JP2006284885A - Film holder and image reading system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve accuracy for automatically identifying a holder type from an image read by an image reader. <P>SOLUTION: The holder part 31 of each film holder 30 includes an identifying mark 36 serving as an index for identifying a holder type from an image read by the image reader. The identifying marks 36 are composed by arranging several through-holes of the identical shape so that the identifying marks 36 corresponding to holder types are different from one another. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a film holder for positioning a transparent original on an original table of an image reading apparatus, and an image reading system for automatically determining a holder type placed on the original table.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an apparatus for reading a document image recorded on a document, a flatbed type image reading apparatus such as an image scanner has been widely used. This type of image reading apparatus acquires a document image by moving a carriage on which an image sensor (line sensor) and a light source are mounted with respect to the document and reading reflected light from the document. Incidentally, an image reading apparatus configured to read reflected light is suitable for reading a reflective original that reflects light, but is not suitable for reading a transparent original that transmits light such as a film. Therefore, recently, an image reading apparatus in which another original light source is provided on the original table cover and the original image of the transparent original can be acquired by reading the transmitted light from the film has been put into practical use (for example, Patent Documents). 1). The “image reading apparatus” described below indicates an image reading apparatus configured to be able to read each original image of a reflective original and a transparent original.

In this type of image reading apparatus, a film holder serving as a guide for positioning a transparent original to be read in a reading area of an original table is used. For example, the film holder is configured so that a 35 mm strip film and a 35 mm mount (slide) film can be set. In an image reading system including an image reading device and a host computer (for example, a personal computer), a document image of a film (transparent document) set on a film holder and placed on a document table is acquired. .
JP 2002-369016 A

  By the way, in the image reading system, different processing is performed for each holder type (transparent original (film) type) of the film holder on which the transparent original is set. For this reason, in the image reading system, it is indispensable to specify the holder type in order to execute an appropriate process according to the holder type. As a method for specifying the holder type, there are a method for allowing the user to input the holder type and a method for automatically determining the holder type on the image reading system side. However, the former method is largely dependent on human processing, and since it is difficult for all users to accurately recognize and input the holder type, the latter method is conventionally employed.

  In a conventional image reading system, prior to reading an image, information that is clearly different for each holder type (for each film type) is searched from the image read by the prescan process, and the holder type (for example, strip) is searched based on the information. Whether the holder is a holder in which a film is set or a holder in which a mount film is set). However, in the method of discriminating from the read image (including the contents of the film), there is a risk of erroneous determination because it is easily influenced by the presence or absence of the film, the subject of the film, and the like.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems existing in the prior art, and its purpose is to improve the discrimination accuracy when the holder type is automatically discriminated from the read image of the image reading apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide a film holder and an image reading system that can perform the above operation.

  The film holder of the present invention is a film holder for positioning a transparent document on a document table of an image reading device, and an index used when the control device determines a holder type from a read image of the image reading device on the holder body. A plurality of mark forming elements having the same shape are arranged so that the marks are different for each holder type.

  According to this, the holder type of the film holder placed on the document table is discriminated using the mark provided on the film holder. The mark is formed so as to have a characteristic by changing the arrangement of the mark forming elements for each holder type. For this reason, compared with the case where the holder type is discriminated from the entire image, it is less affected by the presence or absence of the film or the subject of the film, and the discrimination accuracy when the holder type is automatically discriminated can be improved.

  The mark forming element was a through-hole penetrating the holder body or a groove formed in the holder body. According to this, the mark which arranged the through-hole or the groove | channel is given to the holder main body. For this reason, it is difficult to produce a manufacturing error that easily occurs when, for example, the mark is applied by painting, and the determination accuracy when automatically determining the holder type can be improved.

  The mark forming element is a tapered through-hole whose diameter decreases along the irradiation direction of light irradiated to the holder body when the holder type is determined. According to this, the light irradiated to the holder main body is favorably condensed by the tapered through hole. For this reason, the mark can be clearly displayed in the read image of the image reading apparatus, and the determination accuracy when the holder type is automatically determined can be improved.

  Further, the mark is configured by using the mark forming element that is shared among the models of the image reading apparatus. According to this, the mark is unified among the models. For this reason, it is possible to improve the discrimination accuracy in the entire model of the image reading apparatus and to unify the control program for discrimination.

  The image reading system of the present invention is an image reading system comprising: an image reading device; a control device that controls the image reading device; and a film holder for positioning a transparent document on a document table of the image reading device. The film holder is provided with a mark in which a plurality of mark forming elements having the same shape are arranged differently for each holder type on the holder body, and the control device is configured to read from the image read by the image reading device. A mark is detected, and the holder type is determined from an array of mark forming elements constituting the detected mark.

  According to this, the holder type of the film holder placed on the document table is discriminated using the mark provided on the film holder. The mark is formed so as to have a characteristic by changing the arrangement of the mark forming elements for each holder type. For this reason, compared with the case where the holder type is determined from the entire image, it is less affected by the presence or absence of the film or the subject of the film, and the determination accuracy when automatically determining the holder type in the image reading system can be improved. .

Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image reading system. As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading system 10 includes an image reading device 11 and a host computer 12 that controls the image reading device 11 and performs image processing. The image reading device 11 is a flat bed type image reading device, and is configured to be able to read both a reflection original and a transmission original. The host computer 12 is configured using a general-purpose personal computer. The image reading apparatus 11 and the host computer 12 are connected via respective interfaces 13 and 14 capable of bidirectional communication.

  The image reading device 11 includes a transparent document table 15 for placing a document on the upper surface of a box-shaped housing, and an arrow direction (sub-scan) shown in FIG. 1 while irradiating light on the document placed on the document table 15. And a carriage 16 that reads reflected light from the original. The carriage 16 includes a line light source (not shown), a reflecting mirror, a lens, and a line sensor, and reciprocates in the sub-scanning direction by a driving mechanism (not shown). Further, the image reading device 11 digitally converts the reflected signal read by the carriage 16, performs processing such as correction, and converts it into image data, and a document table cover 18 for covering the document. And has.

  A part of the document table cover 18 is provided with a white surface light source 19. By irradiating light from the surface light source 19, a transparent original such as a film placed on the original table 15 can be read by the carriage 16. A transparent original such as a film is placed on the original table 15 using the film holder 30 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 so that the reading position is fixed.

  The host computer 12 includes a CPU 20, a RAM 21, a ROM 22, and an auxiliary storage device 23. The host computer 12 is connected to a monitor 24 that displays an image read by the image reading device 11 and an input device 25 that receives an instruction from the user. The host computer 12 is installed with a control program for the image reading apparatus. Then, the CPU 20 of the host computer 12 performs image reading control by executing the control program. The control program includes a pattern detection program for determining the type of holder placed on the document table 15 (the type of film (transparent document) set on the film holder).

Next, the structure of the film holder 30 is demonstrated using FIGS.
FIG. 2 shows the front surface of the film holder 30 (the surface on the side facing the document table cover 18 when the film holder 30 is placed on the document table 15), and FIG. The side of the document table 15 facing the glass surface when placed on the table 15 is shown. The film holder 30 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is configured to be able to set a 35 mm strip film and a 35 mm mount (slide) film. That is, the film holder 30 of this embodiment serves as both a strip film holder and a mount film holder.

  The film holder 30 is formed in a flat plate shape that is rectangular in plan view. The film holder 30 is a resin molded product colored in its entirety. In the film holder 30, a portion colored in black becomes a holder portion 31 as a holder body. The holder part 31 is provided with a strip film holder part 32 on which a strip film can be set. In the present embodiment, the holder portion 31 is provided with two strip film holder portions 32. The holder portion 31 is provided with a mount film holder portion 33 on which a mount film can be set. In the present embodiment, the holder portion 31 is provided with four mount film holder portions 33. The strip film holder portion 32 and the mount film holder portion 33 are formed so as to penetrate in the thickness direction of the film holder 30 so that light from the surface light source 19 can be transmitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a film cover 34 for pressing the strip film set on the strip film holder portion 32 is detachably attached to the surface of the holder portion 31. In addition, the holder portion 31 is provided with two grooves 35 each having a semicircular shape in plan view for each mount film holder portion 33. The groove 35 is used to insert a user's fingertip or the like when taking out the mount film accommodated in the mount film holder portion 33.

  When a strip film is set in the film holder 30 configured as described above, the film cover 34 is first removed from the film holder 30. Then, the strip film is set in the strip film holder portion 32, and then the film cover 34 is attached to the holder portion 31. On the other hand, when a mount film is set on the film holder 30, first, the film holder 30 is set at a predetermined position (a reading position for the mount film) on the document table 15, and in this state, the mount film is placed on the mount film holder portion 33. Set.

  Further, the film holder 30 is provided with a discrimination mark 36 as a mark serving as an index when discriminating the holder type placed on the document table 15. Note that by determining the holder type, the type of the transparent original (film) set in the film holder is also determined. The film holder 30 has a position corresponding to the strip film holder portion 32 (left edge portion of the film holder 30 in FIG. 2) and a position corresponding to the mount film holder portion 33 (right edge portion of the film holder 30 in FIG. 2). Discrimination marks 36 are provided at two places. In the following description, when the two discrimination marks 36 are differentiated, the discrimination mark 36 at the position corresponding to the strip film holder portion 32 is indicated as “strip mark 37”, and the discrimination of the position corresponding to the mount film holder portion 33 is performed. The mark 36 may be indicated as a “mounting mark 38”.

  The discrimination mark 36 is configured by arranging a plurality of through holes H as mark forming elements having the same shape. Further, the discrimination mark 36 is configured by varying the arrangement pattern of the through holes H so as to have a different shape for each holder type. In the film holder 30, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, strip marks 37 and mount marks 38 are configured by arranging the same number of through holes H in different arrangement patterns. By making the arrangement pattern of the through holes H constituting the discrimination mark 36 different for each holder type, the holder type (film type) can be recognized by detecting the discrimination mark 36.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the through hole H constituting the discrimination mark 36 is a tapered hole whose diameter decreases from the front surface to the back surface of the film holder 30. That is, the through-hole H is a tapered hole whose diameter decreases along the direction of irradiation of light from the surface light source 19 (the direction of the arrow L shown in FIG. 4). With this configuration, the light from the surface light source 19 irradiated on the film holder 30 is collected under the influence of the inner peripheral surface shape (tapered shape) of the through hole H and passes through the film holder 30. The through hole H constituting the discrimination mark 36 is a tapered hole together with the through hole H constituting the strip mark 37 and the through hole H constituting the mount mark 38.

  Further, the portion (formation surface) where the discrimination mark 36 is formed on the back surface of the film holder 30 is a flat surface (flat surface) so as to be in close contact with the document table 15 when the film holder 30 is placed on the document table 15. Is formed.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the discrimination mark 36, in particular, the arrangement pattern of the through holes H constituting the discrimination mark 36 and the regularity of the pattern will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
As the discrimination mark 36, a plurality (three or four in this embodiment) of reference circles 39 are selected from five reference circles 39 having the same shape (same diameter) arranged according to a predetermined rule. Then, it is created based on the selected reference circles 39. That is, the discrimination mark 36 is applied to the film holder 30 by forming the selected reference circle 39 as the through hole H. Since the discrimination mark 36 is created based on five reference circles 39 arranged according to a predetermined rule, it has a plurality of through holes H arranged in a regular arrangement pattern. Is done.

  The five reference circles 39 have the same diameter (diameter a). The five reference circles 39 are linearly arranged so as to be equidistant from the three reference circles 39 arranged at equal intervals at the pitch b. Each reference hole is divided into two stages. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, in FIG. 5, the side on which the three reference circles 39 are arranged is indicated as “upper stage”, and the side on which the two reference circles 39 are arranged is indicated as “lower stage”.

  Further, the upper reference circle 39 and the lower reference circle 39 are arranged in the vertical direction with an interval of a pitch c. Further, the upper reference circle 39 and the lower reference circle 39 are arranged with a pitch d in the left-right direction. The five reference circles 39 are arranged in a rectangular area composed of a short side e and a long side f (hereinafter, the rectangular area is referred to as “K area 40”).

  6A to 6F show an example of the arrangement pattern of the discrimination marks 36 created based on the five reference circles 39. FIG. FIG. 6 shows an arrangement pattern of the discrimination marks 36 appearing in the read image. For example, FIG. 6A shows an arrangement pattern of the discrimination marks 36 created based on the three reference circles 39 on the upper stage side, and is applied as strip marks 37 to the film holder 30 of this embodiment. Yes. FIG. 6F shows an arrangement pattern of the discrimination marks 36 created based on the two upper reference circles 39 and the lower reference circle 39, and the film holder 30 of this embodiment. Is provided as a mounting mark 38.

  The shape (including the diameter) and the arrangement pitch of the through holes H constituting the discrimination mark 36 are unified among the models of the image reading apparatus 11. The discrimination marks 36 are associated with each other so that the holder type specified for each arrangement pattern of the through holes H is different, and the association between the discrimination mark 36 and the holder type is unified among the models of the image reading apparatus 11. ing. Further, the discrimination mark 36 is created based on the above-described five reference circles 39 so as to be unified among the models of the image reading apparatus 11.

  Hereinafter, control contents for automatically determining the holder type placed on the document table 15 in the image reading system 10 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing determination logic for automatically determining the holder type based on the control program. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a read image.

  The holder type is determined prior to the main scanning process on the premise that the document type placed on the document table 15 in the pre-scan process is determined to be a transparent document. The pre-scan process is a process for reading the image of the document placed on the document table 15 in a short time with the resolution of the read image lowered before the main scan process. In the pre-scan process, an image is acquired by moving the carriage 16 and reading reflected light from the document. The holder type is determined by irradiating the surface light source 19 and reading the transmitted light with the carriage 16 to acquire an image and using the image. Further, the determination logic is unified among models using the film holder provided with the determination mark 36 configured according to the rules described above.

  In the automatic discrimination, the CPU 20 scans an area (hereinafter, referred to as “S area 41”) defined as the detection range of the discrimination mark 36, and binarizes the read image obtained at that time with a luminance value α defined as a threshold value. (Step S10). The luminance value α indicates the luminance that becomes a boundary between the read image as a mark or a holder portion when the film holder is read by the image reading device 11. The luminance value α is all model unified data unified among the models of the image reading apparatus 11. The S area 41 is an area that guarantees that the K area 40 set as an area for recognizing the arrangement pattern is included, and is determined in consideration of positional variations due to the installation state of the film holder. The S area 41 is a value set for each model and is model-dependent data.

  Subsequently, the CPU 20 labels the mark image marked in step S10 (step S11). The example shown in FIG. 8 shows a state in which ten mark images exist in the S area 41. In FIG. 8, symbols “M1” to “M10” are attached to the ten mark images so that an image obtained by labeling the mark images is heated. In the image of FIG. 8, among the labeled mark images M <b> 1 to M <b> 10, three mark images M <b> 4, M <b> 5, and M <b> 8 are mark images that constitute the arrangement pattern of the discrimination marks 36.

  Subsequently, the CPU 20 deletes the mark image in contact with the S area 41 from the mark images labeled in step S11 (step S12). That is, the S area 41 is set so as to include the K area 40 including the mark image constituting the discrimination mark 36. For this reason, since the mark image constituting the discrimination mark 36 does not contact the S area 41, such a mark image is deleted in step S12. In the example of FIG. 8, four mark images M1, M2, M6, and M10 are deleted.

  Subsequently, the CPU 20 deletes a mark image having a size other than the reference size of the holes constituting the discrimination mark 36 from the remaining mark images (step S13). That is, since the size (diameter) of the through hole H constituting the discrimination mark 36 is unified and defined as described above, the size of the mark image when the through hole H is read is uniquely determined. . For this reason, since the mark image other than this size is not a mark image constituting the discrimination mark 36, such a mark image is deleted in step S13. In the example of FIG. 8, two mark images M3 and M9 are deleted.

  Thereafter, the CPU 20 detects the arrangement pattern of the discrimination marks 36 from the remaining mark images (step S14). Then, the CPU 20 determines whether or not there is a pattern that matches the array pattern that is the discrimination mark 36 among the patterns that are formed by the remaining mark images (step S15). If this determination result is negative, that is, if there is no matching pattern, the CPU 20 tentatively determines a strip film holder and ends the pattern detection process (step S16). In this embodiment, when the determination in step S15 is negative, the holder type is determined to be for strip film so as not to cause an error. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S15 is affirmative, that is, if there is a matching pattern, the CPU 20 detects the holder type corresponding to the array pattern that matches the pattern, and ends the pattern detection process (step S17). ). In the example of FIG. 8, the mark images M4, M5, and M8 constitute an array pattern (see FIG. 6F) indicating the holder for the mount film, so that the holder for the mount film is detected as the holder type. .

  After the pattern detection process is completed, the image reading system 10 (host computer 12) sets the image reading method, reading range, and reading resolution during the main scanning process according to the determined holder type (film type). Perform scan processing.

  In the present embodiment, the arrangement pattern of the discrimination marks 36 is unified among the models of the image reading apparatus 11. Therefore, the determination logic for automatically determining the holder type can be used uniformly among the models by changing the setting of the model-dependent data. In this embodiment, the discrimination mark 36 is configured by giving meaning to the arrangement of the through holes H, and the holder type is discriminated from the arrangement of the through holes H by the determination logic.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) A discrimination mark 36 is provided on the holder portion 31 of the film holder 30, and the discrimination mark 36 is configured by arranging a plurality of through holes H having the same shape in different arrangements for each holder type. For this reason, the discrimination mark 36 is formed in a characteristic shape by varying the arrangement of the through holes H for each holder type. Therefore, compared with the case where the holder type is determined from the entire image, it is less affected by the presence or absence of the film or the subject of the film, and the determination accuracy when automatically determining the holder type can be improved.

  (2) Further, the discrimination mark 36 is configured by arranging the through holes H according to the arrangement pattern so as to be intentional and regular. For this reason, even if the overall shape of the film holder 30 is changed, the determination logic for detecting the determination mark 36 is not affected. That is, the determination logic of the present embodiment can be used regardless of the holder shape by setting the S area 41 (model-dependent data).

  (3) The discrimination mark 36 is configured by the through hole H. For this reason, for example, a manufacturing error that is likely to occur when the determination mark 36 is painted, for example, is unlikely to occur, and the determination accuracy when the holder type is automatically determined can be improved.

  (4) The through-hole H was formed in a taper shape. For this reason, the light irradiated to the holder part 31 at the time of discrimination of the holder type is favorably condensed by the tapered through hole H. Therefore, the image of the discrimination mark 36 can be clearly displayed in the read image of the image reading device 11, and the discrimination accuracy when the holder type is automatically discriminated can be improved.

  (5) When the discrimination mark 36 is dedicated for each model, a dedicated control program must be developed for each model. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the discrimination mark 36 is shared among the models of the image reading apparatus 11. More specifically, the shape (diameter, etc.) and arrangement pitch of the through holes H are made common. For this reason, it is possible to improve the discrimination accuracy in the entire model of the image reading apparatus 11. Further, it is not necessary to develop a control program (driver) for each model, and the control program for determination can be unified, which can contribute to reduction of development cost. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the image reading system 10 (image reading apparatus 11) itself can be reduced.

  (6) The through hole H constituting the discrimination mark 36 is a round hole. For this reason, the film holder 30 can be manufactured easily and the maintenance can be simplified. Further, even when the through holes H are formed concentrating on a narrow range, they can be easily manufactured. Therefore, it can contribute to manufacturing cost reduction. In addition, since it is easy to increase the number of holes, it is easy to respond to specification changes. In addition, the round hole can easily perform center detection during image processing. For this reason, it can detect with a sufficient precision from a read image. Therefore, it is possible to improve the determination accuracy when automatically determining the holder type.

  (7) The discrimination mark 36 is formed in a portion that is in close contact with the document table 15 when the film holder 30 is placed on the document table 15. For this reason, when the holder type is determined, the determination mark 36 can be clearly displayed with high contrast in the read image, and erroneous determination can be suppressed. In particular, when the SELFOC lens is used, the depth of field is shallower than that of the reduction optical system carriage, and the resolution is extremely lowered at the position where the focal point is deviated. Therefore, the discrimination mark 36 is difficult to detect. For this reason, the determination mark 36 is formed on the film holder 30 as described above, and the erroneous determination can be suppressed by having the detection hole shape on the focal position surface.

  (8) The discrimination logic is configured to use model-dependent data. For this reason, if the model-dependent data (S area 41 in this embodiment) is changed for each model, the determination logic itself can be shared among the models. Therefore, the development cost can be reduced.

In addition, you may change this embodiment as follows.
In the embodiment, the discrimination mark 36 may be constituted by a plurality of grooves. The groove is formed on the surface facing the document table 15 when the document table 15 is placed. And pattern detection is performed based on the image obtained by reflected light.

  In the embodiment, the determination mark 36 may be configured by mounting a mark component, which is a separate component from the holder unit 31, on the holder unit 31. It is preferable to use a mark component molded in white with respect to the black holder portion 31. The mark component is mounted on the surface facing the document table 15 when placed on the document table 15. And pattern detection is performed based on the image obtained by reflected light.

In the embodiment, the shape of the through hole H constituting the discrimination mark 36 may be changed to, for example, a square hole or a triangular hole.
In the embodiment, the maximum number and the minimum number of the through holes H constituting the determination mark 36 may be changed. Also, the type of array pattern may be changed.

  In the embodiment, the film holder 30 is configured to be used for both the strip film and the mount film, but the configuration of the film holder may be changed. Moreover, you may comprise so that other types of films (for example, Broni film) can be set.

  In the embodiment, the following processing may be added to the pattern detection processing (flowchart in FIG. 7). That is, after the process of step S12 in FIG. 7, a process of combining mark images separated by the influence of dust or the like and labeling them as one mark image may be added. In this process, when the dividing distance between the mark images is equal to or less than a predetermined distance (for example, 4 pixels) and any region of the mark images to be combined is a rectangular region having a predetermined size, the marks are combined. .

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image reading system. The top view which shows the surface of a film holder. The top view which shows the back surface of a film holder. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. The schematic diagram explaining the structure of a discrimination mark. (A)-(f) is a schematic diagram explaining the pattern of a discrimination | determination mark. The flowchart explaining a pattern detection process. The schematic diagram which shows an example of a reading image.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image reading system, 11 ... Image reading apparatus, 12 ... Host computer (control apparatus), 15 ... Document stand, 30 ... Film holder, 31 ... Holder part (holder main body), 36 ... Discrimination mark (mark), 37 ... Strip mark, 38... Mount mark, H .. through-hole (mark forming element).

Claims (5)

A film holder for positioning a transparent document on a document table of an image reading device, wherein a mark serving as an index when the control device discriminates a holder type from a read image of the image reading device is provided on the holder body, A film holder, wherein a plurality of mark forming elements having the same shape are arranged so that the mark is different for each holder type. The film holder according to claim 1, wherein the mark forming element is a through-hole penetrating the holder body or a groove formed in the holder body. 2. The film holder according to claim 1, wherein the mark forming element is a tapered through-hole whose diameter decreases along the irradiation direction of light applied to the holder body when the holder type is determined. The film holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mark is configured by using the mark forming element that is shared among models of the image reading device. . In an image reading system comprising: an image reading device; a control device for controlling the image reading device; and a film holder for positioning a transparent original on a document table of the image reading device.
The film holder is provided with a mark on the holder body, in which a plurality of mark forming elements having the same shape are arranged differently for each holder type,
The image reading system, wherein the control device detects a mark from an image read by the image reading device, and determines the holder type from an array of mark forming elements constituting the detected mark.

Images