JP2003163808A - Image reading apparatus, its control method, medium for providing control program, and the control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reading apparatus or the like that can reproduce a more natural color while completely eliminating the effect of dust and a flaw on a photo film. <P>SOLUTION: The image reading apparatus is provided with: a light emission section that emits a visible ray and an infrared ray to a transparent original; an optical system that forms an image of a light from the light emission section transmitted through the transparent original; a photo detection means that detects the light transmitted through the optical system; a discrimination means that discriminates a foreign material area on the transparent original on the basis of the result of light detection of the infrared ray by the photo detection means; and an image composite means that aborts data of the foreign material area to compose the plurality of image data on the transparent original. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image reading device such as a film scanner for reading a transparent original such as a developed photographic film.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a film scanner, 13
5 film (also called 35mm film) or AP
When scanning film images such as S (Advanced Photo System) film, first scan (preview) at low resolution at high speed to display the entire image on the PC, then specify the scanning range on the preview screen. Then, the main scan is performed with high resolution, and the image data in the desired range is sent to the personal computer.

The structure of a conventional film scanner is shown in FIG. 11 and will be described below.

In FIG. 11, reference numeral 2801 is an illumination light source. A film holder 2802 holds a transparent original film, and is movable in the Y direction on the paper surface. In this film holder 2802, mounted 135 film, sleeve-shaped 135 film,
In order to hold films of various shapes such as APS film and large-format films (Brownie, 4 × 5, etc.) other than the above, holders corresponding to various films of are prepared.

Particularly, in the APS film holder described in the present invention, a motor for winding the film from the cartridge to the inside of the film holder 2802 or a film position detector for accurately positioning the film in the holder opening is provided. By mounting the APS film holder on the main body of the film scanner, the main body and the film holder 2802 communicate with each other, and the film position is controlled by the controller 2811 on the main body side.

Reference numeral 2803 is an image forming lens system, and 2804
Is a CCD linear image sensor (hereinafter, simply referred to as a linear image sensor). Here, the linear image sensor 2804 is arranged such that the Z direction on the paper surface is the longitudinal direction. Due to this positional relationship, the main scanning direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the linear image sensor 2804, and the sub-scanning direction, which is the moving direction of the film holder 2802, have a perpendicular relationship. Here, in the case of reading a color image, between the light source 2801 and the linear image sensor 2804, as shown in FIG.
The variations shown in 2 are conceivable.

Here, the combination will be described by taking the combination of (1) of FIG. 12 as an example.

Reference numeral 2805 is an analog image processing circuit,
The gain setting and the clamp processing of the analog image signal output from the linear image sensor 2804 are performed. 2806
Is an A / D converter, which converts an analog signal into a digital signal. Reference numeral 2807 denotes an image processing means, which is composed of a gate array that performs image processing and processing such as CCD driving pulse, and can perform various processing at high speed.
A line buffer 2808 is a portion for temporarily storing image data.

An interface unit 2809 is for communicating with an external device such as a personal computer 2810. Reference numeral 2811 denotes a system controller that stores the sequence of the entire film scanner, and external device 281
It is a place where various operations are performed in accordance with commands from 0.

2812 is a system controller 281
1 is a CPU bus that connects the image processing unit 2807, the line buffer 2808, and the interface unit 2809, and includes an address bus and a data bus. 2813 is a sub-scanning motor for moving the film holder 2802 in the sub-scanning direction, and many stepping motors are used. 2814 is a sub-scanning motor 281 according to a command from the system controller 2811.
2815, a sub-scanning motor driver for driving
Is a sub-scanning position detecting means for detecting the reference position of the sub-scanning, and for example, a method of detecting the projection shape of the film holder 2802 using a photo interrupter is used. 2816 is a light source lighting circuit for lighting the illumination light source 2801.

The conventional film scanner is configured as described above, and software for the system controller 2811 (hereinafter referred to as firmware) and software for operating the film scanner from an external device 2810 such as a personal computer (also called driver software). The image data is input to the external device 2810 by the communication (1).

The procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, with the power of the film scanner and the external device turned on and the firmware and software running,
It is assumed that the user has finished inserting the film into the predetermined position.

In step S2901, when the user instructs a preview command from the external device 2810, the external device 2810 causes the type of film, the reading range (here, full screen), and the reading resolution (low resolution) via the driver software. ) Communicates the specified information to the farm side.

In step S2902, the firmware sets the designated information such as the type of film, the reading range, and the reading resolution, and prepares electrically.

In step S2903, the information of the sub-scanning position detecting means 2815 is read, and the film is moved to the initial position S.
At 2904, the system controller 2811 issues a light source on command to the light source lighting circuit 2816, and the illumination light source 28
01 is turned on.

In step S2905, the system controller 2811 issues a command to output a timing pulse (driving pulse for the linear image sensor 2804, RAM address control, etc.) for reading one line.

In step S2906, the image data is read line by line for a predetermined exposure time, and the sub-scanning motor 2813 is driven at a predetermined speed. After that, the image processing unit 2807 performs image processing and outputs the image data to the external device 2810.

In step S2907, when the previous image reading range has been scanned, the system controller 2
811 drives the sub-scanning motor 2813 to return it to the initial position. Further, the illumination light source 2801 is turned off, and each function is stopped when all the image data is output.

In step S2908, the firmware of the system controller 2811 enters a routine waiting for the next command.

In step S2909, the external device 281
0 receives the image data, displays it sequentially, and provides the user with a complete picture of the film.

In step S2910, the user looks at the previewed image data, further sets the image capturing conditions, and commands the main scan. Again, step S
Similarly to 2901, the designated information about the type of film, the reading range (here, the range specified by the user), and the reading resolution (resolution specified by the user) is communicated to the firmware side.

In step S2911, the firmware of the system controller 2811 receives the read condition,
The operations from step S2902 to step S2908 are executed under the conditions for the main scan.

In step S2912, the external device 281
The image data sent to 0 is displayed by software and saved in another storage medium (hard disk, magneto-optical disk, floppy (registered trademark) disk, etc.).

In this way, a series of operations as a film scanner are completed, and the user can obtain a desired image.

In order to more naturally reproduce the image obtained by the series of operations of the film scanner described above,
Image development may be performed by analogy with the developed state of the film based on the light transmission characteristics of the negative base portion (unexposed portion).

For example, there has been proposed a technique for improving the color reproducibility by measuring the negative base density for each of a plurality of color components and performing image processing based on the results.

However, this technique has a problem that the image reproduction is inferior due to the influence of dust on the film or scratches on the film.

Therefore, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-350850, in order to suppress the influence of dust and graininess of the film itself as much as possible, the average value of the image output of a specific portion of the negative base of the film (outside the image exposure portion) is used. Shading data is created by analogy with values.

[0029]

However, in the conventional example of the above publication, the effect of dust and scratches on the film is analogized by averaging the image data, and particularly large dust and scratches on the film. If it exists, its effect cannot be eliminated completely.

In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image reading device capable of more natural color reproduction while completely eliminating the influence of dust and scratches on the film.

[0031]

In order to achieve the above object, in an image reading apparatus of the present invention, a light emitting section for emitting visible light and infrared light for irradiating a transparent original, and the light transmitting section for transmitting the transparent original. An optical system that focuses the light from the light emitting unit,
Light detection means for detecting the light transmitted through the optical system, determination means for determining the foreign matter area on the transparent original from the light detection result of infrared light by the light detection means, and discarding the data of the foreign matter area Image synthesizing means for synthesizing a plurality of image data on the transparent original.

In the image reading apparatus of the present invention, a light emitting portion that emits visible light and infrared light that illuminates the transparent original, an optical system that forms an image of the light from the light emitting portion that has passed through the transparent original, and In a region on the transparent document where the foreign substance region does not exist, a light detection unit that detects light transmitted through an optical system, a determination unit that determines a foreign substance region on the transparent document from a light detection result by the infrared light, And an image data acquisition unit for acquiring image data.

In the image reading apparatus of the present invention, a light emitting portion that emits visible light and infrared light that illuminates a transparent original, an optical system that forms an image of light from the light emitting portion that has passed through the transparent original, and Light detection means for detecting light transmitted through an optical system, determination means for determining a foreign substance area on the transparent original from the result of light detection by the infrared light, and obtaining a plurality of image data on the transparent original. An image data acquisition unit that acquires image data in the smallest area of the foreign matter area is provided.

According to the control method of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the light emitting portion that emits visible light and infrared light that illuminates the transparent original, and the optical system that forms the light from the light emitting portion that transmits the transparent original. And an image reading apparatus including a light detection unit that detects light that has passed through the optical system, and a determination step that determines a foreign matter region on the transparent original from a light detection result of infrared light by the light detection unit. An image synthesizing step of synthesizing a plurality of image data on the transparent original by discarding the data of the foreign substance area.

According to the control method of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the light emitting portion for emitting visible light and infrared light for illuminating the transparent original and the optical system for forming the light from the light emitting portion for transmitting the transparent original. And a light detecting means for detecting light transmitted through the optical system, a determination step of determining a foreign substance region on the transparent original from a light detection result by the infrared light, and the foreign substance region. And an image data acquisition step of acquiring image data in the area on the transparent original where no image exists.

According to the control method of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the light emitting portion that emits visible light and infrared light that illuminates the transparent original, and the optical system that forms the light from the light emitting portion that transmits the transparent original. And a light detecting means for detecting light transmitted through the optical system, a determination step of determining a foreign matter region on the transparent original from a result of light detection by the infrared light, and the transparent original. An image data acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of the above image data and acquiring the image data in the region having the smallest amount of the foreign matter region among them.

In the medium for providing the control program of the present invention, a light emitting section for emitting visible light and infrared light for illuminating a transparent original, and an optical system for forming an image of the light from the light emitting section transmitted through the transparent original. A medium for providing a control program for executing a control method for an image reading apparatus, comprising: a light detecting unit that detects light transmitted through the optical system; A determination step of determining a foreign matter area on the transparent original from the infrared light detection result, and an image combining step of discarding the data of the foreign matter area and combining a plurality of image data on the transparent original It is characterized by

In the medium for providing the control program of the present invention, a light emitting section for emitting visible light and infrared light for illuminating a transparent original, and an optical system for forming an image of the light from the light emitting section transmitted through the transparent original. And a medium for providing a control program for executing a control method of an image reading apparatus, comprising: a light detection unit for detecting light transmitted through the optical system, wherein the control program is based on the infrared light. It is characterized by comprising a determination step of determining a foreign substance area on the transparent original from the light detection result, and an image data acquisition step of obtaining image data in an area on the transparent original where the foreign matter area does not exist.

In the medium for providing the control program of the present invention, a light emitting section for emitting visible light and infrared light for illuminating a transparent original, and an optical system for forming an image of the light from the light emitting section transmitted through the transparent original. And a medium for providing a control program for executing a control method of an image reading apparatus, comprising: a light detection unit for detecting light transmitted through the optical system, wherein the control program is based on the infrared light. A determination step of determining a foreign substance region on the transparent original from a light detection result; and image data acquisition for obtaining a plurality of image data on the transparent original and obtaining image data in the region having the smallest foreign substance region from the plurality of image data. And a step.

In the control program of the present invention, a light emitting portion that emits visible light and infrared light that illuminates the transparent original, an optical system that forms an image of the light from the light emitting portion that passes through the transparent original, and the optical system. A control program for executing a control method of an image reading apparatus including a light detection unit for detecting light transmitted through a system, wherein the control program on the transparent original is based on a light detection result of infrared light by the light detection unit. It is characterized by further comprising a determination step of determining a foreign substance area and an image synthesizing step of discarding the data of the foreign matter region and synthesizing a plurality of image data on the transparent original.

In the control program of the present invention, a light-emitting portion that emits visible light and infrared light that illuminates a transparent original, an optical system that forms an image of light from the light-emitting portion that has passed through the transparent original, and the optical system. A control program for executing a control method of an image reading apparatus having a light detection means for detecting light transmitted through a system, wherein a foreign matter region on the transparent original is determined from a light detection result by the infrared light. And a step of acquiring image data in an area on the transparent original where the foreign matter area does not exist.

In the control program of the present invention, a light emitting section for emitting visible light and infrared light for illuminating the transparent original, an optical system for forming an image of the light from the light emitting section that has passed through the transparent original, and the optical system. A control program for executing a control method of an image reading apparatus having a light detection means for detecting light transmitted through a system, wherein a foreign matter region on the transparent original is determined from a light detection result by the infrared light. And the image data acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of image data on the transparent original and acquiring image data in the area with the smallest foreign matter area among them.

[0043]

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

First Embodiment <System Configuration> The configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, an example of application of the present invention to a film scanner will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a film scanner which is an image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an essential part of the film scanner shown in FIG. .

In FIGS. 1 and 2, 1 is a carriage for holding an APS film adapter 7, 2 is a transparent original such as a film, 3 is a light source for illuminating the transparent original 2, 4 is an imaging lens, 5 is a carriage. A sub-scanning motor for driving 1 in the sub-scanning direction, 6 a carriage sensor for detecting the position of the carriage 1, 7 an APS film adapter, 8 electrical contacts, 9 an APS film adapter detection switch, 10 a light source 3 lighting circuit, 11 is an imaging lens 4
And 12 is an AF motor, and 13 is a lens holder sensor.

Reference numeral 14 is a line sensor (imaging device), 15 is an analog processing circuit, 16 is an A / D conversion circuit, 17 is an image processing circuit, 18 is a line buffer, 19 is an interface, 20 is an external device such as a personal computer,
21 is a D / A conversion circuit, 22 is a sub-scanning motor driver,
23 is an AF motor driver, 24 is a system controller, 25 is an offset RAM, 26 is a CPU bus, 27
Is a guide bar, 28 is a gear, 29 is a main body, 30 is an infrared LED, 31 is an infrared LED lighting circuit, and 32 is an infrared cut filter.

Further, the APS film adapter 7 includes a feeding motor 7a, a spool 7b, and a film position detecting sensor 7
c, cartridge detection circuit 7d, film position detection circuit 7e, feeding motor driver 7f, lid 7g, opening window 7h,
It includes a convex portion 7i, a concave portion 7j, and a leaf spring 7k.

<Details of Each Component> Next, details of each component will be described.

First, the insertion / removal relationship between the carriage 1 and the APS film adapter 7 and the drive mechanism of the carriage will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing this state in detail, which will be described with reference to FIG.

The carriage 1 holds A for holding the film 2.
Holds the PS film adapter 7 and holds the carriage motor 5
Is sent in the sub-scanning direction. The film cartridge 2a can be taken in and out by opening and closing the lid 7g. When the film cartridge 2a is inserted and the lid 7g is closed, the cartridge detection circuit 7d is mechanically switched. For example, if a leaf switch or the like is used for the cartridge detection circuit 7d, the cartridge 2a is configured to kick off the switch leaf spring.

By doing so, the presence or absence of the cartridge can be detected by the system controller 24 on the main body side when the main body is electrically connected later. When the electric connection is made and the cartridge is detected, the feeding motor 7a is driven to rotate the spool in the film cartridge 2a to pull out the film 2 from the cartridge. As a result, the opening window 7h of the exterior part of the APS film adapter 7
The film 2 is exposed more.

The APS film adapter 7 has, for example, a concavo-convex relationship such that the orientation and the vertical relationship between the carriage 1 and the APS film adapter 7 are uniquely defined, and is configured to be removable. FIG. 2 shows an example thereof. As shown in FIG. 2, the APS film adapter 7 is integrally formed with a convex portion 7i and a concave portion 7j, and concave and convex portions 1c and 1d are also integrally formed at positions where the carriage 1 faces each other. Therefore, the APS film adapter 7 is inserted into the carriage 1 in the vertical relationship with the direction in which the APS film adapter convex portion 7i and the carriage concave portion 1c and the APS film adapter concave portion 7j and the carriage convex portion 1d fit each other.

The convex portion 7 of the APS film adapter 7
A leaf spring 7k is integrally formed with i, and when the APS film adapter 7 is inserted, the recess 1c of the carriage 1 is inserted.
Since the end face of is pushed, it is possible to prevent looseness during insertion. Of course, this leaf spring may be a separate body made of metal (SUS, phosphor bronze, etc.). Note that FIG. 2 shows a configuration example in which the spring acts in a direction orthogonal to the insertion / removal direction, but by adding an appropriate spring to the carriage 1
The play of the PS film adapter 7 can be completely removed.

The position of the APS film adapter 7 with respect to the carriage 1 is determined by pushing the APS film adapter 7 to a position where the end surface of the APS film adapter 7 abuts on the end surface of the carriage 1. In this state, the APS film adapter detection switch 9 is turned on, and the system controller 24 recognizes that the APS film adapter 7 has been inserted. The APS film adapter detection switch 9 may be a general push switch, a type in which a photo interrupter is shielded by the adapter itself, or a type in which a substrate and a brush are brought into contact to obtain electrical conduction. At this time, by a click mechanism not shown,
It is also possible for the operator to easily recognize that it has hit the end face.

When the position of the APS film adapter 7 is determined, the substrate contact portion 8 in the APS film adapter comes into contact with the brush-shaped contact portion 8 on the carriage 1 and the electrical connection is completed. Since the substrate contact 8 is provided substantially parallel to the insertion / removal direction of the APS film adapter 7, it slides in a frictional contact state at a fixed distance relative to the brush-shaped contact 8 ', and electrical reliability is maintained by the cleaning effect. All connections are made.

Further, in this state, the positions of the opening window 7h of the APS film adapter 7 and the openings 1a and 1b of the carriage also coincide with each other, and the film 2 is moved by the light of the light source 3 positioned with the carriage 1 interposed therebetween as shown in FIG. Can be irradiated.

The sub-scanning motor 5 is connected to the carriage 1 and moves the carriage 1 in the scanning (sub-scanning) direction. Further, the amount of movement of the carriage is monitored by the carriage sensor 6, so that the carriage can be moved accurately. As means for enabling such a configuration, for example, a pulse motor is used as the sub-scanning motor 5, a carriage movement amount per pulse of the pulse motor is previously determined, and the carriage is driven by decelerating with a gear to transmit a rotational force. There is a method of counting the input pulse to the motor. This example is shown in detail in FIG.

In FIG. 2, reference numerals 27a and 27b denote guide bars, which are arranged in parallel with the carriage 1 with a fixed fitting length in the sub-scanning direction. Both ends of the guide bars 27a and 27b are fixedly held by the main body portion 29, whereby the carriage 1 can be accurately guided in the sub-scanning direction. 28 is a gear train (reduction mechanism), which is a two-stage reduction mechanism in this example. The gear 28 a at the final stage meshes with a rack gear 1 e provided integrally with the carriage 1, and the power of the sub-scanning motor 5 is transmitted to the carriage 1 and driven. At this time, a protrusion (not shown) is provided on the carriage 1 to detect the initial position of the pulse motor, and the protrusion is also detected by a photo interrupter (not shown). The absolute position of the carriage 1 can be detected by storing the distance between the position where the end of the image portion of the film 2 and the light source 3 coincide with the position where this protrusion is detected.

In addition to the above example, a screw may be used for the output shaft of the motor instead of the gear, and a nut may be formed integrally with the carriage 1 to provide the same structure. DC motor and V
A method in which a CM, an ultrasonic motor, and a position detection device having a desired resolution are combined and a position is controlled using a feedback system to move the carriage may be used.

Next, a system for converting a film image into an electric signal and taking it into the external device 20 will be described.

The light source 3 is composed of a line-shaped fluorescent tube containing an inert gas such as xenon or mercury therein.
The line sensor 14 is arranged substantially parallel to the main scanning direction. Further, this fluorescent tube emits light having wavelengths corresponding to at least blue, green, and red. The light source 3 which is a fluorescent tube is lit by a light source lighting circuit 10 which is a so-called inverter circuit.

The image forming lens 4 is for forming an image of the light emitted from the light source 3 on the film 2 on the line sensor 14. The distance between the optical axes of the imaging lens 4 and the line sensor 14 is adjusted in advance, and therefore the film 2
Image is formed on the line sensor 14 at a constant magnification. Further, the inclinations of the film 2 and the line sensor 14 in the main scanning direction are also adjusted in advance to prevent the output image from being distorted.

The image forming lens 4 and the line sensor 14 are integrally held by the lens holder 11, and the film image can be focused on the line sensor by adjusting the distance from the film by the AF motor 12. A so-called TV-AF system based on an image signal from the image sensor is generally used for this interval in many cases. As a result, the focus adjustment system is configured for the case where the position of the film 2 in the optical axis direction is different for each adapter, the position is not accurately determined, or the focal depth of the imaging lens 4 is shallow.

In the present embodiment, the line sensor 14 has three lines.
A line sensor having lines (R, G, B) is used. Such line sensors are arranged in parallel with each other with a certain interval.

The image signal generated by the line sensor 14 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 16 and further converted into image data by the image processing circuit 17. The image data is converted into the D / A conversion circuit 21. Then, the signal is added to the analog processing circuit 15 and a stable black level signal can be obtained.

The image processing circuit 17 is composed of a gate array or the like, and based on the digital image data converted by the A / D conversion circuit 16, digital AGC, shading correction, γ correction, color data synthesis, resolution / magnification conversion. ,
Various processing such as filter processing, masking processing, binarization / AE processing, negative / positive inversion, and mirror image processing are performed, and further, the operation clock of the line sensor 14 and the A / D conversion circuit 16
Output the sample timing of.

By the digital AGC process, the dynamic range of each input color signal is adjusted. In the shading correction process, the non-uniformity of the light amount of the light source 3, the transmittance of the imaging lens 4, the sensitivity of the line sensor 14 and the like is corrected. In the γ correction processing, the input gradation is converted into the output gradation while adjusting the contrast of the image. In the color data synthesizing process, the image data is once offset RA in order to correct the positional deviation of each light receiving portion of the line sensor described above.
It is stored in M, and when all the data are collected, it is output as color data for one line. In the resolution / magnification conversion processing, data thinning and addition processing are performed so as to be set by the conversion parameter input from the system controller 24. This is performed according to an instruction from the external device 20.

In the filtering process, main scanning interpolation, sub scanning interpolation, averaging, smoothing, edge processing and the like are selectively performed according to the gradation and resolution. The masking process is performed by multiplying each color data by a correction coefficient in order to correct unnecessary light from the light source 3 and bring it closer to an ideal color characteristic. The binarization / AE process is performed by a command from the external device 20 using data of the green channel. The slice level at this time is automatically set when the density of the film 2 is detected.

In the negative / positive reversal processing, when the negative film is set on the film 2, the system controller 2
It is performed according to the instructions from 4. This is composed of, for example, an exclusive logic circuit. The mirror image processing is performed by reading the data written in the offset RAM 25 from the opposite side according to an instruction from the external device 20. An offset RAM 25 is prepared as a working area for performing the above-described image processing, and temporarily stores image data.

The line buffer 18 is for temporarily storing the image data processed by the image processing circuit 17 as described above, and the image data is transferred from the interface circuit 19 such as the SCASI controller to the external device 2.
Output to 0.

The system controller 24, the image processing circuit 17, the line buffer 18, the interface 19, and the offset RAM 25 described above are constituted by a CPU bus 26 constituted by an address bus and a data bus in FIG.
Are connected as shown in. This enables data communication between the circuits.

In such a structure, the user of the film scanner gives a command to the system controller 24 through the external device 20. The command from this user is transmitted via the interface circuit 19 to the system controller 2
4 is communicated. Specifically, the user command may be a film type, an image reading range, a reading resolution, a main scan command, or the like. Based on these user commands and outputs from various detection circuits, electrical preparation and processing are performed according to the flow appropriately programmed by the system controller 24.

<Detection of dust and scratches on film> The system for irradiating a film with visible light to capture an image has been described above. The visible light source 3 is turned off and the infrared LED 3 is used.
It is known to detect dust and scratches attached on the film by turning on 0 and capturing an image in the same manner. The example will be described below.

FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b) are diagrams schematically showing the influence of the dust and scratches on the image data and the output image. FIG. 3 (a) shows the same effect in the case of a reversal film. Figure (b) shows the case of a negative film.

When a film original is converted into an image signal and read by a film scanner regardless of whether it is a reversal film or a negative film, the above-mentioned dust and scratches appear as black dots on the image signal. As a result, FIG. 3 (a)
In the case of a reversal film, as shown in Fig. 1, the above-mentioned image signal is directly subjected to image processing such as gamma correction and output to an output device such as a printer, so the influence of the above-mentioned dust and scratches appears as black dots. .

On the other hand, in the case of a negative film, FIG.
As shown in, the negative image is converted into a positive image by subtracting the image signal read by the film scanner from the image signal read at full level, so the above-mentioned dust and scratches have the effect of producing a bright white image. It appears as a dot in the output image.

Therefore, by paying attention to the transmittance characteristic of the film with respect to infrared light, it is possible to detect only dust and scratches by infrared light that passes through.

A system for detecting dust / scratch areas on the film will be specifically described.

The film 2 is fed to an arbitrary frame position. Therefore, when the system controller 24 controls the light source lighting circuit 10 to be turned off and the infrared LED lighting circuit 31 to be in a lighting state, the infrared light is reflected by the infrared cut filter 32 to irradiate the film 2.

On the other hand, contrary to the above, when the system controller 24 controls the light source lighting circuit 10 to be turned on and the infrared LED lighting circuit 31 to be turned off, visible light passes through the infrared cut filter 32 and the film 2 is passed. Will be irradiated. At this time, the film image can be focused on the image sensor 14 by driving the AF motor 12 to move the film holder 11 in the optical axis direction in each state where the infrared light and the visible light are irradiated. Is.

The negative base infrared image data (for one line) thus obtained is as shown in FIG. That is, no extreme data drop is observed on the negative base portion (unexposed portion) without dust or scratches, and data at a uniform level in the main scanning direction can be obtained. On the other hand, if dust or scratches are present on the negative base portion, a sharp drop in data is seen as shown in FIG. 4, and the range of dust or scratches (see a1 to a3 in FIG. 4) can be easily determined.

<Processing Flow of the Present Embodiment> Next, the flow of acquiring the accurate negative base data by the film scanner having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

I. Main Routine FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main routine of the film scanner in this embodiment.

Step S301: When the scanner main body is powered on, various initializations are performed by the system controller 24. This is, for example, RAM memory check, various motor drive check, black level correction,
For example, SCSI controller initial settings. Upon completion of initialization, the process proceeds to step S302.

Step S302: ASP in the scanner body
It is determined whether the film adapter 7 is attached. If it is attached, the process proceeds to step S303, and if not, the standby state is set.

Step S303: The APS film adapter 7 is initialized. Here, the shading data is acquired through the opening window 7h, or the feeding motor of the APS film adapter is driven to pull out the film from the cartridge to acquire the data of the negative base portion of the leading end of the film (see the flowchart in FIG. 9 described later). . Upon completion of initialization, the process proceeds to step S304.

Step S304: Here, a standby state waiting for a command from the external device 20 is entered. This is released by the user inputting an operation command for what the film scanner is caused to do by the application of the external device 20, and the process proceeds to step S305. Step S305
In step SS309, it is determined what the command from the external device 20 is.

Step S305: It is determined whether or not the command from the external device 20 is a preview instruction. If so, the process proceeds to step S306, and if not, the process proceeds to step S307.

Step S306: Perform a preview sequence (see the flow chart of FIG. 6 described later). After that, the process advances to step S304 to wait for command reception.

Step S307: It is determined whether or not the command from the external device 20 is the main scan instruction. If so, the process proceeds to step S308, and if not, the process proceeds to step S309.

Step S308: The main scan sequence is performed (see the flowchart of FIG. 7 described later). After that, the process advances to step S304 to wait for command reception.

Step S309: It is determined whether or not the command from the external device 20 is an eject instruction. If so, the process proceeds to step S310, and if not, the process proceeds to step S311.

Step S310: An eject sequence is performed (see the flowchart of FIG. 8 described later). After that, the process advances to step S302 to wait for the insertion (detection) of the APS film adapter.

Step S311: It is determined that a command (abnormal command) that cannot be detected by the command reception content check up to step S309 is received, and the processing is performed. This may be done by, for example, issuing an abnormality warning to the external device 20 and notifying the user by a monitor or the like.

Next, various subroutines shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 will be described.

II. Preview Sequence FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the preview sequence according to this embodiment.

Step S401: The carriage 1 is moved to the initial position and stands by. The initial position of the carriage 1 is a starting position when scanning a film image, that is, a state in which one of front and rear ends of the carriage openings 1a and 1b or its vicinity is located on the optical axis.

Step S402: In accordance with a command from the external device 20, the film position is controlled so that a predetermined frame comes to the opening window.

Step S403: The light source lighting circuit 10 turns on the light source 3 according to an instruction from the system controller 24.

Step S404: The sub-scanning motor 5 is driven to position the optical axis within the film image range (for example, near the center of the film image), the light amount data is input by the line sensor, and this value is adjusted to an appropriate value. Adjust the gain and then the exposure. Further, based on the negative base data acquired in step S303, the γ correction value at the time of preview scan is optimized.

Step S405: The drive speed of the sub-scanning motor 5 at the time of preview is determined according to the result of step S404. That is, when the light amount is very small and a sufficient light amount cannot be obtained only by adjusting the gain, the driving speed is slowed down.

Step S406: The scan operation for preview is started. At this time, if the preview range is specified by the command from the external device 20, the image processing circuit is set to that effect and scanning is performed.

Step S407: The light source lighting circuit 10 turns off the light source 3 according to an instruction from the system controller 24.

Step S408: When the preview image input is completed, the sub-scanning motor 5 and the CCD drive pulse are stopped, and the film is moved to the initial position again to be in the standby state.

Thus, the preview sequence is completed and the process returns to the main routine to wait for a command (step S30).
2).

III. Main Scan Sequence FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the main scan sequence.

This is basically the same as the preview sequence shown in FIG. 6 (steps S501 to S505 and step S507, step S50 in FIG. 7).
8 is the same as the processing of steps S401 to S405 and steps S407 and S408 of FIG. 6, respectively, and in the case of the main scan of step S506, the selection range of the image capture resolution is expanded. It is different from the process of S406.

IV. Eject Sequence FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the eject sequence.

Step S601: The system controller 24 drives the feeding motor to wind the film so that the film is stored in the cartridge.

Step S602: The sub-scanning motor 5 is driven to move the carriage 1 to the eject position, the eject sequence is ended, and the process returns to the main routine to enter the command waiting state (step S302).

V. Negative Base Data Acquisition (Correction) Sequence Next, the negative base data acquisition (correction) sequence in the initial reset operation shown in step S303 in the main scan routine will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In FIG. 9, step S701: The carriage 1 or the film holder 11 is moved by driving various motors to arrange the negative base portion on the optical path. Then, the process proceeds to step S702.

Step S702: The visible light source 3 is turned off and the infrared LED 30 is turned on to irradiate the film with infrared light, and the image data for one line at that time is acquired.

Step S703: It is determined from the image data obtained in step S702 whether or not dust or scratches are present on the film. If it exists, the process proceeds to step S704, and if it does not exist, the process proceeds to step S707.

Step S704: The area of dust and scratches is stored.

Step S705: The position of the film is moved by a small amount with respect to the optical path, and the image data for one line is acquired again. Then, it is determined whether or not there is dust or scratches on the film at that position, and the area is stored.

Step S706: It is determined whether or not image data (negative base data) can be acquired in all areas by the operation of step S705. If possible, step S70
If not, the process returns to step S705 to search for a dust scratch area again.

Step S707: Infrared light is turned off and visible light is turned on.

Step S708: Films are arranged at the respective positions described in steps S703 and S705 to obtain negative base data, and the data of the dust scratch area is discarded and combined.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by appropriately synthesizing the negative base data for a plurality of lines, it is possible to obtain the negative base data in which the influence of dust and scratches on the film is suppressed.

Although the APS film has been described as an example in the present embodiment, it is easy to use the above system for other films such as 135 film and large format film.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
Irradiation of a plurality of negative base portions with infrared light to determine a dust scratch area, and synthesized while discarding the dust scratch area, in the second embodiment, a plurality of negative base portions are irradiated with infrared light. A dust scratch area is determined, and an image is acquired in an area having no dust scratch area or a small dust scratch area.

The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the negative base acquisition routine, and other configurations and flows are exactly the same.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a negative base acquisition routine of the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, step S901: The carriage 1 or the film holder 11 is moved by driving various motors, and the negative base portion is arranged on the optical path. Then, the process proceeds to step S902.

Step S902: The visible light source 3 is turned off and the infrared LED 30 is turned on to illuminate the film with infrared light, and the image data for one line at that time is acquired.

Step S903: It is determined from the image data obtained in step S902 whether or not dust or scratches are present on the film. If it exists, the process proceeds to step S904, and if it does not exist, the process proceeds to step S905.

Step S904: The position of the film is moved by a minute amount with respect to the optical path, and the image data for one line is acquired again. Then, it is determined whether dust or scratches are present on the film at that position. If it exists, the film is again moved by a small amount and the presence of dust scratches is determined in the same manner. If it does not exist, the process proceeds to step S905.

Step S905: Infrared light is turned off and visible light is turned on.

Step S906: Acquire negative base data.

Here, in step S904, if there is not much dust or scratches on the film and there is no dust or scratches on the film, the search is stopped (breaks out of the loop) depending on the number of times and the repeat time of the search. The negative base data on the line with the least dust and scratches should be acquired.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the negative base data in which the influence of dust and scratches on the film is suppressed can be obtained by searching the area free of dust and scratches on the film.

In the first and second embodiments described above, A
Although the PS film has been described as an example, the above system can be easily used for other films such as 135 film and large format film.

The control method described above can be realized by storing the program according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 to 10 in the storage device in the system controller 24 and operating the program.

The present invention is not limited to the apparatus of the above-described embodiment, but may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. A storage medium storing a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. Needless to say, it can be completed by doing.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk,
A magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, and a ROM can be used. In addition, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS or the like running on the computer executes actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where some or all is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the next program code. Needless to say, this also includes the case where the CPU or the like included in the expansion board or the expansion unit performs the expansion function to perform a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the function of the above-described embodiment. Yes.

[0139]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the influence of dust and scratches on the transparent original is completely eliminated,
It is possible to realize an image reading function capable of more natural color reproduction.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a film scanner which is an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of the film scanner shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the influence of dust and scratches on image data and an output image.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing negative base infrared image data.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main routine of the film scanner.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a preview sequence.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a main scan sequence.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an eject sequence.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a negative base data acquisition (correction) sequence according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a negative base acquisition routine of the image reading device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional film scanner.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a relationship between a light source and a CCD when reading a color image.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of a conventional film scanner.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 carriage 2 film (transparent document) 3 light sources 4 Imaging lens 5 Sub-scanning motor 6 Carriage sensor 7 APS film adapter 8 electrical contacts 9 APS film adapter detection switch 10 lighting circuit 11 lens holder 12 AF motor 13 Lens holder sensor 14 line sensor (image sensor) 15 Analog processing circuit 16 A / D conversion circuit 17 Image processing circuit 18 line buffer 19 Interface 20 External equipment 21 D / A conversion circuit 22 Sub-scanning motor driver 23 AF motor driver 24 system controller 25 offset RAM 26 CPU bus

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 1/00 H04N 1/04 101 5C077 1/04 101 1/40 101C 1/19 1/04 103E F term (reference) 2H106 AB95 BA05 BA47 BA72 2H109 BA06 5B047 AA05 AB04 BA01 BB02 BC11 BC16 CA02 CA12 CB22 DA04 DA06 DB01 DC09 5C062 AA05 AB03 AB17 AC24 AC58 BA06 5C072 AA01 BA19 CA04 CA05 CA07 CA11 EA05 QA10 RA13 UA02 UA06 UA18 VA03 WA04 5C077 LL02 LL19 MM03 MP01 MP08 NP01 PP06 PP11 PP15 PP43 PP47 PP51 RR01

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A light emitting unit that emits visible light and infrared light that illuminates a transparent original, an optical system that forms an image of the light from the light emitting unit that passes through the transparent original, and light that passes through the optical system. Light detecting means for detecting the foreign matter area on the transparent original from the result of infrared light detection by the light detecting means, and a plurality of data on the transparent original for discarding the data of the foreign matter area. And an image synthesizing means for synthesizing the image data of 1. 2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data combined by the image combining unit is image data of an unexposed portion of the transparent original. 3. A light emitting section that emits visible light and infrared light that illuminates a transparent original, an optical system that forms an image of the light from the light emitting section that passes through the transparent original, and light that passes through the optical system. A light detecting means for detecting the image, a determining means for determining a foreign matter area on the transparent original from the light detection result by the infrared light, and an image for acquiring image data in the area on the transparent original where the foreign matter area does not exist An image reading apparatus comprising: a data acquisition unit. 4. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image data acquisition unit acquires the image data from the unexposed portion of the transparent original. 5. A light emitting section that emits visible light and infrared light that illuminates a transparent original, an optical system that forms an image of the light from the light emitting section that passes through the transparent original, and light that passes through the optical system. A light detecting unit for detecting a foreign matter region on the transparent original from the result of light detection by the infrared light; and a plurality of image data on the transparent original to acquire the foreign matter region from the image data. And an image data acquisition unit that acquires image data in the smallest area of the image reading apparatus. 6. A light emitting section that emits visible light and infrared light that illuminates a transparent original, an optical system that forms an image of light from the light emitting section that passes through the transparent original, and light that passes through the optical system. In the image reading apparatus including a light detection unit for detecting the, the determination process of determining the foreign matter region on the transparent original from the light detection result of infrared light by the light detection unit, and discarding the data of the foreign matter region. And an image synthesizing step for synthesizing a plurality of image data on the transparent original. 7. The method of controlling an image reading apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image data to be combined in the image combining step is image data of an unexposed portion of the transparent original. 8. A light emitting section that emits visible light and infrared light that illuminates a transparent original, an optical system that forms an image of the light from the light emitting section that passes through the transparent original, and light that passes through the optical system. In the image reading apparatus including a light detection unit for detecting the above, a determination step of determining a foreign matter region on the transparent original from the light detection result by the infrared light, and an area on the transparent original in which the foreign matter region does not exist A method for controlling an image reading apparatus, comprising: performing an image data acquisition step of acquiring image data in. 9. The method of controlling an image reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein in the image data acquisition step, the image data to be acquired is image data of an unexposed portion of the transparent original. 10. A light emitting section that emits visible light and infrared light that illuminates a transparent original, an optical system that forms an image of the light from the light emitting section that passes through the transparent original, and light that passes through the optical system. In the image reading apparatus including a light detection unit that detects, a determination step of determining a foreign substance area on the transparent original from the light detection result by the infrared light, and a plurality of image data on the transparent original are acquired. And an image data acquisition step of acquiring image data in a region having the smallest amount of the foreign matter region from among them. 11. A light emitting section that emits visible light and infrared light that illuminates a transparent original, an optical system that forms an image of the light from the light emitting section that passes through the transparent original, and light that passes through the optical system. Is a medium for providing a control program for executing a control method of an image reading apparatus including a light detection unit for detecting, wherein the control program is the light detection result of infrared light by the light detection unit. A control program comprising: a determination step of determining a foreign substance area on a transparent original; and an image synthesizing step of discarding data of the foreign matter area to synthesize a plurality of image data on the transparent original. Medium to do. 12. The medium for providing a control program according to claim 11, wherein the image data to be combined in the image combining step is image data of an unexposed portion of the transparent original. 13. A light emitting section that emits visible light and infrared light that illuminates a transparent original, an optical system that forms an image of light from the light emitting section that passes through the transparent original, and light that passes through the optical system. Is a medium for providing a control program for executing a control method of an image reading apparatus including a light detection unit for detecting, wherein the control program is on the transparent original from the light detection result by the infrared light. A medium for providing a control program, comprising: a determination step of determining a foreign matter area; and an image data acquisition step of obtaining image data in an area on the transparent document where the foreign matter area does not exist. 14. The medium for providing a control program according to claim 13, wherein in the image data acquisition step, the image data to be acquired is image data of an unexposed portion of the transparent original. 15. A light emitting section that emits visible light and infrared light that illuminates a transparent original, an optical system that forms an image of the light from the light emitting section that passes through the transparent original, and light that passes through the optical system. Is a medium for providing a control program for executing a control method of an image reading apparatus including a light detection unit for detecting, wherein the control program is on the transparent original from the light detection result by the infrared light. A determination step of determining a foreign matter area; and an image data acquisition step of obtaining a plurality of image data on the transparent original and acquiring image data in the area having the smallest foreign matter area among them. A medium that provides a control program to perform. 16. A light emitting section for emitting visible light and infrared light for illuminating a transparent original, an optical system for forming an image of the light from the light emitting section for transmitting the transparent original, and light transmitted through the optical system. Is a control program for executing a control method of an image reading apparatus including a light detection unit for detecting a foreign matter region on the transparent original from a light detection result of infrared light by the light detection unit. A control program comprising: a determination step; and an image composition step of discarding the data of the foreign substance area and combining a plurality of image data on the transparent original. 17. The control program according to claim 16, wherein the image data to be combined in the image combining step is image data of an unexposed portion of the transparent original. 18. A light-emitting portion that emits visible light and infrared light that illuminates a transparent original, an optical system that forms an image of light from the light-emitting portion that has passed through the transparent original, and light that passes through the optical system. Is a control program for executing a control method of an image reading apparatus having a light detection means for detecting, a determination step of determining a foreign matter region on the transparent original from a light detection result by the infrared light, An image data acquisition step of acquiring image data in an area on the transparent original where the foreign matter area does not exist. 19. The control program according to claim 18, wherein in the image data acquisition step, the image data acquired is image data of an unexposed portion of the transparent original. 20. A light emitting section for emitting visible light and infrared light for illuminating a transparent original, an optical system for forming an image of the light from the light emitting section that has passed through the transparent original, and light transmitted through the optical system. Is a control program for executing a control method of an image reading apparatus including a light detection unit for detecting, a determination step of determining a foreign matter region on the transparent original from a light detection result by the infrared light, An image data acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of image data on the transparent original and acquiring image data in an area having the smallest foreign matter area from the plurality of image data.