JP4497310B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus including a conveyor type sorting device that collects and sorts created photographic prints in order units.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image processing apparatus including a conveyor type sorting apparatus that collects and sorts created photographic prints in order units is known. The operation of this image processing apparatus is briefly described as follows. Image data is read from a negative film or the like, and the read image data is appropriately subjected to image processing to create exposure image data. Then, the photographic photosensitive material is exposed using the exposure image data, and then subjected to development processing and drying processing to create a photographic print. The photographic prints are discharged from the discharge port of the apparatus, and are collected in order units on the conveyor of the conveyor type sorting apparatus. Examples of the order include a set unit of photographic prints created from image data for one or more negative films, and a set unit of photographic prints for extra prints if reprinted. FIG. 10 shows an example of photographic prints collected in order units. As shown in FIG. 10, the conveyor 105 is installed toward the discharge direction. After the order 103 photographic prints have been collected, the conveyor is driven a predetermined distance to collect the next order 104 photographic prints, after which the photographic prints 102 are discharged from the outlet 101, Newly accumulated on the conveyor 105, and an accumulation of order 104 is formed.

  In addition, the sorting apparatus accumulates in units of groups, and when the discharge direction length of the photographic photosensitive material of the next group is longer than the discharge direction length of the photographic photosensitive material of the previous group, A sorting apparatus that stacks and accumulates the next group of photographic photosensitive materials on the previous group so that the discharge direction front end substantially coincides with the discharge direction front end of the next group of photographic photosensitive materials is known (see Patent Document 1). .

  Also, a sorting apparatus that sorts sheets in units of one sheet and that accumulates the next sorting sheet on a part of the previous sorting sheet is known (see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent No. 3592866 JP 2004-99192 A

However, in the conventional image processing apparatus, when the orders are divided, the driving distance of the conveyor is predetermined, and when a photographic print having a discharge direction length longer than this driving distance is discharged, There has been a problem in that the accumulated product is brought into contact with the accumulated product, or the accumulated product is broken or the photographic print is bent.

  In addition, in a mixed process in which photographic prints of different sizes are mixed in an order, if an integrated unit is formed only with photographic prints of the same size, a plurality of integrated units are formed in one order. There is a problem that a large number of units cannot be formed by a conveyor having a limited size, and the sorting workability is not good because orders are distributed in plural.

  In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the apparatus for sorting the next photographic print by driving the conveyor so as to coincide with the leading edge of the photographic print of the previous integrated group is, for example, that the previous integrated group is only L size, and a new group If the size of the photo print is discharged together with panorama, L size, panorama, and L size, the tip of the panorama print and the tip of the L size print cannot be matched, and are further stacked on the panorama size. There was a problem that the L-size print slipped off due to its own weight and the accumulation property was not good.

  The sorting device of Patent Document 2 holds a sheet in a sorting unit once by a conveying member, and sorts the sheet in the held conveying member and a part of the previous sheet after driving the conveyor for a certain length. Therefore, a conveying member and its driving device are separately required.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an image for creating a photographic print comprising a conveyor type sorting device that accumulates photographic prints created through exposure processing, development processing, and drying processing on a conveyor in order units. When the first photographic print in the order is discharged from the discharge port of the image processing apparatus, the conveyor is driven based on the maximum length in the discharge direction of the photographic print in the order. An image processing apparatus having a drive control unit for controlling.

  According to these configurations, when the first photographic print in the order is discharged, the maximum value of the discharge direction length of the photographic print in the order is acquired, and the conveyor is moved based on the acquired maximum value. Since it can be driven, the leading edge of the discharged photographic print does not come into contact with the accumulation of the previous order and can be sorted neatly.

  Another aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus for creating a photographic print comprising a conveyor type sorting device for collecting photographic prints created through exposure processing, development processing, and drying processing on a conveyor in order units. , A calculation unit for calculating the maximum value of the discharge direction length of the photographic print in the order, a recording unit for recording the calculated maximum value, and the first photographic print in the order is discharged from the discharge port of the image processing apparatus In this case, the image processing apparatus includes a drive control unit that controls the drive of the conveyor based on the recorded maximum value in the discharge direction.

  According to these configurations, when the first photo print in the order is discharged, the maximum value of the discharge direction length of the photo print in the order is calculated, and based on the calculated maximum value of the discharge direction length. In addition, since the conveyor can be driven, the leading edge of the photographic print to be ejected does not come into contact with the previous order accumulation, and can be sorted neatly.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus described above, when the first photographic print in the order is discharged from the discharge port, the calculating unit determines the discharge direction length of all the photographic prints in the order. If the maximum value of the remaining photo prints cannot be calculated, the maximum value of the remaining photo prints in the discharge direction is calculated. The driving of the conveyor is controlled based on the maximum value.

  According to this configuration, when the first photo print in the order is discharged from the discharge port, the maximum value in the discharge direction length of all the photo prints in the order cannot be calculated. The maximum length of the remaining photo prints in the discharge direction can be calculated, and the conveyor can be driven based on the maximum value, so it can be divided and accumulated within one order. Therefore, the photographic prints discharged and come into contact with the previous stacks do not impair the stackability.

  In another aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus described above, the drive control unit, when the maximum value of the discharge direction length of the remaining photo prints that could not be calculated is equal to or greater than the driving distance of the conveyor immediately before the calculation, Control the conveyor to be driven based on the maximum value, and do not drive the conveyor when the maximum length of the remaining photo prints that could not be calculated is less than the driving distance of the conveyor immediately before the calculation. It is characterized by controlling to.

  According to this configuration, when the maximum value of the discharge direction length of the remaining photo prints that could not be calculated is equal to or greater than the driving distance of the conveyor immediately before the calculation, the conveyor can be driven based on the maximum value, and the calculation can be performed. If the maximum length of the remaining photo prints in the discharge direction is less than the driving distance of the conveyor immediately before the calculation, the conveyor can be prevented from being driven. If it is not necessary to divide the orders, the orders can be collected as they are without being divided. Therefore, it is possible to accumulate in order units without dividing the order and increasing the accumulation on the conveyor.

  In another aspect of the present invention, in the above image processing apparatus, the drive control unit stops the conveyor when collecting photographic prints, and further sets the gradient of the conveyor to 3 to 6 degrees in the discharge direction. Thus, the rear ends in the discharge direction of the photographic prints can be aligned and accumulated.

  According to this configuration, the conveyor is stopped at the time of stacking, and the conveyor is provided with a gradient in the discharge direction, so that the rear ends in the discharge direction of the photographic prints can be aligned and stacked. The gradient is preferably about 3 to 6 degrees. If the gradient is less than 3 degrees, it slides forward due to the momentum of discharge and the rear ends cannot be aligned, which is undesirable. On the other hand, when the gradient exceeds 6 degrees, the upper part of the accumulated product slides down in the direction opposite to the discharging direction due to the reaction when the conveyor is driven, which is not desirable.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the above image processing apparatus, the calculation unit calculates a maximum value and a minimum value of a discharge direction length of a photo print in the order for each order, and the drive control unit calculates When the maximum value in the discharge direction length is less than the minimum value in the discharge direction length in the order immediately before the order, control is performed so as not to drive the conveyor.

  According to this configuration, the conveyor is not driven when the maximum length of the photographic prints in the order is less than the minimum length of the photographic prints in the previous order. It is possible to accumulate without dividing, and thus the number of orders that can be accumulated on the conveyor can be increased.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the above image processing apparatus, the calculation unit calculates a discharge direction length and a maximum value of the photographic print in the order for each order, and the drive control unit calculates the calculated discharge Control is performed so that the conveyor is not driven when the maximum value of the direction length is less than the length in the discharge direction of the last photo print in the order immediately before the order.

  With this configuration, the conveyor is not driven when the maximum length of the photo prints in the order is less than the length of the last photo print in the previous order. Therefore, the number of orders that can be accumulated on the conveyor can be increased.

  In the present invention, “order” means an operation unit of an image processing apparatus when an operator creates a photographic print, and usually image data for one or more films, image data recorded on a medium, or the like In the case of making a photographic print from the above, they are all in one order, and in the case of a reprinted print, the photographic print for the reprinted print is one order. It is also possible for the operator to appropriately set an arbitrary order unit as an order.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that in this embodiment, components using the same reference numerals and steps in the flowcharts perform the same function, and thus description of what has been described once may be omitted.

(Embodiment 1)
<Configuration of image processing apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The image processing apparatus 1 includes various units for exhibiting functions such as film scan processing, pre-judge processing, image processing, exposure processing, development processing, drying processing, and sorting processing. The image processing apparatus 1 includes, for example, an apparatus control unit 11, a calculation unit 11a, a drive control unit 11b, a pre-judge unit 11c, a memory 11d (corresponding to a recording unit), a film scanning device 12, a storage unit 13, a hard disk 14, an image The processing unit 15, the exposure processing unit 16, the development processing unit 17, the drying processing unit 18, the conveyor type sorting device 19, the magazine storage unit 20, the display unit 21, the input unit 22, and other necessary components. The image processing apparatus 1 may include a unit (not shown) for reading a medium for recording image data, or a communication unit that receives image data from an external device (not shown) connected via a network. May be.

  Since the main configuration of the image processing apparatus 1 of the present invention is a conventional technique, it will be briefly described.

  The apparatus control unit 11 controls each component of the image processing apparatus 1 and controls the operation of the entire apparatus. The apparatus control unit 11 is usually configured by software, and the software operates using hardware resources such as a CPU (not shown) and a memory (not shown) of the image processing apparatus 1. The software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM, but can also be downloaded from an external device (not shown) connected to the image processing apparatus 1. Note that the software can be configured by firmware or a dedicated circuit, and the function of the device control unit 11 can be configured by combining them. The device control unit 11 includes, for example, a calculation unit 11a, a drive control unit 11b, and a pre-judge unit 11c as functional units (modules).

  The film scanning device 12 reads image data from a negative film. A conventionally known device can be applied to the film scanning device 12. There are two types of operation modes, pre-scanning for pre-judge processing and main scanning for exposure processing, and pre-scanning can read image data with reduced image quality.

  The storage unit 13 is a recording medium for temporarily storing image data read by the film scanning device 12, and examples thereof include a DRAM and an EEPROM.

  The pre-judge unit 11c is a unit for performing a pre-judge process. Here, “pre-judgment processing” refers to inputting correction data such as color and density to image data displayed on the screen of the display unit 21 to be described later using an input means 22 to be described later, and to this correction data. Based on this, image data is processed and displayed, and the operator determines whether the color, density, etc. are appropriate. In some cases, the process proceeds to the exposure process without performing the pre-judge process, and the presence / absence of the pre-judge process can be appropriately selected. The pre-judge unit 11c reads out the image data from the storage unit 13, performs thumbnail processing to display the image data on the display unit 21, performs image processing on the image data based on the correction data input by the operator, and displays the image data on the display unit 21. .

  The hard disk 14 is a hard disk for accumulating correction data determined after pre-judge processing and newly read image data corresponding to the correction data (image data subjected to main scanning) as a pair.

  The image processing means 15 reads the image data and the correction data corresponding thereto from the hard disk 14, performs image processing based on the correction data, and creates exposure image data. The image processing means 15 can be realized by, for example, an I / O interface, a buffer memory, firmware incorporating image processing function software, or the like.

  The exposure processing means 16 includes, for example, a digital exposure engine, and has a function of scanning and exposing an image on the emulsion surface of the photographic light-sensitive material based on exposure image data. The exposure engine can be realized by conventional techniques such as a laser engine, a PLZT engine, and a CRT engine. The photographic light-sensitive material on which the image has been subjected to printing exposure is sent to the developing processing means 17 by a conveying means having a conveying mechanism.

  The development processing means 17 develops the photographic photosensitive material on which the image is printed and exposed. The photographic light-sensitive material is sent to the drying processing means 18 by the conveying means after the development processing. The drying processing means 18 dry-processes the developed photographic photosensitive material. The photographic light-sensitive material is sent to the discharge unit by the conveying means after the drying process. Conventional techniques can be appropriately applied to the development processing unit 17 and the drying processing unit 18.

  The conveyor type sorting device 19 accumulates the photosensitive material discharged from the discharge port of the discharge unit on the conveyor. The conveyor type sorting device 19 can be realized by, for example, a belt-shaped conveyor, a motor that drives the conveyor, a motor drive circuit that drives the motor, a sensor for detecting the motor rotation angle, and other necessary components.

  The rotating direction of the conveyor of the conveyor type sorting device 19 coincides with the discharging direction of the photographic photosensitive material. It is an example of a preferred embodiment that the conveyor has a gradient of 3 to 6 degrees from the horizontal in the discharge direction.

  The height from the conveyor to the discharge position of the discharge port is 50 mm or less, and the angle (θ) from the conveyor to the photographic photosensitive material when the front end of the photographic photosensitive material is in contact with the conveyor surface is 40 degrees or less. It is an example of a preferred embodiment. According to this embodiment, the front end of the photographic photosensitive material is prevented from being caught on the conveyor surface or the previously discharged photographic photosensitive material, and is suitable for accumulation of the discharged photographic photosensitive material.

  In addition, coating the surface of the conveyor with, for example, a fluorine resin such as polyfluorinated ethylene is an example of a preferred embodiment. When a vulcanized rubber such as urethane rubber is used for the conveyor, for example, the conveyor surface has a large friction coefficient (here, a concept including a static friction coefficient and a dynamic friction coefficient). At this time, it is not preferable because of being caught. Therefore, the surface of the conveyor can be coated with a fluorine resin to reduce the coefficient of friction on the surface of the conveyor, thereby preventing the conveyor surface and the photographic photosensitive material from being caught.

  In addition, the embodiment regarding the above-mentioned gradient of the conveyor, the embodiment regarding the height from the conveyor to the discharge position, and the embodiment for coating the surface of the conveyor can be implemented separately, or can be performed simultaneously. .

  When the first photographic print in the order is discharged from the discharge port, the calculation unit 11a calculates the maximum value of the photographic print discharge direction length in the order and records it in the memory 11d (this maximum). The method for calculating the value will be described later). In such a case, the drive control unit 11b reads the maximum value of the discharge direction length calculated by the calculation unit 11a from the memory 11d, and controls the driving of the conveyor based on this value.

  Further, the calculation unit 11a calculates the maximum length in the discharge direction of all the photo prints in the order when the first photo print in the order is discharged from the discharge port. The maximum value in the discharge direction length of the remaining photographic prints that could not be calculated can be calculated and recorded in the memory 11d. In such a case, the drive control unit 11b can read the maximum value of the discharge direction length of the remaining photo prints that could not be calculated by the calculation unit 11a from the memory 11d, and can drive the conveyor based on the read value.

Further, when the maximum value of the discharge direction length of the remaining photographic prints that could not be calculated by the calculation unit 11a is equal to or greater than the driving distance of the conveyor immediately before the calculation, the drive control unit 11b determines the conveyor based on the maximum value. , And when the maximum value of the discharge direction length of the remaining photo prints that could not be calculated by the calculation unit 11a is less than the driving distance of the conveyor immediately before the calculation, the conveyor can be controlled not to be driven. .

  Further, the drive control unit 11b can control to stop the conveyor when collecting photographic prints.

  The memory 11d may be a non-volatile recording medium or a volatile recording medium. The memory 11d is exemplified by a flash EEPROM, for example.

  The magazine storage unit 20 stores a paper magazine in which a photographic photosensitive material paper is wound on a roll. The photographic material is pulled out of the paper magazine and sent to the exposure processing means 16 by the transport means. The magazine storage unit 20 can store one or more paper magazines.

  The display unit 21 can display image data, and displays various settings of the apparatus and operation contents in pre-judge processing. The display unit 21 is usually composed of a liquid crystal display, but can also be composed of an organic EL display, a touch panel, a CRT monitor, or the like.

  The input means 22 is an input interface for receiving an input instruction from an operator, and can be realized by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and driver software corresponding to each of them.

<Description of Operation of Image Processing Device>
Hereinafter, the operation of the image processing apparatus 1 will be described. The operation shown below is an example of the operation of the image processing apparatus 1. Description of operations such as image data reading processing and pre-judge processing will be omitted or simplified, and operations specific to the present invention will be described in detail.

  The operation of FIG. 2 shown below is an operation of driving a conveyor when switching orders. For the sake of explanation, the number of photo prints in the order will be described as 24, but is not limited to this. In the following description, there are cases where “the length in the discharge direction of the photographic photosensitive material” and “the length in the discharge direction of the photographic print” are substantially the same in terms of the length of the print size in the discharge direction. Is.

  The first photographic photosensitive material (n = 1) in the i-th order (i) is exposed. During the exposure process, the maximum value of the length of the photographic photosensitive material in the discharge direction is calculated by the calculation unit 11a. Specifically, the calculation unit 11a determines the length in the discharge direction from the image size (for example, the size of the bitmap file format) of the exposure image data processed by the exposure processing unit 16, or the correction data including the print size information. Can be calculated. The calculation unit 11a can calculate the maximum value from the length in the discharge direction of the photographic photosensitive material sequentially sent to the exposure processing means 16, and record it in the memory 11d. (# 1). Note that photo prints of the immediately preceding order (i-1) are accumulated on the conveyor.

  Next, the photographic print created by the exposure process, the development process, and the drying process is sent to the discharge unit. In the discharge section, the first photographic print is detected by a sensor or the like. The detection signal is transmitted to the drive control unit 11b. In response to the detection signal, the drive control unit 11b determines the maximum value Lmax (i) (from the photosensitive material (n = 1) to the photosensitive material (n = 1) of the discharge direction lengths of all the 24 photographic prints calculated by the calculating unit 11a. (Maximum value in the discharge direction length up to (n = 24)) is acquired. Then, a value obtained by adding a predetermined value (y) to the acquired maximum value Lmax (i) is set as a driving distance (x), and a driving signal based on the driving distance (x) is sent to the motor driving circuit of the conveyor type sorting device 19. Send. Based on this drive signal, the motor drive circuit rotates the motor and drives the conveyor by the drive distance (x) (# 2). Here, the predetermined value (y) is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably about 5 mm to 50 mm, since it is desirable to visually recognize the sorting in order units, and it is desirable not to make the interval between the accumulations longer than necessary. .

  Then, after the conveyor stops, the order (i) photo prints are sequentially accumulated (# 3).

  The operation of dividing and accumulating photographic prints will be described below with reference to FIG. 3 when the exposure of all image data is not completed when the first order is ejected. Since the operation of # 11 is the same as the operation of # 1 described above, the description is omitted.

  When the first photographic print is discharged, the photographic photosensitive material (n = 20) subjected to the exposure process is the 20th. In this case, the calculation unit 11a calculates the maximum value Lmax (i) of the length of the photographic photosensitive material in the discharge direction from the first sheet to the twentieth sheet. The drive control unit 11b acquires the maximum value Lmax (i) calculated by the calculation unit 11a. Then, the drive control unit 11b sets a value obtained by adding the predetermined value (y) to the acquired maximum value Lmax (i) as the drive distance (x), and based on this drive distance (x), the conveyor as described above. Is driven (# 12).

  Then, after the conveyor is stopped, photo prints (first to 20th photo prints) are sequentially discharged from the discharge unit and accumulated on the conveyor (this is referred to as the first order (i)) (# 13). ).

  Next, when the 21st photographic print is detected by the discharge unit, the discharge directions of the 21st to 24th photographic prints for which the exposure processing that has been calculated by the calculation unit 11a has been completed at that time are completed. The drive control unit 11b acquires the maximum value Lmax (i) of the length. Then, the drive control unit 11b adds the predetermined value (y) to the maximum value Lmax (i) to obtain the drive distance (x), and drives the conveyor as described above based on this (# 14).

  After the conveyor stops, the photographic prints from the 21st sheet to the 24th sheet are accumulated as another accumulation on the conveyor (this is called the second order (i) with respect to the first order (i)). (# 15). That is, the image processing apparatus 1 can divide and accumulate the same order (i).

  After determining whether or not to divide and accumulate photographic prints when the first sheet of the order is ejected and all image data exposure processing is not completed with reference to FIG. The operation of accumulation will be described. In addition, since the operation | movement of # 21- # 23 is the same as the operation | movement of said # 11-13, description is abbreviate | omitted. However, when the first photographic print is detected by the discharge unit in # 21, the calculation unit 11a calculates the maximum value of the discharge direction length of the first to fifteenth photographic photosensitive materials. Suppose you are.

  When the 16th photographic print is detected by the discharge unit, the length in the discharge direction of the 16th to 24th photographic prints for which the exposure processing that has been calculated by the calculation unit 11a has been completed at that time is completed. The drive control unit 11b acquires the maximum value Lmax (i). Then, the drive control unit 11b determines whether or not the maximum value Lmax (i) is less than the immediately preceding drive distance (x) (corresponding to the drive distance (x) at # 22). If the result of this determination is that the maximum value Lmax (i) is less than the previous driving distance (x), the driving signal for driving the conveyor is not transmitted, and the 16th to 24th photo prints are sent as they are. Stacked on the first to fifteenth stacks (# 24). That is, the order is not divided, and one accumulation of order (i) is formed on the conveyor.

  On the other hand, when the determination result indicates that the maximum value Lmax (i) is equal to or greater than the immediately preceding drive distance (x), the drive control unit 11b adds the predetermined value (y) to the maximum value Lmax (i). x) is calculated, and based on this, the conveyor is driven as described above (# 25). Then, after the conveyor stops, the 16th to 24th photo prints are accumulated as another accumulation on the conveyor. That is, the order (i) is divided and accumulated.

  In the description of the above operation, the calculation unit 11a calculates the discharge direction length and the maximum value Lmax (i) during the exposure process, and the drive control unit 11b uses the discharge unit to print the first photo print. Is detected, the calculation unit 11a acquires the calculated maximum value Lmax (i), calculates the driving distance based on the maximum value Lmax (i), and controls the driving of the conveyor. For example, the calculation unit 11a can acquire the print size set in the pre-judge process and calculate the maximum value Lmax (i) of the discharge direction length. For example, the drive control unit 11b When the first photo print is detected, the calculation unit 11a acquires the calculated maximum value Lmax (i), calculates the driving distance based on the maximum value Lmax (i), and drives the conveyor. It can also be controlled.

The drive control unit 11b is configured to be able to calculate the maximum value Lmax (i) of the discharge direction length from the print size set in the pre-judge process, and when the first photo print is detected by the discharge unit. It is also possible to calculate the maximum value Lmax (i), calculate the driving distance based on the maximum value Lmax (i), and control the driving of the conveyor.
Further, the pre-judge means 11c is configured to be able to calculate the maximum value Lmax (i) of the length in the discharge direction from the print size of the photographic print set in the pre-judge process, and the first photo in the discharge unit. When the print is detected, the maximum value Lmax (i) is calculated, and the drive control unit 11b acquires the maximum value Lmax (i) calculated by the pre-judge means 11c, and the acquired maximum value Lmax (i). ) Can be calculated to control the driving of the conveyor.

  Further, in the above description of the operation, the operation of dividing and collecting the photographic prints in the order into two has been described. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and the order can be divided into two or more.

<Specific operation of image processing apparatus>
The specific operation of the image processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment will be described below. In the following description, the order number is 24 sheets, the first to 20th print size is L size (discharge direction length 89 mm, width direction length 127 mm), and the 21st to 24th print size is 2L. (Length in discharge direction is 178 mm, length in width direction is 127 mm). The paper width of the photographic photosensitive material 20a accommodated in the paper magazine is 127 mm.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the photographic photosensitive material 20 a is pulled out from the magazine storage unit 20, cut into a size corresponding to the print size by the cutter 16 a, and conveyed to the exposure processing means 16.

  The exposure processing means 16 performs an exposure process based on the exposure image data. During this exposure process, the length of the photographic print in the discharge direction is calculated, and the maximum value Lmax (i) is also calculated. For example, the maximum value of the discharge direction length from the first sheet to the fifteenth sheet is calculated as 89 mm. The maximum value in the discharge direction length from the 16th sheet to the 24th sheet is calculated as 178 mm. Note that the length of the photographic print in the discharge direction and its maximum value Lmax (i) can also be calculated when the cutter 16a cuts. In such a case, calculation can be performed at an earlier timing than in the exposure process.

  Further, when the calculation unit 11a calculates the maximum value Lmax (i) of the length in the discharge direction of the photographic print for the photographic prints from the first sheet to the nth sheet, the value of “n” and the maximum value thereof. A pair of Lmax (i) can be recorded in the memory 11d.

  After the exposure process, the direction changing mechanism 40 changes the transport direction from horizontal movement to vertical upward. Then, it is transported by the transport means 50 to the discharge unit 30 through the development processing means 17 and the drying processing means 18.

  A sensor 31 is installed in the vicinity of the discharge unit 30. As the sensor 31, a known proximity sensor can be applied. The sensor 31 detects the first photographic print of the order that is being conveyed, and transmits this detection signal to the drive controller 11b. When the drive control unit 11b receives the detection signal, the drive control unit 11b stores the maximum value (89 mm) and “n = 15” of the discharge direction length of the first to fifteenth photographic photosensitive materials calculated by the calculation unit 11a. 11d is read, and a predetermined value (y = 30 mm) is added to the maximum value (89 mm) to obtain a driving distance (x = 119 mm). And the drive signal based on this drive distance (x = 119 mm) is transmitted to a conveyor drive circuit. The conveyor driving circuit drives the conveyor by a driving distance (x = 119 mm). And after a conveyor stops, it is discharged | emitted sequentially from the 1st sheet | seat and is integrated | stacked on a conveyor.

  The sensor 31 detects the photographic print discharged to the discharge unit 30 and transmits the detection signal to the drive control unit 11b. The drive control unit 11b counts the number of times the detection signal is received from the sensor 31 and discharges it. It can be determined what number the photographic print conveyed to the section 30 is.

  When the sixteenth photographic print is conveyed to the discharge unit 30, the sensor 31 detects the sixteenth photographic print, and this detection signal is transmitted to the drive control unit 11b. When the number of detection signal receptions is “16 (n = 15 + 1)”, the drive control unit 11b reads the maximum value Lmax (i) calculated by the calculation unit 11a from the memory 11d. When the 16th sheet is detected, the maximum value in the discharge direction length of all the 16th to 24th photo prints is calculated, so the 16th to 24th photo prints are calculated. The maximum value (178 mm) of the discharge direction length is read out.

  As an example of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, an example in which the accumulation unit is divided after the 16th sheet is shown. That is, the drive control unit 11b calculates a drive distance (x = 178 + 30 mm) and divides the accumulation unit, and controls to drive the conveyor.

  As another embodiment, an example will be described in which the integrated unit is divided when the maximum value (178 mm) after the 16th sheet is equal to or greater than the immediately preceding driving distance (X = 119). In such a case, the drive control unit 11b calculates a drive distance (x = 178 + 30 mm) and controls to drive the conveyor. Then, after the conveyor stops, the 16th and subsequent photographic prints are divided and accumulated as separate accumulations. If the maximum value after the 16th sheet (178 mm) is less than the previous driving distance (X), the conveyor is not driven, and the 16th and subsequent sheets are directly on the first to 15th stacks. Accumulated.

  As shown to Fig.7 (a), the conveyor 19a of the conveyor type | mold sorting apparatus 19 is providing the gradient of 5 degree | times from the horizontal toward the discharge direction. Moreover, as shown in FIG.7 (b), the height from the conveyor 19a to the discharge position of the discharge part 30 is 40 mm. Further, the angle (θ) from the conveyor 19a to the photographic print when the leading edge of the photographic print is in contact with the surface of the conveyor 19a is 32 degrees. The surface of the conveyor 19a is coated with a fluorine resin. With these configurations, the catch between the conveyor 19a and the leading end of the photographic print to be discharged can be suppressed.

According to the present embodiment described above, even if photographic prints having different sizes are mixed in one order, they can be neatly collected and the sorting of the orders can be visually confirmed with certainty.

  In the present embodiment, the calculation unit 11a calculates the discharge direction length and the maximum value of photographic prints that are sequentially conveyed during the exposure process, accumulates them in the memory 11d, and the drive control unit 11b When the detection signal is received from the sensor 31, the latest maximum value in the discharge direction length is read from the memory 11d. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sensor 31 performs photo printing. When detected, the calculation unit 11a may calculate the maximum value of the discharge direction length, and the drive control unit 11b may control the conveyor drive based on the calculated maximum value.

  In the present embodiment, the sensor 31 is used as means for detecting the photographic print conveyed to the discharge unit 30. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, for example, one sheet after a predetermined period after the exposure process. It is also possible to detect using the timer means whether eyes and photo prints of an arbitrary order are conveyed to the discharge unit 30. Since the conveyance period up to the discharge unit 30 after the exposure process can be predicted by the print size, the predetermined period can be calculated in advance.

(Embodiment 2)
In the embodiment described below, the description of the same components as those in the first embodiment is omitted, and different functions will be described.

<Configuration of image processing apparatus>
The calculation unit 11a calculates the maximum value and the minimum value of the length in the discharge direction of the photo print in the order for each order. In this case, the drive control unit 11b performs control so that the conveyor is not driven when the maximum value of the discharge direction length calculated by the calculation unit 11a is less than the minimum value of the discharge direction length in the order immediately before the order. To do.

  Further, the calculation unit 11a can calculate the discharge direction length and the maximum value of the photographic print in the order for each order. In this case, the drive control unit 11b does not drive the conveyor when the maximum value of the discharge direction length calculated by the calculation unit 11a is less than the discharge direction length of the last photo print in the order immediately before the order. Can be controlled.

<Operation of Image Processing Device>
The operation of the photographic processing apparatus in this embodiment will be described below. The operation shown in FIG. 8 is one embodiment. For the sake of explanation, the number of orders is 24.

  The last photographic print of the i-th order (i) is discharged (# 31). The minimum value Lmin (i) of the i-th order (i) and the discharge direction length L (i, n = 24) of the last photographic print are calculated and recorded in the memory 11d.

  The exposure process is started for the (i + 1) th order (i + 1). The calculation unit 11a calculates the discharge direction length L (i + 1, n = 1) of the first photographic photosensitive material (# 32). The calculation unit 11a calculates the discharge direction length L (i + 1, n) of the photographic photosensitive materials that are sequentially conveyed and exposed, calculates the maximum value Lmax (i + 1) and the minimum value Lmin (i + 1), and the memory 11d. To record.

  When the first photographic print is conveyed to the discharge unit, it is detected by the sensor, and the detection signal is transmitted to the drive control unit 11b. At this time, the maximum value Lmax (i + 1) and the minimum value Lmin (i + 1) of the length in the discharge direction of the first to 24th photographic photosensitive materials are calculated by the calculation unit 11a and recorded in the memory 11d. Yes. The drive control unit 11b reads the maximum value Lmax (i + 1) and the minimum value Lmin (i) of the discharge direction length of the order (i) from the memory 11d from the memory 11d. The drive control unit 11b determines whether or not the maximum value Lmax (i + 1) of the order (i + 1) is less than the minimum value Lmin (i) of the order (i). As a result, when the maximum value Lmax (i + 1) of the order (i + 1) is less than the minimum value Lmin (i) of the order (i), the conveyor is not driven, and the order (i + 1) is the accumulation of the order (i). It is accumulated as it is (# 33). On the other hand, when the result is that the maximum value Lmax (i + 1) of the order (i + 1) is equal to or larger than the minimum value Lmin (i) of the order (i), the drive control unit 11b drives the conveyor so as to divide the orders. To control. That is, the drive control unit 11b calculates a drive distance (x) by adding a predetermined value (y) to the maximum value Lmax (i + 1), and transmits a drive signal based on the drive distance (x) to the motor drive circuit. The motor drive circuit drives the motor by the drive distance based on the drive signal.

  As another embodiment, the drive control unit 11b stores the maximum value Lmax (i + 1) and the discharge direction length L (i, n = 24) of the last photo print of the order (i) from the memory 11d. Read from. Then, the drive control unit 11b determines whether or not the maximum value Lmax (i + 1) of the order (i + 1) is less than the discharge direction length L (i, n = 24) of the order (i). As a result, when the maximum value Lmax (i + 1) of the order (i + 1) is less than the discharge direction length L (i, n = 24) of the order (i), the conveyor is not driven and the order (i + 1) It is accumulated as it is on the accumulation of i) (# 34). On the other hand, when the result is that the maximum value Lmax (i + 1) of the order (i + 1) is equal to or larger than the discharge direction length L (i, n = 24) of the order (i), the drive control unit 11b may divide the orders. In addition, control is performed to drive the conveyor as described above.

  Furthermore, as another embodiment, the drive control unit 11b determines whether or not the maximum value Lmax (i + 1) of the order (i + 1) is smaller than the minimum value Lmin (i) of the order (i) by a predetermined value or more. Also good. Further, the drive control unit 11b determines whether or not the maximum value Lmax (i + 1) of the order (i + 1) is smaller than the predetermined value by the discharge direction length L (i, n = 24) of the last photo print of the order (i). It may be judged. Here, the predetermined value is preferably 10 mm or more, and more preferably 30 mm or more, since it is desirable to visually recognize the break between orders.

<Specific examples of accumulation>
The embodiment in this Embodiment is illustrated below. For the sake of explanation, the number of sheets in the first to fourth orders is 24, and the minimum value Lmin (1) of the discharge direction length of the first order (i) is 178 mm. The maximum and minimum values of the second and third orders are 89 mm each. The maximum value Lmax (4) of the fourth order (4) is 178 mm.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, since the order (1) is accumulated and the order (2) having the maximum value Lmax (2) of 89 mm, the minimum value Lmin (1) is less than 178 mm. Accumulated on the top. Further, since the maximum value Lmax (3) of the order (3) is equal to the minimum value Lmin (2) of the order (2), the drive control unit 11b drives the conveyor, and the order (1) and the order (2) Order (3) is accumulated separately from the accumulation. Furthermore, since the maximum value Lmax (4) of order (4) is greater than or equal to the minimum value Lmin (3) of order (3), drive control unit 11b drives the conveyor and separates it from the accumulation of order (3). , Order (4) is accumulated.

FIG. 9B illustrates another embodiment. For explanation, the discharge direction length of the first to 21st sheets of the fifth order (5) is 89 mm, and the discharge direction lengths of the 23rd and 24th sheets are 178 mm (that is, the final discharge direction length). L (5, 24) is 178 mm). The maximum value Lmax (6) of the sixth order (6) is 89 mm.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the order (5) is accumulated, and the order (6) having the maximum value Lmax (6) of 89 mm is the last discharge direction length L (5, 24) of the order (5). Is less than 178 mm, it is accumulated on the order (5) as it is.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when photographic prints are stacked, it is possible to continuously stack without separating different orders, and many photographic prints can be stacked on a conveyor. Furthermore, even if the orders are continuously accumulated, the separation between the orders can be surely visually recognized, so that the order can be easily sorted.

  Furthermore, the operation of the image processing apparatus described in this embodiment may be realized by software, and the software may be placed on, for example, a server and distributed by software download. Further, the software may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. This is the same in all other embodiments. The program when the operation of the image processing apparatus in the present embodiment is realized by software is as follows.

  Drive control for controlling the drive of the conveyor based on the maximum length of the photo print discharge direction in the order when the first photo print in the order is discharged from the discharge port of the image processing apparatus to the computer This is a program for executing steps.

  A calculation step for calculating a maximum value of the discharge direction length of the photographic print in the order on the computer, a recording step for recording the maximum value of the discharge direction length of the calculated photographic print in the order, and a first photo in the order This is a program for executing a drive control step for controlling the drive of the conveyor based on the recorded maximum value in the discharge direction when the print is discharged from the discharge port of the image processing apparatus.

  In addition, when the first photo print in the order is discharged from the discharge port to the computer, it cannot be calculated if the maximum value of the discharge direction length of all the photo prints in the order cannot be calculated. In order to execute the steps of calculating the maximum value in the discharge direction length of the remaining photo prints and controlling the drive of the conveyor based on the maximum value in the discharge direction length of the remaining photo prints that could not be calculated It is a program.

  In addition, when the maximum value of the discharge direction length of the remaining photo prints that could not be calculated is equal to or greater than the driving distance of the conveyor immediately before the calculation, the computer is controlled to drive the conveyor based on the maximum value. When the maximum value of the discharge direction length of the remaining photo prints that could not be calculated is less than the driving distance of the conveyor immediately before the calculation, the program executes a step of controlling not to drive the conveyor. .

  In addition, the computer calculates the maximum value and the minimum value of the discharge direction length of the photographic print in the order, and the calculated maximum value of the discharge direction length in the order immediately before the order. It is a program for executing a step of controlling the conveyor not to be driven when it is less than the minimum value in the discharge direction length.

  In addition, the computer calculates the discharge direction length and the maximum value of the photographic print in the order for each order, and the calculated maximum discharge direction length is the last value in the order immediately before the order. This is a program for executing a step of controlling the conveyor not to be driven when the length of the photographic print is less than the discharge direction length.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus 1 in embodiment Conceptual diagram for explaining the operation of the image processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Conceptual diagram for explaining the operation of the image processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Conceptual diagram for explaining the operation of the image processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image processing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the integration between orders in Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the conveyor type | mold sorting apparatus in Embodiment 1 Conceptual diagram for explaining the operation of the image processing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the integration between orders in Embodiment 2. Schematic diagram explaining the prior art

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing apparatus 11 Apparatus control part 11a Calculation part 11b Drive control part 11c Prejudgment part 11d Memory 12 Film scanning apparatus 13 Storage part 14 Hard disk 15 Image processing means 16 Exposure processing means 17 Development processing means 18 Drying processing means 19 Conveyor type sorting Device 20 Magazine storage section 21 Display section 22 Input means

Claims (7)

An image processing apparatus for creating a photographic print comprising a conveyor type sorting device that accumulates photographic prints created through exposure processing, development processing, and drying processing on a conveyor in order units,
When the first photographic print in the order is discharged from the discharge port of the image processing apparatus, the driving of the conveyor is controlled based on the maximum value of the photographic print discharge direction length in the order. An image processing apparatus having a drive control unit. An image processing apparatus for creating a photographic print comprising a conveyor type sorting device that accumulates photographic prints created through exposure processing, development processing, and drying processing on a conveyor in order units,
A calculation unit for calculating a maximum value of the length in the discharge direction of the photographic print in the order;
A recording unit for recording the maximum value of the calculated length of the photographic print in the discharge direction;
A drive control unit for controlling the drive of the conveyor based on the maximum value of the recorded discharge direction length when the first photographic print in the order is discharged from the discharge port of the image processing apparatus; An image processing apparatus. The calculation unit includes:
When the maximum value of the discharge direction length of all the photo prints in the order cannot be calculated when the first photo print in the order is discharged from the discharge port, Calculate the maximum value of the photo print discharge direction length,
The drive control unit
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the driving of the conveyor is controlled based on a maximum value in the discharge direction length of the remaining photographic prints that could not be calculated. The drive control unit
When the maximum value of the discharge direction length of the remaining photo prints that could not be calculated is equal to or greater than the driving distance of the conveyor immediately before the calculation, control is performed so as to drive the conveyor based on the maximum value,
4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the maximum value of the discharge direction length of the remaining photo prints that could not be calculated is less than the driving distance of the conveyor immediately before the calculation, control is performed so that the conveyor is not driven. The drive control unit
When collecting photo prints, stop the conveyor,
5. The image according to claim 1, further comprising setting a conveyor gradient in the discharge direction to 3 to 6 degrees so that the rear ends of the photo prints in the discharge direction can be aligned and accumulated. Processing equipment. The calculation unit includes:
For each order, calculate the maximum and minimum values for the length of the photo print in the discharge direction,
The drive control unit
The control is performed so as not to drive the conveyor when the maximum value of the calculated discharge direction length is less than the minimum value of the discharge direction length in the order immediately before the order. The image processing apparatus according to item. The calculation unit includes:
For each order, calculate the discharge direction length of photo prints in the order and its maximum value,
The drive control unit
The control is performed so that the conveyor is not driven when the maximum value of the calculated discharge direction length is less than the discharge direction length of the last photo print in the order immediately before the order. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

Images