JP3606193B2 - Mount carrier unit and film scanner - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a mount carrier unit used for scanning a film held on a mount and a film scanner including the mount carrier unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Photographic processing apparatuses capable of automatically performing processing such as exposure, development, bleach-fixing, and stabilization on photosensitive materials such as photographic paper are known. When exposing a photosensitive material with such a photographic processing apparatus, direct (analog) exposure is widely performed in which the photosensitive material is exposed with light transmitted through a photographic film. In contrast, in recent years, so-called digital exposure, in which a photosensitive material is exposed with light controlled based on a digital image signal obtained by imaging a film with a film scanner having an image sensor such as a CCD, has been put into practical use. ing. By adopting the digital exposure method, various image processing such as color correction, density correction, and sharpening processing can be performed with a high degree of freedom, rapid reprint processing is possible, and color and density reproducibility. In addition, it is possible to obtain an excellent print with higher resolution and higher resolution.
[0003]
The film scanner described above transports the mount to the film scanning position in order to accurately and efficiently read an image recorded on a frame of film (usually a positive film) held on a paper or plastic mount. A mount carrier unit may be attached.
[0004]
An example of such a mount carrier unit is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-1212714. The mount carrier unit described in this publication has mount storage boxes (stockers) on both sides of the carrier body. In this mount carrier unit, the mount stored in one mount storage box is fed to the carrier body, and is transported to the other mount storage box through the scanning position while being held between the pair of rollers in the carrier body. And stored inside.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When mounting mounts according to a plurality of orders by the mount carrier unit described in the above publication is to be scanned together, the mounts according to the plurality of orders are combined into a single stack so that the mounts according to the plurality of orders are combined into one mount storage box. Just store it. However, since the mount carrier unit described in the above publication cannot determine the order delimiter, if the mounts related to a plurality of orders are combined and stored in the mount storage box, an index print is made for each order. It becomes impossible to create or sort prints for each order.
[0006]
Therefore, when it is necessary to create an index print for each order, replace the mount storage boxes each containing one order of mounts each time the mounts are removed, and attach them to the scanner in order. Alternatively, after the mount for one order in the mount storage box is exhausted, the next mount for one order is placed in the box. Such replacement work and mount additional storage work are not so complicated when the number of mounts of one order is relatively large. However, when the number of mounts of one order is small, the mount storage box only stores a very small number of mounts compared to the number of mountable storage, and the mount storage box cannot be used effectively. For this reason, it is necessary to frequently perform the above-described work, which is very complicated, and as a result, it takes a long time to complete scanning. Also, even when printing such as mounting scanning is automatically processed, since scanning for one order is completed immediately, it is necessary for the operator to perform the above-described work with a clear scanner. There are disadvantages.
[0007]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mount carrier unit that can quickly scan a mount according to a plurality of orders without performing complicated work.
[0008]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a film scanner capable of quickly scanning a mount according to a plurality of orders without performing complicated work.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the mount carrier unit according to claim 1 is configured such that the mounts stacked and stored in the mount storage box are 1 so that the images recorded on the film held in each mount are continuously scanned. In the mount carrier unit that sequentially conveys one by one, the mount carrier unit has a shape characteristic different from that of the mount and is conveyed in the order according to the relative position with respect to the mount in the mount storage box to be used for scanning. A first sensor for distinguishing the dummy mount from the mount based on its geometric characteristics;A movable table that is movable so as to pass the scanning position of the film and on which the mount or the dummy mount ejected from the mount storage box is placed, and the first sensor have a position in the transport direction. A second sensor that detects that neither the mount nor the dummy mount is present in the mount storage box based on the geometric characteristics of the mount and the dummy mount;It has.
[0010]
Claim1according to,By the first sensorSince dummy mounts can be distinguished from mounts, even when stacks of mounts of multiple orders are stacked and stored in the mount storage box and these are continuously scanned, the dummy mounts are sandwiched between the orders. Simply placing them makes it possible to create index prints and sort prints by order. In addition, the mount storage box can store the same number of mounts as the number of mounts that can be stored, so the number of mount storage operations in the mount storage box can be reduced. Can be reduced, and the time required to complete scanning can be greatly reduced. Therefore, when performing the auto process, it is not necessary for the operator to perform the work with the scanner.
[0011]
Further, since the second sensor detects that neither the mount nor the dummy mount exists in the mount storage box, the drive of the mount carrier unit itself can be automatically stopped. The same applies to the film scanner of claim 4 described later.
[0012]
Claims2The mount carrier unit is characterized in that the first sensor is arranged closer to the mount storage box than the scanning position.
[0013]
Claim2Since it is determined that the mount is a dummy mount before scanning, it is possible to pass the scanning position at a higher speed than when scanning is performed when the dummy mount is transported. Therefore, the processing capacity of the mount carrier unit can be improved.
[0014]
Claims3The film scanner of the present invention is a film scanner that sequentially transports the mounts stacked and stored in the mount storage box one by one and continuously scans the images recorded on the films held in the mounts. An image obtained by the scanning means having a dummy mount that has an appearance characteristic different from that of the mount storage box and is transported in the order according to the relative position with respect to the mount in the mount storage box and used for scanning. Image analysis means for distinguishing from the mount based on a signal is provided.
[0015]
Claim3According to the present invention, since the image signal obtained by scanning is used to distinguish the dummy mount from the mount based on its appearance characteristics, the print condition is displayed on the dummy mount. In addition, for example, the print size can be automatically changed for each order. Claims1Unlike the case of, since a sensor is unnecessary, there is also an advantage that the structure is simple.
[0016]
To display the print conditions on the dummy mount, change the shape of the dummy mount according to the print conditions, print characters, symbols, barcodes, etc. according to the print conditions on the surface of the dummy mount, or The film on which the printing conditions are displayed as an image may be held on a dummy mount.
[0017]
And claims4This film scanner is characterized in that the image analysis means can detect that both the mount and the dummy mount have disappeared in the mount storage box.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
First, the mount carrier unit according to the first embodiment of the present inventionInexplain about. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a film scanner portion of a photographic processing apparatus in which the mount carrier unit according to the present embodiment is used. A mount carrier unit 2 according to the present embodiment is detachably attached to the film scanner 1 shown in FIG. The mount carrier unit 2 includes a main body portion 11 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and two mount storage boxes 12 and 13 attached in the vicinity of both end portions of the main body portion 11. Of the two mount storage boxes 12, 13, one (right side) mount storage box 12 is a mount discharge side, and the other (left side) mount storage box 13 is a mount receiving side. That is, the mounts stored in the mount storage box 12 are sequentially ejected one by one from here, and are sequentially stored in the mount storage box 13 after scanning.
[0020]
A light source unit 3 including a halogen lamp is disposed above the mount carrier unit 2, and an image capturing unit 4 including a CCD line sensor 68 (see FIG. 16) is disposed below the mount carrier unit 2. . The film scanner 1 is provided with a personal computer 5 for performing various processes, a display 6 and a keyboard 7 connected thereto, and the like. The film scanner 1 includes a printer having a print head 69 (see FIG. 16) that performs digital exposure of photographic paper, a processor that performs development, a sorter 70 that sorts the developed prints (see FIG. 16), and the like. A processor (not shown) is connected.
[0021]
Next, the detailed structure of the mount carrier unit 2 will be described in the order of the mount storage box and the main body. First, the structure of the mount storage boxes 12 and 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 is a front view of the mount storage box 12 on the mount discharge side, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the mount storage box 13 on the mount receiving side. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the lower end of the mount storage box 13 on the mount receiving side. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a dummy mount stored in the mount storage boxes 12 and 13 together with the mount.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 2, a mount storage box 12 formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape has a mount 8 holding a positive film on which an image is recorded and a dummy mount 9 not holding a positive film. It is stored in a stacked manner. Both the mount 8 and the dummy mount 9 have a substantially square outer shape, and have substantially the same size and thickness. However, as shown in FIG. 5, a notch 9 a is provided in the vicinity of the center of each outer peripheral side between the corners 9 c of the dummy mount 9, and a circular shape is provided in the vicinity of the center of the dummy mount 9. The opening 9b is provided. The four cutouts 9a are provided in the dummy mount 9 in this way because the lever 53 (see FIG. 9), which will be described later, is used regardless of whether the dummy mount 9 is stored in the mount storage box 12 in any direction. This is because it is possible to detect the notch 9a.
[0023]
In the mount storage box 12, the mounts 8 are stacked together for each order, and one dummy mount 9 is disposed at a separation position of the mounts 8 for one order. A weight (heavy stone) 14 that can freely move up and down is disposed on the top of the stacked mount 8 and dummy mount 9, and presses the mount 8 and dummy mount 9 downward. Although the lower end portion of the mount storage box 12 is closed, a mount discharge port 12a is provided in a portion adjacent to the lower end portion of the side wall on the mount storage box 13 side. The mount discharge port 12a has a height substantially equal to one mount. Further, a mount push-out claw 23 (see FIG. 6) provided in the main body 11 enters and exits the mount storage box 12 at a portion adjacent to the lower end of the side wall facing the side wall provided with the mount discharge port 12a. A hole 12b is provided to enable the above. As a result, the mount 8 and the dummy mount 9 stored in the mount storage box 12 are pushed out to the mount push-out claw 23 in order from the bottom one, and are discharged.
[0024]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the mount 8 and the dummy mount 9 can be stored in a mount storage box 13 formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape so that they are stacked on each other. The upper part of the mount storage box 13 is slightly inclined in a direction away from the mount storage box 12. Of the pair of opposing side walls 13a and 13b of the mount storage box 13, the lower end portion of the side wall 13a on the mount storage box 12 side is provided at a position higher by the number of mounts than the lower end portion of the side wall 13b. Yes. Thus, a receiving port 13 c that receives the mount 8 and the dummy mount 9 is formed below the side wall 13 a of the mount storage box 13.
[0025]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the lower ends of the pair of opposing side walls 13a and 13b of the mount storage box 13 are hollowed out in the vicinity of the center, and there are mount holding pieces (stoppers) 16 and 17 respectively. Are supported on one end side so as to be swingable around support shafts 16a and 17a at the lower ends of the side walls 13a and 13b. Further, on the outer side of the concavely cut portion, a spring plate 18 that regulates the swing angle of the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 so that the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 do not protrude outside the side walls 13a and 13b. 19 is installed. On the other hand, because of the interference between the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 and the side walls 13a and 13b, the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 have an angle with respect to the horizontal plane of one of the surfaces 16b and 17b (approximately equal to the inclination angle of the side wall 13a). Is not allowed to swing in a direction away from the spring plates 18 and 19. That is, the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 are in an inner position (holding position) corresponding to the predetermined angle by their own weight when no external force is applied (force from above is applied to the surfaces 16b and 17b. When the force from below is applied to the surfaces 16c, 17c facing the surfaces 16b, 17b, the outer positions (passing positions) are in contact with the spring plates 18, 19. When the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 are in the outer position, the thickness of the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 is almost absorbed by the thickness of the side walls 13a and 13b. Accordingly, in this state, the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 hardly project from the inner side surfaces of the side walls 13a and 13b.
[0026]
Next, the structure of the main body 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the main body 11 of the mount carrier unit 2. FIG. 7 is a front view of the mount carrier unit 2. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIV-IIIV in FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the portion depicted in FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. FIG. 11 is a side view for explaining the lifting mechanism of the discharge roller included in the main body 11 of the mount carrier unit 2. FIG. 12 is a side view for explaining the lifting mechanism of the discharge roller as seen from the direction orthogonal to FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view for explaining the lifting mechanism and the rotating mechanism of the discharge roller. FIG. 14 is a side view for explaining the lifting mechanism of the mount base included in the main body 11 of the mount carrier unit 2. FIG. 15 is a perspective view thereof.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 6, the main body 11 is provided with a moving plate 25 that holds a moving table 24 in which an opening 24 a is formed in a portion other than the edge. The mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) ejected from the mount storage box 12 is placed on the movable table 24. The mount 8 placed on the moving table 24 is pressed from above by two mount pressing rollers 26 a and 26 b attached to the tips of a pair of arms 29 a and 29 b supported by the moving plate 25. It does not move easily. In FIG. 6, illustration of the root portion of the arm 29b is omitted.
[0028]
The moving plate 25 is movable in the horizontal direction along the rails 20 a and 20 b when the ball screw 28 is rotationally driven by the pulse motor 27. The moving table 24 is assembled and adjusted using an assembly jig so as to move in a direction (sub-scanning direction) perpendicular to the main scanning direction of scanning by the imaging unit 4.
[0029]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the mount storage box 12 is placed at a position adjacent to the moving table 24 and slightly higher than the moving table 24 when the moving plate 25 is in the rightmost position. A flat insertion stocker mounting plate 21 is provided. Further, on the side of the insertion stocker mounting plate 21, a motor 22a as a drive source, a pair of pulleys 22b and 22c connected to the motor 22a, a belt 22d stretched over the pulleys 22b and 22c, and a belt An extrusion claw drive mechanism 22 composed of a claw holding member 22e supported by 22d is disposed. The push-out claw drive mechanism 22 holds the mount push-out claw 23 disposed on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21 by a claw holding member 22e. Thereby, the mount push-out claw 23 can reciprocate along the moving direction of the moving plate 25 on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21.
[0030]
As shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, a photocoupler 54 that is a sensor in which a light emitting unit 54 a and a light receiving unit 54 b are opposed to each other at a position adjacent to the insertion stocker mounting plate 21, and a shaft A lever 53 that is rotatable about 52 is disposed. The top 53a on one end side of the lever 53 is at a position corresponding to the hole 21a provided in the insertion stocker mounting plate 21. Further, the hole 21 a is provided at a position corresponding to the notch 9 a of the dummy mount 9 stored in the mount storage box 12. The lever 53 is biased by a coil spring (not shown) supported by the shaft 52 so that the top 53a moves upward. Further, the portion 53b on the other end side of the lever 53 is connected to the shaft 52 so as to pass between the light emitting portion 54a and the light receiving portion 54b of the photocoupler 54 when the top portion 53a of the lever 53 protrudes from the hole 21a. It extends in the same direction.
[0031]
Accordingly, when the dummy mount 9 is mounted on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21 or when neither the mount 8 nor the dummy mount 9 is mounted (that is, only the dummy mount 9 is stored in the mount storage box 12). Or when the mount 8 and the dummy mount 9 are not housed), the top 53a of the lever 53 and the notch 9a of the dummy mount 9 face each other. 53a protrudes, and the light-emitting portion 54a and the light-receiving portion 54b are shielded from light by the portion 53b of the lever 53. On the other hand, when the mount 8 is placed on the insertion stocker placement plate 21 (that is, when the mount 8 is at the lowest position in the mount storage box 12), the top 53a of the lever 53 is pushed down by the mount 8. Thus, the top 53a of the lever 53 does not protrude from the hole 21a, and the light emitting portion 54a and the light receiving portion 54b are not shielded by the portion 53b of the lever 53. As described above, in the mount carrier unit 2 according to the present embodiment, the mount 8 is provided on the insertion stocker placement plate 21 and the dummy mount 9 is provided on the basis of the output signal of the light receiving unit 54b. , 9 can be distinguished from the case where there is no 9.
[0032]
Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the photocoupler 59, which is a sensor in which the light emitting unit 59a and the light receiving unit 59b are arranged to face each other, can be rotated around a shaft 57 at a position adjacent to the moving table 24. The lever 58 is arranged. The top 58 a on one end side of the lever 58 is at a position corresponding to the hole 24 a provided in the moving table 24. The hole 24 a is provided at a position corresponding to the vicinity of the corners of the mount 8 and the dummy mount 9 placed on the movable table 24. The lever 58 is urged by a coil spring (not shown) supported by the shaft 57 so that the top portion 58a moves upward. The portion 58b on the other end side of the lever 58 has a shaft 57 and a shaft 57 so as to pass between the light emitting portion 59a and the light receiving portion 59b of the photocoupler 59 when the top portion 58a of the lever 58 does not protrude from the hole 24a. It extends in the same direction.
[0033]
Therefore, when either the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is placed on the movable table 24, the top portion 58a of the lever 58 and the corner portion 9c of the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 face each other. The top portion 58a of 58 is pushed down by the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9, and the top portion 58a of the lever 58 does not protrude from the hole 24a, and the light emitting portion 59a and the light receiving portion 59b are shielded by the portion 58b of the lever 58. On the other hand, when neither the mount 8 nor the dummy mount 9 is placed on the movable table 24, the top portion 58a of the lever 58 protrudes from the hole 24a, and the portion of the lever 58 is between the light emitting portion 59a and the light receiving portion 59b. The light is not shielded by 58b. As described above, in the mount carrier unit 2 according to the present embodiment, the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is mounted on the moving base 24 based on the output signal of the light receiving unit 59b, and both of these are mounted. It is possible to distinguish from the case where it is not placed. Therefore, when the mount 8 is mounted on the movable table 24 and the dummy mount 9 is mounted by determining by combining the output signal of the light receiving unit 54b and the output signal of the light receiving unit 59b. And the case where none of them is placed can be distinguished.
[0034]
As described above, according to the mount carrier unit 2 of the present embodiment, the dummy mount 9 can be distinguished from the mount 8 by the output signals of the light receiving portions 54b and 59b. Even when 8 are stacked and scanned, the index prints can be printed by the printer processor connected to the film scanner 1 simply by placing the dummy mount 9 between the orders. It is possible to create and sort prints by order. Further, since the mount storage box 12 can store the same number of mounts 8 as the number of mountable storages, the number of mount storage operations in the mount storage box 12 can be reduced. The complexity associated with these operations can be reduced, and the time required to complete scanning can be greatly reduced. Therefore, when performing the automatic processing, it is not necessary for the operator to perform the work with the film scanner 1 clearly.
[0035]
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, light emitted from the light source unit 3 and transmitted through the film is supplied to the imaging unit 4 on the lower surface of the main body unit 11 and on the moving path of the moving table 24. The slit 30 is provided. The slit 30 is oriented in the element array direction (main scanning direction) in accordance with the position of the CCD line sensor 68 (see FIG. 16) arranged in the imaging unit 4.
[0036]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 11 to 13, a position that is opposite to the insertion stocker mounting plate 21 across the slit 30 and that is adjacent to the moving table 24 when the moving plate 25 is in the leftmost position. A flat mount base 31 on which the mount storage box 13 is placed is disposed. Between the right end of the mount base 31 and the slit 30, a pair of discharge rollers 33a and 33b having a ceramic coating applied to the surface for slipping are arranged. The discharge rollers 33a and 33b extend perpendicularly to the moving direction of the moving plate 25 and are fixed to a shaft 32 that can move up and down.
[0037]
Both ends of the shaft 32 are connected to a substantially U-shaped arm 40 in the vicinity of the open end thereof. The arm 40 is rotatably supported by a shaft 42 parallel to the shaft 32 on the left side of the open end. Furthermore, a hole 40a is provided in the left end surface of the arm 40, and one end of a link member 44 is inserted into the hole 40a. The link member 44 is rotatably supported by a shaft 37 extending parallel to the left side of the shaft 42, and the other end portion is placed on one end portion of the link member 43. The link member 43 is rotatably supported by a shaft 46 extending perpendicularly to the shafts 37 and 42, and the other end portion is positioned below the solenoid 45. The other end of the link member 43 is pushed down by a pin 45a protruding downward from the lower end of the solenoid 45 when the switch of the solenoid 45 is turned on.
[0038]
Therefore, when the switch of the solenoid 45 is turned on, the link member 43 rotates around the shaft 46 and lifts the other end of the link member 44, whereby the link member 44 rotates around the shaft 37 and moves to the arm. The left end of 40 is pushed down, whereby the arm 40 rotates around the shaft 42 to lift the shaft 32 and the discharge rollers 33a and 33b. That is, in the mount carrier unit 2 of the present embodiment, the shaft 45 and the discharge rollers 33a and 33b are connected to the solenoid 45 via the arm 40 and the link members 43 and 44, so that the solenoid 45 is controlled. Thus, the shaft 32 and the discharge rollers 33a and 33b can be moved up and down via the link members 43 and 44 and the arm 40.
[0039]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 13, the shaft 42 supports a gear 42 a and a pulley 49 on one end side thereof. The gear 42 a meshes with the gear 32 a supported by the shaft 32. A round belt 51 is stretched around the pulley 49. Further, the round belt 51 is also wound around a pulley 47 supported by the ball screw 28 and pulleys 48 and 50 for compensating for a height difference between the two pulleys 47 and 49. Therefore, when the ball screw 28 is rotated to move the moving plate 25, the rotation is transmitted from the pulleys 47, 48, 49, 50 to the shaft 42 and the shaft 32, and the discharge rollers 33a, 33b are rotated. To do.
[0040]
When the scanning is finished and the moving plate 25 approaches the left side position, the discharge rollers 33a and 33b move upward by controlling the solenoid 45 as described above. The discharge rollers 33a and 33b come into contact with the lower surface of the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 pressed from above by the mount pressing rollers 26a and 26b. Sends to the left by dynamic output. As a result, the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 for which scanning has been completed is placed on the mount base 31.
[0041]
As described above, in the mount carrier unit 2 of the present embodiment, the discharge rollers 33a and 33b can be moved up and down so that the discharge rollers 33a and 33b do not come into contact with the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 until the end of scanning. The distance between the scanning position as the slit 30 and the discharge rollers 33a and 33b can be shortened. Therefore, the mount carrier unit 2 according to the present embodiment is particularly small in size in the feed direction (left-right direction) of the mount 8 and is small, and the discharge rollers 33a and 33b come into contact with the mount 8 during scanning. Thus, high-quality image data can be obtained without any adverse effects caused by the above.
[0042]
Further, in the mount carrier unit 2 of the present embodiment, the drive source for the discharge rollers 33a and 33b to feed the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 to the mount base 31 moves the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 to the scanning position. One pulse motor 27 is the same as the drive source for carrying. Therefore, the mechanism for rotating the discharge rollers 33a and 33b is greatly simplified.
[0043]
In the mount carrier unit 2 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the mount base 31 is held by the mount holding pieces 16, 17 at the inner position below the mount holding pieces 16, 17. From the lowermost mount 8 or dummy mount 9 in the mount storage box 13, about 2.5 of the mount 8 on the mount holding piece 16 side and about 1.5 of the mount 8 on the mount holding piece 17 side They are spaced apart. Therefore, the discharge rollers 33a and 33b can send the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 onto the mount base 31 with a relatively small feeding force even when the surface is slippery.
[0044]
As shown in FIGS. 6, 14, and 15, the mount base 31 is parallel to the shaft 37, and the upper surface of the mount base 31 is normally horizontal with respect to the shaft 34 on the left side of the shaft 37. It is supported so that it can rotate. Further, push-up levers 35 a and 35 b are arranged on both sides of the mount base 31. The push-up levers 35a and 35b are rotatably supported with respect to the shaft 37 so that the push-up levers 35a and 35b extend in the horizontal direction at the normal time. The shaft 37 is connected to a motor 38 disposed on the side of the mount base 31 via an eccentric pin 36, a link member 39, and an arm 41. The gear 34 a disposed at one end of the shaft 34 meshes with the gear 37 a disposed at one end of the shaft 37.
[0045]
Therefore, when the motor 38 is rotated, the shaft 34 is rotated via the eccentric pin 36, the link member, and the arm 41, and at the same time, the shaft 37 is rotated via the gears 34a and 37a. Along with this, the mount base 31 and the push-up levers 35a and 35b supported by the shafts 34 and 37 change from the horizontal state to the inclined state. Along with this inclination, the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 supported from below by the mount base 31 and the push-up levers 35a, 35b moves to the inside of the mount storage box 13 above.
[0046]
At this time, as described above, the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 are pushed up from below by the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 and become the outer positions (passing positions) in contact with the spring plates 18 and 19. Accordingly, the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 lifted from below by the mount base 31 and the push-up levers 35a and 35b passes through the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 and moves upward. Then, the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 return to the inner position by the elastic force from the spring plates 18 and 19. Then, the motor 38 reversely rotates and the mount base 31 and the push-up levers 35a and 35b return to the horizontal position. Then, the mount 8 and the dummy mount 9 stored in the mount storage box 13 are supported at the lower ends by the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 returned to the inner position, and are held in the mount storage box 13.
[0047]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the discharge roller 33a is provided by providing a gap for at least one mount between the lower end of the mount held in the mount storage box 13 by the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 and the main body portion 11. , 33b can reduce the feeding force, and as a mechanism for rotationally driving the discharge rollers 33a and 33b, as described above, the pulse motor 27 shared with the moving plate 25, pulleys 47 to 50, etc. The simple thing which consists of a member can be used now. That is, the mount carrier unit 2 of the present embodiment is small in size because the mechanism for rotationally driving the discharge rollers 33a and 33b is simplified.
[0048]
Next, the control system of the film scanner 1 including the mount carrier unit 2 will be described.TFurther, a description will be given with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a block diagram of the main part of the film scanner 1 and a printer processor connected thereto. In FIG. 16, the controller 61 includes hardware such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM that are controlled by appropriate software. The controller 61 includes photo detectors 54b and 59b of the photocouplers 54 and 59, a motor 22a, a pulse motor 27, drivers 38, 64, 65 and 66 of the solenoid 38 and a timing generator 62 of the CCD line sensor 68, and a printer processor. The print head 69 and the sorter 70 are connected to each other.
[0049]
The controller 61 receives signals output from the light receiving portions 54b and 59b of the photocouplers 54 and 59. The controller 61 supplies driving signals for the motor 22a, the pulse motor 27, the motor 38, and the solenoid 45 to the drivers 63, 64, 65, and 66, respectively. In addition, the controller 61 gives a command to the timing generator 62 in synchronization with these drive signals to generate various timing signals supplied to the CCD line sensor 68. The light emitted from the light source unit 3 and transmitted through the film held on the mount enters the CCD line sensor 68. The signal output from the CCD line sensor 68 is given to the controller 61 as an image signal after being subjected to predetermined processing. The image signal is appropriately processed by the controller 61 and then given to the print head 69 at a predetermined timing. Further, the controller 61 supplies an instruction for sorting developed photographic paper for each order to the sorter 70.
[0050]
Next, a schematic operation of the film scanner 1 including the mount carrier unit 2 will be described. When the operation of the mount carrier unit 2 is started, first, an output signal from the light receiving unit 54b is given to the controller 61 to determine whether or not the mount 8 is on the insertion stocker mounting plate 21. Next, a drive signal of the motor 22 a is given from the controller 61 to the driver 63, and the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 in the lowermost part of the mount storage box 12 is pushed out onto the moving table 24 by the mount push-out claw 23.
[0051]
Then, an output signal from the light receiving unit 59b is given to the controller 61, and it is determined whether or not there is a mount 8 or a dummy mount 9 on the moving table 24. As a result, when there is no mount 8 or dummy mount 9 on the moving table 24, the operation of the mount carrier unit 2 is stopped. When either the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is on the moving table 24, a driving signal is given to the driver 64 of the pulse motor 27 and the moving table 24 starts to move to the right. When the moving table 24 reaches the slit 30, the moving speed of the moving table 24 is changed to a speed suitable for scanning (usually slower than the speed before and after the slit 30), and the controller 61 sends a predetermined speed to the timing generator 62. An instruction is given.
[0052]
If it is detected by the output signals from the light receiving portions 54b and 59b that the dummy mount 9 is mounted on the moving table 24, it is not necessary to perform scanning, so the moving speed is changed. It is preferable to move the movable table 24 without any change. Thereby, the processing capacity of the mount carrier unit 2 can be increased.
[0053]
When the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 passes the scanning position and the moving table 24 reaches the vicinity of the left end, a drive signal is supplied from the controller 61 to the driver 65 of the motor 38. As a result, the discharge rollers 33a and 33b move upward and come into contact with the lower surface of the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9. Since the discharge rollers 33a and 33b are rotated by the pulse motor 27 via the pulleys 47 to 50 and the ball screw 28, the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is fed onto the mount base 31 by the discharge rollers 33a and 33b. The
[0054]
Then, after the discharge rollers 33a and 33b rotate by a predetermined angle, a drive signal is supplied from the controller 61 to the driver 66 of the solenoid 45. As a result, the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is lifted and stored in the mount storage box 13 over the mount holding pieces 16 and 17. The operation timing of the motor 38 and the solenoid 45 is determined by the number of pulses given to the pulse motor 27.
[0055]
When it is detected by the output signals from the light receiving portions 54b and 59b that the mount 8 is mounted on the moving table 24, the image signal output from the CCD line sensor 68 and processed by the controller 61 is displayed. Is applied to the print head 69 and the photographic paper is exposed based on the image recorded on the film of the mount 8. On the other hand, when it is detected by the output signals from the light receiving portions 54b and 59b that the dummy mount 9 is placed on the moving table 24, one order worth before the dummy mount 9 is detected. An image signal for creating an index print related to the mount 8 is given from the controller 61 to the print head 69. The sorter 70 is supplied with a signal from the controller 61 so that the print for one order including the index print is arranged on a sorting board different from other prints.
[0056]
Next, a film scanner according to the second embodiment of the present inventionInThis will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 17 is a plan view of the main body of the mount carrier unit used in the film scanner according to the present embodiment.
[0057]
The main body 11 ′ of the mount carrier unit depicted in FIG. 17 does not include the levers 53 and 58 that rotate around the shafts 52 and 57 and the photocouplers 54 and 59. It is comprised similarly to the main-body part 11 of the mount carrier unit 2 which concerns on a form. In the present embodiment, the same members as those shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. In addition, the mount storage box attached to the main body 11 'is the same as the mount storage boxes 12 and 13 described in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted here.
[0058]
FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a main part of the film scanner of the present embodiment and a printer processor connected thereto. As is apparent from FIG. 18, the film scanner of the present embodiment is provided with an image analysis unit 61a in the controller 61, and the photocoupler light receiving unit is not connected to the controller 61 in FIG. It is different from the film scanner described. The image analysis unit 61a analyzes the image signal from the CCD line sensor 68 and determines whether the image signal relates to the film held on the mount 8 or the dummy mount. It has a function.
[0059]
FIG. 19 shows an example of a dummy mount used in the present embodiment. The dummy mount 91 shown in FIG. 19A has the same outer shape as the dummy mount 9 shown in FIG. 5 and is substantially square, and has an opening 91a at the center. At this time, the image analysis unit 61a determines that the scanning target is the dummy mount 91 when the image signal obtained from the CCD line sensor 68 has the same shape as the opening 91a at the center. Further, the dummy mount 92 shown in FIG. 19B has the same outer shape as the dummy mount 9 shown in FIG. 5 and is substantially square, and has a barcode 92a printed at the center. The bar code 92a preferably displays a print condition of the mount 8 scanned after the dummy mount 92. At this time, the image analysis unit 61a determines that the scanning target is the dummy mount 92 when the image signal obtained from the CCD line sensor 68 has the barcode 92a at the center. Note that the dummy mount may be other than that illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B as long as it has an appearance characteristic different from that of the mount 8.
[0060]
Next, a schematic operation of the film scanner according to the present embodiment will be described. When the operation of the mount carrier unit 2 is started, the drive signal of the motor 22a is given from the controller 61 to the driver 63, and the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 in the lowermost part of the mount storage box 12 is moved by the mount pushing claw 23. It is pushed onto the table 24.
[0061]
Thereafter, a drive signal is given to the driver 64 of the pulse motor 27, and the moving base 24 starts to move to the right. When the moving table 24 reaches the slit 30, the moving speed of the moving table 24 is changed to a speed suitable for scanning (usually slower than the speed before and after the slit 30), and the controller 61 sends a predetermined speed to the timing generator 62. An instruction is given.
[0062]
When the mount 8 or the dummy mount 91 or 92 passes the scanning position and the moving table 24 reaches the vicinity of the left end, a drive signal is supplied from the controller 61 to the driver 65 of the motor 38. As a result, the discharge rollers 33a and 33b move upward and come into contact with the lower surface of the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9. Since the discharge rollers 33a and 33b are rotated by the pulse motor 27 via the pulleys 47 to 50 and the ball screw 28, the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is fed onto the mount base 31 by the discharge rollers 33a and 33b. The
[0063]
Then, after the discharge rollers 33a and 33b rotate by a predetermined angle, a drive signal is supplied from the controller 61 to the driver 66 of the solenoid 45. As a result, the mount 8 or the dummy mount 9 is lifted and stored in the mount storage box 13 over the mount holding pieces 16 and 17. The operation timing of the motor 38 and the solenoid 45 is determined by the number of pulses given to the pulse motor 27.
[0064]
Based on the image signal obtained by the CCD line sensor 68, when the image analysis unit 61 a determines that the scanning target placed on the movable table 24 is the mount 8, the output from the CCD line sensor 68 is performed. Then, the image signal processed by the controller 61 is given to the print head 69, and the photographic paper is exposed based on the image recorded on the film of the mount 8. On the other hand, when the image analysis unit 61a determines that the dummy mount 91 or 92 is mounted on the movable table 24, the mount for one order before the dummy mount 91 or 92 is scanned. 8 is supplied from the controller 61 to the print head 69. The sorter 70 is supplied with a signal from the controller 61 so that the print for one order including the index print is arranged on a sorting board different from other prints. Note that the operation of the mount carrier unit is based on the image signal obtained by the CCD line sensor 68. If the scanning target placed on the movable table 24 is not the mount 8 or the dummy mount 91 or 92, the image is obtained. When it is determined by the analysis unit 61a, the process stops.
[0065]
As described above, according to the film scanner according to the present embodiment, the dummy mount 91 or 92 can be distinguished from the mount 8 based on the image signal obtained by the CCD line sensor 68. Even when multiple mounts 8 according to orders are stored in layers and these are continuously scanned, an index print can be created simply by placing the dummy mounts 91 or 92 between the orders. And prints can be sorted by order. Further, the mount storage box 12 can store the same number of mounts 8 as or close to the mountable number, so that the number of mount storage operations in the mount storage box 12 can be reduced. The complexity associated with these operations is reduced, and the time required to complete scanning can be greatly reduced. Therefore, when performing the auto process, it is not necessary for the operator to perform the work with the scanner 1 clearly.
[0066]
In this embodiment, when the dummy mount 92 is used, the print condition (for example, print size) of the mount 8 scanned after the dummy mount 92 is set as the print condition displayed on the barcode 92a. be able to. Thereby, for example, the print size can be automatically changed for each order. Further, unlike the case of the first embodiment, since the photocouplers 54 and 59 and the levers 53 and 58 are unnecessary, there is an advantage that the structure is simple.
[0067]
The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design changes can be made as long as they are described in the claims. For example, in the first embodiment, the photocoupler 54 and the photocoupler 59, and the lever 53 and the lever 58 may both be provided at positions close to the insertion stocker placement plate 21. Further, the light receiving unit 59b may be shielded from light when there is no mount 8 or dummy mount 9 on the moving table 24. The same applies to the light receiving portion 54b.
[0068]
In addition, the photocoupler 54 and the photocoupler 59, and the lever 53 and the lever 58 may be arranged closer to the mount storage box 13 than the scanning position. However, in this case, since the dummy mount is determined after the scanning is completed, the conveyance speed of the dummy mount cannot be made larger than the conveyance speed of the mount. Further, as means for distinguishing between the mount and the dummy mount, not only those having a photocoupler and a lever but also any other known ones can be used. In the above-described embodiment, the mount storage box 13 is inclined with respect to the main body 11, but the mount storage box 13 may protrude perpendicular to the main body.
[0069]
Further, the mechanism for raising and lowering the discharge rollers 33a and 33b is not limited to the one using the solenoid 45, the link members 43 and 44, and the arm 40 as described above, and various other mechanisms can be employed. . Furthermore, the mechanism for feeding the mount 8 onto the mount base 31 may be other than that using the discharge rollers 33a and 33b.
[0070]
Further, the mount holding pieces 16 and 17 for holding the mount 8 in the mount storage box 13 are not necessarily required to be rotatably supported on the side walls 13a and 13b of the mount storage box 13 as described above. For example, it may function as described above by sliding with respect to the side walls 13a and 13b.
[0071]
Further, the mechanism for raising and lowering the mount base 31 is not limited to the one using the motor 38, the link member 39, and the arm 41 as described above, and various other mechanisms can be employed.
[0072]
【The invention's effect】
As explained above, the claims1According to the above, it is possible to distinguish dummy mounts from mounts, so even if multiple mounts are stacked and stored in the mount storage box and these are continuously scanned, dummy mounts must be separated into orders. It is possible to create index prints and sort prints by order simply by placing them so as to be sandwiched. In addition, since the mount storage box can store the same number of mounts as the number of mounts that can be stored, the number of mount storage operations in the mount storage box can be reduced. Can be reduced, and the time required to complete scanning can be greatly reduced.
[0073]
According to the first and fourth aspects, the drive of the mount carrier unit itself can be automatically stopped.
[0074]
Claim2Since it is determined that the mount is a dummy mount before scanning, the scanning position can be passed at a higher speed than when scanning is performed when the dummy mount is transported. Therefore, the processing capacity of the mount carrier unit can be improved.
[0075]
Claim3According to the present invention, since the image signal obtained by scanning is used to distinguish the dummy mount from the mount based on its appearance characteristics, the advantage obtained by claim 1 by displaying the print conditions on the dummy mount. In addition, for example, the print size can be automatically changed for each order. Claims1Unlike the case of, since a sensor is unnecessary, there is also an advantage that the structure is simple.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a film scanner portion of a photographic processing apparatus in which a mount carrier unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention is used.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a mount storage box on the mount discharge side used in the mount carrier unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a front view of a mount receiving box on the mount receiving side used in the mount carrier unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the lower end of the mount storage box on the mount receiving side.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a dummy mount housed in a mount housing box together with the mount.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the main body of the mount carrier unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a front view of the mount carrier unit depicted in FIG. 6. FIG.
8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIV-IIIV in FIG.
9 is a perspective view of the portion depicted in FIG.
10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.
FIG. 11 is a side view for explaining the lifting mechanism of the discharge roller included in the main body of the mount carrier unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a side view for explaining a lifting mechanism of the discharge roller as seen from a direction orthogonal to FIG. 11. FIG.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view for explaining an elevating mechanism and a rotating mechanism of a discharge roller.
FIG. 14 is a side view for explaining the lifting mechanism of the mount base included in the main body of the mount carrier unit.
15 is a perspective view of a lifting mechanism for the mount base depicted in FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a main part of a film scanner and a printer processor connected thereto.
FIG. 17 is a plan view of a main body portion of a mount carrier unit used in a film scanner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a main part of a film scanner and a printer processor connected thereto according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a plan view showing an example of a dummy mount used in the second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Film scanner
2 Mount carrier unit
3 Light source
4 Imaging unit
8 mount
9 Dummy mount
11 Body
12 Mount storage box
13 Mount storage box
16, 17 Mount holding piece
18, 19 Spring plate
21 Insertion Stocker Placement Plate
23 Mount Extrusion Claw
24 Moving platform
25 Moving plate
27 Pulse motor
30 slits
31 Mount stand
33a, 33b discharge roller
35a, 35b Push-up lever
38 motor
45 Solenoid
54, 59 Photocoupler
53, 58 lever
61 controller
68 CCD line sensor

Claims (4)

In the mount carrier unit that sequentially transports the mounts stacked and stored in the mount storage box so that the images recorded on the film held in each mount are continuously scanned,
A dummy mount having a shape characteristic different from that of the mount and transported in an order according to a relative position with respect to the mount in the mount storage box and used for scanning is based on the shape characteristic. A first sensor for distinguishing from the mount;
A movable table that is movable so as to pass the scanning position of the film and on which the mount or the dummy mount ejected from the mount storage box is placed;
Based on the geometric characteristics of the mount and the dummy mount, the position in the transport direction is different from that of the first sensor, and neither the mount nor the dummy mount exists in the mount storage box. And a second sensor for detecting the mount carrier unit. The mount carrier unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first sensor is disposed closer to the mount storage box than the scanning position. In a film scanner that sequentially transports the mounts stacked and stored in the mount storage box one by one, and continuously scans the images recorded on the film held in each mount,
Scanning means;
A dummy mount having an appearance characteristic different from that of the mount and transported in the order according to the relative position with respect to the mount in the mount storage box and used for scanning is obtained by the scanning means. A film scanner comprising: image analysis means for distinguishing the mount from the mounted image signal. The film scanner according to claim 3 , wherein the image analysis unit can detect that both the mount and the dummy mount have disappeared in the mount storage box.

Images