JP2006071810A - Photographic film processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently perform the ordering processing of a photographic print based on photographic film. <P>SOLUTION: A check label where an order identification number and its barcode are recorded is stuck to the edge part 28a of the photographic film 28 and a DP bag. Order content is input from a key board 17a corresponding to the order identification number, and stored in a memory 17d. An automatic film loader 11, an edge sensor 35, a barcode reader 34, a picture plane sensor 36 and a 1st reservoir 12 are provided on the upstream side of a film carrier 13. The barcode of the check label is read by the barcode reader 34. Based on the read barcode, the memory 17d is retrieved to obtain corresponding order information. Based on the order information, printing processing or writing image data in a CDR is performed. The photographic film 28 failing in reading the barcode is forcibly ejected by a forcible ejection part 58. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographic film processing apparatus that supplies photographic films one by one to a film carrier to create photographic prints and the like.

  In a photographic film processing apparatus that digitally processes image of a photographic film, the photographic film on which the image is recorded is conveyed at a predetermined reading speed, and the image of the photographic film is read by a scanner including a CCD line sensor. In some cases, the image data obtained by the above method is used to record an image on a recording material, display an image on a display, or the like (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  In such an image reading unit of a photographic film processing apparatus, a photographic film is conveyed in one direction along a reading conveyance path by a pair of conveying rollers, and a pre-reading for reading an image of the photographic film at a relatively rough resolution by a line scanner. After scanning and confirming the size, dynamic range, etc. of the image recorded on the photographic film, the direction of the photographic film is reversed and the photographic film is conveyed in the reverse direction, based on the data obtained by press scanning. In other words, so-called reciprocating scanning is performed in which fine scanning is performed to read an image of a photographic film with high resolution. The photographic film after completion of fine scanning is carried out to the outside of the apparatus or a film receiving section along a film carry-out path connected to the reading conveyance path.

  The photographic film conveyed to the film carry-out path is cut into a predetermined length such as 6 frames or 4 frames by a film cutter, for example. The piece film that has been cut is sequentially stored in a sheet (film sheet) in which film storage bags are continuous by an inserter.

  In addition, this photographic film processing apparatus is provided with an auto film loader (AFL) that automatically supplies the photographic film to the reading conveyance path. The auto film loader includes, for example, a film holder in which a film bundle in which photographic films are laminated is loaded, one photographic film is separated from the film bundle loaded in the film holder, and the photographic film is taken out as a film carry-out path. A feed roller that feeds a film supply path connected to the printer and a conveyance roller pair that conveys the photographic film to the reading conveyance path along the film supply path are provided. This auto film loader separates one photographic film from the uppermost or lowermost part of the film bundle loaded in the film holder by the feeding roller at a predetermined timing, and the photographic film is moved along the film supply path to the main body of the apparatus. It conveys to the side reading conveyance path.

  In order to reliably and efficiently accept photographic prints, for example, Patent Document 3 discloses that identification information is magnetically recorded at the leading edge of a photographic film when photographic prints are accepted. Patent Document 4 discloses that an original identifier and an image file are stored in a database in association with each other so that reprinting can be performed without bringing in a photographic film when reordering. Further, in Patent Document 5, a check label that records order identification information to be given to the photographic film to be ordered is issued based on the order of the photographic print, and the image data of the photographic film is identified based on the order identification information of the check label. It is disclosed.

JP-A-11-133519 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-188833 JP-A-4-328540 JP 2002-23278 A JP 2003-114482 A

  By the way, in a photographic print system for a small-scale development laboratory comprising a film developing machine, an image input machine, and an image output machine, an operator manually inputs order information in the image input machine. For this input, on the order input screen of the image input machine, order information such as print size, number of printed sheets, paper surface type, presence / absence of index printing, presence / absence of creation of data CD, and the like are input using a keyboard or a mouse. At this time, when photographic films having the same order contents are continuous, the default setting is made so that the order information does not need to be input again, thereby saving labor. For this reason, when setting photographic films in an auto film loader, so-called batch division is performed in which the same order contents are sorted and the same order contents are collectively set in the auto film loader. Therefore, preprocessing such as sorting is required, and there is a problem that print processing cannot be performed efficiently. Although Patent Documents 3 to 5 describe that order identification information is attached to a photographic film, there is no mention of correspondence with order information, and there is a problem that print processing or the like cannot be performed efficiently.

  The present invention is for solving the above-mentioned problem, and enables efficient printing work without prior work for sorting out the same order contents. Further, the order identification information such as a barcode cannot be read, and the order information is incomplete. If the image cannot be read because the reading conditions are not fixed, etc., the photographic film processing that forcibly ejects the corresponding photographic film and reads the image of the next photographic film to maintain the productivity of the image reading work. An object is to provide an apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention uses a photographic film with order identification information for identifying an order, and sets each image frame of the photographic film at the image reading position of the scanner by a film carrier. A photographic film processing apparatus that reads an image recorded on a photographic film and performs an ordering process based on the read image data, wherein the order for inputting a print order using the photographic film is input in association with the order identification information Information input means, means for adding order identification information to the inputted order information and storing it, and an order identification information reader provided on the upstream side in the film feeding direction with respect to the film carrier for reading the order identification information from a photographic film And the image reading position provided between the order identification information reader and the film carrier. Read by the identification information reader, and a reservoir for temporarily storing the photographic film so that the conveyance distance of the photographic film to the order identification information reader is equal to or longer than the length of one photographic film. And order processing means for reading the order information from the storage means based on the order identification information and performing the order processing based on the order information. In addition, it is preferable to provide a forcible discharge unit that forcibly discharges the corresponding photographic film when reading of the order identification information or the order information fails. It is preferable that an auto film loader is provided on the upstream side in the film feeding direction with respect to the film carrier and automatically supplies a long photographic film, and the order identification information reader is disposed in the auto film loader. . The order identification information may be in the form of a barcode recorded on a check label or stored in an IC tag provided on the check label.

  According to the present invention, the conveyance distance of the photographic film provided between the order identification information reader and the film carrier, and the conveyance distance of the photographic film from the image reading position to the order identification information reader is equal to or more than the conveyance distance of one photographic film. Thus, since the reservoir for temporarily storing the photographic film is provided, it is possible to determine whether or not to read the image of the photographic film based on the reading result of the order identification information. Therefore, even when the leading and trailing edges of the photographic film are set in reverse and the order identification information is located at the end of the photographic film, it is possible to reliably read the order identification information and perform the corresponding order processing. In addition, since the order identification information attached to the photographic film is read by the order identification information reader and the print order information is specified based on the order identification information, it is not necessary to sort the photographic film in advance for the same order contents. Print processing is possible. Also, by providing a forced discharge unit that forcibly discharges the corresponding photographic film when reading of order identification information or order information fails, image reading of the next photographic film can be continued, and image reading work can be continued. Productivity is maintained.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a photographic film processing system embodying the present invention includes an order receiving machine 2 comprising an order receiving machine body 3, a check label printer 4, an acceptance slip printer 5, a lab system configuration database 6, and an order information database 7. And a system controller 8, a laboratory store server 9, an image input machine 10, and an image output machine 18.

  The order receiving machine main body 3 is composed of a personal computer and includes a keyboard 3a, a mouse 3b, and a display 3c, and inputs order information. The order information can be entered in either an operator input mode that is set by the store operator by the mode setting or an orderer direct input mode that is directly input by the orderer. Can be specified. For example, the operator input mode is selected when there are a plurality of operators and there is a human margin. The orderer direct input mode is selected when there are a small number of operators and there are many situations where hands cannot be released for other work or when there is no person at night. When used unattended, the storage port for receiving and storing the photographic film is configured to open and close, and the photographic film is inserted from the storage port. The photographic film once inserted is stored without being taken out from the storage port. In the case of such unattended reception processing, the check label 21 is issued together with the reception slip 37 in order to identify the photographic film, and the orderer attaches the check label 21 to the photographic film cartridge. In this case, the check label 21 is temporarily attached or constituted in a double check label, and only one of the check labels is attached, and the other check label is attached to the leading end portion of the photographic film by a later operation by an operator. Further, instead of attaching the check label 21 by the orderer, the film storage unit may be configured to be able to store a film independently for each order, and the reception identification information may be assigned to the storage unit.

  In both modes, the input items are the same, and order information can be input by input guidance or voice guidance using the display 3c, touch key input using the keyboard 3a, mouse 3b, or display 3c. ing. The inputted order information is stored in the memory 3d in the order receiving machine body 3 together with the order identification number. Then, the order details are displayed on the final confirmation screen, and the order details are confirmed by operating the confirmation button. By confirming the order contents, the order reception date / time data is fetched from the auto date mechanism and stored as the order reception date / time. Then, the confirmed order information is sent from the order receiving machine body 3 to the order information database 7 and stored.

  In addition, the order identification information and the barcode of the order identification information are printed on the check label 21 by the check label printer 4 when the order details are confirmed. The check label 21 is printed as order identification information having the same number of sheets required for the photographic film processing system. For example, when a DP bag is used, two sheets are printed so as to be attached to the DP bag and the leading end of the photographic film. Further, when the DP bag is not used, one sheet is printed, and this is attached to the leading end of the photographic film 28 as shown in FIG. In addition, a receipt slip 37 on which the order identification number, the barcode, and the order receipt contents are printed is printed by the receipt slip printer 5, and this receipt slip 37 is handed over to the orderer. Note that the check label printer 4 and the receipt slip printer 5 may be used together, and the check label 21 and the receipt slip 37 are printed on the same sheet, and only the check label 21 is peeled off and attached to the photographic film 28. Also good.

  In the lab system configuration database 6, possible output services in the photographic film processing system of the lab store are input in a database format. In addition, possible output services at affiliated lab stores and large lab stores are also input. By specifying the mode, only the items that can only be processed in the lab store are displayed on the accepting machine main body 3 and accepted, and the processing that uses the output machines of other affiliated stores is also accepted. The processing mode can be selected. When the own store processing mode is selected, for example, the photographic paper surface type, print size, media writing service, and the like that can be processed at the own store are displayed, and these receiving processes can be performed. In addition, when the extended processing mode is selected, for example, the photographic paper type and print size that can be processed at other stores via the reception processing system of other stores through an Internet connection or a dedicated line, etc. and are not in the own store are printed. It becomes possible. For example, a special print such as a 12-inch print, a large print such as a poster print using an inkjet printer, a print on a mug or a T-shirt, or a composite print with a talent or a famous building can be selected.

  FIG. 3 is an example of a list of order information. This identification information list 38 includes an order identification number, order date / time, film type, photographic paper (color paper) surface type, print size, edge presence / absence, number of sheets, delivery date / time, delivery method, presence / absence of index printing, CD Is input as necessary for each item of customer information. For example, a 4-digit number is used as the order identification number. Note that the order identification information is not limited to numbers, but may be a combination with other characters such as alphabets, and the number of digits is not limited to four, and may be increased or decreased as appropriate. As the film type, “N” indicating a negative film, “R” indicating a reversal film, or the like is used. For the surface type of photographic paper, gloss (glossy), silk, etc. are used. As the print size, “L”, “2L”, “half L”, “panorama”, and the like are used. For the presence / absence of the edge, “with edge” and “without edge” are used. As the number of sheets, “one each”, “two each”, or the like is used. At the delivery time, the delivery date and time designated at the time of ordering is written. As the delivery method, over-the-counter delivery, mail, courier service, etc. are selected. In the presence / absence of an index, the presence / absence of an index print is written. In addition, the presence / absence of writing to the CDR is selected as the presence / absence of the CD. In the presence / absence of the special print, the presence / absence of the large size print, the mug print, the T-shirt print, the composite print, or the like is selected. In the customer information item, the customer's name and telephone number are written.

  Among the order information, the print size, the number of prints, the paper surface type, and the presence / absence of index printing are used in the print processing in the image output machine 18, and the specified surface type (glossy) is determined by the corresponding print size and number. Or, printing is performed on a photographic paper. If there is an index print, an index print is created in which all frames recorded on the photographic film 28 are displayed in a list. If data CD has been created, the image data is written to a designated recording medium, such as a CDR, after the scan is completed. In place of the CDR, the image data may be written to another DVDR or IC card.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image input device 10 includes an auto film loader 11, a first reservoir 12, a film carrier 13, an image reading unit 14, a second reservoir 15, a film cutting inserter 16, and an image processing unit 17. Yes. Further, the image output device 18 includes a laser printer unit 19 and a processor unit 20. The auto film loader 11 includes a film holder 25, a feed roller 26, and a transport roller pair 27. The film holder 25 is loaded with a filter bundle 29 in which developed photographic films 28 are laminated to form a bundle. Further, the film holder 25 is provided with an additional loading section 25a to which a photographic film that requires sudden processing such as express finishing or interruption finishing can be added. The additional loading unit 25 a is configured to allow the photographic film 28 to be added and loaded from the side opposite to the supply side, and includes an opening / closing lid provided on the film holder 25. The auto film loader 11 having the additional loading unit 25a is described in detail in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-182312 by the present applicant. When a scan enable signal is received from the film carrier 13 side, the feeding roller 26 is rotated to separate the photographic films 28 in the film holder 25 one by one and send them to the conveying roller pair 27. The conveying roller pair 27 sends the photographic film 28 separated from the film holder 25 to the first reservoir 12. Reference numeral 24 denotes a film conveyance path.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a check label 21 is affixed to the leading end 28a of the photographic film 28 during the reception process. On the check label 21, an order identification number 22 for identifying each order and a barcode 23 obtained by converting the order identification number into a barcode are recorded. In the case of using a DP bag, the check label 21 having the same number is also attached to a DP bag (not shown) in which a photographic film 28 is placed when placing a print order. Used for.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first reservoir 12 is configured to form a loop space 32 between the two conveying roller pairs 30, 31, and the movable guide 33 is provided in the inlet-side conveying roller pair 30. Is provided. The movable guide 33 is rotatably mounted coaxially with the lower drive roller 30a of the entrance-side transport roller pair 30 and guides the front end of the photographic film 28 to the exit-side transport roller pair 31 in a horizontal state. It is displaced between (a two-dot chain line display) and a retreat position (a solid line display) that is substantially vertical and retracts from the loop space.

  A tip sensor 35, a barcode reader 34, and a screen sensor 36 are provided between the transport roller pair 27 of the film holder 25 and the inlet-side transport roller pair 30 of the first reservoir 12. The leading edge sensor 35 detects the leading edge of the photographic film 28 and sends this leading edge detection signal to the system controller 8. The barcode reader 34 reads the barcode 23 on the check label 21 and sends this barcode reading signal to the system controller 8. The bar code reader 34 is the same as the bar code reader used in a convenience store cash register, but the detection method, the light source used, and the like may be changed as appropriate. The system controller 8 reads the corresponding order information in the memory 17d of the image processing unit 17 from the order identification number based on the barcode read signal, and controls each unit based on the read order information to perform print processing corresponding to the order information. I do.

  In order to reliably read the barcode 23 by the barcode reader 34, the feeding speed of the photographic film 28 is optimized. In the present embodiment, the feed speed at the time of barcode reading by the barcode reader 34 is set lower than the feed speed of the photographic film 28 for edge position extraction by the screen sensor 36. This low speed feeding is performed only for a certain section where the check label 21 is pasted after the leading edge of the photographic film 28 is detected by the leading edge sensor 35.

  The screen sensor 36 is composed of four transmissive light receiving sensors disposed in the image recording area of the photographic film 28 so as to be separated from each other in the film width direction, and signals from the light receiving sensors are sent to the system controller 8. In the system controller 8, the frame position determination unit 41 extracts the edge position of each image frame based on the density variation of each light receiving sensor in the film longitudinal direction.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of an edge position extraction and determination algorithm. First, the edge position is determined for a frame with a clear edge. Based on the determined edge position data, the average of the frame position data for the determined frame is calculated. Next, edge position candidates are extracted for unconfirmed frames based on the average data of the confirmed frames. Then, the distance between the edge position candidate and the confirmed edge is calculated. Next, the difference between the calculated distance and the average is calculated. Then, the edge position with the smallest difference is selected and registered as the confirmed edge position. Further, the other edge position of the image frame is calculated and registered based on the determined edge position. This is performed for all unconfirmed image frames. Note that the edge position extraction and determination algorithms are not limited to those described above, and other edge position extraction methods and determination algorithms may be used.

  In the system controller 8, the position of each image frame is specified by the frame position determination unit 41 on the basis of the feed amount from the front end of the photographic film 28. Note that the position of each image frame is specified based on the number of perforations from the leading edge to the edge of the target frame and the film feeding amount from the perforation near the edge to the edge, instead of the feeding amount from the leading edge. Also good. In this case, since the accumulated error of the film feed is reduced, each frame position can be specified with high accuracy. Also, instead of using perforation as a reference, frame number barcodes or DX barcodes that are close to the image frame position are used as a reference, and the edge position of each frame can be specified by the film feed amount from the barcode that is used as the reference. Good.

  The leading edge of the film that has passed through the first reservoir 12 is sent to the film carrier 13 by a pair of transport rollers 45. A reading opening 13a is formed in the film carrier 13, and a film transport path 24 is formed so as to pass through the reading opening 13a. A carrier mask 51 is provided in the reading opening 13a, and this carrier mask 51 presses the photographic film 28 during image reading to ensure the flatness of the photographic film 28.

  A tip sensor 52, a screen sensor 53, a perforation sensor (not shown), and a barcode reader are provided in the film transport path 24 in the film carrier 13 on the upstream side of the carrier mask 51. The screen sensor 53 determines the position of each image frame when an urgent interrupt process is performed and a photographic film is inserted directly into the film entrance of the film carrier 13 without going through the auto film loader 11 and the reservoir 12. It is for identification. The urgent interruption process here is different from the interruption process by the additional loading to the auto film loader 11 described above, and is a manual operation by the operator that is performed by temporarily stopping each device upstream of the film carrier 13. The leading edge sensor 52 and the screen sensor 53 of the film carrier 13 are configured in substantially the same manner as the leading edge sensor 35 and the screen sensor 36 provided on the upstream side of the reservoir 12, and the outputs of these sensors 52, 53 are output from the system controller 8. It is sent to the position determination unit 41. The frame position determination unit 41 detects the leading edge and the screen edge position of the photographic film 28 in the same manner as the signals from the leading edge sensor 35 and the screen sensor 36. The perforation sensor detects perforation of the photographic film 28. The bar code reader reads the DX code and the frame number bar code recorded on the side edge of the photographic film 28.

  The image reading unit 14 includes a light source 60 and a scanner 61. The light source 60 illuminates each image frame set in the reading opening 13a. The scanner 61 includes an imaging lens 61a and an area CCD sensor 61b for R (red), G (green), and B (blue) photometry disposed at the image forming position of the imaging lens 61a. The image of each image frame on the photographic film 28 is read by the CCD sensor 61b. The R, G, B3 image data from the scanner 61 is output to the image processing unit 17.

  The image processing unit 17 is composed of a personal computer, and includes a keyboard 17a, a mouse 17b, and a display 17c. The three-color image data from the scanner 61 is operated by operating the keyboard 17a, the mouse 17b, and the like as necessary. Then, various image processing such as density correction and color correction is performed and output to the laser printer unit 19 as recording image data. The image processing unit 17 outputs image data subjected to image processing to the outside as an image file when there is an instruction to write to a storage medium such as the presence or absence of a CD in the order information. For example, the data is output to a storage medium such as a memory card, CDR, DVDR, or an external storage device such as an HDD. In the case of special prints such as large-size prints, mug prints, and composite prints that cannot be processed in the lab store, image data is temporarily stored in the lab store server 9, and the Internet or dedicated line is connected. Various special prints are made using a photographic printer at a large lab store. In this case, a store capable of corresponding various special prints is searched from the lab system configuration database 6, and the image recorded on the film and the order information are transferred to the searched store. At the lab store to which the data has been transferred, printing is performed based on the order information, and delivery processing is performed by a designated delivery method.

  The laser printer unit 19 includes laser light sources that respectively emit R, G, and B laser beams, and irradiates the photographic paper with laser beams modulated according to the recording image data input from the image processing unit 17. Then, an image (latent image) is formed on the photographic paper by scanning exposure. The processor unit 20 performs color development, bleach-fixing, washing with water, and drying on the photographic paper that has been scanned and exposed by the laser printer unit 19. Thereby, the latent image formed on the photographic paper is developed into a visible image. In addition, when index print is designated, the laser printer unit 19 creates an index print in which each image frame of the photographic film is displayed in a list.

  The photographic film 28 exiting the film carrier 13 is sent to the film cutting inserter 16 via the second reservoir 15. The second reservoir 15 is configured in substantially the same manner as the first reservoir 12, and includes an inlet-side conveyance roller pair 65, an outlet-side conveyance roller pair 66, and a movable guide 67. The photographic film 28 is temporarily stored in a loop shape in a loop space 68 between the two conveyance roller pairs 65 and 66. However, unlike the first reservoir 12, it is not necessary to store approximately one photographic film 28. In the second reservoir 15, the film cutting time in the film cutting inserter 16, the film reading time in the film carrier 13, and It is only necessary to store the loop amount for absorbing the difference in the processing time.

  The movable guide 67 of the second reservoir 15 is configured to be a forced discharge position that is rotated obliquely upward, in addition to being displaced between a horizontal guide position and a vertical loop forming position. When the photographic film 28 in which the order identification information cannot be read or the photographic film 28 in which the order information corresponding to the order identification information cannot be read even though the order identification information has been read passes through the second reservoir 15, the movable guide 67 is set to the forced discharge position. When the movable guide 67 reaches the forced discharge position, the photographic film 28 is stored in the cylindrical film storage portion 57 by the discharge roller pair 56. The movable guide 67, the discharge roller pair 56, and the film storage unit 57 constitute a forced discharge unit 58.

  The film cutting inserter 16 is provided with a tip sensor 70 and a screen sensor 71, and signals from these sensors 70 and 71 are sent to the system controller 8. The screen sensor 71 is interrupted, and the photographic film 28 is inserted directly into the film entrance of the film cutting inserter 16 without going through the auto film loader 11, the first reservoir 12, the film carrier 13, and the second reservoir 15. This is for identifying the position of each image frame. The tip sensor 70 and the screen sensor 71 are configured in substantially the same manner as the tip sensor 35 and the screen sensor 36 provided on the upstream side of the reservoir 12, and the outputs of these sensors 70 and 71 are the frame position determination unit 41 of the system controller 8. The frame position determination unit 41 detects the leading edge of the photographic film 28 and the screen edge position.

  The film cutting inserter 16 includes a cutter 75, a film sheet conveyance unit 76, and an insert roller pair 77. The cutter 75 cuts the photographic film 28 in units of, for example, six image frames to form a piece film 78. At this time, a frame position is specified based on the detection result of all frame positions for one case of the screen sensor 36, and a cut position for every six frames is specified based on this frame position and cut.

  The film sheet conveyance unit 76 draws the film sheet 81 from the film sheet roll 80 by a pair of sheet conveyance rollers (not shown), and positions the film storage unit 81 a of the film sheet 81 on the insert roller pair 77. The film sheet roll 80 is obtained by winding a film sheet 81 into a roll shape, and the film sheet 81 is formed with a large number of film storage portions 81a arranged side by side. When the piece film 78 is inserted into the film storage unit 81a by the insert roller pair 77, the film sheet 81 is fed by the film sheet transport unit 76 by the width of the film storage unit. As a result, the next uninserted film storage portion 81a is set at the film loading position. Thereafter, the photographic film 28 is cut and inserted in the same manner. When one photographic film 28 is cut and inserted into the film sheet 81, the film sheet 81 is separated by a cutter (not shown) at the boundary portion of the film storage portion 81a in which each photographic film 28 is inserted.

  Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described. First, when receiving the photographic film 28, the contents of the orderer's name, contact telephone number, and order contents entered from the order receiving machine body 3 are displayed on the display 3c. When the confirmation operation is performed by pressing, the order content is confirmed, and this order content is sent to the order information database 7. A receipt slip 37 is printed by the receipt slip printer 5, and the receipt slip 37 is handed over to the orderer. Further, a check label 21 is printed by the check label printer 4 and is affixed to the leading end 28a of the received photographic film 28 as shown in FIG.

  The photographic film 28 after the receiving process is developed by a known film developing machine. The developed photographic film 28 is stacked in the order of development processing or randomly, and is set in the auto film loader 11. At this time, as in the prior art, sorting as a pre-processing for grouping items of similar order contents together becomes unnecessary, and the printing process is simplified. The film bundle 29 is set in the auto film loader 11 so that the leading ends of the photographic films 28 are aligned and sent to the transport path 24 with the photosensitive emulsion surface facing up.

  The auto film loader 11 receives the scan enable signal from the film carrier 13 and rotates the feeding roller 26 to feed out the photographic films 28 one by one from the film bundle 29. The photographic film 28 is conveyed toward the film carrier 13 by the conveying roller pair 27. During this conveyance, the barcode sensor 34 reads the barcode 23 of the check label 21 affixed to the leading end portion 28 a of the photographic film 28. This bar code reading signal is sent to the system controller 8. The system controller 8 retrieves the corresponding print order content from the order information database memory 17d based on the order identification number by the bar code 23, and performs print processing or image data writing processing on the CDR based on the print order content.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the barcode reading process. When the leading edge of the photographic film 28 is detected by the leading edge sensor 35, reading of the barcode 23 is started. If the front and rear ends of the photographic film 28 are mistakenly set in the auto film loader 11, the check label 21 is positioned at the end of the photographic film 28. In this case, it is impossible to read the barcode 23 when the leading end portion 28a passes through the barcode reader 34 as in a photographic film 28 that is properly set. In response to this, the system controller 8 determines that the barcode cannot be read at the distal end portion 28a, and performs the process of extracting the edge position of each image frame by the screen sensor 36. Further, the barcode is read again at the timing when the rear end portion of the photographic film 28 passes the barcode sensor 34.

  The bar code is read again at the rear end as follows. Since the length of one photographic film differs depending on the prescribed number of shots, it is standardized. Therefore, even when the front and rear ends are set upside down, the position where the check label 21 is attached is predicted based on the rear end. It is possible. When the barcode cannot be read at the leading end 28a, the barcode 23 of the check label 21 of the photographic film 28 with the leading and trailing ends reversed is read based on the prediction. When the barcode 23 is successfully read, the print order content is specified in the same manner as the regular loaded photographic film 28 based on the order identification number by the barcode 23, and the print processing is performed based on the print order content. At this time, the fact that the leading and trailing edges are set in reverse is stored, and the fact is displayed on the display 17c.

  Further, when the barcode cannot be read again in the predicted area, it is determined that the check label 21 is forgotten or peeled off, or erroneous loading with the front and back reversed, and an operator call process is performed. A reading error alarm is displayed. In this case, the operator confirms the state of the photographic film, and if the check label that does not interfere with image reading is forgotten or peeled off, the image is read and the customer identification number is checked by checking with the DP bag. Is specified and the print processing is performed. Also, in the case of a reversely loaded film, the front and back are reversed images, so that the forced discharge unit 58 is operated without moving the image reading and printing process, and the movable guide 67 of the reservoir 15 is displaced upward, The photographic film 28 is sent to the film storage unit 57.

  In addition to reading the barcode 23, the system controller 8 extracts the edge position of each image frame based on the tip detection signal of the tip sensor 35 and the density signal of each light receiving sensor in the film longitudinal direction of the first screen sensor 36, This edge position is specified by the film feed amount from the front end of the photographic film 28. This edge position data is stored in the memory of the system controller 8.

  When the leading end of the photographic film 28 passes through the movable guide 33 and further passes through the downstream conveying roller pair 31, the movable guide 33 is displaced from the guide position to the retracted position. As the movable guide 33 is retracted, the photographic film 28 is accommodated in the loop space 32 in a loop. When the position of each image frame for one photographic film is specified by the screen sensor 36, this frame position data is written in the memory in the system controller 8, and the photographic film 28 is moved to the film carrier by the transport roller pair 31, 45. 13. In the film carrier 13, each frame is sequentially set in the reading opening 13 a according to the film feed amount based on the film leading edge detection signal from the leading edge sensor 52, and each image frame is read by the film scanner 61. Since the setting of each image frame on the film carrier 13 to the reading position is performed based on the image frame position data after specifying the position of one image frame on the photographic film 28, each image frame is surely placed at the reading position. Can be set.

  The photographic film 28 from which the image has been read is sent to the film cutting inserter 16, cut into six frames based on the position data of each image frame by the screen sensor 36, and inserted into the film sheet 81. The cutting every 6 frames is also performed based on the image frame position data after the position of one image frame of the photographic film 28 is specified by the screen sensor 36, so a photograph is taken every 6 frames between the image frames. The film 28 is cut.

  After reading the image of each image frame, a print photograph is created by the image output device 18 based on the image data of each image frame. This print photo is created in accordance with the order contents specified in advance based on the order identification information on the check label 21. For example, in the laser printer unit 19, the photographic paper is cut according to the print size and the number of prints and sent to the scanning exposure unit. In the scanning exposure unit, a designated number of print processes are performed on photographic paper of a suitable surface type based on the image data of the photographic film. Even when photographic paper that does not conform to the type of order contents is set, the input device 10 continues to input images. In this case, the image data is sent to the laboratory store server 9 via the image processing unit 17 and stored. Then, after all orders have been printed for the photographic paper set in the laser printer unit 19, a paper replacement alarm is issued and photographic paper of a predetermined surface type is set. Corresponding image data is read from the server 9 and print processing with different surface types is performed.

  When index printing is designated, an index image in which each image frame is displayed in a list is created, and this index image is scanned and exposed by the laser printer unit 19. When CD writing is designated, each image frame of the photographic film is written in the CDR by the image processing unit 17.

  In addition, when a special print such as a large size print, a mug print, or a composite print that cannot be processed due to the absence of a special printer at the lab store where the order has been processed, The affiliated lab store capable of corresponding processing is searched via the lab system configuration database 6, and data is transferred to the searched affiliated lab store via the Internet or a dedicated line, such as large-sized prints, mug prints, and composite prints. Special print is performed.

  In the above embodiment, one image output device 18 is used, but a plurality of image output devices having different photographic paper sizes and surface types may be used. In this case, a plurality of image output machines are connected to the image processing unit 17 or the lab store server 9, and a plurality of image output machines used according to the order information are selected and used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the forced discharge unit 58 is provided on the downstream side of the second reservoir 15 on the outlet side of the film carrier 13. The forced discharge unit 58 is provided between the auto film loader 11 and the first reservoir 12, and the first reservoir 12. It may be provided between the reservoir 12 and the film carrier 13 or the like. Moreover, the forced discharge part 58 should just be what can be branched from the film conveyance path 24, and can discharge the photographic film 28, and is not limited to the form of illustration.

  When the photographic paper used in the above embodiment and the order contents are inconsistent, or when the photographic film 28 is clogged or poorly conveyed, the order identification information of the corresponding check label is displayed on the display 17c of the image processing unit 17. The operator may be notified that the image is not read or printed.

  In the above embodiment, after the order information is input by the order receiver main body 3, the order identification number for identifying the order information is newly allocated, and the order identification number and the check label having the barcode are printed. However, instead of this, it is also possible to accept an order by filling in the DP bag as in the prior art and to input the order information subjected to the acceptance process by the order accepting machine 2. In this case, a pre-printed check label 21 is affixed to the front end of the DP bag and the photographic film 28 at the time of the reception process, and the order identification number of the affixed check label 21 is read and key-inputted. Thereafter, the order identification information and the order information may be associated with each other and stored in the memory 3d of the order receiving machine main body 3 by inputting the order contents of the DP bag. Note that reading of the order identification information may be input from a barcode by providing a handy-type barcode reader 3e as shown in FIG.

  In the above embodiment, the order receiving machine 2 is used. Instead of using the order receiving machine 2, the image processing unit 17 may have an order receiving function. In this case, the operator operates the keyboard 17a, mouse 17b, etc. based on the input guidance or voice input guidance displayed on the display 17c, and inputs order information. The input order information is stored in the memory 17d in the image processing unit 17 together with the order identification number.

  In the above embodiment, when the reading of the barcode 23 by the barcode reader 34 fails, an alarm is issued and the order identification information is input by visual confirmation and manual input by the operator. The code reader 34 may be detachably provided in the conveyance path, and when the barcode 23 reading fails, the barcode reader 34 may be removed and the barcode 23 may be read by the operator holding the barcode reader 34. Thereby, reading of the barcode 23 can be performed reliably and easily.

  Further, when the check label 21 of the photographic film 28 passes the barcode reader 34, the photographic film 28 is stopped or the feeding speed of the photographic film 28 is switched to a low speed in order to surely read the barcode 23. Or you may.

  In the above embodiment, the frame number information of all the frames of the photographic film 28 by the screen sensor 36 is stored in the memory 17d of the image processing unit 17, and the total number of prints, A print fee based on the total number of prints may be printed. Also, instead of or in addition to printing the total number of prints, a print number in which each frame number is combined with “/” and “total number of prints” may be printed on the back side of each printed photograph.

  As the barcode 23, a general barcode 23 composed of a thick line and a thin line is used. Instead, a two-dimensional barcode in which the dot arrangement is changed and other various machine-readable codes are used. May be. An IC tag may be used instead of the barcode 23. In this case, an IC tag reader is used instead of the barcode reader 34.

  In the above embodiment, the photographic film after image reading is cut into piece films with an auto film cutter. Instead, the photographic film is received with an auto film catcher and then cut into piece films with a film cutter. May be.

  In the above embodiment, the barcode reader 34 is provided in the film conveyance path 24 between the auto film loader 11 and the film carrier 13. However, instead of this, the barcode reader 34 may be provided in the auto film loader 11. . In this case, the bar code 23 on the check label 21 is read by the bar code reader 34 before the photographic film 28 is set in the auto film loader 11. Then, the order identification information by the read barcode 23 is stored in the discharge order of the photographic film 28, and the order identification information by the barcode of this photographic film is sent to the system controller every time the photographic film 28 is discharged. In addition, the barcode reader set in the auto film loader 11 may be detachable in addition to being fixed. When the barcode reader is detachable, it functions as a handy type barcode reader. Further, instead of reading the barcode with the barcode reader 34 before setting the photographic film 8, when the photographic film 28 is set on the auto film loader 11 and sent out, the barcode is read with the barcode reader. Good.

It is the schematic which shows the photographic film processing apparatus of this invention. It is a top view which shows the check label affixed on the front-end | tip part of the photographic film. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of an order information list. It is a flowchart which shows an example of extraction of the edge position of each image frame, and a determination algorithm. It is a flowchart which shows the reading process of the barcode of a check label.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 Order reception machine 3 Order reception machine body 4 Check label printer 5 Receipt form printer 8 System controller 10 Image input machine 11 Auto film loader 12 First reservoir 13 Film carrier 14 Image reading part 15 Second reservoir 16 Film cutting inserter 17 Image processing Section 18 Image output machine 21 Check label 22 Order identification number 23 Bar code 24 Film transport path 25 Film holders 27, 30, 31, 65, 66, transport roller pair 28 Photo film 35 Tip sensor 36 Screen sensor 41 Frame position determination section 51 Carrier mask 52 Lead sensor 53 Screen sensor 61 Scanner 77 Insert roller pair 78 Piece film 81 Film sheet

Claims (3)

Using a photographic film with order identification information for identifying an order, each image frame of this photographic film is set to an image reading position of an image reading unit by a film carrier, and an image recorded on the photographic film is read. In the photographic film processing apparatus that performs order processing based on the read image data,
Order information input means for inputting the print order content using the photographic film in association with the order identification information;
Means for adding the order identification information to the input order information and storing it;
An order identification information reader that is provided upstream of the film carrier in the film feeding direction and reads the order identification information from a photographic film;
Provided between the order identification information reader and the film carrier, the conveyance distance of the photographic film from the image reading position to the order identification information reader is a conveyance distance equal to or longer than the length of one photographic film. A reservoir for temporarily storing photographic film,
A photographic film processing apparatus comprising: order processing means for reading corresponding order information from the storage means based on the order identification information read by the identification information reader and performing order processing based on the order information.   The photographic film processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a forced discharge unit that forcibly discharges the corresponding photographic film when reading of the order identification information or the order information fails. An auto film loader is provided on the upstream side in the film feeding direction with respect to the film carrier and automatically supplies a long photographic film, and the order identification information reader is disposed in the auto film loader. The photographic film processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

Images