. The image processing device 12 creates recording image data after the image processing, and sends it to the output device 16. The output device 16 performs printing based on the recording image data.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the movable base member 39 is fixed to the base member 38. However, even if the movable base member 39 is unlocked by mistake and the movable base member 39 is slid. As shown in FIG. 6, a slide regulating plate 46 is provided.
6 contacts the side surface of the opening 39a of the movable base member 39, thereby preventing the diffusion box 27 from being damaged.

In the above embodiment, the slidable movable base member 39 is provided, and the film carrier 34 is mounted on the movable base member 39. However, the film carrier 34 may be mounted directly on the work table 29. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the film carrier, and FIG. 8 is a front view showing the shape of the film carrier.

As shown in FIG. 7, the carrier mounting portion 51
Is for mounting the film carrier 52. On the upper surface of the carrier mounting portion 51, two rows of slide rails 5 are provided.
1a is provided, and the film carrier 52 is slidably mounted. An opening 5 is provided between the slide rails 51a.
1b is provided to make the diffusion box 53 protrude. A stopper (not shown) is provided on the slide rail 51a to stop the film carrier 51 at a predetermined position.

On the bottom surface of the 120-size film carrier 52, a passage groove 52a of the diffusion box 53 and two slide grooves (not shown) are provided on both sides so as to sandwich the passage groove 52a. I have. The slide groove is formed at a position corresponding to the slide rail 51a,
The film carrier 52 is fitted on and guided by the slide rail 51a, thereby enabling the film carrier 52 to move in the direction of the slide rail 51a. The passage groove 52a is opened at the rear end face of the film carrier 52, and allows the diffusion box 53 to pass along with the movement of the film carrier 52.
The diffusion box 53 can be positioned at the reading opening 52b. The passage groove 52a is formed corresponding to the size of the diffusion box corresponding to the photographic film.
The passage groove 52a for the 20 size is the largest, and decreases in the order of 135 size and IX240 size. The photo film is transported in a direction perpendicular to the slide groove, and the frame to be read is positioned in the reading opening.

In front of the diffusion box 53, a slide regulating plate 54 is formed so as to protrude integrally with the bracket 55. The slide restricting plate 54 has substantially the same shape as the diffusion box 53 when viewed from the front, and is slightly larger in size than the diffusion box. Since the film carrier 52 is smaller than the passage groove 52a, even if the film carrier 52 is slid to be loaded, the film carrier 52 is allowed to slide, and the film carrier 52 can be set at the use position. As a result, the 120-size film carrier 52 can be mounted on the carrier mounting portion 51 on which the 120-size diffusion box 53 is mounted.
Image reading is performed normally.

When a film carrier corresponding to a photographic film of 135 size or IX 240 size having a passage groove smaller than the passage groove 52a is to be slid, the slide regulating plate 54 is larger than the passage groove 52a. The regulating plate 54 comes into contact with the side surface of the film carrier 52 and cannot slide deeper than the sliding regulating plate 54. Therefore, the diffusion box 53 does not come into contact with the side surface of the film carrier 52, so that the diffusion box 53 can be prevented from being damaged.

In the above embodiment, the embodiment using the diffusion box 27 corresponding to the photo film 23 of 120 size has been described. However, the size of the photo film to be used is not limited, and the other 220 size, 135 size, It may be a diffusion box and a film carrier corresponding to a photographic film of IX240 size, 110 size, or the like.

Although the film carrier 34 corresponds to one type of photographic film, a film carrier corresponding to a plurality of types of photographic films may be used. At this time, two film transport paths for transporting 135 size and IX 240 size photo films may be provided. Also,
In the above-described embodiment, the automatic carrier in which the image reading is started when the photo film is set on the film carrier has been described, but this may be carried out on a manual carrier.

[0032]

As described above, according to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the diffusion box and the film carrier can be exchanged according to the type of the photographic film. At the time of the mounting movement, a passage opening is formed to allow the diffusion box protruding from the worktable to pass therethrough, and the diffusion box is provided with a slide restricting member along a mounting path of the film carrier. Since only the slide is allowed and the slide of the non-conforming film carrier is regulated, the film carrier contacts the vertical surface of the regulating member before contacting the diffusion box. Of course, in the case of a combination that does not contact the diffusion box, the vertical surface of the regulating member does not hinder the movement of the film carrier. This makes it possible to prevent the breakage of the diffusion box with a simple structure.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital lab system including an image reading device embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an overall configuration of the image reading apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a film carrier.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a carrier mounting portion.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a carrier mounting portion.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a carrier mounting portion.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the image reading apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a diffusion box and a slide regulating plate.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 digital laboratory system 11 image reading device 27, 53 diffusion box 34, 52 film carrier 37, 51 carrier mounting portion 38 base member 39 movable base member 46, 54 slide regulating plate

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2H106 AA32 AB35 BA07 BA11 5B047 AA05 BA01 BB04 BC05 BC09 BC11 BC16 BC18 BC30 5C062 AA01 AB03 AB17 AB32 AB33 AD05 AD06 AE03 BA00 5C072 AA01 BA13 CA05 CA07 DA02 DA04 DA16 NA10 EA05 NA08 XA10

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A film carrier is slid on a worktable and mounted at a use position, and light from a light source is diffused by a diffusion box protruding from the worktable to a mounting movement path of the film carrier. In an image reading apparatus for illuminating a photographic film and reading an image from the photographic film, the diffusion box and the film carrier are configured to be exchangeable according to the type of the photographic film, and the film carrier is mounted on the film carrier. When moving, a passage opening is formed to allow the diffusion box protruding from the worktable to pass therethrough, and the diffusion box is provided with a slide regulating member along a mounting path of the film carrier, and the slide regulating member is adapted. The slide of the non-conforming film carrier is allowed, allowing only the film carrier to slide. Image reading apparatus characterized by regulating the. 2. The slide restricting member is formed to be slightly smaller than a passage opening of a suitable film carrier,
2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a mounting movement of the non-conforming film carrier is prevented. 3. The film carrier includes a carrier slide member, is slidably attached to a worktable via the carrier slide member, and the passage opening is formed in the carrier slide member. The image reading device according to claim 1.