JP2007202059A - Film processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a film processing apparatus capable of automatically carrying a succeeding developed film to a film scanner and applying scan processing to the film when a principal scan processing time applied to a developed photo film takes a longer time than a prescribed processing time due to a prescribed reason. <P>SOLUTION: In the film processing apparatus FA provided with a film processor FP, a film scanner FS, and a carrying unit FC, the film scanner FS includes: a preliminary scan analysis means 101 for analyzing preliminary scan of the photo films, and a control means 25 for discharging a photo film to a container means 18 from the film scanner as its control without executing principal scan when a result of the analysis discriminates that the end time of the principal scan exceeds a prescribed time interval, and a carrying control section 70 is characterized in to control the photo film carried next to be carried to the film scanner FS. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a film processor for developing an undeveloped photographic film, a film scanner for acquiring a frame image of a developed photographic film processed by the film processor as digital image data, and a predetermined interval from the film processor. The present invention relates to a film processing apparatus including a transport unit for transporting the developed photographic film discharged in step 1 to a film scanner, and a transport control unit for controlling transport of the photographic film in the transport unit.

  A system in which a film processor for developing an undeveloped photographic film and a film scanner for acquiring a frame image of the developed photographic film as digital image data are combined and integrated is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. A photographic material processing apparatus is known. When a photographic film is developed in the film processor, a guide member called a film reader is attached to the leading end of the photographic film, and the photographic film moves through the film processor by the film reader. When the development process and the drying process of the photographic film are completed, the photographic film is discharged from the film processor and sent to the transport unit. First, the front end of the photographic film is cut to separate the photographic film from the film reader. The film reader is collected at a predetermined location, and the developed photographic film is subsequently conveyed to the film scanner, and scanning of each frame image is performed.

JP 11-234476 A

  The scanning of each frame image by the film scanner is performed twice. That is, the first scanning is to read each frame image at a low resolution, and is usually referred to as prescan. The number of frame images is calculated by this prescan. The second scanning is then read at a high resolution and is usually referred to as the main scanning. In pre-scanning, each frame image is detected (the position of the frame is detected). At this time, confirmation of the film stop position may be requested from the operator of the apparatus. This is because, for example, when a frame image at the front edge of the film is exposed and cannot be used as image data (this is caused by exposure that occurs when the film is mounted on the camera), or the frame position is recognized. In a situation where it is not possible (for example, it is determined that the position of the frame cannot be recognized if the frame boundary portion is unclear in the case of underexposure), the film stop position confirmation is requested.

  In such a case, in the conventional film processing apparatus, the main scan could not be started until the operator made a determination to confirm the film stop position. When the next developed photographic film is discharged from the film processor in a state where the main scan is interrupted, it cannot be conveyed to the film scanner and is discharged to the film stocker. Therefore, when the above situation occurs when the operator is not waiting in the vicinity of the film processing apparatus, the developed photographic film is discharged from the next to the film stocker, and automatically enters the film scanner. It is transported and scanning is not performed. Then, the operator has to manually perform a scanning process later, and the work efficiency is very poor.

  Also, if the main scan processing time is longer than the specified processing time due to film shooting conditions (low / medium / high resolution, print size), the next film development process will be performed during the film main scan processing. The developed photographic film discharged from the film processor is discharged to the film stocker. This is because an interval time is set in advance between the photographic film and the next photographic film so that it is automatically conveyed to the film scanner after development processing and scanning is performed. The photographic film development process is set to start. This interval time is determined by, for example, the film length, film reading resolution, scan processing time, and film transport time.

  As described above, when the main scanning process becomes longer than a predetermined main scanning scheduled processing time, the conventional apparatus discharges the developed photographic film to the stocker. As with the position confirmation, the discharged film had to be manually scanned later.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem is that, for a predetermined reason, when the main scan processing time of the developed photographic film becomes longer than the predetermined main scan scheduled time, the next development is performed. It is to provide a film processing apparatus that automatically transports a used film to a film scanner and can perform a scanning process.

In order to solve the above problems, a film processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises:
A film processor for performing development processing on undeveloped photographic film, a film scanner for acquiring frame images of the developed photographic film processed by the film processor as digital image data, and the film processor ejected at predetermined intervals A film processing apparatus comprising a transport unit for transporting a developed photographic film to a film scanner, and a transport controller for controlling transport of the photographic film in the transport unit,
The film scanner
Pre-scan analysis means for analyzing the pre-scan of the photographic film;
When the analysis result of the pre-scan analysis means determines that the end time of the main scan exceeds the predetermined interval, the photographic film is stored in the storage means from the film scanner without executing the main scan of the photographic film. Control means for controlling to discharge,
The conveyance control unit
Next, the photographic film to be conveyed is controlled to be conveyed to a film scanner.

  The effect by this structure is shown below. That is, the film processing apparatus includes a film processor that performs development processing on an undeveloped photographic film, a film scanner that acquires a frame image of the developed photographic film processed by the film processor as digital image data, and a film processor. A transport unit for transporting the developed photographic film discharged at a predetermined interval to a film scanner, and a transport control unit for controlling transport of the photographic film in the transport unit. Here, the “predetermined interval” is, for example, an interval time of a photographic film to be developed. The interval time is calculated based on, for example, the film length, scan resolution, scan processing time, film transport time, etc. so that the development process and the scan process are automatically performed.

  The prescan analysis means of the film scanner analyzes the result of the prescan of the photographic film. When it is determined from the analysis result of the pre-scan analysis means that the end time of the main scan exceeds a predetermined interval, the photographic film is discharged from the film scanner to the storage means without performing the main scan of the photographic film. Control by the control means. The conveyance control unit controls the photographic film to be conveyed next to the film scanner.

  As a result, the next photographic film can be preferentially scanned automatically without executing the main scanning process of the photographic film being scanned. When the operator of the apparatus often leaves the vicinity of the apparatus, when the film is discharged as described above, the conventional apparatus has one or more, but the apparatus of the present invention has only one, The processing time for the manual scanning process can be reduced to the minimum time, and the reduction in work efficiency can be minimized.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a film processor for developing an undeveloped photographic film, a film scanner for acquiring a frame image of a developed photographic film processed by the film processor as digital image data, and a film processor. A film processing apparatus comprising a transport unit for transporting a developed photographic film discharged at a predetermined interval from the film scanner to a film scanner, and a transport control unit for controlling transport of the photographic film in the transport unit,
The film scanner
Pre-scan analysis means for analyzing the pre-scan of the photographic film;
The analysis result of the pre-scan analysis means comprises control means for controlling to execute the main scan of the photographic film when it is determined that the end time of the main scan exceeds the predetermined interval. And

  The effect by this structure is shown below. That is, the film processing apparatus includes a film processor that performs development processing on an undeveloped photographic film, a film scanner that acquires a frame image of the developed photographic film processed by the film processor as digital image data, and a film processor. A transport unit for transporting the developed photographic film discharged at a predetermined interval to a film scanner, and a transport control unit for controlling transport of the photographic film in the transport unit.

  The prescan analysis means of the film scanner analyzes the prescan of the photographic film. When it is determined from the analysis result of the pre-scan analysis means that the end time of the main scan exceeds a predetermined interval, the control means controls to execute the main scan of the photographic film.

  Accordingly, even if it is determined that the end time of the main scan of the photographic film during the scan process exceeds a predetermined interval, the main scan process can be executed.

Further, in the film processing apparatus of the present invention, if the analysis result of the pre-scan analysis means determines that the end time of the main scan exceeds the predetermined interval, the main scan of the photographic film is not performed. A first control mode controlled to discharge the photographic film from the film scanner to the storage means, and to control the photographic film to be transported next to the film scanner;
When the analysis result of the pre-scan analysis means is determined that the end time of the main scan exceeds the predetermined interval, a second control mode that is controlled to execute the main scan of the photographic film,
It is a preferred embodiment to further include mode setting means for setting the selection to be selectable.

  With this configuration, the mode setting means can perform the main scan of the photographic film from the film scanner when the analysis result of the pre-scan analysis means determines that the end time of the main scan exceeds a predetermined interval. The first control mode in which the photographic film is controlled to be discharged into the storage means, and the photographic film to be transported next is controlled to be transported to the film scanner, and the analysis result of the pre-scan analysis means is the result of the main scan. When it is determined that the end time exceeds a predetermined interval, the second control mode that is controlled to execute the main scan of the photographic film is configured to be selectable.

  Thereby, when the operator is not waiting near the apparatus, the number of films discharged to the storage means can be minimized by operating the apparatus in the first control mode. In addition, when the operator is always working near the apparatus, by operating the apparatus in the second control mode, for example, the confirmation of the film stop position is judged before the main scan is started, and the main scan is executed. Can be configured to Therefore, it is possible to provide a film processing apparatus with improved flexibility of apparatus operation by an operator, especially when there are many simultaneous development printing processes by a photo shop and the operator cannot always stand by near the apparatus. The film processing apparatus of the present invention is preferable.

  Further, in the film processing apparatus of the present invention, when the analysis result indicates that it is necessary to confirm the stop position of the developed photographic film, it is preferable to determine that the end time of the main scan exceeds a predetermined interval. For example, when it is necessary to confirm the stop position of the developed photographic film, the preset developed time may be exceeded, so that the next developed photographic film cannot be automatically conveyed.

  If it is set to the first control mode, it is determined that the end time of the main scan exceeds a predetermined interval when the analysis result indicates that it is necessary to confirm the stop position of the developed photographic film. The photographic film discharged to the storage means and transported next can be automatically conveyed to the film scanner without executing the main scan, and the scan process can be executed with priority.

  Therefore, even if it is necessary to check the film stop position before the start of the main scan, the film being scanned is discharged from the film scanner without waiting for the operator's judgment, and the next developed photographic film is given priority for scanning. And development processing and scanning processing can be executed continuously.

  Further, when the second control mode is set, when the analysis result indicates that it is necessary to confirm the stop position of the developed photographic film, the main scanning process is executed as it is. And if the operator is near the device, the film stop position can be confirmed immediately, so that the next developed photographic film is automatically transported by the transport unit and set in the film scanner without being discharged to the storage means. Can be configured.

  Further, in the film processing apparatus of the present invention, in the case of an analysis result that the end time of the main scan has become larger than the predetermined interval based on the change of the scanner reading time, if the end time of the main scan exceeds the predetermined interval It is preferable to be judged. For example, if the end time of the main scan exceeds the interval time based on the change of the scanner reading time, the next developed photographic film cannot be automatically conveyed.

  If it is set to the first control mode, if the analysis result indicates that the end time of the main scan is larger than the predetermined interval based on the change of the scanner reading time, the end time of the main scan exceeds the predetermined interval. The photographic film discharged to the storage means and transported next is automatically transported to the film scanner without performing the main scan of the photographic film, and the scanning process is preferentially performed. it can.

  If the second control mode is set, the main scan of the photographic film is executed in the case of an analysis result that the end time of the main scan is longer than a predetermined interval based on the change in the scanner reading time. Thus, the next developed photographic film is configured to be discharged into the storage means.

  A preferred embodiment of a film processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a print processing system 1 having a film processing apparatus FA including a film processor FP and a film scanner FS, and a print creation apparatus PA. Note that the print processing system 1 may include other devices (for example, an orderer accepting terminal, a recording medium writing / reading device, and a PC terminal capable of accepting the Internet).

<Overall system configuration>
In FIG. 1, a film processing apparatus FA acquires a film processor FP for developing an undeveloped photographic film and a frame image of the developed photographic film developed by the film processor FP as digital image data by photoelectric conversion. And a film scanner FS are arranged in the vertical position. The film processing apparatus FA includes a transport unit FC for transporting the developed photographic film discharged from the discharge section of the film processor FP to the supply section of the film scanner FS.

  The film processing apparatus FA is connected to the print creating apparatus PA via a communication line. The print creation device PA has a communication function, an order management / control function, an image processing function, and a print creation function, and includes a display means such as a computer and a display, and an interface such as a keyboard and a mouse. With this configuration, the image data acquired by the film processing apparatus FA is transmitted to the print creation apparatus PA via the communication line, and the print creation apparatus PA prints an image on a print medium such as photographic paper. The order management / control is configured so that image data can be managed in units of orders and the order of print creation can be set.

  The print creation apparatus PA is not limited to the one using silver salt type photographic paper, and an ink jet type or sublimation type print creation apparatus may be used.

  In the present invention, a photographic film before being developed by the film processor FP (frame image in a latent image state) is particularly called an undeveloped photographic film, and a photographic film after being developed by the film processor FP (frame image). In particular) is sometimes referred to as a developed photographic film.

<Film processor>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the film processor FP includes a film insertion unit 11 disposed at the front of the processor body, and includes a development processing unit 12 and a drying processing unit 13 inside the processor body. A discharge unit 14 is disposed, and a transport mechanism 15 is formed from the film insertion unit 11 to the discharge unit 14. A liquid crystal display 16a for displaying various information and a control panel 16 having a plurality of operation buttons 16b are provided at a front position of the processor main body, and a control unit 17 for controlling the entire film processor FP is provided inside the processor main body. A film stocker 18 (corresponding to storage means) for receiving the developed photographic film fed from the discharge unit 14 is formed on the upper surface of the processor body.

  The film insertion section 11 is provided with a lid 11a that can be opened and closed. An unrolled photographic film accommodated in a film cartridge Ca (or cartridge) is set and transferred to the transport mechanism 15 (film drive mechanism). 11e) and a cutting unit 11b for cutting the rear end of the photographic film.

  In addition, in order to obtain information on the length of the photographic film, a loading sensor 11c (corresponding to a film position detection sensor) that detects passage of the front and rear ends of the photographic film conveyed by the conveyance mechanism 15 is provided. The loading sensor 11c can be composed of, for example, a pair of optical sensors (light receiving type, light projecting type), a reflection type sensor, a laser sensor, other proximity sensors, an image sensor, etc., but a pair of optical sensors (light receiving type, Projection type) is preferable. The loading sensor 11c can detect the film leading edge position (or the film leader leading edge position) and the film trailing edge position. Based on the detected leading edge position and trailing edge position information, the length information of the photographic film can be calculated (described later).

  In the case of APS film development processing, a film leader L is attached to the leading end of the photographic film drawn out from the cartridge Ca, the lid 11a is opened, and the cartridge Ca is set in the film insertion portion 11 so that the film leader L precedes. To do. A state in which the photographic film F and the film reader L are connected is shown in FIG. The film leader L is a sheet-like member having the same degree of flexibility as a resin film, and has a larger width dimension than the photographic film F. A large number of perforations La are formed in the film leader L, and the photographic film F is conveyed through the film processor FP by a sprocket that meshes with the perforations La. By providing such perforation La, it is possible to reliably guide the photographic film without slipping in the film processor FP.

  The perforation La is preferably formed at one end portion (see FIG. 3B) in the width direction of the film leader L as shown, but may be formed at both end portions. The photographic film F and the film leader L can be connected by inserting engaging protrusions formed on the film leader L into holes formed on the photographic film F as shown in FIG. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3B, the leading end of the photographic film F and the film leader L may be connected by an adhesive tape T. The shape and size of the film leader L to be used are determined in advance. In addition, since the film leader L and the photographic film F are connected using a jig, the connecting position (pasting position) of the photographic film F with respect to the film leader L is also determined in advance.

  After the photographic film F with the film reader L is set and the lid 11a is closed, film transport (loading) is started under the control of the control unit 17 by operating a predetermined operation button 16b of the control panel 16, After the development processing in the development processing unit 12 and the drying processing in the drying processing unit 13, the photographic film is discharged from the discharge unit 14 with the film reader L at the head. In this case, when the cartridge detecting means 11d detects the cartridge Ca and then closes the lid 11a, loading is started and conveyance of the photographic film F is started.

  The control unit 17 controls each element of the film processor FP so as to start loading. When the film driving mechanism 11e conveys the film leader L and the photographic film F to the developing processing unit 12 while sandwiching the film leader L and the photographic film F with the pressure roller, and the loading sensor 11c detects the leading edge of the film leader L and the photographic film that has been conveyed, The transport mechanism 15 of the processing unit 12 and the drying processing unit 13 is driven, and the film reader L and the photographic film are sandwiched by the pressure roller and transported to the development processing unit side. Here, the film drive mechanism 11e and the transport mechanism 15 operate by separate driving. Note that “loading” in the film processor FP means an operation in which a photographic film is drawn from the film cartridge Ca by the film driving mechanism 11 e and conveyed to the development processing unit 12.

  The development processing unit 12 includes a color development tank, a bleaching tank, a fixing tank, and a stabilization tank. Inside the development processing unit 12, the transport mechanism 15 includes a film reader L and a sprocket La of the film reader L to transport the photographic film. A plurality of sprocket mechanisms to be engaged and a pressure roller mechanism 15a are provided. Further, the drying processing unit 13 includes a blower 13a for drying the photographic film conveyed from the development processing unit 12. Similarly, the drying processing unit 13 is also provided with the sprocket mechanism and the pressure roller mechanism. The transport mechanism 15 includes a sprocket mechanism, a pressure roller mechanism 15a, and a drive system that drives these synchronously with an electric motor (not shown).

  The discharge unit 14 is provided with a discharge roller 15b for discharging the developed photographic film from the film processor FP. The photographic film discharged by the discharge roller 15b is delivered to the transport unit FC and transported to the film scanner FS.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the film scanner FS has a film carrier 21 arranged at the lower part of the scanner body, a light source unit 22 below the film carrier 21, and a zoom lens 23 and a photoelectric sensor above the film carrier 21. A conversion unit 24 is arranged. A scanner control unit 25 (control unit) is arranged inside the scanner body. The film scanner FS is fixed to the film processor FP, and is disposed at the upper position of the discharge block of the discharge unit 14.

  The film carrier 21 is configured to form a developed photographic film supply portion 21a in the same direction as the front portion of the film processor FP, and to perform scanning while conveying the film from the supply portion 21a to the rear side. Note that before the photographic film is sent to the film carrier 21, a process of separating the film reader L from the photographic film is performed in the transport unit FC. Further, the film carrier 21 includes a transport motor (not shown) that drives the transport roller 21b.

  The light source unit 22 has light emitting diodes (not shown) of three primary colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). The zoom lens 23 adjusts the focal length to provide information on the frames of the photographic film. Is imaged on the photoelectric conversion surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 24 at the set magnification. The photoelectric conversion unit 24 includes three line sensors (not shown) made of photoelectric conversion elements such as a CCD corresponding to the three primary colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue).

<Configuration of transport unit>
Next, the configuration of the transport unit FC for transporting the developed photographic film discharged from the film processor FP to the film scanner FS will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, a discharge roller 15b is provided in the discharge unit 14 of the film processor FP.

  The transport unit FC includes a transport block B fixed to a frame, and a chucker C attached so as to be rotatable around a predetermined axis. A film guide 30 is provided at the upstream end portion of the lower block portion of the transport block B, and is rotatably supported around the axis 30a. The film guide 30 is provided with a guide portion corresponding to the width dimension of the photographic film to be conveyed, and any one of the first position shown in FIG. Switch to position. When set in the first position, the photographic film can be guided in the direction of the film scanner FS. When set to the second position, the photographic film is discharged to the film stocker 18.

  A roller transport mechanism 32 including an upstream transport roller pair 32a and a downstream transport roller pair 32b is provided along the transport path. Each of the conveying roller pairs 32a and 32b includes a driving roller and a pressure roller, and is synchronously driven by the first driving motor M1. A first film sensor 33 and a reader sensor 34 are provided in the vicinity of the upstream side of the downstream conveying roller pair 32b. These sensors are optical sensors composed of a light emitting element and a light receiving element. When a photographic film or a film reader passes the sensor position, detection is performed by switching from a light transmitting state to a light shielding state. The first film sensor 33 and the reader sensor 34 are arranged at the same position when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. 4, but are arranged at different positions in the width direction, and the photographic film and the film reader are separately provided. Can be detected.

  A cutter 35 for separating the photographic film and the film reader is provided further downstream of the pair of downstream conveying rollers 32b, and is driven by a cut motor 36. The cut film leader is collected by the leader stocker 19. A second film sensor 37 is provided immediately downstream of the cutter 35, and detects the tip of the film reader or the tip of the photographic film. The second film sensor 37 can also be composed of the same optical sensor as the first film sensor 33.

  The chucker C sandwiches the leading end portion of the photographic film from which the film reader has been separated by the sandwiching roller pair 40, and conveys it to the supply unit 21a of the film scanner FS. The chucker C is provided so as to be rotatable around the axis 41 by a chucker drive motor. The chucker C can rotate between a receiving position for receiving a photographic film as shown in FIG. 4 and a transferring position where the photographic film can be transferred to the film scanner FS, and further, a loop is formed in the loop box 50. It is possible to make an intermediate stop at the loop forming position.

  A space on the right side of the transport unit FC is a loop box 50, in which a space for forming a loop of the photographic film is formed. A first guide part 60 and a second guide part 61 are provided above the transport unit FC, and transport paths 60a and 61a for transporting the photographic film are formed. When the chucker C rotates to the delivery position, the second guide portion 61 moves so as to retract from the path, and the photographic film is delivered to the conveyance path 60a of the first guide portion 60.

  A first discharge path 51 and a second discharge path 52 are provided above the loop box 50. The photographic film for which the frame image has been read by the film scanner FS is conveyed in the reverse direction through the first guide portion 60 and the second guide portion 61 and guided to the first discharge path 51. The end of the first discharge path 51 is connected to the film stocker 18, and the photographic film that has been scanned is collected by the film stocker 18.

  The photographic film developed by the film processor FP is automatically sent to the film scanner FS via the transport unit FC. However, the photographic film can be manually supplied to the film scanner FS. In this case, the 1st guide part 60 and the 2nd guide part 61 are opened, and a photographic film is manually supplied from the supply part 21a. For example, when the photographic film is not developed due to the request for reprinting, the photographic film is manually supplied to the film scanner FS. The manually inserted photographic film is configured to be discharged from the second discharge path 52.

  In the film scanner FS, a conveyance roller 21b is arranged along the conveyance path, and an opening 21c for reading is provided in the middle thereof. The reading optical axis SL is set at the position of the opening 21c. The supply unit 21a is provided with a loading sensor 26, which detects that the leading edge of the photographic film has been conveyed. Based on this detection, the drive motor for rotating each conveyance roller 21b is driven. In addition to the loading sensor 26, a ready sensor 27 is provided, and the start of image scanning of the photographic film is controlled based on the detection timing of the ready sensor 27.

<Control block configuration>
Next, the control function of the film processing apparatus FA will be described with reference to the control block diagram of FIG. First, main functions of the control unit 17 of the film processor FP will be described. The film end detection unit 17a detects the front end position and the rear end position of the photographic film (film reader) based on the detection signal from the loading sensor 11c. The film length calculation unit 17b calculates the length of the photographic film based on the information on the front end position and the rear end position detected by the film end detection unit 17a. What is actually detected by the loading sensor 11c is the tip of the film reader. Since the size of the film reader is known in advance, the length of the photographic film can be calculated by subtracting that amount. The communication control unit 17c has a function of performing communication with the transport unit FC and the film scanner FS.

  The film position calculation unit 17d calculates the timing at which the developed photographic film is sent into the transport unit FC based on the tip position information of the photographic film. Specifically, it is detected that the leading edge of the photographic film has reached a position at a predetermined distance from the discharge roller 15b. The counting unit 17e counts a predetermined time set in advance from the time when the tip is detected by the loading sensor 11c. When the predetermined time has been counted, the leading edge of the photographic film has reached a position at a predetermined distance from the discharge roller 15b. Instead of counting time, the conveyance amount by the conveyance mechanism 15 may be counted.

  The conveyance control unit 70 performs overall drive control including conveyance / stop of the photographic film conveyed in the conveyance unit FC. In addition, communication is performed with the control unit 17 of the film processor FP and the scanner control unit 25 of the film scanner FS. The position information and length information of the photographic film can be received by communication from the control unit 17.

  The carry amount calculating unit 71 calculates the carry amount of the photographic film. In order to control conveyance / stop of the photographic film in the conveyance unit FC, it is necessary to monitor the conveyance amount of the photographic film. The conveyance amount can be calculated based on the number of drive pulses supplied to drive each motor (pulse motor) and a signal from an encoder that rotates in conjunction with the conveyance roller. . Alternatively, the conveyance amount may be calculated by counting time with a timer. Further, the carry amount calculation unit 71 has functions of a first film length count unit 71a and a second film length count unit 71b, and has a function of counting the length of the photographic film to be conveyed.

  The conveyance control unit 70 performs drive control on the guide switching solenoid 31, the first drive motor M1, the second drive motor M2, the third drive motor M3, the chucker motor CM, and the cut motor 36. The first drive motor M1 drives the roller transport mechanism 32, and the second drive motor M2 and the third drive motor M3 drive the pinching roller pair 40 of the chucker C. The chucker C itself is not mounted with a drive source. When the chucker C is in the receiving position, the second drive motor M2 and the sandwiching roller pair 40 are mechanically connected, and the chucker C is in the transfer position. The third drive motor M3 and the sandwiching roller pair 40 are configured to be mechanically connectable. The second drive motor M2 and the third drive motor M3 are fixed with respect to the frame of the transport unit FC.

  As described above, the first and second film sensors 33 and 37 detect the leading and trailing edges of a photographic film (film reader). The home limit switch 35a detects whether or not the cutter 35 is at the home position. The home limit switch 35a mechanically detects the cutter 35, but other types of sensors such as an optical sensor may be used.

  The home sensor 38 is a sensor for detecting that the chucker C is at the receiving position (home position). The guide detection sensor 62 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the first guide unit 60 is closed. When the first guide portion 60 is closed, the photographic film can be delivered to the film scanner FS by the chucker C. Each of the above sensor signals is transmitted to the conveyance control unit 70, and drive control of the solenoid and the motor is performed based on the detection results.

<Film transport operation>
Next, the operation until the developed photographic film discharged from the film processor FP is conveyed to the film scanner FS will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6 and the operation diagram of FIG.

  When the leading edge of the undeveloped photographic film (film reader) is detected by the loading sensor 11c in the film processor FP, the counting unit 17e starts counting (S1, S2). It is determined whether or not the count value has reached a predetermined value set in advance (S3). If the count value reaches the predetermined value, a film leading edge discharge notification signal is transmitted from the control unit 17 to the transport control unit 70. At this time, the tip of the photographic film (film reader) has reached a position a predetermined distance from the discharge roller 15b. That is, this signal recognizes that an undeveloped photographic film has been inserted into the transport unit FC from the film processor FP.

  The conveyance control unit 70 transmits a processing start signal to the scanner control unit 25 and transmits a response signal to the processing start signal from the scanner control unit 25 to the conveyance control unit 70. Based on this signal, it is determined whether scanning is permitted (S5). If not permitted, the guide switching solenoid 31 remains in the second position. Accordingly, the photographic film is discharged to the film stocker 18 and is not conveyed to the film scanner FS. The reason why the scanning permission is not issued is that the film scanner FS is currently in use (for example, a state where a photographic film is manually inserted and processed).

  If it is in the scanning permission state, the guide switching solenoid 31 is turned ON, and the film guide 30 is switched from the second position to the first position as shown in FIG. 7A. Next, the first drive motor M1 and the second drive motor M2 are driven. As a result, the photographic film F is continuously conveyed along the conveyance path with the film reader L at the top. The rotational speeds of the first and second drive motors M1 and M2 are synchronized with the rotational speed of the discharge roller 15b (S7). While the film processor FP is driven, the discharge roller 15b is always rotating at a predetermined speed.

  When the photographic film F with the film reader L is conveyed, the first film sensor 33 and the reader sensor 34 change from translucent to light-shielded state (S8). The counting of the leading position of the film reader L is started from the time when both of these sensors are in the light shielding state (S9). This is performed based on the function of the carry amount calculation unit 71.

  When the photographic film F is continuously conveyed, the second film sensor 37 is switched from the light transmitting state to the light shielding state (S10). The first and second drive motors M1 and M2 are both stopped when a predetermined amount of photographic film is conveyed from the light shielding (S11). The state at this time is shown in FIG. 7B. In this case, since the discharge roller 15b is still driven, the loop R of the photographic film F is placed in the space (corresponding to the loop forming portion) between the discharge roller 15b and the upstream conveying roller pair 32a as shown in FIG. 7C. Is formed (S12). In order to form a predetermined amount of loop R, the first and second drive motors M1, M2 are stopped for a predetermined time. Whether or not the predetermined amount of the loop R has been formed is determined by the motor drive stop time as described above, and therefore a dedicated sensor for detecting the size of the loop R is not necessary.

  After the predetermined amount of the loop R is created, the guide switching solenoid 31 is turned OFF and switched from the first position to the second position (S14). As a result, the film guide 30 can guide the width of the photographic film F, and the meandering of the photographic film F can be corrected. At this time, the film leader L is completely passing the position of the film guide 30.

  Next, the first and second drive motors M1 and M2 are driven again in synchronization with the discharge roller 15b (S15). The conveyance of the photographic film F is started again with the film leader L at the top. When the rear end of the film reader L passes through the position of the reader sensor 34, the reader sensor 34 switches from light shielding to a light transmitting state (S16). Then, the first drive motor M1 is first stopped first when transported for a predetermined distance after switching to this light-transmitting state, and immediately after that, the second drive motor M2 is stopped (S17, 18). This state is shown in FIG. 7D. Note that the chucker C stands by at the receiving position, and the pair of clamping rollers 40 and the second drive motor M2 are mechanically connected.

  The film leader L is nipped by the chucking roller pair 40 of the chucker C, and the leading end is hung from the chucker C. Further, the rear end of the film leader L passes through a cutting position by the cutter 35. Therefore, this state shows the stage where the film leader L and the photographic film F are ready to be separated. The sagging of the photographic film F at the cutting position can be eliminated by stopping the first driving motor M1 immediately before the second driving motor M2. The cutting position is at a predetermined distance (for example, about 20 mm) from the rear end of the film leader L.

  Next, the cutter motor 36 is driven to separate the film leader L and the photographic film F (S19). The operation of the cutter 35 is checked based on the detection result of the home limit switch 35a. By driving the second drive motor M <b> 2 after the cutting process is completed, the separated film reader L is conveyed and collected to the reader stocker 19. When the film reader L is conveyed, the second film sensor 37 is switched from the light shielding state to the light transmitting state (S21).

  After the second film sensor 37 is in a translucent state, the second driving motor M2 is stopped after driving the nipping roller pair 40 by a predetermined amount (S22). A state when the film reader L is discharged is shown in FIG. 7E. The driving speed of the second drive motor M2 when discharging the film reader L is set at a speed set for the film reader L, and is preferably faster than the driving speed of the discharge roller 15b.

  Next, the first and second drive motors M1 and M2 are driven again at a speed synchronized with the discharge roller 15b (S23). When the leading edge of the cut photographic film F passes through the second film sensor 37, the second film sensor 37 switches from translucent to light-shielded state (S24). At the time of switching, the first film length counting unit 71a starts counting the film length. After the photographic film F is further conveyed by a predetermined amount after switching to the light shielding state, the first and second drive motors M1, M2 are both stopped (S25). At this point, the leading edge of the photographic film F is slightly protruding from the pair of clamping rollers 40.

  By stopping the first and second drive motors M1 and M2, only the discharge roller 15b is driven, and a loop of the photographic film F is formed in the loop forming portion (S26), which is shown in FIG. 7F. . In order to form a predetermined amount of loop R, it waits for a predetermined time to elapse (S27).

  When the predetermined time elapses, the chucker motor CM is driven and rotation of the chucker C is started (S28). As a result, chucker C starts to rotate counterclockwise around the axis 41. Simultaneously with the start of driving of the chucker motor CM, the first drive motor M1 is driven at a speed synchronized with the rotation speed of the chucker C (S29).

  The chucker motor CM is driven by a predetermined amount, and when the chucker C reaches the loop formation position (intermediate position), the chucker motor CM is stopped (S30). At the same time, the first drive motor M1 is also stopped (S31). This state is shown in FIG. 7G. Next, the first drive motor M1 is driven in synchronism with the discharge roller 15b (S32). By this operation, a loop of the photographic film F is formed in the loop box 50 (S33). The reason why the chucker C is stopped at the illustrated intermediate position is to facilitate the formation of this loop. The state in which the loop is formed is shown in FIG. 7H. When the chucker C reaches the loop forming position, the second guide portion 61 is flipped up by the chucker C.

  The photographic film F is continuously fed by the discharge roller 15b, and its rear end escapes from the discharge roller 15b. It is detected that the rear end of the film has escaped from the discharge roller 15b and has reached a position of a predetermined distance Lx (for example, 30 mm) (S34). This is detected based on the function of the film position calculation unit 17d, and is calculated based on the following equation.

Film length-L1-L2 + L3 ≦ film length count value (A)
Here, as the film length information, data calculated by the function of the film length calculation unit 17b on the film processor FP side is used. L1 is the length of the film cut when the film leader L and the photographic film F are cut (in the above example, 20 mm). L2 is a film length between the position of the second film sensor 37 and a position at a predetermined distance from the discharge roller 15b (see FIG. 7H). L3 is a loop amount (for example, 50 mm) formed in the loop forming portion. For L1, L2 and L3, preset values are used. The film length count value is a count value (corresponding to the length of the conveyed photographic film) counted after the second film sensor 37 detects the leading edge of the photographic film in step S24. When the above equation is established, the rear end of the photographic film F is completely discharged from the film processor FP and is in the transport unit FC. The counting by the first film length counting unit 71a is continued thereafter.

  After the detection in step S34, the driving of the first drive motor M1 is stopped (S35). Next, the first drive motor M1 is driven at the maximum speed (S36). When the rear end of the photographic film F passes the position of the first film sensor 33, the first film sensor 33 is switched from the light shielding state to the translucent state (S37). After conveying the photographic film F for a predetermined distance, the first drive motor M1 is stopped (S38). The state at this time is shown in FIG. 7I. The rear end of the photographic film F is in a state of being sandwiched between the conveyance roller pair 32b. Moreover, the film length count by the 1st film length count part 71a is complete | finished at this time.

  Next, the chucker motor CM is driven to rotate the chucker C again in the counterclockwise direction (S39). Next, the third drive motor M3 starts to be driven at a low speed (S40). This is to smoothly engage the drive system by the third drive motor M3 and the chucking roller pair 40 of the chucker C. When rotated by a predetermined angle from the loop formation position, the chucker C moves to the delivery position and stops the chucker motor CM (S41). Next, the third drive motor M3 is also stopped (S42). This state is shown in FIG. 7J.

  Next, the scanner motor SM and the third drive motor M3 in the film carrier 21 are driven at the maximum speed (S43). The second film length counting unit 71b starts counting the film length (count value (2)). Thus, the photographic film F is discharged from the chucker C, inserted into the transport path 60a of the first guide portion 60, and supplied into the film scanner FS. When the leading edge of the photographic film F is detected by the loading sensor 26 of the film scanner FS, the loading sensor 26 switches from the light transmitting state to the light shielding state (S44). After a predetermined amount of photographic film is transported after the light shielding state, both the scanner motor SM and the third drive motor M3 are stopped (S45). At this point, the leading edge of the photographic film F is slightly protruding from the conveying roller pair 21b located at the most upstream. This is shown in FIG. 7K.

  The conveyance control unit 70 notifies the scanner control unit 25 that the photographic film F has been inserted (S46). If there is a response signal “scanning OK” from the scanner control section 25 (S47), the scanner motor SM and the third drive motor M3 are driven at the maximum speed (S49). If scanning permission is not issued, the process waits until permission is obtained (S48).

  In step S49, the speed of the third drive motor M3 is set to be slightly slower than the speed of the scanner motor SM. A slip mechanism is provided in the drive system driven by the third drive motor M3 so that no sag occurs in the photographic film F fed to the film scanner FS.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the loop amount in the loop box 50 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount set in advance (S50). This loop amount is calculated by the following equation.

Loop amount = film length count value (1) − (film length count value (2) + L4) (B)
Here, the value counted by the first film length counting unit 71a is used as the film length count value (1). The film length count value (2) is a count value of the film length that starts from the time of step 43. L4 is the distance from the delivery position to the loading sensor 26 as shown in FIG. 7K.

  When the loop amount is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, the first drive motor M1 is driven at the maximum speed (S51). When the rear end of the photographic film is conveyed by a predetermined distance, the first drive motor M1 is stopped (S52). As a result, the photographic film F is transported only by the scanner motor SM and the third drive motor M3. This is shown in FIG. 7L.

  When the rear end of the photographic film F passes the position of the second film sensor 37, the second film sensor 37 is switched from the light shielding state to the transmissive state (S53). On the other hand, in the film scanner FS, a scanning operation (pre-scan) of the photographic film F is performed. When the trailing edge of the photographic film F passes the position of the loading sensor 26, the loading sensor 26 switches from light shielding to transmissive state (S54), and the pre-scan is also finished after a while (S55).

  Here, the pre-scan and the main scan in the scanning operation of the photographic film F will be briefly described. As shown in FIG. 7L and the like, pre-scanning is performed when the photographic film moves from right to left, and main scanning is performed when the pre-scan is completed and the photographic film F is moved backward from left to right. Pre-scanning is to read an image of the entire photographic film at a low resolution, and processing such as specifying the position of a frame image is performed. In the main scan, the frame image specified in the pre-scan is read with high resolution, and only the portion of the frame image is read. Print creation processing is performed using the image data of the read frame image.

  When the delivery of the photographic film F at the delivery position is completed, the chucker C is reversely rotated by the chucker motor CM (S56). When the chucker C returns to the receiving position, the home sensor 38 is switched from the light transmitting state to the light blocking state (S57). After switching to the light shielding state, the chucker motor CM is stopped (S58). When the chucker C returns to the home position, the second guide portion 61 also returns to the original position.

  In the film scanner FS, after the pre-scan is finished and the main scan is started, the leading edge of the photographic film passes through the transport paths 60a and 61a of the first guide portion 60 and the second guide portion 61, and further loop box 50 passes through a first discharge path 51 provided around 50 and is collected into the film stocker 18.

<Processing operations that continuously execute development processing and scanning processing>
The film processing apparatus FA has two functions: a function for continuously processing the development process and the scan process and a function for independently processing the development process and the scan process. When the development process and the scanning process are set to be processed continuously, when the photographic film is set in the film processor FP, the development process is performed as described in the explanation of the operation of the film processor FP. The photographic film is automatically conveyed to the film scanner FS by the conveyance unit FC, and a scanning process is executed. Then, if photographic films are sequentially set in the film processor FP, the developing process and the scanning process are continuously performed as described above. Here, in order to continuously execute the development processing and the scanning processing, it is necessary to control the photographic film loading start timing, and usually a predetermined interval time is set. This interval time is preset based on the film length, scan resolution, development processing time and scan processing time, transport processing time, and processing capability of the film scanner. If the scan resolution is high, 25 seconds, 30 seconds, etc. are preset.

  However, for some reason, the scan processing time becomes long, and there is a case where the next developed photographic film is automatically set on the film scanner FS and the pre-scan process cannot be started. For example, when it is necessary to confirm the stop position of the developed photographic film, when the scanner reading time is changed, or when the cartridge with the photographic film wound in reverse is set as an operator error, When a black and white film is set by mistake, there is a case where a confirmation request is made to the operator, and there is a case where the device is forcibly interrupted when a film clogging occurs as a device trouble.

  In such a case, the prescan analysis means 101 of the film scanner FS analyzes the prescan result of the photographic film. For example, the pre-scan analysis unit 101 may detect a frame image as a result of pre-scanning a photographic film and determine that it is necessary to confirm the stop position of the photographic film. In such a case, after the pre-scan, the operator is requested to confirm the stop position. If the stop position confirmation request is not responded, the main scan is not started.

  Therefore, since the end time of the main scan becomes longer than the preset main scan scheduled time, this causes the interval time between films to be clogged, and the next developed photographic film is automatically conveyed and cannot be set on the film scanner FS. Occurs. In such a case, it is determined that the end time of the main scan exceeds a predetermined interval. In addition, when it is determined that stop position confirmation is necessary, the end time of the main scan may be determined to exceed a predetermined interval.

  Based on the determination result, the main scanning of the photographic film is controlled by the scanner control unit 25 (corresponding to the control means) so as to be executed as it is. Then, as described above, the conveyance control unit 70 controls the developed photographic film to be conveyed next to be discharged to the film stocker 18 without being conveyed to the film scanner FS.

  Further, when the operator changes the preset scanner reading time, the main scanning time may exceed a predetermined interval. When it is determined that the end time of the main scan exceeds a predetermined interval, the scanner control unit 25 controls the main scan of the photographic film to be executed as it is. And the conveyance control part 70 is controlled so that the photographic film conveyed next may be discharged to the film stocker 18 without conveying to the film scanner FS. Further, when the preset scanner reading time is changed to a longer time, it may be determined that the main scanning time exceeds a predetermined interval.

  As described above, the processing operation in which the main scanning process is given priority and the next developed photographic film is discharged to the film stocker 18 is referred to as a second control mode. The photographic film discharged to the film stocker 18 needs to be manually scanned later by the operator.

  In the second control mode, the photographic film discharged to the discharge unit 14 is configured to be discharged to the film stocker 18. However, when the operator is away from the apparatus for a long time, the stop position of the photographic film is not confirmed. Therefore, when a plurality of photographic films are set in the film processor FP, the development is performed at an interval time. The processing is automatically started, and the developed photographic film is sequentially discharged to the film stocker 18 and the photographic film is accumulated in the film stocker 18.

  Therefore, without making a confirmation request to the operator, the main photographic film during the scanning process is not executed, and it is discharged to the film stocker 18 so that the next photographic film can be automatically preferentially scanned. Configure to control. This processing operation is referred to as a first control mode.

  That is, the scanner control unit 25 indicates that the analysis result of the pre-scan analysis unit 101 is longer than the main scan scheduled time set in advance, and the main scan end time is set to an interval time (predetermined interval). If it is determined that the photographic film is exceeded, the photographic film is controlled to be discharged from the film scanner FS to the film stocker 18 without executing the main scan of the photographic film. Further, the conveyance control unit 70 controls to convey the photographic film to be conveyed next to the film scanner FS. As a result, the main photographic film during the scanning process is not executed, and the next photographic film can be preferentially scanned automatically.

  It is a preferred embodiment that the first control mode and the second control mode can be selected. In other words, the mode setting unit 102 does not execute the main scan of the photographic film when the analysis result of the pre-scan analysis unit 101 determines that the end time of the main scan exceeds a predetermined interval. The first control mode in which the photographic film is controlled to be discharged to the film stocker 18, and the photographic film to be transported next is controlled to be transported to the film scanner FS, and the analysis result of the prescan analysis means 101 is When it is determined that the end time of the main scan exceeds a predetermined interval, the second control mode that is controlled to execute the main scan of the photographic film is set to be selectable.

  Thus, if the first control mode is set, the next photographic film can be automatically scanned preferentially without executing the main scanning process of the photographic film being scanned, and the operator leaves the apparatus for a long time. Suitable for the case. On the other hand, if the second control mode is set, the main scanning process is executed even if it is determined that the end time of the main scanning of the photographic film during the scanning process exceeds the interval time (predetermined interval). Then, the next developed photographic film is configured to be carried out to the film stocker 18 without being automatically conveyed to the film scanner.

  Here, the “predetermined interval” means an interval time, but is not particularly limited to this. For example, the next developed photographic film is pressed at any time during the scanning process of the immediately preceding photographic film. It may mean a time interval until the start of the can. “Time interval until the next developed photographic film starts pre-scanning at any time during the scanning process” is the time from the photographic film position to the pre-scanning position at any time during the scanning process. And can be calculated based on the conveyance speed of the film.

<Specific processing operation>
Specific operations in the first control mode and the second control mode will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. In the following operations, the film processing apparatus FA is set so that development processing and scanning processing are automatically executed, and image data read by scanning processing is transmitted to the print creation apparatus PA to be subjected to photo print processing. . This is called development simultaneous printing.

  In the simultaneous development printing, an undeveloped photographic film is set in the film processor FP, and development processing is started. When the developed photographic film is automatically transported to the film scanner FS by the transport unit FC and set in the film scanner FS, automatic scanning is started. As scan processing, first, pre-scan is executed (S100). Here, the image is read at a low resolution by the scanner. Then, a predetermined analysis is performed by the pre-scan analysis unit 101 (S102). Next, it is determined whether automatic main scanning is possible (S103). If the analysis result indicates that it is necessary to check the film stop position, it is determined that automatic main scanning is not possible, and the process goes to step S104. On the other hand, if the analysis result indicates that it is not necessary to confirm the stop position of the film, it is determined that automatic main scanning is possible, and the process goes to step S112.

  In step S104, it is determined which mode setting is set (S104). When the first control mode is set, the stop position confirmation request is not made to the operator, and the film being scanned is discharged to the film stocker 18 without performing the main scanning process (S105). Then, the next developed photographic film after completion of development is conveyed and set by the conveyance unit FC to the film scanner FS, and pre-scanning is executed. As a result, even if the operator is not standing by the apparatus, the next developed photographic film can be automatically set on the film scanner FS to perform scanning processing, so that continuous development and scanning processing can be realized. In this case, the film that needs to be manually scanned is only one film that has been discharged without being subjected to the main scanning process. Therefore, the work efficiency of the manual scanning process can be greatly improved. Note that the presence of photographic film discharged without being scanned is displayed as an order list on the display means (not shown) by the control means (not shown) of the print creating apparatus PA. As shown in FIG. 9A, in the order list, the processing status of the film of order # 2 is “main scan processing incomplete (discharged)”, and is discharged to the film stocker 18 without being subjected to the main scan processing. It can be seen that this is a photographic film.

  On the other hand, when the second control mode is set, the operator is notified of a stop position confirmation request (S106). That is, the scanner control unit 25 transmits a stop position confirmation request instruction to the print creation apparatus PA, and the control means (not shown) of the print creation apparatus PA responds to the display means (not shown) according to the stop position confirmation request. Display the request. The scanner control unit 25 may be configured to transmit a stop position confirmation request instruction to a notification unit (not shown), and the notification unit (not shown) notifies the operator by sound. The notification means is realized by, for example, a conventionally known speaker, audio output device, or the like.

  Next, a change is made so that the next developed photographic film is not automatically inserted (S107). This can be realized by controlling the transport unit FC by the transport control unit 70. Note that the order of steps S106 and S107 may be interchanged.

  Next, when the operator cancels the notification of the stop position confirmation request (for example, an instruction to click the OK button) (S108), the process proceeds to step S109. In step S109, if the operator confirms the position of the frame image, the process goes to step S110, and the photographic film being scanned can be executed as it is (S110). On the other hand, if the operator determines that the execution of the main scan is interrupted, the process goes to step S111, and the photographic film being scanned is discharged to the film stocker 18 without being subjected to the main scan process (S111). If the operator is standing by the apparatus and can immediately respond to the notification of the stop position confirmation request, the main scan is executed as in step S110. That is, if the main scan is executed, the apparatus can be appropriately operated so that the next photographic film can be automatically set on the film scanner FS. Thereby, even in the second control mode, the next developed photographic film can be automatically conveyed and set on the film scanner FS.

  However, when the main scan process is executed and the next film cannot be automatically set on the film scanner FS and the main scan process is executed intentionally, the next developed photographic film is transferred by the transport unit FC. Control is performed so that the film stocker 18 is discharged without being automatically conveyed to the film scanner FS. The photographic film discharged to the film stocker 18 is displayed in the order list as described above. As shown in FIG. 9B, in the order list, the processing status of the film of order # 4 is “scan processing incomplete (discharged)”, and it is discharged to the film stocker 18 without being transported to the film scanner FS. It can be seen that this is a photographic film.

  If it is determined in step S103 that automatic main scanning is possible, the process proceeds to step S112. Steps S112 to S119 describe the processing when the scanner reading time is changed. In step S112, the main scan time (T1) is calculated. The main scan time (T1) is calculated based on the number of frames, the scan resolution, and the processing capability of the scanner. For example, the scanner reading time is changed by an instruction to change the scan resolution by the operator.

  Next, a time (T2) until the start of prescanning of the next developed photographic film is calculated (S113). This T2 can be calculated from the current position of the next photographic film. That is, since the transport speed of the development process and the transport speed in the transport unit FC (including the cutting time of the reader L) are known in advance, when the leading position of the photographic film is known, the film scanner FS is transferred from that position. It is possible to calculate the time until it is transported to the set position.

  Next, when the main scanning time (T1) is shorter than the time (T2) until the next developed photographic film starts pre-scanning, the process proceeds to step S115. In step S115, control is performed such that the photographic film being scanned is subjected to the main scanning process as it is. These processes depend on the function of the prescan analysis unit 101.

  On the other hand, when the main scan time (T1) is not shorter than the time (T2) until the start of the next developed photographic film pre-scan, the process goes to step S116. In step S116, as in step S104, it is determined which mode setting is set (S116). When the first control mode is set, the film being scanned is discharged to the film stocker 18 without performing the main scanning process (S117). Then, control is performed so that the next developed photographic film can be automatically pre-scanned.

  On the other hand, when the second control mode is set, the photographic film being scanned is subjected to the main scanning process as it is (S118). Then, the next developed photographic film is not automatically conveyed to the film scanner FS by the conveyance unit FC, but is discharged to the film stocker 18 (S119).

  According to the above, based on the prescan analysis result, it is predicted in advance (calculated) that the main scan of the film currently being scanned is not in time for the start of prescan of the next film, and the scan process The film inside can be discharged from the film scanner FS, and the next developed photographic film can be preferentially scanned, so that the development processing and scanning processing can be executed continuously.

  According to the present embodiment described above, when the analysis result of the pre-scan analysis unit 101 determines that the end time of the main scan exceeds a predetermined interval in the continuous processing of the development process and the scan process, the photographic film The first control mode is controlled so that the photographic film is discharged from the film scanner FS to the film stocker 18 without executing the main scan, and the photographic film to be transported next is transported to the film scanner FS. And a second control mode that is controlled to execute the main scan of the photographic film when the analysis result of the pre-scan analysis means 101 is determined that the end time of the main scan exceeds a predetermined interval. Providing a film processing apparatus FA with improved processing efficiency by setting it appropriately by a photo shop operator It can be.

  In the above embodiment, the mode switching between the first control mode and the second control mode is configured so that the operator can select and switch appropriately. Further, in the above embodiment, as a determination of whether or not the end time of the main scan exceeds a predetermined interval, it is determined whether or not there is a film stop position confirmation request, or based on a change in the scanner reading time. Although the case has been described, the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. For example, it may be determined whether the end time of the main scan exceeds a predetermined interval due to film clogging.

<Another embodiment>
In this embodiment, the tip position of the photographic film F (film reader L) detected by the film position calculation unit 17d is a position at a predetermined distance from the discharge roller 15b, but is not limited to this. For example, it may be immediately after the photographic film F is pinched by the discharge roller 15b. In addition, the numerical value of the predetermined distance can be appropriately changed.

  Some of the functions of the control unit 17 may be provided as functions on the transport control unit 70 side. Each control unit and control unit of the film processing apparatus FA can be configured by appropriately combining hardware such as a CPU, a memory, and a hard disk and software for performing control.

  The photographic film to be processed in the present invention is not limited to a negative film or a positive film, and can be applied to an appropriate kind of photographic film such as 135 type or APS type.

The figure which shows the external appearance structure of the whole print processing system which has a film processing apparatus. Sectional drawing which shows the whole structure of a film processing apparatus The figure which shows the state which connected the photographic film and the film leader Sectional view showing the configuration of the transport unit Block diagram showing control functions of film processing equipment Flow chart showing the operation in the transport unit Flow chart showing the operation in the transport unit Flow chart showing the operation in the transport unit Diagram showing the operation of the transport unit Diagram showing the operation of the transport unit Diagram showing the operation of the transport unit Diagram showing the operation of the transport unit Diagram showing the operation of the transport unit Diagram showing the operation of the transport unit Diagram showing the operation of the transport unit Diagram showing the operation of the transport unit Diagram showing the operation of the transport unit Diagram showing the operation of the transport unit Diagram showing the operation of the transport unit Diagram showing the operation of the transport unit Flow chart explaining operation in control mode Diagram showing an example of an order list

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Print processing system 11c Loading sensor 15b Discharge roller 17 Control unit 17a Film edge detection part 17b Film length calculation part 17d Film position calculation part 21 Film carrier 25 Scanner control part 30 Film guide 32 Roller conveyance mechanism 33 1st film sensor 34 Reader sensor 37 Second film sensor 40 Nipping roller pair 60 First guide portion 61 Second guide portion 70 Conveyance control portion 71 Conveyance amount calculation portion 71a First film length count portion 71b Second film length count portion 101 Pre-scan analysis Means 102 Mode setting means F Photo film FP Film processor FA Film processing device FC Transport unit FS Film scanner C Chucker L Film reader M1 First drive motor M2 Second drive motor M3 3 drive motor CM chucker motor SM scanner motor

Claims (5)

A film processor for performing development processing on undeveloped photographic film, a film scanner for acquiring frame images of the developed photographic film processed by the film processor as digital image data, and the film processor ejected at predetermined intervals A film processing apparatus comprising a transport unit for transporting a developed photographic film to a film scanner, and a transport controller for controlling transport of the photographic film in the transport unit,
The film scanner
Pre-scan analysis means for analyzing the pre-scan of the photographic film;
When the analysis result of the pre-scan analysis means determines that the end time of the main scan exceeds the predetermined interval, the photographic film is stored in the storage means from the film scanner without executing the main scan of the photographic film. Control means for controlling to discharge,
The conveyance control unit
A film processing apparatus for controlling the photographic film to be conveyed next to a film scanner. A film processor for performing development processing on undeveloped photographic film, a film scanner for acquiring frame images of the developed photographic film processed by the film processor as digital image data, and the film processor ejected at predetermined intervals A film processing apparatus comprising a transport unit for transporting a developed photographic film to a film scanner, and a transport controller for controlling transport of the photographic film in the transport unit,
The film scanner
Pre-scan analysis means for analyzing the pre-scan of the photographic film;
The analysis result of the pre-scan analysis means comprises control means for controlling to execute the main scan of the photographic film when it is determined that the end time of the main scan exceeds the predetermined interval. A film processing apparatus. When the analysis result of the pre-scan analysis means determines that the end time of the main scan exceeds the predetermined interval, the photographic film is stored in the storage means from the film scanner without executing the main scan of the photographic film. A first control mode that is controlled to eject and controlled to transport the next transported photographic film to a film scanner;
When the analysis result of the pre-scan analysis means is determined that the end time of the main scan exceeds the predetermined interval, the photographic film is controlled to execute the main scan of the photographic film and is transported next. A second control mode that is controlled so as to be discharged to the storage means without being conveyed to the film scanner,
The film processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising mode setting means for setting the selection to be selectable.   4. The method according to claim 1, wherein when it is an analysis result that confirmation of a stop position of a developed photographic film is required, it is determined that an end time of the main scan exceeds the predetermined interval. The film processing apparatus of any one of Claims.   In the analysis result that the end time of the main scan has become larger than the predetermined interval based on the change of the scanner reading time, it is determined that the end time of the main scan exceeds the predetermined interval The film processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images