JP2003005300A - Mount carrier unit and film scanner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly scan a mount related to a lot of orders without complicated work and to accurately discriminate between the mount and a dummy mount. SOLUTION: An output signal having a pattern which differs depending on whether the mount or the dummy mount is transported is outputted from a photocoupler 54 along with the driving of a mount pusher pawl 23 on the basis of the difference in shape between the mount and the dummy mount subjected to scanning. A detection signal indicating whether the mount or the dummy mount is transported or neither of the mount nor the dummy mount is transported following the driving of the mount pusher pawl 23 is outputted from the photocoupler 59. These two output signals are used to detect whether the mount is transported or not, whether the dummy mount is transported or not, or whether neither of the mount nor the dummy mount is transported by the driving of the mount pusher pawl 23 with high accuracy.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mount carrier unit used to convey a mount holding a film and a film scanner used to scan the film held by the mount.

[0002]

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

[0003]

The film scanner described above accurately and efficiently captures an image recorded on a film (usually a positive film) for one frame held on a mount (usually a mount) made of paper or plastic. A mount carrier unit for transporting the mount to the film scanning position may be attached for automatic reading.

An example of such a mount carrier unit is
It is described in JP-A No. 11-112714. The mount carrier unit described in this publication has mount storage boxes (stockers) 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 while being clamped by the roller pair in the carrier main body, it is conveyed to the other mount storage box through the scanning position together with the carrier main body and stored inside it. .

When the mounts for a plurality of orders are to be collectively scanned by a film scanner to which the mount carrier unit as described above is attached, one mount is mounted so that the mounts for a plurality of orders form one stack. It can be stored together in the mount storage box. However, according to the technique of the above publication, it is not possible to determine the order division, so if the mounts related to a plurality of orders are put together in one mount storage box, an index print may be created for each order. , It becomes impossible to sort prints for each order.

Therefore, when it is necessary to create an index print for each order, the index print is set to 1 for each.
Multiple mount storage boxes containing the mounts for an order are exchanged each time the mounts are used up, and then mounted on the scanner in sequence, or the next 1 order after the mounts for one order in the mount storage boxes are exhausted. Either mount the minute mount in the box. 1 such replacement work and additional mount storage work
When the number of mounts on the order is relatively large, it is not so complicated. However, when the number of mounts per order is small, the mount storage box stores only a very small number of mounts compared to the mountable number, and the mount storage box cannot be effectively used. Therefore, it becomes necessary to perform the above-mentioned work frequently, which is very complicated, and as a result, it takes a lot of time to complete the scanning. Further, even when the print process including the mount scanning is automatically performed, the scanning for one order is immediately completed, so that the operator needs to perform the above-mentioned work thoroughly for the scanner. There is a disadvantage.

[0007] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a mount carrier unit suitable for use in promptly scanning mounts for a plurality of orders without complicated work.

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

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a mount carrier unit according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a scanning means for scanning an image recorded on a film held by a mount, and the scanning means. To sequentially carry the mounts or dummy mounts having different characteristics from the mounts one by one in order according to the relative positions of the mounts in the mount storage box for stacking and storing the mounts for scanning. Of the mounting means and the dummy mount based on the characteristics of the mounting means and the dummy mount, and different patterns depending on the driving of the transportation means when the mount is transported by the transportation means and when the dummy mount is transported. A first sensor capable of outputting a detection result, and the first sensor Based on the output signal of the capacitors, or by the conveying means of the mounting is conveyed, or the dummy mount and a determination means for determining whether the conveyed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a film scanner, which is different from the mount or the mount in order to scan the image recorded on the film held by the mount and the scanning means. Conveyance means for sequentially conveying the dummy mounts having the external characteristics one by one in the order according to the relative positions of the two in a mount storage box for accommodating these layers, and with the driving of the conveyance means. And a determination unit for determining whether the mount is transported by the transport unit or the dummy mount is transported based on the change in the image signal obtained by the scanning unit.

According to the first aspect, the dummy mount can be distinguished from the mount by the first sensor. According to the fifth aspect, the dummy mount can be distinguished from the mount by the determination means. Therefore, according to the inventions of these claims, even when the mounts related to a plurality of orders are stacked and housed in the mount housing box and these are continuously scanned, the dummy mounts are arranged so as to be sandwiched between the order divisions. It is possible to create index prints and sort prints by order just by setting them. Also, since it is possible to store as many mounts as or close to the number that can be stored in the mount storage box, the number of mount storage operations in the mount storage box can be reduced, and these operations can be performed. The complexity associated with the above can be reduced, and the time required to complete scanning can be significantly reduced. Therefore, when performing the automatic processing, it is not necessary for the operator to work on the scanner.

Moreover, in the case of the mount carrier unit according to claim 1, the dummy mount and the mount can be distinguished from each other only by the first sensor, and in the case of the film scanner according to claim 5, a special sensor is used. Since the dummy mount and the mount can be distinguished without each other, the device configuration can be simplified in any case.

Further, in the mount carrier unit according to the first aspect of the present invention, the detection result of a different pattern depending on whether the first sensor is carried by the mount or the dummy mount is driven by the driving of the carrying means. Therefore, if it is possible to detect that the output pattern of the first sensor changes, it can be confirmed that the first sensor is not broken. Similarly, in the case of the film scanner of claim 5, it is determined which one of the mount and the dummy mount has been carried, based on the change in the image signal obtained by the scanning means, so that the change in the image signal is detected. If possible, it is possible to confirm that the scanning means or the like has not failed.

Further, the film scanner according to claim 2 further comprises a second sensor capable of detecting that one of the mount and the dummy mount is at a predetermined position, and the judging means includes: It is characterized in that it is judged whether the mount is carried by the carrying means or the dummy mount is carried based on the output signals of the first sensor and the second sensor.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine which mount has been transported by considering not only the output signal of the first sensor but also the output signal of the second sensor, so that a more accurate determination can be made. Is possible.

Further, in the film scanner according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the first sensor, the case where the mount is carried by the carrying means and the case where the dummy mount is carried are carried based on the shapes of the mount and the dummy mount. It is possible to output a detection result of a different pattern depending on the driving of the transporting means.

According to the third aspect, the first sensor outputs the detection results of different patterns based on the shapes of the mount and the dummy mount, so that the structure of the first sensor can be simplified.

Also, in the mount carrier unit of the present invention, the first sensor is based on the characteristics of the mount and the dummy mount when the mount is carried by the carrying means and when the dummy mount is carried. It may be possible to output the detection result of a different pattern depending on the driving of the transporting device depending on whether the transporting device is driven or not. On the other hand, in the film scanner of the present invention, the judging means determines whether the mount is carried by the carrying means based on the change of the image signal obtained by the scanning means accompanying the driving of the carrying means, or the dummy. It may be determined whether the mount has been transported, or neither.

According to this structure, not only the dummy mount and the mount can be distinguished by the first sensor or the judging means, but also it is possible to detect with high accuracy that neither the dummy mount nor the mount is transported.
Therefore, if it is judged that neither of them is conveyed, there is almost no problem even if the film scanner is automatically stopped, and it is possible to prevent the film scanner from being stopped automatically even if one of them is conveyed. Can be prevented. In addition, in such a mount carrier unit, it is possible to detect a failure of the first sensor and / or the second sensor with high accuracy, as will be apparent from the description given below.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a film scanner including a mount carrier unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A mount carrier unit 2 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 12 and 1 mounted near the both ends of the main body 11, respectively.
3 and 3. Two mount storage boxes 1
2 and 13 are one (right side) mount storage box 12
Is the mount discharge side, and the other (left side) mount storage box 13 is the mount receiving side. In other words, the mount stored in the mount storage box 12 is
The sheets 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 arranged, and an image pickup unit (scanning means) 4 including a CCD line sensor 68 (see FIG. 18) is arranged below the mount carrier unit 2. Further, the film scanner 1 is provided with a personal computer 5 for performing various processes, a display 6 and a keyboard 7 connected to the personal computer 5, and the like. It should be noted that the film scanner 1 includes a print head 69 (FIG. 18) for digitally exposing photographic paper.
A printer processor (not shown) having a processor for performing development, a sorter 70 (see FIG. 18) for sorting developed prints, and the like.

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, 13
The structure of will be described with reference to FIGS. Figure 2
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 of the vicinity of the lower end of the mount storage box 13 on the mount receiving side. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the dummy mount housed in the mount housing boxes 12 and 13 together with the mount.

As shown in FIG. 2, a mount 8 holding a positive film on which an image is recorded and a dummy mount not holding a positive film are provided in a mount storage box 12 formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape. 9 and 9 are stored so as to be stacked. Both the mount 8 and the dummy mount 9 have substantially square outer shapes, and have substantially the same size and thickness. However, as shown in FIG. 5, a cutout 9a is provided near the center of each side of the outer periphery between the corners 9c of the dummy mount 9, and a circular shape is provided near the center of the dummy mount 9. The opening 9b is provided. In this way, the dummy mount 9 has four notches 9
The provision of “a” makes it possible to detect the notch 9a by the lever 53 (see FIG. 9) described later, regardless of the direction in which the dummy mount 9 is stored in the mount storage box 12 in the up, down, left, or right direction. This is because.

In the mount storage box 12, the mounts 8 are stacked together for each order, and one dummy mount 9 is arranged at each partition position of the mounts 8 for one order. A weight (weight) 14 that can move up and down freely is arranged above the stacked mounts 8 and dummy mounts 9 and presses the mounts 8 and dummy mounts 9 downward. Although the lower end portion of the mount storage box 12 is closed, a mount discharge port 12a is provided in a portion adjacent to the lower end portion of the side wall on the mount storage box 13 side. The mount outlet 12a has a height of about one mount. Further, a mount push-out pawl (conveying means) 23 (see FIG. 6) provided on the main body 11 is provided 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 (see FIG. 6). A hole 12b is provided to allow access to and from the interior. As a result, the mount 8 and the dummy mount 9 housed in the mount housing box 12 are pushed out by the mount push-out claws 23 in order from the lowest one and discharged.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the mount 8 is mounted in the mount storage box 13 formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape.
The dummy mount 9 can be housed so that they are stacked on each other. Mount storage box 13
The upper part is slightly inclined in the direction away from the mount storage box 12. And mount storage box 13
Of the pair of side walls 13a and 13b facing each other, 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 a few mounts. As a result, the mount storage box 13
A receiving port 13c for receiving the mount 8 and the dummy mount 9 is formed below the side wall 13a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the lower end portions of the pair of side walls 13a, 13b of the mount storage box 13 facing each other are hollowed out in the vicinity of the center thereof, and there are mount holding pieces (stoppers) therein. 16 and 17 are support shafts 16 on one end side at the lower ends of the side walls 13a and 13b, respectively.
They are respectively swingably supported about a and 17a. Further, the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 are provided on the side walls 13a and 13b, respectively, on the outer sides of the recessed portions.
Spring plates 18 and 19 for restricting the swing angle of the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 are attached so as not to project to the outside. On the other hand, the mount holding pieces 16, 17 and the side walls 13a, 1
Due to interference with 3b, the mount holding pieces 16, 17 are
The angle of the one surface 16b, 17b with respect to the horizontal plane does not exceed a predetermined angle (substantially equal to the inclination angle of the side wall 13a) so as not to swing away from the spring plates 18, 19. That is, the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 are in the inner position (holding position) corresponding to the predetermined angle due to their own weight when the external force is not applied (the force from above is applied to the surfaces 16b and 17b). The same applies when the surfaces 16b and 17b are opposed to each other, and the surfaces 16c and 17c facing the surfaces 16b and 17b are in the outer position (passing position) where they are in contact with the spring plates 18 and 19 when a force is applied from below. When the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 are in the outer position, the mount holding piece 1
The thickness of 6 and 17 is almost absorbed by the thickness of the side walls 13a and 13b. Therefore, in this state, the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 hardly project from the inner side 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. 8 is shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the portion depicted in FIG. FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. FIG. 11 shows the mount carrier unit 2
FIG. 6 is a side view for explaining an elevating mechanism of a discharge roller included in the main body portion 11 of FIG. FIG. 12 is a side view for explaining the elevating mechanism of the discharge roller viewed from the direction orthogonal to FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a perspective view for explaining an elevating mechanism and a rotating mechanism of the discharge roller. FIG. 14 is a side view for explaining an elevating mechanism of the mount base included in the main body 11 of the mount carrier unit 2. Figure 1
5 is a perspective view thereof.

As shown in FIG. 6, the main body 11 is provided with a movable plate 25 holding a movable base 24 having an opening 24a formed in a portion other than the edge portion. The mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) ejected from the mount storage box 12 is placed on the moving table 24. The mount 8 mounted on the moving table 24 includes a pair of arms 29 a and 29 b supported by the moving plate 25.
Two mounting press rollers 26 attached to the tip of the
The moving table 2 is pressed down from above by a and 26b.
It doesn't move easily on the 4th. Note that FIG.
In, the illustration of the root portion of the arm 29b is omitted.

In the moving plate 25, the ball screw 28 is driven to rotate by the pulse motor 27,
It can move horizontally along the rails 20a and 20b. The moving table 24 is assembled and adjusted using an assembling jig so as to move in a direction (sub-scanning direction) perpendicular to the main scanning direction of the 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 placed at a position adjacent to the moving table 24 and slightly higher than the moving table 24. A flat plate-shaped insertion stocker mounting plate 21 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 a belt 22d hung on the pulleys 22b and 22c
And an ejection pawl drive mechanism 22 including a pawl holding member 22e supported by the belt 22d. The push-out pawl drive mechanism 22 holds the mount push-out pawl 23 arranged on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21 by the pawl holding member 22e. As a result, the mount push-out pawl 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 (first sensor) 54, which is a sensor in which the light receiving portion 54b and the light receiving portion 54b face each other, and a lever 53 that is rotatable around the shaft 52 are disposed. The top portion 53a on one end side of the lever 53 is provided with the insertion stocker mounting plate 2
It is located at a position corresponding to the hole 21a provided in No. 1. Also,
The hole 21a is provided at a position corresponding to the cutout 9a of the dummy mount 9 housed in the mount housing box 12. The lever 53 is biased by a coil spring (not shown) supported by the shaft 52 so that the top portion 53a moves upward. Further, the other end side portion 53b of the lever 53 is bent so as to pass between the light emitting portion 54a and the light receiving portion 54b of the photocoupler 54 when the top portion 53a of the lever 53 projects from the hole 21a. It extends in the same direction as the shaft 52.

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, at the lowermost position of the mount storage box 12). When the dummy mount 9 is housed or when neither the mount 8 nor the dummy mount 9 is housed), the top portion 53a of the lever 53 and the cutout 9a of the dummy mount 9 face each other, so that the hole 21a The top portion 53a of the lever 53 projects, and the light traveling from the light emitting portion 54a to the light receiving portion 54b is blocked by the portion 53b of the lever 53 (this state is referred to as the "detection off state" of the photocoupler 54). On the other hand, when the mount 8 is mounted on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21 (that is, when the mount 8 is located at the lowest position in the mount storage box 12), the top portion 53a of the lever 53 is pressed by the mount 8. The top portion 53a of the lever 53 does not project from the hole 21a, and the light traveling from the light emitting portion 54a to the light receiving portion 54b is not blocked by the portion 53b of the lever 53 (this state is referred to as "detection ON state" of the photocoupler 54). ).

However, when the push-out pawl driving mechanism 22 is driven and the push-out pawl 23 causes the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 at the lowermost position of the mount storage box 12 to start moving toward the moving table 24, and after a while, the insertion stocker is mounted. The signal output from the light receiving unit 54b may change depending on what is placed on the placing plate 21.
That is, when the dummy mount 9 is mounted on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21, the dummy mount 9 is moved in the arrow direction by the pushing claw 23, as shown by the solid line in FIG. From the state where the top portion 53a of the lever 53 and the notch 9a of the dummy mount 9 face each other,
As indicated by the broken line, the top portion 53a of the lever 53 and the corner portion 9c of the dummy mount 9 face each other. Then, the top portion 53a of the lever 53 is pushed down, the top portion 53a of the lever 53 does not project from the hole 21a, and the light traveling from the light emitting portion 54a to the light receiving portion 54b is not blocked by the portion 53b of the lever 53. Then, along with this, the photocoupler 54 changes from the detection OFF state to the detection ON state (that is, the output signal of the light receiving unit 54b changes from OFF to ON).

On the other hand, when the mount 8 is mounted on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21, even if the mount 8 driven by the pushing claw 23 moves in the direction of the arrow, the solid line and the broken line in FIG. As shown, the top portion 53a of the lever 53
Remains facing the mount 8, and thus the photocoupler 54 remains in the detection ON state and does not change. Similarly,
Even when neither the mount 8 nor the dummy mount 9 is mounted on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21, the photocoupler 54 remains in the detection off state and does not change even when the pushing claw 23 is driven.

The output signal of the light receiving portion 54b is supplied to the controller 61 (see FIG. 18) in the personal computer 5.
Is supplied to the push-out claw 2 in the controller 61.
It is determined whether the mount 8 has been transported along with the driving of No. 3, the dummy mount 9 has been transported, or none of them has been transported.

As described above, in the mount carrier unit 2 according to the present embodiment, the mount 8 is provided on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21 and the dummy mount 9 is provided based on only the change in the output signal of the light receiving portion 54b. It is possible to output a signal that distinguishes between the case where there is neither the mount 8 nor the dummy mount 9. That is, if the photocoupler 54 remains in the detection ON state as the push-out pawl 23 is driven, the mount 8 is mounted on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21.
If the photocoupler 54 changes from the detection-off state to the detection-on state with the driving of the pushing claw 23, it means that the dummy mount 9 was present on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21, and If the photocoupler 54 remains in the detection off state as the pawl 23 is driven, neither the mount 8 nor the dummy mount 9 is present on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21.

Further, as shown in FIG.
A photocoupler (second sensor) 59, which is a sensor in which a light emitting portion 59a and a light receiving portion 59b are arranged so as to face each other, and a lever 58 which is rotatable around a shaft 57, are provided at a position adjacent to. It is arranged. A top portion 58a on one end side of the lever 58 is located at a position corresponding to a hole (not shown) provided in the moving table 24. This hole is provided at a position corresponding to the vicinity of the corners 9c of the mount 8 and the dummy mount 9 placed on the movable table 24. The lever 58 has a shaft 5
The top portion 5 is supported by a coil spring (not shown) supported by 7.
8a is biased in a direction of moving upward. Also,
The portion 58b on the other end side of the lever 58 is provided with a photo coupler 59 when the top portion 58a of the lever 58 does not project from the hole.
It is bent so as to pass between the light emitting portion 59a and the light receiving portion 59b, and extends in the same direction as the shaft 57.

Therefore, when either the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is placed on the movable table 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 so that the top portion 58 of the lever 58 is pushed through the hole 24a.
The light that goes from the light emitting portion 59a to the light receiving portion 59b without the protrusion of a is blocked by the portion 58b of the lever 58. on the other hand,
When neither the mount 8 nor the dummy mount 9 is placed on the moving table 24, the lever 5 is inserted through the hole 24a.
8. The top portion 58a of 8 projects from the light emitting portion 59a to the light receiving portion
The light toward b is not blocked by the portion 58b of the lever 58. As described above, in the mount carrier unit 2 of the present embodiment, the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is mounted on the movable table 24 based on the output signal of the light receiving section 59b.
It is possible to distinguish between the case where N is mounted and the case where neither of these is mounted. Then, the output signal of the light receiving unit 59b is supplied to the controller 61 in the personal computer 5.

Therefore, as will be described in detail later, in the present embodiment, the change pattern of the output signal from the light receiving portion 54b of the photocoupler 54 in accordance with the driving of the pushing claw 23 and the light receiving portion 59b of the photocoupler 59. By combining the output signal and the controller 61 to judge, the moving table 24
The case where the mount 8 is placed on the top, the case where the dummy mount 9 is placed, and the case where none of these are placed can be more accurately distinguished. .

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 portions 54b and 59b. Even when the mounts 8 according to 1 are stacked and housed, and these are continuously scanned, the dummy mounts 9 may be arranged so as to be sandwiched between order marks, and the printer processor connected to the film scanner 1 It is possible to create index prints and sort prints by order. Also,
Since it is possible to store as many mounts 8 as or close to the number of mountable mounts in the mount storing box 12, it is possible to reduce the number of mount storing operations in the mount storing box 12, It is possible to reduce the complexity involved in the work, and to significantly reduce the time required to complete the scanning. Therefore, in the case of performing the automatic processing, the operator needs to operate the film scanner 1
It is no longer necessary to do the work on the fly. Further, when the mount 8 disappears from the mount storage box 12, it is possible to detect this and automatically stop the film scanner 1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in the portion on the lower surface of the main body 11 on the moving path of the moving table 24, the light emitted from the light source unit 3 and transmitted through the film is picked up by the image pickup unit 4.
There is a slit 30 for supplying The slits 30 are oriented in the element array direction (main scanning direction) according to the position of the CCD line sensor 68 (see FIG. 18) arranged in the image pickup section 4.

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIGS. 11 to 13, when the moving plate 25 is at the leftmost position on the opposite side of the insertion stocker mounting plate 21 with the slit 30 interposed therebetween, A plate-shaped mount base 31 on which the mount storage box 13 is placed is arranged at an adjacent position. Between the right end of the mount 31 and the slit 30, a pair of discharge rollers 33a and 33b whose surfaces are subjected to ceramic coating for slipping are arranged. The discharge rollers 33a and 33b extend perpendicularly to the moving direction of the moving plate 25 and are fixed to a shaft 32 that is vertically movable.

Both ends of the shaft 32 are connected to a substantially U-shaped arm 40 and the open end thereof, respectively. The arm 40 is rotatably supported by a shaft 42 parallel to the shaft 32 on the left side of the open end. Furthermore, 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 this hole 40a. The link member 44 is the shaft 4
The shaft 37 is rotatably supported by a shaft 37 extending to the left of the shaft 2 and in parallel with the shaft 37, 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 that extends perpendicularly to the shafts 37 and 42, and the other end thereof is located below the solenoid 45. The other end of the link member 43 is pressed by a pin 45a protruding downward from the lower end of the solenoid 45 when the switch of the solenoid 45 is turned on.

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

Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 13, the shaft 42 supports the gear 42a and the pulley 49 at one end thereof. The gear 42a is the shaft 32
It meshes with the gear 32a supported by. A round belt 51 is stretched around the pulley 49. Further, the round belt 51 is also stretched around a pulley 47 supported by the ball screw 28 and pulleys 48 and 50 for compensating for the height difference between the two pulleys 47 and 49. Therefore, when the ball screw 28 is rotated to move the moving plate 25, the rotation of the ball screw 28 causes the pulleys 47, 48 to move.
Transmission from 49 and 50 to the shaft 42 and the shaft 32 causes the discharge rollers 33a and 33b to rotate.

The discharging rollers 33a and 33b move upward by controlling the solenoid 45 as described above when the scanning is completed and the moving plate 25 approaches the left side position. Then, the discharge roller 33
a and 33b come into contact with the lower surface of the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 pressed from above by the mount pressing rollers 26a and 26b, and output the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 on the movable table 24 by its own rotation. To send to the left. As a result, the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 that has finished scanning is placed on the mount base 31.

Thus, the mount carrier unit 2
Since the discharge rollers 33a and 33b can be moved up and down, the discharge rollers 33a and 33b can be operated until the scanning is completed.
It is possible to shorten the distance between the scanning position, which is the slit 30, and the discharge rollers 33a and 33b, while preventing the contact with the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9. Therefore, mount carrier unit 2
Has a small size in the feeding direction (horizontal direction) of the mount 8 and is small in size. Moreover, the discharge rollers 33a and 33b do not have a bad influence due to contact with the mount 8 during scanning, and a high quality image is obtained. The data can be obtained.

In the mount carrier unit 2,
The drive source for the discharge rollers 33a and 33b to feed the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 to the mount base 31,
One pulse motor 2 that is the same as the drive source for transporting the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 to the scanning position
7 Therefore, the mechanism for rotating the discharge rollers 33a and 33b is greatly simplified.

In the mount carrier unit 2,
As shown in FIG. 7, the mount base 31 is located below the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 and is located inside.
From the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 which is the lowest in the mount storage box 13 and is held by 6 and 17, about 2.5 mounts of the mount 8 on the mount holding piece 16 side and the mount 8 on the mount holding piece 17 side It is arranged so as to be separated by about 1.5 sheets of 8 sheets. Therefore, the discharge roller 33
Even when the surfaces a and 33b are slippery, the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 can be delivered onto the mount base 31 with a relatively small feeding force.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 6, 14 and 15, the mount base 31 is normally mounted on the upper surface of the mount base 31 with respect to the shaft 34 which is parallel to the shaft 37 and located on the left side of the shaft 37. Is rotatably supported so that it becomes a horizontal plane. Also, on both sides of the mount base 31,
Push-up levers 35a and 35b are arranged. The push-up levers 35a and 35b are rotatably supported by the shaft 37 so that the push-up levers 35a and 35b normally extend in the horizontal direction. The shaft 37 includes a motor 38 arranged on the side of the mount base 31, and an eccentric pin 3
6, the link member 39 and the arm 41 are connected. Further, the gear 34 a arranged at one end of the shaft 34 has a gear 37 a arranged at one end of the shaft 37.
It meshes with a.

Therefore, when the motor 38 is rotated, the shaft 34 rotates via the eccentric pin 36, the link member and the arm 41, and at the same time, the shaft 37 rotates via the gears 34a and 37a. Along with this, 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. Along with this inclination, the mount base 31 and the push-up lever 35
The mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 supported by the a and 35b from below is the mount storage box 13 located above.
Move inside.

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 the outer position (passing position) 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 base 31 and the push-up levers 35a and 35b passes through the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 and moves upward. Then, the mount 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 base 31 and the push-up levers 35a and 35b return to the horizontal position. Then, the mount 8 and the dummy mount 9 housed in the mount housing box 13 are returned to the inner position and the mount holding piece 1 is returned.
The lower end is supported by 6 and 17, and is held inside the mount storage box 13.

As described above, by providing a space for at least one mount between the lower end of the mount held in the mount storage box 13 by the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 and the main body portion 11, the discharge rollers 33a and 33b are provided. Since the feeding force can be reduced, the discharge roller 33
As a mechanism for rotationally driving a and 33b, it is possible to use a simple mechanism including members such as the pulse motor 27 that is shared with the moving plate 25 and the pulleys 47 to 50 as described above. That is, the mount carrier unit 2 is small in size because the mechanism for rotationally driving the discharge rollers 33a and 33b is simplified.

Next, the control system of the film scanner 1 including the mount carrier unit 2 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a main part of the film scanner 1 and a printer processor connected to the film scanner 1. In FIG. 18, a controller 61 (judgment means) included in the personal computer 5 includes hardware such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM controlled by appropriate software. The controller 61 uses the photo couplers 54, 5
Driver 6 of the light receiving portions 54b and 59b of 9, the motor 22a, the pulse motor 27, the motor 38, and the solenoid 45.
3, 64, 65, 66, the timing generator 62 of the CCD line sensor 68, the print head 69 of the printer processor, and the sorter 70, respectively.

The controller 61 includes a photo coupler 5
The signals output from the light receiving units 54b and 59b of 4, 59 are provided, respectively. In the present embodiment, the photo detectors 54b and 59b of the photo couplers 54 and 59 continuously output signals. The controller 61 includes drivers 63 and 6
The drive signals of 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 supplied to the CCD line sensor 68. The 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. The image signal is appropriately processed by the controller 61 and then given to the print head 69 at a predetermined timing. Further, the controller 61 supplies the sorter 70 with a command for sorting the developed printing paper for each order.

Next, a schematic operation of the film scanner 1 including the mount carrier unit 2 according to this embodiment will be described. When the operation of the film scanner 1 is started, first, an output signal from the light receiving portion 54b is given to the controller 61, and it is determined whether the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is present on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21. . At this time, as described above, the controller 61
Makes the above determination based on the change in the output signal pattern of the photocoupler 54 due to the driving of the pushing claw 23. Next, the drive signal of the motor 22a is given from the controller 61 to the driver 63, and the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 located at the bottom in the mount storage box 12 is pushed out onto the movable table 24 by the mount pushing claw 23.

When the output signal from the light receiving section 59b is given to the controller 61, the controller 61
Based on the output signal from the light receiving unit 54b and the output signal from the light receiving unit 59b, it is the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 that has been conveyed onto the movable table 24 by the pushing claw 23, or the movable table. It is determined whether none of the above exists on the 24. As a result, when it is determined that neither the mount 8 nor the dummy mount 9 is present on the movable table 24, the operation of the mount carrier unit 2 is stopped. Further, when there is either the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 on the movable table 24, a drive signal is given to the driver 64 of the pulse motor 27 to cause the movable table 2 to move.
4 starts moving to the left. 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 slower than the speed before and after the slit 30), and the controller 61 causes the timing generator 62 to set a predetermined speed. A command is given. As a result, the image recorded on the film held by the CCD line sensor 68 on the mount 8 can be captured by scanning.

When it is detected that the dummy mount 9 is placed on the movable table 24 by the output signals from the light receiving portions 54b and 59b, it is not necessary to perform scanning, so that the movement is performed. It is preferable to move the movable table 24 without changing the speed. As a result, the processing capability of the mount carrier unit 2 can be increased.

When the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 has passed the scanning position and the movable table 24 has reached the vicinity of 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 roller 33
The 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.
It is fed onto the mount table 31 by 3b.

Then, 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 over the mount holding pieces 16 and 17. The operation timings of the motor 38 and the solenoid 45 are determined by the number of pulses given to the pulse motor 27.

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

Next, details of mount detection using the two photocouplers 54 and 59 in the film scanner 1 including the mount carrier unit 2 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to [Table 1]. In [Table 1], the photo coupler 54 is S1 and the photo coupler 59 is S2.
And the output signal of the photocoupler 54 immediately before the pushing claw 23 is driven and moved from the initial position is S.
1 ', the output signal at the time when the pushing claw 23 is driven and moved to some extent from the initial position is described as S1 ". In addition, in Table 1," ○ "indicates that the detection is on. , “×” indicates that the detection is off.

[0064]

[Table 1]

First, consider the case where it is the mount 8 (normal mount) that is pushed out toward the movable table 24 by the push-out claw 23. In this case, if it is assumed that both S1 and S2 are not malfunctioning and are operating normally (or both S1 and S2 are malfunctioning so as to always output ON), S1 ', S1 ", and
The output signal of S2 is "○", "○", "○" in this order.
Becomes At this time, as in the present embodiment, S1 ', S1
When the controller 61 makes a decision based on the three output signals of "1" and S2, when the controller 61 makes a decision based on only the two output signals of S1 'and S1 ", and In any case where the controller 61 makes a determination based on only two output signals, the controller 61 is
It is determined that the mount 8 is pushed out in the direction of the movable table 24 by 3.

On the other hand, when S1 and / or S2 is out of order (to be precise, when both S1 and S2 are out of order and is operating normally, both S1 and S2 are out of order to always output ON). (Except when and when)
As shown in columns b to d, the output signals of S1 ', S1 ", and S2 are" ○ "," ○ ","
It becomes "x", "x", "x", "○", or "x", "x", "x". In this way, when S1 and / or S2 fails If the controller 61 makes a determination based on the three output signals S1 ', S1 ", and S2 as in the present embodiment, b
The cases shown in the columns and the columns c can be detected as errors (however, the cases such as the column d cannot be detected and no mount is detected).

However, when the controller 61 makes a judgment based on only the two output signals S1 'and S1 ", the push-out pawl 23 pushes the mount in the direction of the movable table 24 in the case shown in column b. It is determined that it is 8, or none of the push claws 23 has pushed out toward the movable table 24 in the case shown in the column c. In addition, only the two output signals S1 'and S2 are included. When the controller 61 makes a determination based on this, it is determined that it is the dummy mount 9 that is pushed out by the push-out pawl 23 toward the moving table 24 in the case shown in column c. When the mount carrier unit 2 is used, it is possible to detect a failure of the photocouplers 54 and 59 as an error with a high probability.

Next, consider a case where it is the dummy mount 9 that is pushed out toward the movable table 24 by the pushing claw 23. In this case, neither S1 nor S2 is operating normally (or S1 is normal and S2
2 has always failed to output ON), as shown in column i, S1 ', S1 ", and S2
The output signals of are “×”, “◯”, and “◯” in this order. At this time, the controller 61 is based on the three output signals S1 ', S1 "and S2 as in the present embodiment.
, The controller 61 makes a decision based only on the two output signals S1 'and S1 ", and the controller 61 makes a decision only based on the two output signals S1' and S2." In either case, the controller 61 determines that it is the dummy mount 9 that is pushed out toward the movable table 24 by the pushing claw 23. In this case, the photocoupler 5 is also used.
Since the output signal of No. 4 was switched from OFF to ON in the middle, it is confirmed that the photocoupler 54 is operating normally.

On the other hand, when S1 and / or S2 are out of order (to be precise, when both S1 and S2 are out of order and are operating normally, S1 is normal and S2 is always ON). Except for the case of failure), as shown in columns e to h and j, S1 ',
The output signals of S1 "and S2 are
○ "," ○ "," ○ "," ○ "," ○ ","
"X", "X", "X", "○", "X", "X", "X", "X", "
In this way, when S1 and / or S2 is defective, the controller is based on the three output signals S1 ', S1 "and S2 as in the present embodiment. When the judgment is made by 61, the cases shown in columns f to g can be detected as an error, and
The case shown in the j column can be detected correctly as a dummy (however, the cases like the e column and the h column cannot be detected, and it is the mount pushed out toward the moving table 24 by the pushing claw 23). 8 or none of the mounts is detected). In the case of column j, the output signal of the photocoupler 54 is switched from OFF to ON in the middle, so that it is confirmed that the photocoupler 54 is operating normally, and the photocoupler 59 is also operated.
Is confirmed to be out of order.

However, when the controller 61 makes a judgment based on only the two output signals S1 'and S1 ", the push-out claw 23 pushes the movable table 24 toward the mount 24 in the case shown in column f. It is judged that it is 8, or in the case shown in the column g, there is nothing pushed out toward the moving table 24 by the pushing claw 23. Further, only two output signals S1 'and S2 are included. When the controller 61 makes a judgment based on this, in the case shown in the column g which should be judged as an error, the pushing claw 2
When it is determined that the dummy mount 9 is pushed out in the direction of the movable table 24 by 3 or the dummy mount 9 can be detected only by S1, as shown in the column j, It is judged that nothing was pushed out to. Therefore, when the mount carrier unit 2 of the present embodiment is used, the failure of the photocouplers 54 and 59 can be detected as an error with a high probability, and the dummy mount 9 can be detected more accurately.

Next, a case where neither the mount 8 nor the dummy mount 9 is pushed out toward the movable table 24 by the pushing claw 23 will be considered. In this case, both S1 and S2 have not failed and are operating normally (or
Both S1 and S2 are faulty so that they always output OFF), as shown in column n, S1 ', S1 ",
And the output signal of S2 is "x", "
At this time, when the controller 61 makes a judgment based on the three output signals S1 ', S1 "and S2 as in the present embodiment, S1' and S".
Controller 61 based only on two 1 "output signals
Whether the controller 61 makes a judgment or the controller 61 makes a judgment based only on the two output signals S1 'and S2.
Judges that nothing has been pushed out toward the moving table 24 by the pushing claw 23.

On the other hand, when S1 and / or S2 is out of order (to be precise, when both S1 and S2 are out of order and they are operating normally, both S1 and S2 are out of order so as to always output OFF). (Except when and when)
As shown in columns k to m, the output signals of S1 ', S1 ", and S2 are" ○ "," ○ ","
"○", "○", "○", "×", "×", "×", "○". In this way, S1 and / or S2 fails If the controller 61 makes a determination based on the three output signals of S1 ', S1 ", and S2 as in the present embodiment, l
The cases shown in the column and the column m can be detected as an error (however, the case shown in the column k cannot be detected, and the normal mount 8 is pushed out toward the moving table 24 by the pushing claw 23. Will be detected).

However, when the controller 61 makes a judgment based on only the two output signals S1 'and S1 ", the push-out pawl 23 pushes the movable table 24 toward the mount 24 in the case shown in column l. It is judged that it is 8, or in the case shown in the column m, there is no one pushed out toward the moving table 24 by the pushing claw 23. Further, only the two output signals S1 'and S2 are included. When the controller 61 makes a determination based on this, it is determined that it is the dummy mount 9 that is pushed out toward the movable table 24 by the push-out claw 23 in the case shown in the column m. When the mount carrier unit 2 is used, it is possible to detect a failure of the photocouplers 54 and 59 as an error with a high probability.

The erroneous judgments in the columns e and k of [Table 1] can be detected by the initial operation and the autofocus operation, and the erroneous judgments in the columns d and h can be detected by the film scanner 1. Since it disappears, the operator can recover it visually, so it is not a big problem.

As described above, according to the mount carrier unit 2 of this embodiment, the two photo couplers 54,
Since 59 is used and mount detection is performed in consideration of the change pattern of the output signal of the photocoupler 54, it is the mount 8 that is pushed out in the direction of the movable table 24 by the pushing claw 23, or a dummy. Mount 9
It is possible to distinguish whether or not Therefore, the mount 8 that should be scanned is not scanned, conversely, the dummy mount 9 that should not be scanned is scanned, or the order change process is performed where the order change process should not be performed. On the contrary, the problem that the order change process is not performed at the place where the order change process should be performed hardly occurs. Further, as is clear from the above [Table 1], the photocoupler 54,
It is possible to detect 59 failures with high accuracy.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the pushing claw 23
Thus, it is possible to distinguish with high accuracy the case where neither the mount 8 nor the dummy mount 9 is extruded in the direction of the movable table 24 and the case where either is extruded. Therefore, when all the processes of the mount 8 and the dummy mount 9 in the mount storage box 12 are completed, there is almost no problem even if the film scanner 1 is automatically stopped. Also, mount storage box 1
It hardly happens that the drive of the film scanner 1 is automatically stopped even though the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 remains in the area 2.

Further, although the two photocouplers 54 and 59 are used as sensors in the above-described first embodiment,
By providing only the photocoupler 54 and detecting the output signal pattern of the photocoupler 54 during the conveyance of one mount 8 by the pushing claw 23, a part of the above effects can be obtained. This is the case when the controller 61 makes a judgment based on only two output signals S1 'and S1 "in the j column of [Table 1] above (corresponding to the provision of only the photo coupler 54). And a controller 6 based only on the two output signals S1 'and S2
It is clear by comparing the case where 1 makes a judgment. Further, in this case, since the dummy mount 9 and the mount 8 can be distinguished with high probability by only one photocoupler, the device configuration is simplified.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the mount 8
And the above determination is made based on the shape of the dummy mount 9, but even if the mount 8 and the dummy mount 9 have the same shape, some different marks such as a barcode are attached to both. The two may be distinguished by using a sensor adapted to the mark.

Further, the mount carrier unit 2 according to the first embodiment can be mounted and used in various devices other than the film scanner.

Next, a film scanner according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with further reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 is a plan view of the main body of the mount carrier unit used in the film scanner according to this embodiment.

The main body portion 11 'of the mount carrier unit shown in FIG. 19 does not include the levers 53 and 58 that rotate about the shafts 52 and 57 and the photocouplers 54 and 59, respectively. It is configured similarly to the main body 11 of the mount carrier unit 2 according to the embodiment. In the present embodiment, the same members as those shown in FIG. 6 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the 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 thus the description thereof is omitted here.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the main parts of the film scanner of this embodiment and the printer processor connected thereto. As is apparent from FIG. 20, the film scanner according to the present embodiment is described with reference to FIG. 18 only in that the determination unit 61 a is provided in the controller 61 and the light receiving unit of the photocoupler is not connected to the controller 61. It is different from the film scanner. The determination unit 61a analyzes the image signal from the CCD line sensor 68 to determine whether the image signal is related to the mount 8 holding the film or the dummy mount. It has the function of making judgments based on changes. More specifically, the determination unit 6
1a compares the brightness level of the image signal with a predetermined threshold value and uses the result to distinguish between the mount 8 and the dummy mount.

FIG. 21 shows an example of the dummy mount used in this embodiment. The dummy mount 91 shown in FIG. 21A has a substantially square outer shape, and has an opening 91a at the center. The shape of this opening 91a is
The opening of the mount 8 for holding the film may have the same shape or a different shape. At this time, the determination unit 61a determines that the brightness level of the image signal obtained from the CCD line sensor 68 is a predetermined threshold value (the level when the light reaches the CCD line sensor 68 without being blocked by anything). Then, it is set to an intermediate level between the level when the light passes through the film and reaches the CCD line sensor 68.) When the change from the following to the above is detected from the change in the image signal, the scanning target is It is determined to be the dummy mount 91. On the contrary, when the determination unit 61a detects from the change of the image signal that the image signal obtained from the CCD line sensor 68 is always less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, the determination unit 61a determines that the scan target is the mount 8. .

The dummy mount 92 shown in FIG. 21B is a simple plate-shaped member having a substantially square outer shape. At this time, the determination unit 61a determines that the CCD line sensor 6
The brightness level of the image signal obtained from 8 is always a predetermined threshold value (the level when the light does not reach the CCD line sensor 68 and the level when the light passes through the film and reaches the CCD line sensor 68). If it is detected from the change of the image signal that
It is determined that the scanning target is the dummy mount 92. On the contrary, when the determination unit 61a detects from the change of the image signal that the image signal obtained from the CCD line sensor 68 has changed from the value equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value to the above value, and further to the below value, the scanning target It is determined to be the mount 8. The dummy mount is mount 8.
21 (a),
Other than those illustrated in (b) may be used.

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, the drive signal of the motor 22a is given from the controller 61 to the driver 63,
Mount storage box 12 by mount push-out claw 23
Mount 8 or dummy mount 91 at the bottom of the
92 is extruded on the movable table 24.

After that, the driver 6 of the pulse motor 27
A drive signal is given to the moving table 4 and the moving table 24 starts moving to the right. 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 slower than the speed before and after the slit 30), and the controller 61 causes the timing generator 62 to set a predetermined speed. A command is given.

Mount 8 or dummy mounts 91, 9
When 2 moves past 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 mounts 91 and 92. Since the discharge rollers 33a and 33b are rotated by the pulse motor 27 via the pulleys 47 to 50 and the ball screw 28, the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is fed onto the mount base 31 by the discharge rollers 33a and 33b. It

Then, 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 mounts 91, 92 is lifted and stored in the mount storage box 13 over the mount holding pieces 16, 17. The operation timings of the motor 38 and the solenoid 45 are determined by the number of pulses given to the pulse motor 27.

On the basis of the change in the image signal obtained by the CCD line sensor 68, it is judged that the scanning target placed on the movable table 24 is the mount 8 and the judging section 61.
If the result is a, the image signal output from the CCD line sensor 68 and processed by the controller 61 is applied to the print head 69, and the photographic paper is exposed based on the image recorded on the film of the mount 8. It on the other hand,
The dummy mount 91 is placed on the movable table 24.
If the determination unit 61a determines that the index print is 92, an image signal for creating an index print for the mount 8 for one order before the dummy mount 91 or 92 is scanned is output from the controller 61 as an image signal. 69. And sorter 7
A signal is supplied from the controller 61 to 0 so that the print for one order including the index print is arranged on a sorting plate different from other prints. The operation of the mount carrier unit is based on CCD
Based on the change in the image signal obtained by the line sensor 68, the scanning target mounted on the moving table 24 is not the mount 8 but the dummy mount 91 or 9
When it is determined by the determination unit 61a that it is not 2, the operation is stopped.

As described above, according to the film scanner of this embodiment, the dummy mount 91 or 92 can be distinguished from the mount 8 based on the change in the image signal obtained by the CCD line sensor 68. Even when the mounts 8 related to a plurality of orders are stacked and stored in the storage box 12 and these are continuously scanned, the dummy mounts 9 are placed at the order boundaries.
It is possible to create index prints and sort the prints for each order simply by disposing 1 or 92 so as to sandwich them. In addition, since it is possible to store the mounts 8 in the mount storage box 12 as many as or close to the number that can be stored, 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 to complete scanning can be greatly reduced. Therefore, when performing the automatic processing, the operator does not need to work on the scanner 1 clearly.

Moreover, according to the present embodiment, the mount and the dummy mount can be distinguished from each other based on the change in the image signal.
It is possible to obtain substantially the same effect as distinguishing the mount from the dummy mount based on the two output signals of ', S1 ". That is, the mount and the dummy mount can be distinguished with high probability, and It can be confirmed that the CCD line sensor 68 and the like have not failed.

Further, in the present embodiment, unlike the case of the first embodiment, the photocouplers 54 and 59 and the lever 5 are provided.
There is also an advantage that the structure is simple because 3, 58 are unnecessary.

In this embodiment, the same photo coupler 59 as that used in the first embodiment may be used as the second sensor. As a result, it becomes possible to detect a device failure with high accuracy as in the first embodiment.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various design changes are possible within the scope of the claims. Is. For example, in the first embodiment, the photo coupler 54 and the photo coupler 59,
Also, 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 when neither the mount 8 nor the dummy mount 9 is provided on the movable table 24. The same applies to the light receiving section 54b.

Further, the photo coupler 54 and the photo coupler 5
The lever 9 and the lever 53 and the lever 58 may be disposed closer to the mount storage box 13 than the scanning position. However, in this case, it is not possible to make the transport speed of the dummy mount higher than the transport speed of the mount because it is determined that the dummy mount is after the scanning is completed. Further, as a means for distinguishing between the mount and the dummy mount, it is possible to use not only a means provided with a photocoupler and a lever but also any other known means. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the mount storage box 13 is inclined with respect to the main body portion 11, but the mount storage box 13 may protrude perpendicularly to the main body portion.

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 adopted. 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.

Further, 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 does not necessarily have to be rotatably supported by 3a and 13b, and may function as described above by sliding with respect to the side walls 13a and 13b, for example.

The mechanism for raising and lowering the mount base 31 includes a motor 38 and a link member 39, as described above.
Not only the arm 41 is used, but various other mechanisms can be adopted.

[0099]

As described above, according to the first and fifth aspects, even when the mounts for a plurality of orders are stacked and housed in the mount housing box and these are continuously scanned, the order is separated. It is possible to create index prints and sort the prints by order simply by arranging them so that the dummy mount is sandwiched between them. Also, since it is possible to store as many mounts as or close to the number that can be stored in the mount storage box, the number of mount storage operations in the mount storage box can be reduced, and these operations can be performed. The complexity associated with the above can be reduced, and the time required to complete scanning can be significantly reduced. Therefore, when performing the automatic processing, it is not necessary for the operator to work on the scanner.

Moreover, in the case of the mount carrier unit of claim 1, the dummy mount and the mount can be distinguished from each other only by the first sensor, and in the case of the film scanner of claim 5, a special sensor is used. Since the dummy mount and the mount can be distinguished without each other, the device configuration can be simplified in any case.

Further, in the case of the mount carrier unit according to claim 1, depending on whether the first sensor is transported by the mount or the dummy mount, the detection result of a different pattern according to the driving of the transportation means. Therefore, if it is possible to detect that the output pattern of the first sensor changes, it can be confirmed that the first sensor is not broken. Similarly, in the case of the film scanner of claim 5, it is determined which one of the mount and the dummy mount has been carried, based on the change in the image signal obtained by the scanning means, so that the change in the image signal is detected. If possible, it is possible to confirm that the scanning means or the like has not failed.

According to the second aspect, it is possible to determine which mount has been conveyed by considering not only the output signal of the first sensor but also the output signal of the second sensor, so that a more accurate determination can be made. Is possible.

According to the third aspect, since the first sensor outputs the detection result of different patterns based on the shapes of the mount and the dummy mount, the structure of the first sensor can be simplified.

According to the fourth and sixth aspects, not only the dummy mount and the mount can be distinguished by the first sensor or the judging means, but also it is possible to detect with high accuracy that neither the dummy mount nor the mount is conveyed. . Therefore, if it is judged that neither of them is conveyed, there is almost no problem even if the film scanner is automatically stopped, and it is possible to prevent the film scanner from being stopped automatically even if one of them is conveyed. Can be prevented. In addition, in such a mount carrier unit, as will be apparent from the description below, the first carrier
It is possible to detect a failure of the sensor and / or the second sensor with high accuracy.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a film scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a mount storage box on a mount ejection side, which is used in a mount carrier unit included in the film scanner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a mount receiving box on a mount receiving side, which is used in a mount carrier unit included in the film scanner according to the embodiment of the invention.

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

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a dummy mount housed in a mount housing box together with the mount.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a main body of a mount carrier unit included in the film scanner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

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

8 is a sectional view taken along line IIIV-IIIV in FIG.

9 is a perspective view of the portion depicted in FIG. 8. FIG.

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

FIG. 11 is a side view for explaining an elevating mechanism for the discharge roller included in the main body of the mount carrier unit included in the film scanner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view for explaining an elevating mechanism of a discharge roller, which is viewed from a direction orthogonal to FIG.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an elevating 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 the main body of the mount carrier unit.

15 is a perspective view of an elevating mechanism of the mount base depicted in FIG.

16 is a diagram for explaining a change in sensor output due to movement of the dummy mount shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a change in sensor output due to movement of a mount.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a main part of a film scanner and a printer processor connected to the film scanner.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a main body of a mount carrier unit used in the film scanner according to the second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a main part of a film scanner and a printer processor connected thereto according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing an example of a dummy mount used in the second embodiment of the invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 film scanner 2 Mount carrier unit 3 light source 4 Imaging unit (scanning means) 8 mounts (normal mounts) 9 Dummy mount 11 Main body 12 mount storage box 13 mount storage box 16,17 Mount holding piece 18, 19 Spring plate 21 Insert stocker mounting plate 23 Mount extrusion claw (conveying means) 24 mobile 25 moving plate 27 pulse motor 30 slits 31 mount stand 33a, 33b Ejection roller 35a, 35b push-up lever 38 motor 45 solenoid 53, 58 lever 54 Photocoupler (first sensor) 59 Photocoupler (second sensor) 61 Controller (determination means) 68 CCD line sensor

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A mount for holding a film or a dummy mount having a characteristic different from that of the mount is sequentially conveyed one by one in an order according to a relative position of the mount in a mount storage box in which these are stacked and stored. Based on the characteristics of the mount and the dummy mount, and different when the mount is transported by the transport means and when the dummy mount is transported, depending on the driving of the transport means. A mount carrier unit, comprising: a first sensor capable of outputting a pattern detection result. 2. The mount carrier unit according to claim 1, further comprising a second sensor capable of detecting that one of the mount and the dummy mount is in a predetermined position. . 3. The first sensor, based on the shapes of the mount and the dummy mount, detects whether the mount is transported by the transport means or the dummy mount is transported by the transport means. The mount carrier unit according to claim 1, wherein it is possible to output detection results of different patterns according to driving. 4. The first sensor, based on the characteristics of the mount and the dummy mount, when the mount is carried by the carrying means, when the dummy mount is carried, and when neither is carried. The mount carrier unit according to claim 1, wherein it is possible to output a detection result of a different pattern according to the driving of the transporting means. 5. A scanning means for scanning an image recorded on a film held by the mount, and a dummy mount having an external characteristic different from that of the mount for use in scanning by the scanning means. , A transport means for sequentially transporting these one by one in an order according to their relative positions in a mount storage box for stacking and storing, and an image obtained by the scanning means accompanying the drive of the transport means. A film scanner, comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether the mount has been transported by the transport unit or the dummy mount has been transported based on a change in a signal. 6. The determining means determines whether the mount is carried by the carrying means or the dummy mount is carried based on a change in an image signal obtained by the scanning means accompanying the driving of the carrying means. The film scanner according to claim 5, wherein it is determined whether or not neither of them is conveyed.