JP3624002B2 - Image reading apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus capable of reading image information on a subject with a detachable camera unit and recording desired information on the subject or a recording medium, and a control method thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some image reading apparatuses that read image information on paper with a camera and store it on a microfilm include a model in which a camera unit can be attached and detached. Therefore, when there are a plurality of main bodies, even if the main body used for the previous shooting cannot be used for some reason, it is possible to perform shooting using other main bodies.
[0003]
There is also an image reading apparatus provided with an information adding device that records on a desired subject or recording medium simultaneously with photographing. Some information adding devices are originally a part of the main body configuration, and others are peripheral devices that can be attached to and detached from the main body later. Hereinafter, the former is referred to as “built-in type” and the latter is referred to as “retrofit type”.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above conventional example, the information related to the additional information device held by the storage device in the camera unit is only information related to the built-in information adding device, and the information related to the retrofit information adding device is stored in the main body. The device only remembers. In addition, when there are a plurality of main bodies, the retrofit type information adding device is not necessarily installed in all the main bodies, and the following problems occur.
(1) The user needs to reset the information of the retrofit information adding device.
(2) Since the retrofitting information adding device is set according to the information stored in the storage device in the main body, there is a case where information that is not desired by the user is added.
(3) It is possible to shoot even when a camera unit that has been photographed using a retrofit information adding device is used in a main body not equipped with the information adding device.
[0005]
Each of the above problems not only deteriorates the operability, but also causes erroneous shooting due to the inability to add desired information. Especially when a film is used as a recording medium, the result of photographing is known after the film is developed, and it is practically impossible to correct the film after development. Each of the above problems is a fatal problem for the image recording apparatus.
[0006]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image reading apparatus capable of improving operability and preventing erroneous photographing and a control method thereof.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, a method for controlling an image reading apparatus according to the present invention includes the following steps.
[0008]
That is, it is removable camera In the unit, the camera A first storing step for storing information on the unit and the main body, and connection to the main body and the main body; Information addition device And a second storage step for storing connection information, and a control step for performing desired control based on the connection information stored in the second storage step.
[0009]
In order to solve the above problems, an image reading apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement.
[0010]
That is, it is removable camera In the unit, camera A first storage means for storing information on the unit and the main body, and connectable to the main body and the main body; Information addition device And second storage means for storing connection information, and control means for performing desired control based on the connection information stored in the second storage means.
[0012]
【Example】
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
First, an outline of the image reading apparatus in the present embodiment will be described.
[0014]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a general image reading apparatus. In FIG. 1, an operation panel 103 includes an input unit for performing various settings of the main body and a display unit for displaying various information, 201 is a paper feed tray for placing a subject, and 202 is photographed. A paper discharge tray on which subjects are stacked, 203 is a paper feed switch for giving a paper feed control instruction, and 205 is a camera unit insertion slot for inserting the camera unit 210 shown in FIG. As described above, the operation panel is divided into a display unit and an input unit. A display element such as a liquid crystal display plate or a fluorescent display plate is used for the display unit. In addition to switches such as a tact switch, the input unit is used. A touch panel or the like is used.
[0015]
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the above-described image reading apparatus. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 200 denotes a subject, 206 (inside the broken line) denotes a lower conveyance system, 600 (inside the broken line) denotes an upper conveyance system, 601 denotes an illumination unit that irradiates the subject 200, and 207 denotes a guide glass. Reference numeral 602 denotes a drive unit which is connected to the lower transfer system 206 and the upper transfer system 600 by a power transmission unit (not shown) and drives the respective transfer systems. The lower and upper transport systems 206 and 600 are configured by mechanical parts such as a belt, a roller, and a bearing. A motor is generally used for the drive unit 602. The power transmission unit is composed of a combination of gears, belts, pulleys, and the like. The illumination unit 601 is composed of a light-emitting component such as a lamp and an optical component such as a reflecting mirror. Generally, a halogen lamp or a fluorescent lamp is used as the lamp.
[0016]
Here, the subject 200 loaded on the paper feed tray 201 is sequentially conveyed through the main body one by one by the lower conveyance system 206 and is irradiated by the illumination unit 601 when passing through the guide glass 207. At that time, the obtained image information is sent to the camera unit 210 and photographed. The photographed subject 200 is transported by the upper transport system 600 and stacked on the paper discharge tray 202.
[0017]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of the optical system of the above-described image reading apparatus. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 208 denotes a slit, and 209 denotes a mirror group for guiding reflected light from the subject 200 to the camera unit 210 described above.
[0018]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the camera unit 210. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 221 denotes a film supply side lid unit which is a recording medium to be described later, 222 denotes a film take-up side lid unit, and 220 denotes a camera display unit that displays information of a camera unit provided in the supply side lid unit 221. It is. The supply side lid unit 221 and the take-up side lid unit 222 can be opened individually when the recording medium in the camera unit 210 is replaced. Further, if the lid units 221 and 222 are opened in the middle of shooting, the film is exposed by external light. Therefore, the lid units 221 and 222 are not opened by a lock mechanism (not shown) during shooting. It is fixed, and when a predetermined operation is performed for taking out the film, the lock mechanism is released and both the lid units 221 and 222 are opened.
[0019]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the display unit of the camera unit. As shown in FIG. 5, information displayed on the camera display unit 220 includes an ID number 230 indicating the identification of the camera unit 210, a remaining film amount 240, and both lid units 221 and 222 when the camera is in use. There are a lock display 250 indicating the locked state and a photographing surface display 260 in a DUO mode (round-trip photographing) which is a kind of photographing mode. These pieces of information are held in a storage device (details will be described later) inside the camera unit 210.
[0020]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the camera unit 210. In FIG. 6, 211 is a film as a recording medium, 212 is a supply-side reel of the film 211, 213 is a take-up reel, 214 is a capstan roller that conveys the film, and 215 is a lens system for performing reduction photography. Reference numeral 216 denotes an aperture mechanism that attenuates the amount of light, and the projection lens 104 is constituted by 215 and 216. Reference numeral 217 denotes a shutter mechanism.
[0021]
Also, several types of camera units 210 with different reduction ratios of the projection lens 104 are prepared, and the camera unit 210 to be inserted into the camera slot 205 of the main body is replaced. It is configured so that it can be recorded on.
[0022]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an optical system of the information adding device 610 in the main body. This optical system can write desired information on the recording medium 211. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 800 denotes a mirror for guiding the light emitted from the information adding device 610 onto the recording medium 211 in the camera unit 210 using the mirror group 209 and the like. The information adding device 610 includes a light emitting unit that emits light in response to an instruction from a control unit (not shown). Generally, the light emitting unit has a structure in which a plurality of light emitting elements such as LEDs are arranged as shown in FIG. Yes. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the moving direction of the recording medium and the arrangement direction of the light emitting units. Here, in synchronization with the movement of the recording medium, the control unit sends a light emission pattern signal of one line to the light emitting unit, and the light emitting unit emits light according to the signal, thereby recording desired information on the recording medium. It is possible.
[0023]
In general, the information adding device 610 may be called a “coma number unit”. In addition to the information adding device 610 called “coma number unit”, a “search mark” used for searching image information taken on a recording medium by the image reading device with a searcher is recorded in the main body. Some devices print on media. 900 shown in FIG. 9 is the apparatus, and is generally called “search mark imprinting unit”.
[0024]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an optical system related to the search mark imprinting unit 900. The search mark imprinting unit 900 includes a light emitting unit such as one or a plurality of LEDs. The light emitted from the search mark imprinting unit 900 is guided onto the recording medium 211 in the camera unit 210 using the mirror group 209 as well. The light emitting unit of the search mark imprinting unit 900 emits a search mark having a predetermined length at a predetermined position on the recording medium by emitting light at a predetermined timing and for a predetermined time according to an instruction from a control unit (not shown). Perform the operation.
[0025]
Further, the image reading apparatus adds an information adding device 620 in the lower transport system 206 as shown in FIG. 10 or adds an information adding device 630 in the upper transport system 600 so that the image reading device is placed on the subject 200. Desired information can be added. However, as can be seen from the relationship between the shooting positions, the information added by the information adding device 620 is recorded on the film 211 together with the image information, but the information by the information adding device 630 is only recorded on the subject 200. A unit connected to the main body and performing a function like the information adding devices 620 and 630 is referred to as a peripheral device here. There are various types of information adding devices 620 and 630. Here, explanation will be made assuming that both information adding devices are of the same type (the structure and operation will be described later). In general, the information adding device 620 may be called a sequential printer (SQ printer), and the information adding device 630 may be called an endorser.
[0026]
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection state between the main body, the camera unit 210, and both information adding apparatuses 620 and 630. In the figure, 100 is a control unit for controlling the entire main body, 101 is a storage device for storing data such as basic setting values of the main body and programs necessary for the control unit 100 to operate, and 102 is for using the main body. A storage device for storing values that change depending on the user's value, and setting values mainly set by the user; 103, an input unit for the user to control the image reading device; and a display unit for displaying the status of the image reading device. An operation panel provided. Reference numeral 104 denotes a bus, and each device connected to the bus 104 transmits and receives signals such as a chip select signal, an address signal, a data signal, and a timing signal using the bus 104, so that information can be exchanged with each other. It is configured. In addition, since the units 100 to 103 and the information adding device 610 are connected to the bus 104, necessary information can be exchanged with each other.
[0027]
Reference numeral 105 denotes a paper detector provided in the vicinity of the paper supply port, and 106 denotes a paper detector provided in the vicinity of the paper discharge port. Each of the paper detectors 105 and 106 detects the state of the subject 200. Further, since each of the paper detectors 105 and 106 is connected to the control unit 100, the control unit 100 can know the conveyance status of the subject 200. In general, each of the paper detectors 105 and 106 uses a non-contact sensor such as a photo interrupter, but a switch such as a micro switch or a contact sensor can also be used. Reference numeral 900 denotes the above-described search mark imprinting device. Further, since the control unit 100 is connected to a detector, a driving unit, a switching device, or the like (not shown) of each part of the main body, the whole main body can be controlled.
[0028]
Reference numeral 110 denotes a control unit that controls the entire information adding device 620 and is connected to the bus 104, so that necessary information can be exchanged with each other in the same manner as other units connected to the bus 104. . 111 is connected to the control unit 110, and in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 110, a printing unit that adds information to the subject 200, 112 is data such as basic setting values of the information addition device 620, and the control unit 110 A storage device 113 for storing a program necessary for operation, a storage device 113 for storing a value that changes by using the information adding device 620 and a setting value mainly set by a user. Reference numeral 114 denotes a bus. Since the storage devices 112 and 113 and the control unit 110 are connected to the bus 114, necessary information can be exchanged with each other.
[0029]
Reference numeral 120 denotes a control unit that controls the entire information adding device 630 and is connected to the bus 104, so that necessary information can be exchanged with each other in the same manner as other units connected to the bus 104. . Reference numeral 121 is connected to the control unit 120, and in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 120, a printing unit that adds information to the subject 200. 122 is data such as basic setting values of the information addition device 630 and the control unit 120. A storage device 123 stores a program necessary for operation, and a storage device 123 stores a value that changes by using the information adding device 630 and a setting value mainly set by a user. Reference numeral 124 denotes a bus. Since the storage devices 122 and 123 and the control unit 120 are connected to the bus 124, necessary information can be exchanged with each other.
[0030]
Both information adding devices 620 and 630 operate as follows.
[0031]
Each printing unit 111, 121 has a structure in which a plurality of printing mechanisms 115 operating independently are arranged as shown in FIG. Each control unit 110, 120 sends an operation / non-operation signal to the printing mechanism 115 of each printing unit 111, 121. The printing mechanism 115 that has received the operation signal performs printing, and the printing mechanism 115 that has received the non-operation signal does not perform the printing operation. As a result, a print pattern is formed on one line on the subject. Then, by repeating the above-described operation in synchronization with the conveyance of the subject, desired information can be added on the subject. The information adding device 610 has the same basic principle of information addition, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0032]
A control unit 130 of the camera unit 210 is connected to the control unit 100 of the main body and communicates information held in the camera unit 210 when the camera unit 210 is inserted into the upper camera insertion slot 205. be able to. 132 is a storage device for storing data such as basic setting values of the camera unit 210 and a program necessary for the operation of the control unit 130, 133 is a value that changes by using the camera unit 210, and is mainly used This is a storage device that stores setting values set by the user. Reference numeral 134 denotes a bus, and the storage devices 132 and 133 are connected to the bus 134, so that necessary information can be exchanged with each other.
[0033]
130 (d) to 134 (d) are components of the camera unit inserted into the lower camera insertion slot, and are exactly the same as the configuration of the upper camera unit, and are thus distinguished by adding (d) to the numbers. . Further, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the upper and lower camera units, the upper camera unit will be used for explanation, but the same explanation holds for the lower camera unit.
[0034]
In the configuration described above, each control unit 100, 110, 120, 130 uses a computing element, generally called a CPU. Of the storage devices, a ROM is generally used for 101, 112, 122, and 132, and a rewritable RAM is used for 102, 113, 123, and 133. In general, the RAM used for the above-described purpose is backed up by a power source such as a battery (not shown) so that data written therein is not lost even when the power is shut off. It is also possible to use an EEPROM, which is a kind of ROM that can electrically change data. In this case, power backup is not required.
[0035]
In the above configuration, the user of the image reading apparatus first performs settings related to the main body and peripheral devices from the operation panel 103. As a result, the control unit 100 displays on the operation panel 103 a request for input of additional information for each of the information adding devices 610, 620, and 630, and waits for input of additional information by the user. When the user inputs additional information via the operation panel 103, the control unit 100 writes the additional information of each information adding device 610, 620, 630 in the storage device 102. At this time, only the information related to the information adding device 610 that is originally a part of the main body configuration is sent from the control unit 100 to the control unit 130 and then written in the storage device 133.
[0036]
The content of the additional information is divided into fixed information whose information content does not change and variable information whose information content changes as a result of shooting. Examples of fixed information include a company name and a photographer's name, and examples of variable information include counter information that counts up (or down) for each subject (or a predetermined condition).
[0037]
When the subject 200 is loaded on the paper feed tray 201 and the paper feed switch 203 is turned “ON”, shooting is started. When the subject 200 is transported one by one by the lower transport system 206, the paper feed detector 203 detects the transport state of the subject 200. When the detection result by the paper feed detector 203 is sent to the control unit 100, the control unit 100 transfers additional information corresponding to each information addition device from the storage device 102 to each of the control units 110, 120, and 130. At the same time, a timing signal corresponding to each information adding device is transmitted via the bus 104.
[0038]
On the other hand, each control unit that has received the additional information decomposes the additional information into a print pattern for each line using the data held in each storage device, and sends it to each print unit or light emitting unit in accordance with the timing signal. By sending, desired information can be added. Of the additional information, for variable information such as counter information, the control unit 100 changes the information according to the detection result regarding the paper conveyance of the paper detector 105 or 106, and updates the information in the storage device 102. ing.
[0039]
In this way, shooting is performed by conveying the subject 200, and at the same time, desired information is added by the information adding devices 610, 620, and 630. As a result, the subject 200 and the recording medium 211 are as shown in FIG. become.
[0040]
In FIG. 13, 200 (F) is the front side of the subject 200, and 200 (B) is the back side of the subject 200. Images indicated by 680 (F) and 680 (B) exist on both sides of the subject 200, respectively. Reference numeral 211 denotes a film as a recording medium, and image information 680 (F) and 680 (B) on the subject 200 is recorded as 690 (F) and 690 (B), respectively, by a photographing operation, while 650 is an information storage. This is an example of information directly added to the film 211 or more by the apparatus 610, and is generally called “frame number”. Since 660 English characters are added before the subject 200 is actually photographed as described above, it is recorded as information indicated by 665 on the film 211 by the actual photographing operation. On the other hand, reference numeral 670 denotes an example of information printed on the back side 200 (B) of the subject by the information adding device 630. Since 670 is added after the subject 200 is actually photographed as described above, it is not recorded on the film 211. Incidentally, 1000 is a search mark recorded on the film 211 by the search mark imprinting unit 900.
[0041]
Here, in order to end the photographing, the paper feed switch 203 is turned “OFF”. As a result, the lower transport system 206 is stopped, and when the subject 200 is not present in the main body, the upper transport system 600 is stopped, the subject is not transported, and the photographing is finished. At this time, the additional information used in each information adding device may include variable information in which the content of the information is changed by shooting as described above. The contents may be different.
[0042]
Therefore, when the control unit 100 detects that the paper feed switch 203 is turned “OFF”, the control unit 100 holds the content of the additional information at that time in the storage device 102, and at the same time, the control unit 100 detects the camera unit 210. The information in the camera unit is updated by writing information related to the information adding device 630 to the storage device 133 via the control unit 130. With this processing, the latest information on each information adding unit is held by the storage devices 102 and 133 even after the power is turned off.
[0043]
Further, when resuming shooting, as described above, the storage device 102 stores information related to each information adding device, and the storage device 133 stores information about the information adding device 610. 100 can set each information adding device by extracting information stored in these storage devices. With this process, when the shooting is resumed, the additional information after the last shooting can be used continuously.
[0044]
(First embodiment)
Next, the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0045]
FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image reading apparatus main body, the camera unit 210, and the information adding apparatuses 620 and 630 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 14, reference numeral 700 denotes a storage device (memory) provided in the detachable camera unit 210 in order to store information related to the information addition devices 620 and 630 which are peripheral devices connected to the main body. That is, it is a structural feature that the storage device 700 is provided in the camera unit 210.
[0046]
Note that the storage device 700 is an element that is backed up by a power supply means such as a battery (not shown) so that not only the information can be rewritten but also the storage can be held even when the power is not supplied from the main body. Generally, a RAM is used. In addition, it is possible to use an electrically rewritable ROM called EEPROM as the storage device 700, and in this case, backup by a power supply means such as a battery becomes unnecessary.
[0047]
By using the configuration of FIG. 14, it is possible to hold information regarding all information adding devices not only in the storage device (memory) 102 of the main body but also in the camera unit 210. Therefore, even when the main body used for photographing is replaced, not only the information adding device 610 included in the main body configuration but also the information adding devices 620 and 630 which are peripheral devices are used using the information held in the camera unit 210. It is possible to automatically set only by mounting the camera unit 210.
[0048]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image reading apparatus in the first embodiment.
[0049]
First, in step S101, the main body, the information adding devices 620 and 630, and the control units of the camera unit 210 perform a setup operation according to programs and data held in the storage devices. Next, in step S102, it is checked whether the camera unit 210 is attached. If it is confirmed that the camera unit 210 is attached, the process proceeds to step S103, and the information adding devices 610, 620, and 630 are transmitted from the storage devices 133 and 700 via the control unit 130. Information is read and written to a predetermined area of the storage device 102. In addition, when the information regarding an information addition apparatus has not been set with respect to the camera unit 210, or since there is no information about the unused apparatus among each information addition apparatus, it corresponds to the storage device 102. “Empty data” indicating that no information exists is written in the part, and the corresponding part of the display on the operation panel 103 is blank.
[0050]
Next, in step S104, the information written in the storage device 102 is displayed on the operation panel 103. In step S105, whether or not the user has changed the information related to the information addition device displayed on the operation panel 103. Judging. If there is no change, the shooting preparation ends. If there is a change, the process proceeds to step S106, and the changed information is written in the storage device 102, and stored in the storage devices 133 and 700 in the subsequent step S107. Information is rewritten with updated information, and preparation for shooting is completed. That is, the preparation for photographing using the additional information desired by the user is almost automatically set and completed when there is no change in the information.
[0051]
Next, in step S108, when the paper feed switch 203 is turned "ON", shooting is started. In the subsequent step S109, a signal indicating that the subject 200 is detected is sent from the paper detector 105 to the control unit 100. It is done. Thereby, the control unit 100 sends a control signal to each part of the main body to perform a predetermined photographing operation. At the same time, the additional information held in the storage device 102 is sent to each of the information addition devices 610, 620, 630, and the information sent from the storage device 102 is added to the subject 200 or the storage medium 211. Further, the control unit 100 updates information related to each information adding device 610, 620, and 630 held in the storage device 102. In step S110, the process returns to the above-described step S109 to continue shooting until the paper feed switch 203 is turned “OFF”.
[0052]
After that, when the paper feed switch 203 is turned “OFF”, the process proceeds to step S111, and information (hereinafter referred to as “latest information”) used when the all information addition device written in the storage device 102 performs the next addition operation. .) Is overwritten in a predetermined position of the storage devices 133 and 700 via the control unit 130. At this time, information on the setting of the main body, information on the information adding device 610, and information on the camera unit 210 described above are overwritten in the storage device 133 at positions where the information has been written before shooting starts, and the information is stored in the main body. Information regarding the information adding devices 620 and 630, which are peripheral devices to be connected, is overwritten in the storage device 700 at a position where the information has been written before the start of photographing.
[0053]
With the above-described operation, the latest information on the information adding devices 610, 620, and 630 is stored in the storage devices 133 and 700 in the camera unit 210. Therefore, when the shooting is resumed, the main body to be used is used for the previous shooting. Even if it is different from the main unit, if the peripheral device of the main unit used is connected to the main unit used for the previous shooting, continuous shooting can be performed under the same shooting conditions as the previous one without the need for the user to reset .
[0054]
If the photographing operation is continuing, that is, if the subject 200 is all conveyed before the paper feed switch is turned “OFF” in step S110, the paper feed switch is not turned “OFF”. No signal is sent from the paper feed sensor 105 or the paper discharge sensor 106 to 100.
[0055]
In this state, since the information regarding each information adding device is not updated, the information stored in the storage device 102 at that time becomes the latest information. Therefore, when the signal from the paper feed sensor 105 or the paper discharge sensor 106 is not sent to the control unit 100 for a certain period of time, the latest information of all the information addition devices written in the storage device 102 is updated. It is also possible to perform an operation of overwriting a predetermined position of the storage devices 133 and 700 via the control unit 130 (step S111), and then control to return to step S109.
[0056]
Further, after the operation of step S109, the process of step S111 is performed before proceeding to step S110. That is, immediately after the operation of step S109, the information stored in the storage device 100 is immediately transferred to the control unit in the camera unit 210. It is also possible to configure to write to the storage devices 133 and 700 via 130.
[0057]
With this configuration, the latest information in the storage devices 133 and 700 of the camera unit 210 can be retained even when the power of the main body is turned off before the paper feed switch 203 is turned “OFF”. .
[0058]
In addition, when the power source of the main body is “OFF”, the main body is configured so that the attached camera unit 210 cannot be removed, and the power source of the main body is turned “ON” while the camera unit 210 is attached. In this case, it is also possible to control the portion that reads information from the storage devices 133 and 700 in the camera unit in step S103 so as to read information from the storage device 102 of the main body. Even when the power supply to the camera is interrupted at an expected timing and information transfer to the camera unit 210 is not performed, the latest information is always stored in the storage device 102 of the main body. Later, continuous shooting is possible.
[0059]
In the configuration of FIG. 14, a storage device 700 is provided to store information related to the information addition devices 620 and 630 that are peripheral devices in the camera unit 210, but the storage device 133 stores the additional information in the camera unit. If there is enough capacity to hold all the information to be performed, information related to the information adding devices 620 and 630 can be written in the storage device 133. In this case, the storage device 700 is unnecessary.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 14, the image reading apparatus can also be equipped with two camera units at the same time, and there are the following three imaging methods using two camera units.
[0061]
(1) Independent shooting where only one camera unit is selected and shot.
[0062]
(2) Simultaneous shooting with both camera units.
[0063]
(3) Shooting is performed with only one camera unit, and the other camera unit is in a standby state. When the recording medium of the camera unit on the shooting side ends, the shooting is taken over by the camera unit on the standby side, and recording is performed during that time. Chain shooting that allows continuous shooting by replacing the medium and allowing it to be mounted on the main unit as a standby camera unit.
[0064]
First, in the case of independent photographing, the main body and peripheral devices are set according to information held by the selected camera unit, and information is written to the storage device of the camera unit used for photographing when the photographing is completed. Therefore, when the camera unit attached to the upper camera insertion slot is selected, the main unit and peripheral devices are set based on the information held in the storage devices 133 and 700, and the latest information is obtained after the shooting is completed. Is written in the storage devices 133 and 700. On the other hand, when the camera unit attached to the lower camera insertion slot is selected, the main unit and peripheral devices are set based on the information held in the storage devices 133 ′ and 700 ′, and the latest after the shooting is completed. Is written in the storage devices 133 ′ and 700 ′.
[0065]
In addition, since the main purpose of simultaneous shooting is to use one recording medium as a backup for the other, “pair camera setting” is performed to specify the other camera unit to be mounted simultaneously when shooting. The paired camera unit is always used for shooting at the same time, and the information held is always the same. Therefore, at the start of shooting, the main body and peripheral devices are set based on information held by one camera unit, and at the end of shooting, the latest information is written to the storage devices of both camera units. Of course, there is a method in which the camera unit holding information is limited to one, and information is always read from and written to that camera unit, but writing information to both camera units improves the information holding property. be able to.
[0066]
In the case of chain shooting, in order to maintain the continuity of information including images, “chain camera setting” is performed to specify the partner camera unit to be mounted simultaneously when shooting. Even if a camera unit that is not set to “chain camera setting” is attached to the main body as a standby camera unit, shooting is not carried over. The camera unit pair that has been “chain camera set” always holds information indicating whether it is a photographing camera unit or a standby camera unit in the storage device 133 or 133 ′. Accordingly, the control unit 100 of the main body sets the main body and peripheral devices based on the information stored in the camera unit on the photographing side according to the information. After shooting, the latest information is written to the camera units basically for both camera units, but the standby camera unit may be removed from the main unit to replace the recording medium. is there. In this state, the camera unit with the old information is attached to the main body as the standby camera unit. Therefore, when the camera unit is in the middle of shooting, the latest information is written to both camera units, or the next time Since both camera units are securely mounted at the time of taking over, it is possible to maintain the continuity of information by writing the latest information to both camera units before taking over.
[0067]
(Second embodiment)
Next, an image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0068]
In the second embodiment, the additional information regarding the information adding devices 620 and 630 held in the storage devices 133 and 700 in the camera unit is compared with the connection information between the information adding device which is a peripheral device and the main body. Thus, it is determined whether or not an image reading device suitable for the shooting conditions is selected. If an inappropriate image reading device is selected, shooting is prohibited and a warning is given to the user. The purpose is to prevent accidental shooting.
[0069]
The operation of the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The configuration of the control unit and the like is the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0070]
First, when the setup operation is completed in step S201, the process proceeds to step S202, and the control unit 100 of the main body confirms the connection status of peripheral devices connected to the main body. As an example of the confirmation operation, the control unit 100 transmits a confirmation signal to the control unit 110 of the information adding device 620 using the signal line 104. As a result, the control unit 110 returns a predetermined response signal to the confirmation signal using the signal line 104. Upon receiving the response signal, the control unit 100 recognizes that the information adding device 620 is connected, and writes connection information indicating that the device is connected to a predetermined position in the storage device 102.
[0071]
On the other hand, when the information adding device 620 is not connected, a response signal is not sent from the control unit 110 to the confirmation signal from the control unit 100, and therefore the control unit 100 transmits a confirmation signal for a predetermined time. When a response signal is not obtained even after elapse of time, it is determined that the information adding device 620 is not connected, and connection information indicating that the information adding device 620 is not connected is written in a predetermined position of the storage device 102. The connection state is also confirmed for the information adding device 630 by the same processing, and the connection information is written in a predetermined position of the storage device 102. By performing the above processing, the control unit 100 of the main body can grasp the connection status of the peripheral devices.
[0072]
When the process of step S202 is completed, the process proceeds to step S203, where it is checked whether the camera unit 210 is mounted on the main body, and if it is mounted, the process proceeds to step S204. In step S <b> 204, information held in the storage devices 133 and 700 in the camera unit 210 is read and written in a predetermined position in the storage device 102. In step S205, the control unit 100 compares the connection information of the peripheral device obtained in step S202 with the information held in the camera unit obtained in step S204, and the connection status between the main body and the peripheral device indicates the shooting condition. It is determined whether or not it is suitable. If it is determined that the shooting conditions are met, the process proceeds to step S206, and thereafter, the process proceeds in the same manner as in the first embodiment to perform shooting.
[0073]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S205 that the information is not suitable, for example, the information read out from the camera unit includes information about the information adding device 620 (however, excluding empty data), but the information adding device 620 is included in the main body. When the connection is not established, shooting with desired information cannot be performed, and thus a warning indicating that normal shooting cannot be performed is displayed on the operation panel 103 in step S214. Next, in step S215, the control unit 100 operates a camera unit discharge unit (not shown) connected to the signal line 109 to discharge the camera unit to the outside of the apparatus, thereby prohibiting photographing with the main body.
[0074]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent erroneous photographing that occurs due to selection of a main body to which a peripheral device necessary for performing desired photographing is not connected.
[0075]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, peripheral devices necessary for photographing are displayed on the display unit 220 of the camera unit based on information held in the storage devices 133 and 700, or information on peripheral devices is displayed. Thus, when the user selects a main body to be used for shooting, it is possible to urge the user not to select a main body that does not match the shooting conditions. In FIG. 17, reference numeral 270 denotes a display that is turned on when the storage devices 133 and 700 in the camera unit 210 hold information about the information adding device 620, and reference numeral 280 denotes the storage devices 133 and 700 in the camera unit 210. This is a display that is turned on when information related to the information adding device 630 is held. The displays 270 and 280 can both be provided in the camera display unit 220, or a light emitting element such as an LED can be used separately. Furthermore, when the control unit 100 recognizes the connection status between the main body and the peripheral device in step S202 of FIG. 15, not only the connection information is written in the storage device 102 but also displayed on the operation panel 103, so that the user Can increase the effect of calling attention so as not to select a body that does not match the shooting conditions.
[0076]
In order to check connection information between the main body and the information adding device 620 (630) which is a peripheral device connected to the main body, as shown in FIG. 18, the level changes when the peripheral device is connected to the main body. In this way, the control unit 100 can detect the level change so as to grasp the connection state of the peripheral devices. That is, in the configuration shown in FIG. 18, when a peripheral device is not connected to the main body, an “H” level signal is sent to the control unit 100. When the peripheral device is connected, the level of this signal is “L”. To change. By this change in signal level, the control unit 100 can grasp the connection state of the peripheral devices. It is also possible to use both methods described above in order to grasp the connection state.
[0077]
In addition, each method for the control unit 100 to grasp the connection information between the main body and the peripheral device described in the embodiment can be applied as a method for the control unit 100 to grasp that the camera unit 210 is attached to the main body. It is.
[0078]
(Third embodiment)
Next, an image reading apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0079]
In the second embodiment, when the connection state between the main body and the peripheral device does not match the shooting conditions, shooting is prohibited. In the third embodiment, information is added by the information adding devices 620 and 630. The feature is that photography is permitted on the condition that there is not.
[0080]
The operation of the image reading apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
[0081]
First, from step S301 to step S304, the process proceeds in the same manner as in the second embodiment. When it is determined in step S305 that the connection state between the main body and the peripheral device does not match the shooting conditions, the process proceeds to step S315. A warning is displayed on the operation panel 103. In step S316, it is determined whether or not the user wants forced shooting. If forced shooting is not desired, the process proceeds to step S317, and the camera unit 210 is ejected and shooting is prohibited as in the second embodiment. And
[0082]
On the other hand, when forced shooting is desired in step S316, the sequence proceeds in substantially the same sequence as normal shooting. However, even when the control unit 100 updates additional information in the storage device 102 when shooting is performed in step S323, As a matter of course, no information is added by an unconnected information adding means. If it is determined in step S324 that shooting has been completed, the latest information stored in the storage device 102 is transferred to the storage devices 133 and 700 in the camera unit in step S325. Here, the latest information related to the information adding device to which information has been normally added is overwritten on the old information, but the latest information related to the information adding device not connected is written in a location different from the old information. That is, for the information adding device that is not connected, two pieces of new and old information are held in the camera unit.
[0083]
In step S305, when the camera unit is attached to the image reading apparatus in which the connection state between the main body and the peripheral device satisfies the photographing condition, the process proceeds to step S306, and the information adding apparatus that did not normally add information last time is Judging from the presence of the new and old information, the sequence proceeds to step S326. In this step 326, both information is displayed on the operation panel in order to make the user select either new information or old information, and in step S327, the sequence is changed according to the user's selection. If the user selects to use new information, the process proceeds to step S328, and the old information in the storage devices 102, 133, and 700 is updated to the new information. Then, including the case where it is not selected, the part where the new information is temporarily written is erased in step S329. Thereby, the information holding state of the camera unit and the main body returns to the normal state. When the process in step S329 ends, the process proceeds to step S307, and the sequence returns to the normal operation sequence.
[0084]
Thus, if the user desires, not only can the user take a picture after recognizing that normal shooting is not performed, but the additional information is continued when the user returns to the normal environment. It can also be used.
[0085]
On the other hand, in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, information regarding peripheral devices that are not connected is deleted when forced shooting is performed. This is based on the idea that in the case of performing forced shooting, it is considered that the user's intention regarding the shooting conditions has been changed, and it is not necessary to hold information regarding peripheral devices that are not connected.
[0086]
If forced shooting is selected in step S415, the process proceeds to step S417, and information regarding peripheral devices that are not connected is deleted from the storage devices 102, 133, and 700. When the process in step S417 ends, the process proceeds to step S406 and returns to the normal sequence.
[0087]
In step S417, not only the information about the peripheral device that is not connected is deleted, but also a process such as deleting predetermined information or all information based on a certain intention can be performed.
[0088]
In addition, when performing the above-described forced photographing, a mark indicating that photographing is being performed by forced photographing may be added on a subject or a recording medium using a usable information adding device or a search mark imprinting unit. Is possible. FIG. 24 shows an example in which, when forced shooting is performed without the information adding device 620 being connected, the other information adding devices 610 and 630 and the search mark copying device 900 are marked for forced shooting. FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 651 denotes a mark indicating that forced shooting is added to the storage medium 211 at the same time as 650 by the information adding device 610, and 671 is a forced force added to the subject 200 (B) at the same time as 670 by the information adding device 630. A mark 1001 indicates that the image is photographed, and a mark 1001 indicates that the image is forcibly photographed on the recording medium 211 simultaneously with 1000 by the search mark imprinting device 900.
[0089]
By attaching marks as shown in FIG. 24, when the user of the image reading apparatus looks at the photographed subject or the recording medium, the subject or image photographed normally, or the subject or image photographed compulsorily. Can be determined.
[0090]
Further, if the mark indicating the forced photographing is only added to the recording medium by the information adding device 610 and the search mark imprinting device 900, the user of the image reading device can record the recording medium after photographing / developing. In addition to knowing that the image was shot by forced shooting, the main unit to which the peripheral equipment necessary for normal shooting of the original subject was connected was used and the image was shot again in normal shooting. It is also possible to take a picture.
[0091]
Furthermore, when performing forced shooting, it is possible to determine which additional information is not added by changing a mark indicating that forced shooting is added to each information addition apparatus that is not connected. .
[0092]
The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device.
[0093]
Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus.
[0094]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, not only means for storing the main body setting information of the image reading apparatus but also means for storing information of peripheral devices connected to the main body are provided in the removable camera unit. The following matters are made possible.
[0095]
1. Based on information stored in the camera unit, not only the main body but also peripheral devices connected to the main body can be set.
[0096]
2. Based on information held in the camera unit, it is determined whether or not the connection state between the main body of the image reading device used for shooting and the peripheral device is suitable for shooting conditions. , Prohibit shooting.
[0097]
3. Based on the information held in the camera unit, it is determined whether the connection state between the main body of the image reading device used for shooting and the peripheral device is suitable for the shooting conditions. By allowing forced shooting under conditions and storing information changes during forced shooting in the camera unit, information can be used continuously at the next normal shooting.
[0098]
4). Based on the information held in the camera unit, it is determined whether the connection state between the main body of the image reading device used for shooting and the peripheral device is suitable for the shooting conditions. When the user desires a new shooting state, the predetermined information is deleted, the resetting of information is permitted, and then forced shooting is permitted.
[0099]
By enabling each of the above items, not only the operability is improved, but also erroneous shooting due to an erroneous setting can be prevented. In particular, since the user can recognize whether or not the peripheral device connected to the main body conforms to the photographing conditions, it is possible to prevent photographing with the main body that does not conform to the photographing conditions.
[0100]
Also, when performing forced shooting, the user can recognize that it is forced shooting, so the user can be urged to reset the information, or change during forced shooting at the next normal shooting. The information can be reflected without forgetting by the user. In this way, not only improving operability but also preventing erroneous shooting is essential for recording media that cannot be corrected, and for peripheral devices that add information directly to the subject. is there.
[0101]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a general image reading apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of the image reading apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an optical system of the image reading apparatus described above.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an appearance of a camera unit 210. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a display unit of a camera unit.
6 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a camera unit 210. FIG.
7 is a diagram showing an optical system of an information adding device 610 in the main body. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a moving direction of a recording medium and an arrangement direction of light emitting units.
9 is a diagram showing an optical system related to a search mark imprinting unit 900. FIG.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of an image reading apparatus equipped with a peripheral device.
11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main body, a camera unit 210, and both information addition devices 620 and 630. FIG.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a conveyance direction of a subject and an arrangement direction of a printing mechanism.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state of a subject to which information is added and a recording medium.
14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image reading apparatus main body, a camera unit 210, and information adding apparatuses 620 and 630 according to the first embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the display unit of the camera unit.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example for detecting a connection state between a main body and a peripheral device.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image reading apparatus according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image reading apparatus according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image reading apparatus according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image reading apparatus according to a modification.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image reading apparatus according to a modified example.
FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a mark indicating compulsory shooting is added.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Control unit
101 Storage device (ROM)
102 Storage device (RAM, etc.)
103 Operation panel
105 Paper feed sensor
106 Paper discharge sensor
201 Paper feed slot
202 Output tray
203 Paper feed switch
205 Camera insertion slot
206 Lower transfer system
600 Upper transfer system
601 Lighting unit
602 Drive unit
610 Information adding device (frame number unit)
900 Search mark imprinting device
130 Control unit
132 Storage device (ROM)
133 Storage device (RAM, etc.)
220 Camera display
700 (for peripheral device information) storage device (RAM, etc.)
110 Control unit
111 Printing section
112 Storage device (ROM)
113 Storage device (RAM etc.)
120 Control unit
121 Printing section
122 Storage device (ROM)
123 Storage device (RAM, etc.)

Claims (9)

The detachable camera unit includes first storage means for storing information about the camera unit and the main body, and second storage means for storing connection information between the main body and an information adding device connectable to the main body. ,
An image reading apparatus comprising control means for performing desired control based on connection information stored in the second storage means. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first storage unit and the second storage unit are configured as a single storage unit. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a film that stores an image read by the image reading apparatus in the detachable camera unit. The connection information stored in the second storage means is connection information between a main body and an information adding device connectable to the main body when an image already stored in the film is read. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3. Furthermore, the connection information held in the detachable camera unit is compared with the connection status between the main body and the information adding device connected to the main body, and it is determined whether or not the use conditions in the connection information are met. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit that performs the determination. 6. The image reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the determination result by the determination means is incompatible, the fact is notified. 6. The image reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein if the determination result by the determination unit is incompatible, new connection information corresponding to the connection status is stored in the second storage unit and image reading is performed. . The detachable camera unit has a first storing step for storing information about the camera unit and the main body, and a second storing step for storing connection information between the main body and an information adding device connectable to the main body. ,
A control method for an image reading apparatus, comprising: a control step of performing desired control based on the connection information stored in the second storage step. Furthermore, the connection information held in the detachable camera unit is compared with the connection status between the main body and the information adding device connected to the main body, and it is determined whether or not the use conditions in the connection information are met. Have a decision process to
9. The method of controlling an image reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein if the determination result in the determination step is incompatible, the fact is notified.

Images