JPH09284445A - Image input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an image input device improving the arranging space efficiency of an external device at the peripheral part of a device housing and smoothly loading/unloading a film cartridge. SOLUTION: This image input device is provided with a cartridge loading part 11 as a holing means holding the cartridge 3 housing a transmission original in the state of winding around an original holding axis. An openable/closable cover 10 covering this loading part 11 is provided at a part of the outer surface 8a of the device housing with sliding structure along the face direction of the outer surface so as to prohibiting it jump out to outside. In addition, a holding member 53 holding the original holding axis of the cartridge 3 is operated back and forth at the loading part 11 linked with the sliding operation of the cover 10 of the device housing. In addition the cartridge 3 loaded to the loading part 11 is slide-operated linked with the sliding operation of the cover 10 of the device housing to engage a film feeding axis to the original holding axis.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image input apparatus for reading an image captured on each frame of a developed photographic film by transillumination, and especially for a film cartridge for storing a long developed film. The present invention relates to an image input device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A film scanner is known as an image input device configured to read an image captured on a film taken by a camera using an image sensor such as a CCD. Such film scanners
It is used for reading an image on a negative film or a reversal film and taking the read image data into a personal computer.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-240874 discloses an image input device which reads images photographed on a film one by one and reproduces and displays them on a video monitor. In particular, this conventional example describes an apparatus having a structure using a new standard film called an advanced photo system in which a developed film is wound and stored in a cartridge in a long state.

[0004]

In the latter image input device described above, by loading the film cartridge in which the developed film is wound and stored in the loading section,
The basic techniques for reading an image on film are described. However, there is no disclosure about a mechanical device structure required as an image input device, and there are some points that need to be solved.

For example, a specific structure for loading and unloading a film cartridge in the cartridge loading section, a positioning and holding structure for the film cartridge loading section, a specific structure for the cover section for opening and closing the loading section, and a film. That is the protection structure for the cartridge and the developed film.

A photographic film conforming to a new standard called the Advanced Photo System is called an IX240 type.
This IX240 type film has an image storage area and a magnetic storage area for displaying various photographing information on the surface of a silver halide film having a width of 24 mm. This IX240
When the film of the type is loaded into the camera, the film is sequentially sent out from the cartridge with the light shielding cover of the cartridge opened. After the photographing is completed, the film is completely wound into the cartridge, the light shielding cover of the cartridge is closed, and then the film is taken out of the camera. Further, the developed film is rewound and stored again in the cartridge, and stored in this state.

[0007] For this reason, for example, when the enlargement by a printing machine or the reading of the image data by the above-mentioned image input device is performed as required, the processing is carried out only by loading the film in the printing machine or the image input device in a cartridge state. can do.

An image input device that can use such a film cartridge is currently under development, but there are still some points that need to be solved as described above. Therefore, it is desired that such an image input device has a simpler configuration, is small in size and can be achieved at a low manufacturing cost, and requires some measures capable of responding to such a point. I have.

Particularly, in the above-mentioned conventional image input device,
A cover member that opens and closes a loading unit for loading a film cartridge is provided in a structure that pulls out to the front surface of the housing.
Further, when the film cartridge is loaded or unloaded, the cover of the loading portion pops out of the housing, so that a space for this pop-out is required around the installation of this type of device.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and improves the efficiency of the space for disposing external members in the peripheral portion of the apparatus housing, and allows the film cartridge to be loaded and unloaded easily and smoothly. It is an object of the present invention to obtain an image input device that can be used for.

[0011]

In order to meet such a demand, an image input apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a holding means for holding a cartridge for storing, for example, a transparent original wound around an original holding shaft. A feeding means for feeding the transparent original sent from the cartridge; an irradiation means for irradiating the transparent original with light during the feeding by the feeding means; and an image reading of the transmitted light passing through the transparent original. And a reading means. Then, the holding means is provided with a transparent document loading section and a cover that is movable along the surface direction of the outer side surface of the apparatus housing and that opens and closes the loading section. Here, the cover is configured so as not to protrude outward from the outer surface of the device housing.

The image input apparatus according to the present invention further comprises a holding member which moves in conjunction with the movement of the cover of the apparatus housing and holds the original holding shaft of the cartridge. further,
The image input device according to the present invention includes a feeding shaft that feeds a transparent original by engaging the original holding shaft of the cartridge with the cartridge loaded in the transparent original loading section in association with the movement of the cover of the apparatus casing. I have it. Further, the image input apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a support portion for supporting the cartridge in the loading portion and a guide portion for guiding the cartridge in the direction of the support portion, and the guide portion is interlocked with the movement of the cover. Is configured to guide.

Further, the image input apparatus according to the present invention includes a holding means for holding a cartridge around which a transparent document is wound around a document holding shaft, and a supporting shaft which engages with the document holding shaft for feeding the transparent document. Feeding means, irradiating means for irradiating the transparent original with light during the feeding by the feeding means, reading means for forming an image of the transmitted light passing through the transparent original to read, and a supporting shaft for the cartridge. A pressing member arranged on the opposite side and pressing the cartridge toward the support shaft is provided.

According to the present invention, the cover for covering the loading part of the film cartridge accommodating the transparent original is opened and closed by moving the cover inside the outer surface of the apparatus casing along the surface direction thereof. The cover can be prevented from popping out. Therefore, an empty space in the peripheral part of the image input device, particularly in front of the opening of the loading part is not required, and the degree of freedom in arranging with other devices can be increased.

Further, according to the present invention, since the pressing member of the spool shaft, which serves as the document holding shaft of the film cartridge, is retracted while being guided by the movement of the cover, the film cartridge is loaded into the loading section. Can be done smoothly.

Further, according to the present invention, since the guide portion for guiding the cartridge in association with the movement of the cover is provided, it is possible to load the cartridge and stably hold it in this loaded state.

The transparent original is, for example, a IX240 type photographic film according to a new standard called Advanced Photo System, which is a developed film. The document holding axis is the cartridge spool axis of the cartridge,
The cartridge also has a light-shielding door that opens and closes the film feed opening. The holding unit has a cartridge loading unit that holds the cartridge loaded in the apparatus housing.
The feeding unit includes a guide unit for feeding the film sent from the cartridge to the winding unit, a winding spool, and a drive motor for the winding unit. The irradiation means is, for example, an LED,
Not limited to this. The reading means is, for example, a line image sensor such as a CCD, but is not limited to this.

The cover for covering the loading portion is opened and closed by sliding the opening formed on the outer side surface of the apparatus casing along the inner side of the outer side surface. This cover has a structure that does not protrude outward from the outer side surface. The holding member of the document holding shaft is a pressing member of the spool shaft that is provided so as to operate in conjunction with the cover, and is biased by a spring. The feeding shaft is located in a recess provided on one side of the loading portion of the cartridge. Then, it moves with the movement of the cover and the guide portion and engages with the film cartridge.

[0019]

1 to 12 show one embodiment of an image input device according to the present invention. The image input device 1 is a device called a film scanner for inputting an image stored on the film 4. The apparatus 1 is connected to a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a host computer) 2 as shown in FIG.
The host computer 2 issues a command to the image input device 1. Based on this command, the image input device 1 performs various processes including a process of reading an image photographed on the film 4. Note that the keyboard 2a in FIG. 1 is a portion serving as an operation input unit of the host computer 2.

The film cartridge 3 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), the cartridge 4 includes a cartridge spool shaft 5 capable of feeding or winding the film 4 and the film 4 wound around the spool shaft 5. The film cartridge 3 has a case 3a that rotatably supports the spool shaft 5. The case 3a is provided with a light-shielding door 6 which shields an opening 3b which is a part of the film in a tangential direction and serves as an entrance and exit of the film. Further, the spool 4 is rotatably driven from the outside on the end face of the film cartridge 3 so that the film 4
Is provided with a feeding engagement hole 5a for feeding and winding. Further, the end face of the cartridge 3 is provided with an engagement hole 6a for opening and closing the light shielding door 6 by rotating the light shielding door 6 from the outside, and for identifying whether the film 4 has been developed or not. Is also provided.

Here, the film cartridge 3 is provided with a display mark and a bar code display portion (not shown) showing the states of the four films 4, namely, unused, developed, photographed and undeveloped, and halfway photographed. Has been. Therefore, the detection means inside the image input device can detect the display mark and the barcode display section. However, these indications are not reliable criteria for judging the state of the film once removed from the cartridge during development. For this reason, a development processing display claw 7 is provided. When the development processing display claw 7 is broken and disappears, it indicates that the development has been completed. The perforations 4a in FIG.
Are provided on the upper edge of the film 4 in order to indicate the photographing start position and end position on the film 4 and the image input area of each frame.

The device housing 8 houses the respective components of the image input device 1. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 to 6, a cartridge opening 9 for loading and unloading the above-described film cartridge 3 is formed in a part of the front surface 8a of the apparatus housing 8. I have. The opening 9 is covered by a slide cover 10 called a cartridge slide. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 to 6, the slide cover 10 opens and closes the opening 9 by sliding in the surface direction (the left and right direction in FIG. 1) inside the side wall surface of the housing front portion 8a. I do. When this opening 9 is opened, the cartridge loading portion 11 provided inside the housing 8 as a holding means for the film cartridge 3 is exposed to the outside,
The film cartridge 3 can be loaded.

With the construction of the slide cover 10 as described above, when the loading section 11 is exposed and the cartridge 3 is loaded or unloaded, the cover 10 pops out to the outside of the outer surface of the apparatus housing 8. There is nothing to do. Therefore, the space around the device 1 can be effectively used. Further, the operability at the time of loading and unloading the cartridge 3 is improved.

Here, the housing 8 of the image input apparatus 1 described above.
A schematic configuration of an image reading unit of the film 4 provided therein will be described below with reference to FIGS. An illumination optical unit 21, a film feeding unit 22, a projection optical unit 24, and a main substrate 25 are provided inside a housing 8 which is a main body of the image input apparatus 1. The illumination optical unit 21 is an irradiation unit that guides illumination light onto the film 4 as a transmission original. The film feeding unit 22 is provided with the film cartridge 3
And the film 4 is fed. The projection optical unit 24
Is the image sensor CC that transmits the light from the film 4
This is for forming an image on D23. The main board 25
Is provided with circuits for performing various signal processing. In FIG. 2, the mechanical section board 26 is for assembling various mechanical parts.

The illumination optical section 21 includes an illumination base 27,
It comprises an LED block 28, a toric mirror 29, and a 40-degree mirror 30. The entire illumination optical unit 21 is assembled and fixed to the mechanism unit substrate 26 with screws. The LED block 28 serving as a light source is fixed on the illumination base 27 with screws. The toric mirror 29 is rotatable around a cylindrical projection provided on the side surface.
7 and fixed with screws after adjusting the angle.
The 40-degree mirror 30 is bonded and fixed to a bent portion formed on the illumination base 27. In such a configuration, L
The light emitted from the ED block 28 is reflected by the toric mirror 29 and then reflected by the 40-degree mirror 30. Then, the reflected light is guided to a predetermined reading section of the film 4 which is a transparent original.

The projection optical unit 24 is a 45 ° reflection mirror 31, a projection lens 32, and a line image sensor C.
It comprises a CD 23 and a projection system lid member 33. Here, the 45-degree reflection mirror 31 is fixed to the mechanism section substrate 26. The projection lens 32 is fixed to the mechanism section substrate 26 by a lens pressing plate. The CCD board 35 on which the CCD 23 is mounted is fixed to the mechanism board 26 by screws via a CCD holder 36.

As the above-mentioned CCD 23, for example, three line image sensors equipped with red, green and blue (hereinafter, R, G, B) color filters are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the sensor axis. It may be a color image sensor arranged side by side. Further, the CCD 23 may be a monochrome line image sensor.

In such a structure, the light transmitted from the illumination optical section 21 through an arbitrary frame (transmissive original) of the film 4 has its optical path converted by 90 degrees by the 45-degree reflection mirror 31, and then by the projection lens 32. An image is formed on the CCD 23 and read. The CCD holder 36 also functions as a light shield and a dust proof, and the projection system lid member 33 is also used for the projection optical unit 2.
4 Plays the role of light shielding and dust protection.

The film feeding section 22 is composed of a feeding block 38 fixed to the illumination base 27 by screws. The feeding block 38 includes a cartridge chamber 38a of the cartridge loading unit 11 for accommodating the film cartridge 3 and the opening 3 for transmitting the illumination light.
8b and an opening 38c of the roller feed mechanism.
The opening 38b has a slit shape in the main operation direction (the direction of CCD pixel array). Therefore, film 4
Has a very small curl shape. Further, since the opening 38b is formed in a slit shape, adhesion of dust is reduced as much as possible.

At the other end of the feeding block 38,
A winding spool 39 for winding the film 4 is provided. A DC motor 40 for rotating the take-up spool 39 is disposed in the take-up spool 39. The DC motor 40 includes a fork shaft 41 (see FIGS. 3 to 6) that engages with the cartridge spool shaft 5 for sending out the film 4 from the film cartridge 3 and a light-shielding door shaft that opens and closes the light-shielding door 6 of the film cartridge 3. 42 (see FIGS. 3 to 6) is configured to be driven via a gear train (not shown).

Here, the fork shaft 41 engages with the cartridge spool shaft 5. Also, the fork shaft 41 is
It is connected to the DC motor 40 via a gear train. Therefore, the fork shaft 41 can transmit the driving force of the DC motor 40 to the cartridge spool shaft 5. The DC motor 40 and the gear train described above operate at high speed with the film 4
Is configured to be able to be fed.

Further, the feeding block 38 is provided with a roller feeding mechanism 43 so that the film 4 can be fed by using a roller. This roller feed mechanism 4
Reference numeral 3 denotes a stepping motor 46 fixed to the mechanism board 26 by screws. And this motor 4
The scan roller 44 for moving the film 4 is rotated by the reduced rotation of 6. The scan roller 44 is rotatably supported by the feeding block 38. Further, a tension roller 45 is disposed to face the scan roller 44. Therefore,
The film 4 is intermittently fed at minute intervals during reading.

The scan roller 44 is arranged slightly apart from the rail portion through which the film 4 passes.
This is to prevent the film 4 and the rollers 44 from being damaged due to constant contact with the film 4 when the DC motor 40 feeds the film. The tension roller 45 also moves away from the film except during high-precision reading, which will be described later, and takes measures to prevent it from touching the film surface. Here, the detailed illustration and description are omitted.

The film feeding unit 22 as described above is configured to feed the film 4 in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis emitted from the illumination optical unit 21. Further, a cartridge chamber 38 a is provided in front of the image input apparatus 1, a take-up spool 39 is provided on the back side, and a roller feed mechanism 43 is provided halfway between the cartridge chamber 38 a and the take-up spool 39.
Therefore, the compactness and the operability of the device 1 are improved.

Next, details of the film cartridge loading section 11 will be described below with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 to 6, a slide cover 10 is slidably mounted on the inside of the front surface 8 a of the device housing 8 along the surface direction of the front surface 8 a. When the slide cover 10 is opened and closed, the film cartridge 3 is opened.
Can be loaded into the housing 8. With such a configuration, a member (slide cover 1) that covers the film cartridge 3 when loading and unloading the film cartridge 3 and the like.
0) does not protrude outward from the device housing 8. Therefore, as described above, the installation space for the external device in the peripheral portion of the device 1 can be effectively used, and the operability is improved.

A cartridge cover 51, which is an inner cover, is disposed inside the slide cover 10. The cartridge cover 51 is configured to move in conjunction with the movement of the slide cover 10.
The cartridge cover 51 is connected to the feeding block 38.
And a slide shaft 52 attached to the feeding block 38 is slidably supported by a guide. The cartridge spool 5 of the film cartridge 3 is provided at the base end 51a of the cartridge cover 51.
An end retainer 53 located on the opposite side of the fork shaft 41 that engages with the end holder 53 is attached. A developed detection claw 54, which is a detection end corresponding to the development processing display claw 7 for determining whether or not the film 4 has been developed, is also attached to the base end 51a of the cover 51.

The end presser 53 is an end presser plate 55.
It is urged by the spring force of the end pressing spring 56. The end presser 53 is securely engaged with the cartridge spool 5, so that the cartridge 3
Is designed to hold. Also, the end press 53
The developed detection claw 54 is provided on the cartridge cover 51.
Also, it is designed to move in conjunction with the slide cover 10. Therefore, when the film cartridge 3 is loaded, it retracts from the side wall 38f of the feeding block 38. Therefore, the end retainer 53 and the developed detection claw 54 do not become an obstacle when the film cartridge 3 is loaded, and can be smoothly loaded.

Here, the above-mentioned end presser 53 is not connected to a motor or a gear train. That is, in the apparatus of this embodiment, the fork shaft 41 connected to the DC motor 40 by the gear train is fixed so as not to move. On the other hand, the end retainer 53 is movably arranged. The end presser 53 presses the cartridge spool shaft 5 to press and fix the film cartridge 3 in the direction of the cartridge spool shaft 5. If the fork shaft 41 is configured to move, the DC motor 40 and the gear train must also move. For that purpose, complicated moving means for moving the fork shaft 41 is required. However, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the film cartridge 3 can be fixed with a simple configuration. And according to such a structure, an apparatus can be comprised cheaply.

The developed detection claw 54 detects whether or not the film 4 has been developed depending on the presence or absence of the development processing display claw 7 of the film cartridge 3. Developed detection claw 54
Detects that the film is in an undeveloped state,
The PU determines that the film 4 has not been developed. And
The CPU outputs an undeveloped film signal to the host computer 2. Then, the host computer 2 displays on a display device (not shown) that the film of the cartridge 3 has not been developed. Further, the developed detection claw 5
4 also detects the presence / absence of the film cartridge 3 in the loading section 11. That is, when the development detection claw 54 detects that the film cartridge 3 is not present, the CPU outputs a cartridge absence signal (cartridge non-loading signal) to the host computer 2. The host computer 2 displays on the display device that the cartridge 3 is not loaded.

The detection performed by the developed detection claw 54 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. When the slide cover 10 is closed, one end 54 a of the developed detection claw 54 comes into contact with a detection switch 58 attached to a part of the feeding block 38. The detection switch 58 can detect the difference between the three positions. If the film cartridge 3 loaded in the loading section 11 is an undeveloped one, the position is A as shown in FIG. 8A. When the developed film cartridge 3 is loaded, the position becomes the position B as shown in FIG. If the film cartridge 3 is not loaded, the detection switch 58 is at the position C as shown in FIG. Therefore, the three states described above can be detected by one detection member.
Note that the detection claw spring 57 in FIG. 8 is for urging the developed detection claw 54 in the detection direction.

As described above, whether or not the film 4 has been developed and whether the film 4 has been developed or not is determined by the developed detection claw 54 and the detection switch 58 for detecting the movement of the detection claw 54 in three positions. Can also be detected.
Therefore, the number of components as the cartridge detection unit can be minimized.

On the other hand, the feeding block 38 is provided with a guard wall portion 38e. The guard wall portion 38e is for preventing the fork shaft 41 from being damaged due to the film cartridge 3 colliding with the fork shaft 41 which is a feeding shaft when the film cartridge 3 is loaded. Such a guard wall portion 38e of the feeding block 38
A recessed portion 61 is provided in the bottom portion, and the fork shaft 41 and the light shielding door shaft 42 are provided at the bottom of the recessed portion 61 so as not to project to the loading portion 11 side. According to such a configuration, the cartridge 3
It is possible to prevent the fork shaft 41 from being damaged during loading. In addition, in this embodiment, the relative position between the guard wall portion 38e and the fork shaft 41 is constant, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, only when the film cartridge 3 is loaded, the fork shaft 41 is attached to the loading unit 11
Therefore, it is sufficient to retreat to the outside of the guard wall portion 38e.

A discharge spring 62 is provided in the concave portion 61 of the feeding block 38. The discharge spring 62 stores a biasing force when the film cartridge 3 is loaded in the loading portion and the cartridge 3 is pushed into the recessed portion 61 as described later. And this discharge spring 6
2 moves the cartridge 3 from the inside of the concave portion 61 to the loading portion 11 side when the cartridge cover 51 and the slide cover 10 are opened and retracted.

In the feeding block 38, a cartridge loading spring 63 is also attached to the receiving side of the cartridge loading section 11. Then, the feeding block 38
With the wall 38h and the loading spring 63, a click feeling when the film cartridge 3 is loaded can be obtained.
Further, regardless of the posture of the image input device 1, even when the device 1 is placed vertically, for example, the loading spring 63
Temporarily holds the film cartridge 3. for that reason,
The film cartridge 3 will be loaded stably.

That is, the film cartridge 3 is fed to the feeding block wall 38f and the guard wall portion 38e of the fork shaft 41.
In between, the loading spring 63 is pushed away and loaded. Then, when the slide cover 10 is closed, the film cartridge 3 is held by the end wall 53 by the guard wall 38.
e moves into the recess 61 and engages with the fork shaft 41. Conversely, when the slide cover 10 is opened, the film cartridge 3 is pushed out toward the wall 38f of the feeding block 38 by the discharge spring 62 provided in the recess 61.

Further, the loading unit 1 in the feeding block 38
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the portion corresponding to the receiving portion 1 forms a substantially U-shaped notch 38g. With this configuration, the user can easily take out the film cartridge 3 from the loading section 11 by pinching it with a finger or the like.

Further, the cartridge cover 51 which is the inner cover is configured to cover the upper half of the film cartridge 3 loaded in the loading section 11 when the outer cover 10 is closed. By doing so, the film cartridge 3 can be stably held in a predetermined loading posture. In particular, such a cartridge cover 51 can stably hold the film cartridge 3 in cooperation with the loading spring 63 as shown in FIG.

Further, the cartridge cover 51 has
A lock mechanism 65 for locking the cover 51 so as not to be opened together with the outer slide cover 10 is provided. The lock mechanism 65 is operated so as to be in a locked state when the light shielding door 6 of the film cartridge 3 is opened with the film cartridge 3 loaded. Regarding this lock mechanism 65, as shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

The lock mechanism 65 has a flange-shaped cam 42a on a part of the light-shielding door shaft 42 that engages with the engaging hole 6a for opening and closing the light-shielding door 6 of the cartridge 3. Also,
A light-blocking lever 66 is provided which can rotate on a support shaft parallel to the light-blocking door shaft 42. And this light-shielding lever 66
The light-blocking lever 66 is rotated in conjunction with the movement of the light-blocking door shaft 42 by the cam 42a whose one end contacts.

A lock portion 51b is provided on a part of the cartridge cover 51. The lock plate 67 has a lock portion 67a that engages with the lock portion 51b. The lock portion 67a can be arranged at two positions.
It is provided so that it can advance and retreat. That is, as shown in FIG. 7A, there is a case where the lock plate 67 is arranged at a position where the lock plate 67 is engaged with the lock portion 67a. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the lock plate 67 may be disposed at a position where it does not engage with the lock portion 67a. First, the case where the cartridge cover 51 is locked will be described with reference to FIG. The lock plate 67 is normally urged by urging means (not shown) so that the lock portion 67a is at a position where it engages with the lock portion 51b. The flange-shaped cam 4 is interlocked with the opening of the light-shielding door 6 by the light-shielding shaft door 42a.
2a presses the light blocking lever 66. Then the light blocking lever 6
6 rotates counterclockwise and stops at the position shown in FIG. The other end of the light blocking lever 66 is arranged at a position where it engages with the other end of the lock plate 67. Therefore, the lock plate 67
Is fixed in the engagement position and the forward / backward movement is prevented. Therefore, the cartridge cover 51 is locked, and as a result, the slide cover 10 cannot be opened.

Next, the case where the cartridge cover 51 is unlocked will be described with reference to FIG. The light blocking shaft door 42a interlocks with the closing of the light blocking door 6, and the flange-shaped cam 42a releases the pressing of the light blocking lever 66. Then, the light blocking lever 66 rotates clockwise and stops at the position shown in FIG. Then, the other end of the light blocking lever 66 is released from engagement with the other end of the lock plate 67. Therefore, the lock plate 67 can be retracted from the engagement position. In this state, when the cartridge cover 51 moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7B in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the slide cover 10, the lock portion 51b pushes the lock portion 67a. Therefore, the cartridge cover 51 can be opened.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the outline of the internal mechanical section of the image input apparatus 1 in the image input system including the image input apparatus and the host computer. The electric control system in FIG. 10 is a drive circuit and a processing circuit of each of the above-described mechanical units. Here, a specific description of each is omitted. Note that FIG.
In a position where a perforation 4a formed on a side edge of the film 4 sent from the cartridge 3 can be detected, sensors 91 and 92 for detecting a feed position of the film 4 are provided. On one side edge of the film 4, a magnetic head 93 for reading or writing information in a magnetic storage area of various photographing information is provided.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the CPU of the image input apparatus when the thumbnail creation processing is performed in the image processing apparatus 1. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the CPU of the image input apparatus 1 when performing the designated frame image input processing. These FIG. 11 and FIG.
The thumbnail creating process and the designated frame image input process when the image reading of the film 4 is performed will be described with reference to FIG.

Referring to FIG. 11, the film cartridge 3
The thumbnail creation processing for reading all the film information in the thumbnail will be described. First, when the film cartridge 3 is loaded into the loading unit 11 of the image input apparatus 1 and the thumbnail creation command is issued from the host computer 2 to read all the film information in the film cartridge 3, the flowchart of FIG. Will start. In S1,
Detection switch 58 operated by movement of developed detection claw 54
, The state of the film cartridge 3, that is, whether or not the film cartridge 3 is loaded is determined. This S
If it is determined in step S1 that the camera is loaded, S2
Proceed to. If it is determined in S1 that the cartridge is not loaded, S3
Proceed to.

In S3, a cartridge non-loading signal indicating that the cartridge 3 has not been loaded is output to the host computer 2, and the process ends. Note that, when the cartridge unloaded signal is input, the host computer 2 displays on the display device that the cartridge 3 is not loaded. On the other hand, in S2, the detection switch 58 which is operated by the movement of the developed detection claw 54 similarly to S1 described above.
Is determined whether the film 4 in the loaded cartridge 3 has been developed. If it is determined that the film is a developed film, the process proceeds to S5. If it is determined that the film is not a developed film, the process proceeds to S5.
As in the case of 2, the process proceeds to S3. In S3, the above-described undeveloped film signal is output, and the process ends. Also,
The host computer 2 displays on the display device that the film of the cartridge 3 has not been developed by inputting the above-mentioned signal.

In S4, the DC motor 40 is driven, and the light-shielding door shaft 42 is rotated thereby, so that the light-shielding door 6 is opened in S5. In step S6, the fork shaft 41 for feeding the film 4 and the take-up spool 39 are driven by further driving the DC motor 40 and changing the gear train. Therefore, the delivery of the film 4 is performed.

Then, in S7, the sensor 9
The first perforations 4 a on the film 4 are detected by the reference numerals 1 and 92. The film is fed by inputting this signal to the CPU in the image input device 1. In S8, the film is fed, and when the first film is moved to the image reading position, the LED is detected.
The block 28 is turned on.

In S9, the CCD 23 reads the first image light signal of the film 4 generated by the light from the LED block 28 while the film 4 is being fed. And S
At 10, the perforations 4a are detected by the sensors 91 and 92, and the number of frames of the film 4 is detected.

In S11, it is judged whether or not the film 4 has been fed as it is, based on the film frame number information detected by the perforation 4a in S10. If it is determined that the last time has been reached, the process proceeds to S12. Then, in S12, the DC motor 40 is stopped, and the process ends. If it is determined that there is no last time, the process returns to S8, and the processing steps from S8 to S11 are repeated.

The DC motor 40 drives the film 4 at high speed.
When the image is read while feeding in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, fine information on the film 4 cannot be read. The thumbnails created by such thumbnail creation processing are used to confirm the image information in the film cartridge 3 and to confirm which frame number the image information required by the user exists. .

Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a process when a designated frame image input for reading image information at an arbitrary frame number among information on the film 4 in the film cartridge 3 is performed will be described. Such a designated frame image input is performed when the user knows which frame number the image information required in advance is in which frame number of the film 4 or when a thumbnail has already been created. Performed when reading.

First, when the designated top number is input from the host computer 2, the flowchart of FIG. 12 starts. In the case of this designated frame image input processing, S
Up to the opening process of the light shielding door 6 in the cartridge 3 from 21 to S25, S1 to S in FIG.
Same as 5. The description is omitted here.

In the process of FIG. 12, after the light shielding door 6 is opened in S25, the DC motor 40 is temporarily stopped in S26. Subsequently, in step S27, the DC motor 40 is driven again to perform film feeding up to the designated frame number. That is, in S28, the sensors 91,
The perforation is counted by 92 and S2
In step 9, it is determined whether or not the designated frame has been reached. If the designated frame has not been reached, the processes of S27 to S29 are repeated.

When it is determined in S29 that the designated frame has been reached, the DC motor 40 is stopped again in S30. As a result, the film 4 stops at the designated frame number. Subsequently, in step S31, the stepping motor 46 is rotated counterclockwise, and in step S32, the motor is driven up to the designated number of pulses. By this drive, the lock in the roller feed mechanism 43 is released. Further, the tension roller 45 presses the scan roller 44 via the film 4 by the counterclockwise rotation.

Next, in step S33, the stepping motor 46 is rotated in the clockwise direction so that the image reading is performed while the film 4 is stopped in accordance with the reading pitch of the image of the designated top. That is, this motor 46
While the film 4 is being fed at a low speed, the LED is turned on in S34 and the CCD is read in S35.
This is the same as S8 and S9 in FIG. 11 described above. By such reading, one frame of high-definition image information desired by the user can be obtained.

Subsequently, it is judged in S36 whether or not the reading of the designated number of lines has been completed.
The processes in 33 to S36 are repeated, and when it is determined that the process is completed, the process proceeds to S37.

In step S37, the stepping motor 46
Is rotated counterclockwise to separate the tension roller 45 from the film 4, and further, in S 38, the roller feed mechanism 43
To lock. This is because the user prepares to move to the next frame number desired by the user, and the film 4 and the roller 4
This is performed in order to prevent the 4, 45 from being deformed. However, when reading images consecutively from adjacent frame numbers,
Without performing the above-described operation, the image is continuously read while the tension roller 45 is being pressed.

The frame number of the film 4 is confirmed by counting the perforations 4a formed on one side edge of the film 4 with the sensors 91 and 92.

When the film cartridge 3 is taken out from the image input device 1 after the image thumbnail creation process or the specified frame image input process by the high-definition image reading process is completed, the host computer 2 is used. Enter the eject command. That is,
The image input device 1 reverses the DC motor 40, performs rewinding, closes the light shielding door 6 after the rewinding is completed, and allows the film cartridge 3 to be taken out.

It is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the structure described in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the shape, structure, etc. of each part in the image input apparatus 1 can be appropriately modified or changed. For example, the illumination optical unit 2 in the image input device 1
1. The configurations of the film feeding unit 22, the projection optical unit 24, and the like can be freely modified as appropriate.

[0071]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A photographic film (IX240 type film) according to a new standard called Advanced Photo System is used as a cartridge containing a transparent original.
An image storage area and a magnetic storage area for displaying various kinds of photographing information are used on the surface of a silver halide film having a width of mm.

[0072]

As described above, according to the image input apparatus of the present invention, the transparent original loading section as a holding means for holding the cartridge that stores the transparent original wound around the original holding shaft. Since a cover that can be opened / closed is provided along a part of the outer surface of the device casing in the surface direction of the outer surface, the cover is provided so as to be movable without protruding outside the outer surface. Despite the simple structure, the following excellent effects are obtained.

That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to open and close the loading section by slidingly moving the cover that covers the loading section of the cartridge that stores the transparent original, inside the outer surface of the apparatus housing. It is possible to prevent the cover from popping out. Therefore, an unnecessary space around the image input device housing, especially near the opening of the loading part, is unnecessary. Therefore, the degree of freedom in arrangement with the external device can be increased. Further, loading and unloading of the cartridge from the opening of the loading section can be performed easily and smoothly.

Further, according to the present invention, the pressing member as a holding member for holding the original holding shaft of the cartridge is moved to the transparent original loading portion in association with the movement of the cover of the apparatus casing. . Therefore, the cartridge can be smoothly loaded into the loading section.

Further, according to the image input apparatus of the present invention, the loading section is provided with the support section for supporting the cartridge and the guide section for guiding the cartridge in the direction of the support section. Further, the guide portion is configured to guide the cartridge in association with the movement of the cover. Therefore, by moving the guide portion in conjunction with the cover while the cartridge is loaded in the loading portion to cover the cartridge, the cartridge can be stably held in the loaded state.

Further, according to the image input apparatus of the present invention, the holding means for holding the cartridge of the transparent original, the feeding means for feeding the transparent original, and the transparent original being lighted during the feeding by the feeding means. And a reading member for reading the transmitted light, and a pressing member arranged on the side opposite to the support shaft with respect to the cartridge and pressing the cartridge toward the support shaft. With such a structure, the structure of the drive source of the feeding system and the reduction gear train can be simplified. Moreover, the film cartridge can be securely fixed with such a simple structure. There is also an advantage that the cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an image input apparatus according to the present invention and showing the image input apparatus and a host computer connected to the image input apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of an image input device according to the present invention and illustrating an internal mechanism of the image input device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a cartridge loading section in the image input apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 2, showing a state where a slide cover is opened.

6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 2, and is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a slide cover is closed.

7A and 7B show a lock mechanism for locking the cartridge cover in the cartridge loading portion, FIG. 7A being a diagram showing a locked state, and FIG. 7B being a diagram showing an unlocked state.

FIG. 8 (a), in the cartridge loading section,
FIGS. 4B and 4C are diagrams showing a detection unit that determines whether or not the film cartridge has been developed and detects whether or not the cartridge is loaded.

9A and 9B show a film cartridge used in the image input apparatus according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 9A is a perspective view showing a state in which the film is stored, and FIG. 9B is a perspective view showing a state in which the film is partially fed. is there.

FIG. 10 shows an image input system including an image input device and a host computer according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram for describing an outline of an internal mechanism of the image input apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the CPU of the image input apparatus when performing thumbnail creation processing in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the CPU of the image input apparatus when performing designated frame image input processing in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image input device (film scanner), 2 ... Microcomputer (host computer), 3 ... Film cartridge, 3b ... Aperture for loading / unloading film, 4 ...
Film (transparent original), 5 ... Cartridge spool shaft (original holding shaft), 5a ... Film feeding engagement hole, 6 ... Light-shielding door, 6a ... Engagement hole, 7 ... Development processing display nail, 8 ... Device housing , 8a ... Front part, 9 ... Cartridge opening, 10 ... Slide cover (outer cover), 11 ... Film cartridge loading section (holding means), 21 ... Illumination optical system (irradiating means), 22 ... Film feeding section (feeding) Sending means), 23 ... CC
D (reading means), 24 ... projection optical system (reading means), 38
... Feeding block, 38e ... Guard wall portion, 38f ... Side wall portion, 38g ... Notch portion, 38h ... Wall, 39 ... Winding spool, 40 ... DC motor, 41 ... Fork shaft (film feeding shaft, support shaft), 42 ... Shading door shaft, 43 ... Rotor feeding mechanism, 51 ... Inner cover cartridge cover (guide portion), 52 ... Slide shaft, 53 ... End presser (holding member), 54 ... Developed detection claw, 55 ... End presser Board, 5
6 ... End pressing spring, 57 ... Detection claw spring, 58 ... Detection switch (electrical switch), 61 ... Recessed portion, 62 ... Ejection spring, 63 ... Loading spring (elastic body), 65 ... Lock mechanism.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A holding means for holding a transparent original, a feeding means for feeding the transparent original, an irradiating means for irradiating the transparent original with light during the feeding by the feeding means, and the transparent original. An image input apparatus comprising: a reading unit that forms an image of a transmitted light that is transmitted and reads the image, wherein the holding unit includes a loading unit for the transparent document and an outer surface of a part of an outer surface of an apparatus housing. An image input device, which is provided so as to be movable along the surface direction and includes a cover that opens and closes the loading section. 2. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein the cover is configured so as not to protrude outside the outer surface of the device housing. 3. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein the transparent original is contained in a cartridge and is supported by an original holding shaft. 4. The image input apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a holding member that moves in association with movement of the cover and holds a document holding shaft of a cartridge. 5. The image input device according to claim 3, further comprising a feeding shaft that engages with the document holding shaft in conjunction with the movement of the cover and feeds the transparent document. 6. The image input device according to claim 3, 4, or 5, wherein the loading section has a support section for supporting the cartridge and a guide section for guiding the cartridge in the direction of the support section. The guide unit guides the cartridge in association with the movement of the cover. 7. A feeding means for feeding the transparent original, comprising a holding means for holding a cartridge for storing the transparent original in a state of being wound around the original holding shaft, and a support shaft engaging with the original holding shaft. An irradiation means for irradiating the transparent original with light during the feeding by the feeding means; a reading means for forming an image of the transmitted light passing through the transparent original to read; And an urging member that is disposed on the side and presses the cartridge toward the support shaft.