JP4569817B2 - Film processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a transport unit that transports a developed photographic film in the longitudinal direction by a driving force of a transport motor, and a photoelectric conversion unit that acquires image data of a region along a main scanning direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the photographic film. And a perforation detection unit for determining the presence or absence of perforation formed on the photographic film, and pre-scan for acquiring image data of the photographic film at a low resolution by the photoelectric conversion unit along with the conveyance of the photographic film by the conveyance unit Processing in the mode, and the photographic film at the reference position is conveyed by the conveyance unit, and after the perforation detection unit counts the number of perforations that reach the target perforation as a reference for starting scanning, the photographic film by the conveyance unit Photographic film frame at the photoelectric conversion unit It relates to and film processing apparatus provided with a scanning control unit which performs the processing on the scan mode for acquiring image data at high resolution and, more particularly, to a technique for determining a conveyance failure of the photographic film.

  Taking a film scanner as an example, a conveyance unit that conveys a photographic film generally includes a plurality of rollers that press the photographic film and a stepping motor that drives the rollers. Due to such a structure, when a photographic film is transported, slippage may occur between the roller and the photographic film, and the photographic film may not be transported properly.

  In order to improve the above inconvenience, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1 as a technique related to the film processing apparatus. In this Patent Document 1, a transport system that transports photographic film with a roller driven by a motor, an encoder that measures the rotation amount of the motor, a perforation sensor that detects perforation of the photographic film, and a perforation sensor are provided. And a comparator for comparing a count value from the counter with a reference count value. This Patent Document 1 is configured to output an abnormality detection signal when the count value of a pulse signal during one cycle in which perforation is detected by a perforation sensor during conveyance of a photographic film exceeds a reference count value. Yes.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-244411 (paragraph numbers [0030], [0031], FIG. 1 and FIG. 4)

  In order to discriminate this kind of inconvenience, the technique shown in Patent Document 1 is effective. However, in the technique shown in Patent Document 1, perforation is detected when detecting an abnormality during conveyance of a photographic film. Since processing is performed based on the count value of the pulse signal in the detection cycle, it is necessary to set in advance a reference count value corresponding to the pulse signal in one cycle. It should be noted that the perforation size and interval are standardized values for both 135-size film (35 mm film) and 240-size film (APS film), but a corresponding standard count value is set for each film. Will do.

  In addition, when acquiring image data of a photographic film at a low resolution by processing in the pre-scan mode, and specifying the frame area of the photographic film from this image data, when acquiring the image data of the frame area by the main scan, A frame region is also specified based on perforations in the vicinity of the frame region. Because of this processing mode, when the photographic film is conveyed to the frame area where the main scan is to be performed, a process of counting the number of perforations is first performed.

However, in the case of perforation, the film base portion in the middle of adjacent perforations may be damaged during photographing with the camera, and the position of the damaged portion may become unstable. In such a form of damage, even if perforation is properly counted in processing in the pre-scan mode, the processing in this scan mode may count two perforations as one perforation. There was room for improvement because the process in the main scan mode could not be performed.
An object of the present invention is to rationally configure a film processing apparatus that reasonably grasps that a frame area cannot be properly specified in processing in the main scan mode.

A feature of the present invention is that a conveyance unit that conveys a developed photographic film in the longitudinal direction by the driving force of a conveyance motor, and a photoelectric that acquires image data of a region along the main scanning direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the photographic film. A conversion unit and a perforation detection unit for determining the presence or absence of perforation formed on the photographic film;
Processing in the pre-scan mode in which image data of the photographic film is acquired at a low resolution by the photoelectric conversion unit along with the conveyance of the photographic film by the conveyance unit, and the photographic film at the reference position is conveyed by the conveyance unit, and scanning is started. After the perforation detection unit counts the number of perforations that reach the target perforation as a reference for the photographic film, the photoelectric conversion unit acquires image data of the frames of the photographic film with high resolution along with the conveyance of the photographic film by the conveyance unit In a film processing apparatus having a scanning control unit that performs processing in a mode,
The scanning control unit includes a counting unit that counts a synchronization signal synchronized with the driving of the transport motor,
In the processing in the main scan mode, the counting means when the perforation detection unit counts the number of perforations until the photographic film at the reference position is transported by the transport unit and reaches the target perforation as a reference for starting scanning. And the count value at
In the pre-scan mode, when the number of perforations between the reference position and the target perforation is counted by conveyance in the conveyance unit, the count value counted by the counting unit is compared, and each count value is It is in the point of having a discriminating means for discriminating that it is a conveyance failure when it differs by more than a set value.

  With this configuration, the distance that the photographic film is transported before reaching the target perforation in the processing in the main scan mode is different from the distance that the photographic film is transported in the processing in the pre-scan mode based on the count value in the counting means. If there is a discrepancy, it is determined that the conveyance is defective by automatic processing. As a result, it is possible not only to start scanning by sending photographic film to the target position at high speed, but also to avoid the inconvenience of acquiring improper area image data by processing in the main scan mode. Scanning can be suppressed.

The present invention comprises a storage unit for storing the timing at which perforation is detected by the perforation detection unit in the processing in the pre-scan mode in association with the count value from the counting unit,
The determination unit compares the count value in the processing in the main scan mode with a count value corresponding to the number of perforations between the reference position and the target perforation among the count values stored in the storage unit. May be performed.

  With this configuration, a count value corresponding to the number of perforations between the reference position and the target perforation can be extracted from the count value stored in the storage unit, and compared with the count value of the counting means in the main scan mode.

In the present invention, in the processing in the pre-scan mode, the scanning control unit transports the photographic film in the forward direction by the transport unit, and counts the count value in the forward direction so that the perforation detection unit performs perforation. The detection position is associated with the count value and stored in the perforation position storage means, and the photographic film is stopped at the conveyance end,
After setting the stop position as the reference position, in the processing in the main scan mode, the perforation position storage is performed by transporting the photographic film in the reverse direction by the transport unit and counting the count value in the reverse direction. The perforation detection position may be read from the means.

  With this configuration, the photographic film is transported in the forward direction by processing in the pre-scan mode, and after the processing in the pre-scan mode is completed, the photographic film is transported in the reverse direction in processing in the main scan mode. Since the image data of the area is acquired, there is no waste in conveying the photographic film, and it is possible to rationally specify the frame area using the count value and the perforation detection unit.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Overall Configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, the film scanner 1, the processing device 2, and the display 3 constitute a film processing device. In this film processing apparatus, the processing apparatus 2 displays image data acquired by the film scanner 1 on the display 3, and an operator performs operation using the keyboard 4 or the mouse 5 to generate order data. The image data together with the order data is transmitted to the photographic printing device 6 to be printed on a print medium such as silver salt photographic paper, or the media drive 7 of the processing device 2 is stored in a medium such as a CD-R. Yes. The image data is a general term for film image data and frame image data described later.

  The photographic printing apparatus 6 is assumed to perform development processing after exposing a silver salt photographic paper with a digital print head, but prints with a sublimation print head using a dedicated paper as a print medium. It is also possible to perform printing using an ink jet type print head.

[Film Scanner] As shown in FIG. 2, the film scanner 1 includes a light source unit A, a film carrier B (an example of a conveyance unit that conveys a photographic film F in the longitudinal direction), a lens unit C, and a photoelectric conversion unit as a photoelectric conversion unit. A conversion unit D and a main control unit E are provided. The film scanner 1 irradiates the developed photographic film F supported by the film carrier B with the light from the light source unit A, and the lens unit C guides the light transmitted through the photographic film F to the photoelectric conversion unit D. In the photoelectric conversion unit D, visible light is acquired as image data obtained by color separation into three primary colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue), and at the same time, infrared light is acquired as image data.

[Light Source Unit] The light source unit A includes a first substrate P1 in which a plurality of green light emitting diodes 11G are linearly arranged in the main scanning direction with respect to the internal space of the case 10, and a plurality of blue light emitting diodes 11B. A second substrate P2 linearly arranged in the scanning direction, a plurality of red light emitting diodes 11R, and a third substrate P3 in which a plurality of infrared light emitting diodes 11IR are alternately arranged in the main scanning direction are provided. In order to collimate the light from each light emitting diode, the corresponding light emitting diode 11 (superior concept of a plurality of types of light emitting diodes) is provided with a focal position and provided with a cylindrical collimating lens 12. The substrates P1, P2, and P3 are provided with heat radiation fins 13, and the case 10 is provided with a fan (not shown) that supplies external air to the fins 13 as cooling air.

  Light rays from the collimating lens 12 are sent upward along the optical axis L from two dichroic mirror type mirrors 14 and guided to the film carrier B through the diffusion plate 15. An ND filter 17 is arranged with respect to the optical axis L so as to be switched between a functional position and a separated position by a driving force from the electromagnetic actuator 16. The diffusing plate 15 averages the amount of light transmitted along the optical axis L in the main scanning direction, and the ND filter 17 is used for the light beam transmitted to the photoelectric conversion unit D during maintenance or the like. It functions as a dimming means that reduces the amount of light.

[Film Carrier] FIGS. 2 and 3 show a film carrier B dedicated to a 135 size (35 mm) photographic film F. This film carrier B is formed with an introduction portion J for introducing a photographic film at one end. In addition, a transport path K for transporting the photographic film F from the introduction portion J is formed inside, and a slit-like scanning gate G is formed at an intermediate position of the transport path K, and the end position of the transport path Is provided with a winding unit W for winding the photographic film F.

  The film carrier B connects the lower case 20 and the upper case 30 via a hinge H so as to be freely opened and closed. The transport path K is formed at a position sandwiched between the upper case 30 and the lower case 20. Further, a cylindrical or toroidal condenser lens 21 is provided at a position for guiding the light beam from the light source unit A to the scanning gate G on the lower surface side of the lower case 20.

  The conveyance path K includes a conveyance groove 20 </ b> K formed for the lower case 20 and a conveyance groove 30 </ b> K formed for the upper case 30. The conveyance groove 20K of the lower case 20 is provided with a pair of drive rollers 24 for a plurality of drive shafts 23 to which power from the stepping motor type conveyance motor M is transmitted via the timing belt 22. The winding unit W is disposed at the conveyance end position of the conveyance groove 20K. Power from the drive shaft 23 is transmitted to the winding unit W via the timing belt 25.

  Further, the lower case 20 is provided with a motor control unit 26 for controlling the transport motor M. The motor control unit 26 generates a pulse signal (an example of an intermittent signal) that drives the transport motor M based on a pulse signal from a synchronization signal generation circuit 81 described later.

  A support shaft 33 is disposed at a position facing the drive shaft 23 in the upper case 30, and a driven roller 34 that is pressure-bonded to the drive roller 24 is idle-supported at a position facing the drive roller 24. .

  As shown in FIG. 13, the photographic film F used in the film carrier B has a plurality of perforations Fp formed along the longitudinal direction at both ends in the width direction, and a frame Ff is formed at the center position in the width direction. A barcode Fb is formed at the outer end portion further than the perforation Fp. As shown in the figure, the direction along the longitudinal direction of the photographic film F is the sub-scanning direction, and the direction orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction is called the main scanning direction.

  A first presence / absence sensor S1 and a second presence / absence sensor S2 for determining the presence / absence of the photographic film F sent to the transport path K are arranged on the introduction portion J side from the scanning gate G, and the third presence / absence sensor S3 is provided. A perforation sensor Sp (an example of a perforation detection unit) that is arranged on the side of the winding unit W from the scanning gate G and discriminates the presence or absence of perforation P of the photographic film F fed through the transport path K is wound from the scanning gate G. A pair of bar code sensors Sb for reading the data of the bar code Fb formed on the photographic film F is provided on the side of the take-in unit W and further on the side of the introduction portion J from the scanning gate G.

  The first, second, and third presence / absence sensors S1, S2, and S3 are a light source 40 formed of a light emitting diode provided in the lower case 20, and a photodiode or a phototransistor provided in the upper case 30 at a position facing the light source 40. And the light receiving element 41. Similarly, the perforation sensor Sp includes a light source 40 provided in the lower case 20 and a light receiving element 41 provided in the upper case 30 at a position facing the light source 40. Similarly, the pair of bar code sensors Sb includes a light source 40 provided in the lower case 20 and a light receiving element 41 provided in the upper case 30 at a position facing the light source 40.

  The winding unit W includes a winding drum 43 disposed at the center position of the winding space, and a guide that is loosely supported by a swing arm 45 that is swingably supported with respect to a support shaft 44 disposed around the winding drum 43. The photographic film F sent to the conveyance path K is taken up by the guide roller 46 by urging the oscillating end of the oscillating arm 45 closer to the take-up drum 43. It functions to wind around the take-up drum 43 in a form wound around the outer periphery of the drum 43.

[Lens Unit] The lens unit C includes a zoom type optical lens 48, a focusing motor (not shown) for focusing the optical lens 48, and a zoom motor for setting the focal length of the optical lens 48. (Not shown) and a lens control unit 49 for controlling these, and photoelectric conversion of the line sensors 51 and 52 in which the image of the photographic film F supported by the film carrier B is built in the photoelectric conversion unit D An image is formed at an arbitrary magnification with respect to the surface.

[Photoelectric Conversion Unit] The photoelectric conversion unit D includes a three-line type visible light line sensor 51 corresponding to three primary colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue), and infrared light (IR). 1 line type infrared light line sensor 52 and a dichroic mirror type splitter 53 that transmits visible light from the optical lens 48 and reflects infrared light. Yes. The line sensor 51 for visible light and the line sensor 52 for infrared light have a structure in which a large number of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged along a direction parallel to the main scanning direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the photographic film F. The light beam from the optical lens 48 is guided from the splitter 53 to the visible light line sensor 51 and simultaneously imaged by being reflected by the splitter 53 and guided to the infrared light line sensor 52. Let

  The image data (frame image data described later) acquired by the line sensor 51 for visible light is used for printing, and the image data (frame image data described later) acquired by the line sensor 52 for infrared light is used for the photographic film F. A defect region caused by dust or scratches is identified and used for processing for correcting defects by interpolation processing using density adjustment processing, nearest neighbor method, bilinear method, bicubic method, or the like.

  Thus, the process which acquires the image data of a photographic film with the film scanner 1 is implement | achieved by the said main control unit E and the said processing apparatus 2, The structure and processing form are demonstrated below. The main control unit E and the processing device 2 constitute a scanning control unit.

[Control Configuration of Film Scanner] An outline of the control system of the film processing apparatus of the present invention can be shown as shown in FIG. That is, the main control unit E includes an input / output interface 61 that allows access to information and a microprocessor CPU that processes information from the input / output interface 61. The line sensors 51 and 52 of the light source unit A, the lens control unit 49, the motor control unit 26, the first, second, and third presence / absence sensors S1, S2, and S3, the perforation sensor Sp with respect to the input / output interface 61 An information access system for each of the barcode sensors Sb is formed. An information access system for the pre-scan execution means 63, the main scan execution means 64, the count means 65, the scanning data storage section 66 as a storage section, and the determination means 67 is formed on the data bus of the microprocessor. Yes.

  The scanning data storage unit 66 is constituted by a semiconductor type memory such as a RAM, and the count value from the counting means 65 is the timing at which the perforation detection unit detects the perforation in the pre-scan mode process (referred to as pre-scan). Perforation position storage means 66A for storing in association with (address corresponding to the count value), and in pre-scan, the scanning timing at the line sensors 51 and 52 is counted from the count means 65 (address corresponding to the count value). And a scanning position storage means 66B for storing in association with each other.

  The pre-scan execution unit 63, the main scan execution unit 64, the count unit 65, and the determination unit 67 are assumed to be software installed in the processing device 2, but may be configured with hardware, You may comprise by a combination.

  The main control unit E is connected to the processing apparatus 2 so as to be able to access information via a communication line, and the control system of the processing apparatus 2 can be shown as shown in FIG. That is, the processing device 2 includes an input / output interface 71 that allows access to information, and a microprocessor CPU that processes information from the input / output interface 71. An information access system for the display 3, keyboard 4, mouse 5, media drive 7, and hard disk HD is formed for the input / output interface 71, and information can be accessed with the photo print device 6 via a communication line. It is connected to the. In addition, information on the prescan data acquisition unit 73, the frame area extraction unit 74, the order data acquisition unit 75, the main scan data acquisition unit 76, the order execution unit 77, and the error processing unit 78 is stored in the data bus of the microprocessor. An access system is formed.

  The prescan data acquisition unit 73, the frame area extraction unit 74, the order data acquisition unit 75, the main scan data acquisition unit 76, the order execution unit 77, and the error processing unit 78 are assumed to be software installed in the processing device 2. However, it may be configured by hardware or a combination with hardware.

[Scanning Form] The outline of the processing form of the photographic film F in this film processing apparatus will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The film scanner 1 scans the photographic film F using the film carrier B corresponding to a plurality of types of photographic films F such as 135 size, 240 size, 120/220 size, etc. However, by prescanning, film image data (structured data including data for one film without extracting frame image data of photographic film F) is sent at a low resolution while feeding photographic film F forward to film carrier B. Acquire (acquire image data with a small number of pixels) (#a).

  Next, the frame area extraction unit 74 of the processing apparatus 2 extracts the frame area from the film image data acquired by this prescan (#b), and the order data acquisition unit 75 displays the pre-judge screen (not shown) of the display 3. Display the image data of the frame area in the thumbnail format on this pre-judge screen, and ask the operator to specify the frame to be printed, the print size and the number of prints, Order data is acquired from this setting (#c).

  The data set by specifying the frame, setting the print size, and setting the number of prints is referred to as order data. Further, as a processing mode of the image data acquired from the photographic film F, a process of writing on a medium such as a CD-R or DVD-R set in the media drive 7 can be considered.

  Next, the main scan execution means 73 executes a process (referred to as a main scan) in the main scan mode so that the film scanner 1 acquires image data of the frame designated in the order data, thereby obtaining a photographic film. The frame image data is acquired at a high resolution while sending F in the reverse direction (#d), and after checking the frame image data, the processing device 2 transfers it to the photo printing device 6 together with the order data, thereby printing the photo. The apparatus 6 executes print processing (# e · # f).

FIG. 6 shows an outline of a data processing mode in [Processing in Prescan Mode] (processing by the prescan execution means 63). That is, by supplying the pulse signal generated by the synchronization signal generation circuit 81 to the motor control unit 26 functioning as a driver, the transport motor M is driven in the forward direction in synchronization with the pulse signal.

  The pulse signal generated by the synchronization signal generating circuit 81 is applied to the counting means 65 which is an address counter, and the counting means 65 designates the address of the scanning data storage section 66 which is a semiconductor memory. The pulse signal generated by the synchronization signal generation circuit 81 is given to the line sensor control means 82 that controls the acquisition of image data from the line sensors 51 and 52.

  Further, a timing indicating the timing when the writing signal is written in the scanning data storage section 66 after the detection signal from the perforation sensor Sp is shaped by the waveform shaping means 83 and the scanning is performed by the line sensor control means 82. A writing system for writing data into the scanning data storage unit 66 is formed.

  The pulse signals given to the motor control unit 26, the counting means 65, and the line sensor control means 82 are not limited to signals having the same frequency as long as they are synchronized signals. The counting means 65, the line sensor control means 82, The waveform shaping means 83 does not need to be configured by hardware, and may be configured by software or a combination with software.

  Although the semiconductor memory constituting the scanning data storage unit 66 requires different areas for writing the timing data and the detection data, the timing data and the detection data are data indicating whether or not they exist. For this reason, a 1-bit area is sufficient. For example, if the memory has a performance capable of writing 8 bits (1 byte) of data to a specified address, for example, 1 out of the 8-bit area of the same address. It is also possible to set the bit as the timing data area and the second bit area as the detection data area.

  When performing the pre-scan, data for generating a pulse signal for executing processing in the pre-scan mode is given to the synchronization signal generation circuit 81, and the motor control unit 26 is caused to rotate forward the transport motor M. Data is given, data for incrementing the count value is given to the counting means 65, and data for writing to the scanning data storage unit 66 is given.

  When the pre-scan execution means 63 performs pre-scan, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, a pulse signal having a pre-scan frequency is generated by the synchronization signal generation circuit 81, and the pulse signal is synchronized with the pulse signal. When the conveyance motor M is driven in the forward rotation direction and the leading end of the photographic film F is detected by the first presence / absence sensor S1 and the second presence / absence sensor S2, the timing is set in advance with reference to the detection timing. When it reaches, scanning is started at a preset interval (steps # 101 and 102).

  In this way, when pre-scanning is started, the light-emitting diode 11 of the light source unit A is maintained in the light-emitting state, and the optical lens 48 of the lens unit C is set to an enlargement ratio suitable for pre-scanning.

  When this scanning is started, the counting means 65 increments the address of the scanning data storage section 66 (memory) in synchronization with the transport pulse signal that drives the transport motor M, and every time the line sensor control means 82 performs scanning. The image data obtained by scanning is transferred to the processing device 2 and at the same time, the timing data indicating the scanning timing is written in the scanning position storage means 66B of the scanning data storage unit 66. When the perforation sensor Sp detects the perforation Fp as the photographic film F is transported, the detection data is written in the perforation position storage means 66A of the scanning data storage unit 66 (step # 103). Since this detection data is continuously acquired from the perforation sensor Sp corresponding to the size of the perforation Fp in the sub-scanning direction, this detection data is stored in continuous addresses.

  The process of step # 103 is continued until the end position of the photographic film F is detected by the third presence / absence sensor S3. When the end of the photographic film F is detected, the prescan executing means 63 performs the photographic film F. After the conveyance speed is slowed down, the conveyance and scanning are stopped, and the timing data stored in association with the count value (address value) of the scanning data storage unit 66 and the detection data are transferred to the processing device 2 ( Steps # 104 and # 105).

  When the prescan is completed, the film image data acquired by the prescan is extracted by the frame area extraction unit 74 of the processing apparatus 2 from the frame area corresponding to the frame Ff of the photographic film F, and the order data acquisition unit 75 The image data of the area is displayed in the thumbnail format on the pre-judge screen.

  Although not shown in the drawing, the frame area extraction means 74 performs a process of extracting a frame area by image processing from film image data acquired by pre-scanning, and determines the position of the extracted frame area in the main control. Based on the total count value transferred from the unit E, the timing data, and the detection data, data that can specify the position of the frame Ff on the photographic film is generated.

  The data generated in this way specifies the perforation Fp adjacent to the upstream side of the frame region in the count value indicating both end positions in the sub-scanning direction of the frame region and the direction in which the photographic film F is conveyed in the main scan. And the count value of the perforation Fp. The count value of the perforation Fp is the transport direction of the photographic film F in the main scan, and the count value of the perforation Fp detected first by the perforation sensor Sp is “1” (may be an arbitrary value such as “0”). In this case, the value is obtained by up-counting.

  After the operator designates a frame to be printed on the pre-judge screen, designates a print size, and sets the number of prints, the target perforation Fpt is determined from the reference position so as to identify the frame area designated as the print target. The number (count value) of the perforations Fp up to (see FIG. 13), the count value on the scanning start side based on the position of the target perforation Fpt, and the count value on the scanning end side are set. This setting is made for all the frames to be printed, and the data set in this way is given to the main scan execution means 64. When this frame area data is given, the main scan by the main scan execution means 64 is started.

FIG. 7 shows an outline of a data processing mode in [Processing in the main scanning mode] (processing by the main scanning execution means 64). The configuration enabling this main scan is not fundamentally different from that for executing the pre-scan. In the main scan mode, data for generating a pulse signal for executing the main scan for the synchronization signal generating circuit 81. Is given to the motor control unit 26, and data for decrementing the count value is given to the counting means 65.

  Further, the synchronizing signal generation circuit 81 gives pulse signals to the counting means 65, timing setting means 84, and discrimination means 67, and gives the count value from the counting means 65 to the timing setting means 84, and from the perforation sensor Sp. A detection signal is given to the discriminating means 67 and the timing setting means 84 via the waveform shaping means 83, and a signal system is provided that gives execution timing data for executing scanning from the timing setting means 84 to the line sensor control means 82. ing. Further, a signal system is provided for supplying the detection data read out by the scanning data storage unit 66 to the discrimination means 67.

  When the main scan execution means 64 performs the main scan, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, the target perforation corresponding to the frame area to be scanned when the photographic film F is conveyed in the reverse direction from the reference position. The number of perforations detected by the perforation sensor Sp until the detection of Fpt, and the count value based on the target perforation Fpt (count values ST and ED on the start side and end side, see FIGS. 13 and 14) Is set in the timing setting means 84. After this setting, the synchronizing signal generation circuit 81 generates a pulse signal having the frequency of the main scan, and the conveyance motor M is driven in the reverse direction in synchronization with the pulse signal to start conveyance of the photographic film F. During this conveyance, the number of perforations Fp is counted by the perforation sensor Sp (steps # 201 and # 202).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, in the situation where the photographic film F stops at the reference position after the pre-scan, when the distance from the scanning gate G to the scanning start position in the target perforation is X, The perforation Fp located immediately before the distance X (located on the scanning gate G side) becomes the temporary target perforation Fpx, and the number of perforations Fp existing between the temporary target perforation Fpx and the scanning gate G is the target. Number.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the perforation sensor Sp detects the target perforation Fpt (discriminates the up edge) from the count value ST on the start side and the count value ED on the end side based on the target perforation Fpt. This is a count value obtained by counting the pulse signal from the synchronization signal generation circuit 81 with reference to the timing. Since the target perforation Fpt is set for each frame set as a print target, a start-side count value ST and an end-side count value ED are set for each target perforation Fpt.

  In the film scanner 1, as shown in FIG. 13, since the scanning gate G and the perforation sensor Sp are offset by a distance Y, the true target perforation Fpt is a perforation Fp at a position separated from the perforation sensor Sp by a distance X. It becomes. Further, FIG. 4 shows the position of the photographic film F at the time when the pre-scan is finished, and the position of the photographic film F becomes the reference position.

  Only when the target number for reaching the target perforation Fp is counted by this count, the determination routine is executed, and only when it is determined that the conveyance is defective, the conveyance is stopped and a message indicating that the conveyance is defective is displayed on the display 3. And the process ends (steps # 203, # 300, # 204, and # 205). Details of the processing in the determination routine (# 300) will be described later.

  When the photographic film F is transported, the photographic film F is transported at a high speed until just before the frame image data is acquired in the main scan, and is decelerated to a speed corresponding to the main scan immediately before performing the main scan. The processing mode may be set so that the film F is conveyed.

  When it is determined in the determination routine (# 300) that there is no conveyance failure, the photographic film F is already at the reference position described above, and therefore the pulse signal from the synchronization signal generation circuit 81 is counted by the timing setting means 84. When the count value reaches the start-side count value ST, the main scan is started, and the acquired image data is transferred to the processing device 2, and the count value in the timing setting means 84 is set to the end-side count. When the value ED is reached, the main scan for the frame area is completed (step # 206).

  The acquisition of the frame image data by this main scan is continuously performed until the acquisition of all the frame areas designated as the target is completed, and when the acquisition of the frame image data of all the frame areas is completed, the photographic film The conveyance of F is stopped and the process is terminated (steps # 207 and # 208).

  That is, in this main scan, the target perforation Fpt (Fpx) (the one adjacent to the upstream side of the frame Ff in the transport direction) corresponding to the frame region to be scanned is specified, and the upstream side of the frame region from the target perforation Fpt. The count value ST on the (scanning start side) and the count value ED on the downstream side (scanning end side) of the frame area are specified, and the perforation sensor Sp counts the number of perforations Fp until the target perforation Fpt is reached. The film F is transported and transported in correspondence with the specified upstream count value ST with reference to the timing (detection at the up edge) when the count value reaches the target number and the target perforation Fpt is detected. The main scan at the timing of driving the motor M Start scanning, and thereafter, a sequence of processing to stop scanning at a timing of driving the conveyance motor M only corresponding to the count value ED of the identified downstream side is executed.

  An outline of the processing of the discrimination routine (# 300) can be shown as a flowchart in FIG. 10 and a timing chart in FIG. That is, when the photographic film F is conveyed in the reverse direction from the reference position and the perforation sensor Sp detects the target perforation Fpt, the count value Ca counted by the counting means 65 until the target perforation Fp is detected from the reference position. And the discriminating means 67 obtains and compares the count value Cb stored in the scanning data storage unit 66 corresponding to the distance between the reference position and the target perforation as shown in FIG. The absolute value Cd of the difference between the count value Ca and the count value Cb is calculated (steps # 301 and # 302).

  The absolute value Cd of the difference is compared with the reference value Cx, and if the absolute value Cd of the difference exceeds the reference value Cx, error data is set (steps # 303 and # 304).

  As a typical cause of this conveyance failure, the perforation Fp of the photographic film F can be taken as an example. That is, in the perforation Fp of the photographic film F, the film base part in the middle of the adjacent perforation Fp is damaged by the force from the sprocket of the camera during the winding operation and the rewinding operation in the camera, and the position of the damaged part becomes unstable. May be.

  In such a form of damage, even if the perforation Fp is properly counted in the prescan, two perforations are counted as one perforation in the main scan. Conversely, in the prescan, two perforations are counted. Although it is counted as one perforation, the perforation Fp may be properly counted in this scan.

  For this reason, when a conveyance failure occurs, scanning cannot be performed from an appropriate position, and when a main scan is performed and a print process is performed, printing is wasted. According to this, this inconvenience can be solved.

  Further, in this film processing apparatus, by checking the frame image data acquired by the main scan (#e), it is possible to determine frame image data that is inappropriate for the printing process due to the conveyance failure, and from the target of the printing process. I try to remove it.

  In other words, when a conveyance failure occurs in the main scan and scanning is performed at a position deviating from the proper position, the image is detected at the upstream or downstream end in the sub-scanning direction of the frame image data acquired by the main scan. Since a low-density area where no image exists is formed, it is determined that a low-density area is formed at the end of the acquired frame image data in the sub-scanning direction as a conveyance failure.

  The processing in the check routine for determining the conveyance failure can be shown as a flowchart in FIG. That is, the frame image data acquired in the main scan is set as a processing target, the data in the region along the main scanning direction is extracted at both ends in the sub-scanning direction of the frame image data, and R ( It is determined whether the densities for the three primary colors of red, G (green), and B (blue) are lower than a preset value (steps # 401 to # 403).

  Next, when it is determined that the density is low and it is determined that the extracted region is a band, error data is set for the target frame image data (steps # 404 to # 405). .

  In this way, after the processing for specifying the frame image data in which the conveyance failure has occurred during scanning is performed for all the frame image data acquired in the main scan, the processing is terminated (step # 407).

  Instead of the check routine using this image processing, the processing mode may be set so that the operator can visually determine whether there is a conveyance failure by displaying the frame image data acquired by the main scan on the display 3. .

  As described above, in the present invention, in the film processing apparatus that performs the pre-scan and the main scan, the position of the perforation Fp is stored in association with the pulse signal that conveys the photographic film F when the film image data is acquired by the pre-scan. When acquiring frame image data in the main scan, the count value Ca of the pulse signal when the photographic film F is conveyed while counting the perforation Fp with the perforation sensor Sp until the target perforation Fpt is detected, and the photographic film By comparing with the count value Cb of the pulse signal stored in association with the perforation Fp in synchronization with the conveyance of F, the conveyance of the photographic film F in the main scan is appropriate or inappropriate (defective). Good frame image data And to those that can be acquired only, perform the print processing of high quality.

  In addition, for the frame image data acquired by the main scan, for each piece of frame image data, it is determined whether there is a conveyance failure during scanning by image processing in the check routine, and if it is determined that there is a conveyance failure, Since no processing is performed, wasteful consumption of photographic paper is avoided.

[Another embodiment]
The present invention may be configured as follows in addition to the embodiment described above.

(A) After the photographic film is transported until the target perforation is detected, when it is determined that the transport is defective by the determining means, the operator sets the scanning position with respect to the frame to be scanned visually. The processing mode is set so that the scanning can be started after the general setting.

(B) After the photographic film is transported until the target perforation is detected, when it is determined that the transport is defective by the determining means, the transport failure is considered to be caused by the perforation being damaged. In this case, for example, the photographic film is returned by an amount equal to the pitch of one perforation by the operation of the operator, and the processing mode is set so that the main scan is performed with the perforation at that position as the target perforation.

(C) The operator automatically performs a process of extracting the frame area from the film image data acquired by the pre-scan, or displays the automatic image processing on the display, and if necessary, the operator manually extracts the extracted area. The processing form may be set so as to be performed by a semi-automatic process so that the adjustment can be performed.

(D) In the embodiment, the film processing apparatus of the present invention is configured by the main control unit of the film scanner and the processing apparatus that processes data transmitted from the main control unit. A film processing apparatus may be configured.

  In addition to print processing, frame image data acquired from photographic film may be applied to a device that stores data in a medium such as DC-R, or may be applied to a device for transmission via a communication line such as the Internet.

Perspective view of film processing equipment Sectional view showing the structure of a film scanner Perspective view of the film carrier with the transport path open Block circuit diagram showing the control system of the film processing apparatus Print processing sequence flowchart Diagram showing an overview of data flow during processing in prescan mode Diagram showing an overview of data flow during processing in this scan mode Pre-scan routine flowchart Flowchart of this scan routine Flow chart of determination routine Timing chart showing the relationship between detection data, pulse signal and stored detection data Check routine flowchart The figure which shows the positional relationship of a target perforation and a perforation sensor Timing chart showing detection signal and pulse signal during processing in main scan mode

Explanation of symbols

65 Counting unit 66 Storage unit: Scanning data storage unit 67 Discriminating unit 66A Perforation position storage unit 66B Scanning position storage unit B Transport unit: Film carrier D Photoelectric conversion unit: Photoelectric conversion unit F Photo film Ff Frame Fp Perforation M Transport motor Sp Perforation Detector: Perforation sensor

Claims (3)

A transport unit that transports the developed photographic film in the longitudinal direction by a driving force of a transport motor; a photoelectric conversion unit that acquires image data of a region along a main scanning direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the photographic film; A perforation detection unit for determining the presence or absence of perforation formed on the film,
Processing in the pre-scan mode in which image data of the photographic film is acquired at a low resolution by the photoelectric conversion unit along with the conveyance of the photographic film by the conveyance unit, and the photographic film at the reference position is conveyed by the conveyance unit, and scanning is started. After the perforation detection unit counts the number of perforations that reach the target perforation as a reference for the photographic film, the photoelectric conversion unit acquires image data of the frames of the photographic film with high resolution along with the conveyance of the photographic film by the conveyance unit A film processing apparatus including a scanning control unit that performs processing in a mode,
The scanning control unit includes a counting unit that counts a synchronization signal synchronized with the driving of the transport motor,
In the processing in the main scan mode, the counting means when the perforation detection unit counts the number of perforations until the photographic film at the reference position is transported by the transport unit and reaches the target perforation as a reference for starting scanning. And the count value at
In the pre-scan mode, when the number of perforations between the reference position and the target perforation is counted by conveyance in the conveyance unit, the count value counted by the counting unit is compared, and each count value is A film processing apparatus provided with a discriminating unit that discriminates a conveyance failure when the set values differ by more than a set value. A storage unit that stores the timing at which the perforation detection unit detects the perforation in the processing in the pre-scan mode in association with the count value from the counting unit;
The determination unit compares the count value in the processing in the main scan mode with a count value corresponding to the number of perforations between the reference position and the target perforation among the count values stored in the storage unit. The film processing apparatus of Claim 1 which performs. In the processing in the pre-scan mode, the scanning control unit transports the photographic film in the forward direction by the transport unit, and counts the count value in the forward direction to thereby detect a perforation detection position from the perforation detection unit. A process of storing in the perforation position storage means in association with the count value, stopping the photographic film at the transport end,
After setting the stop position as the reference position, in the processing in the main scan mode, the perforation position storage is performed by transporting the photographic film in the reverse direction by the transport unit and counting the count value in the reverse direction. 3. The film processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the perforation detection position is read from the means.

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