JPH1023196A - Image input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a simple and economical image input device where the camera main body is available also for the general photographing by securing an attachable/detachable structure between a photo film image reader and the camera main body and preparing both magnification and general photographing modes in regard to the optical system of the camera main body. SOLUTION: In regard to the optical system of an electronic or digital camera main body 1, the focal distance can be varied in both magnification and general photographing modes. Then the optical system of the body 1 can be attached on and detached from an APS film image reader 2 or a 3.5mm film image reader 3. In such a constitution of an image input device, the body 1 can serve as a film scanner of high image resolution by means of the magnification optical system. On the other hand, a general photographing electronic or digital camera is available when true body 1 is removed from the reader 2 or 3 respectively. Thus, a simple and economical image input device is obtained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image input device, and more particularly to a color image input device suitable for a television receiver or a personal computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, regarding a color image input device,
2. Description of the Related Art A film scanner and various scanners for inputting a flat original are known as an electronic camera (especially a digital camera has recently become popular) as a device for general subjects and an image input device for photographic film.

An electronic camera has the advantages of being compact, excellent in portability, basically capable of displaying images in real time, and inexpensive than digital cameras, but has relatively low resolution and cannot store images. There is a disadvantage.

[0004] Digital cameras have the advantages that they can be easily photographed, are compact and excellent in portability, can reproduce and view captured images instantaneously, have a high image capture speed and are inexpensive, but have a comparative resolution. Very low,
There is a disadvantage.

[0005] On the other hand, the film scanner has the advantage of high resolution, but generally has a subject limited to a specific film size, has a low capturing speed, is relatively large, and has poor portability.
The disadvantage is that the price is relatively high.

As described above, the electronic camera, the digital camera, and the film scanner have advantages,
It has disadvantages and requires a dedicated input device.

[0007]

Since a general electronic camera or digital camera uses a two-dimensional image pickup device, its resolution is limited, and it is not suitable for close-up photography such as texts and photographs. On the other hand, a film scanner uses a one-dimensional image sensor, so the resolution is higher than an electronic camera, but it takes time because it is necessary to move a film or a sensor when capturing an image. However, there is a drawback that a pre-scan is required for processing in a previous stage for determining conditions for capturing an image.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and to use one image input device as an image input device for general subjects and also to use it as an input unit for photographic film images. It is an object of the present invention to provide a new image input device which is simple and cost-effective.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image input apparatus having a camera body to which an image reading device for a photographic film can be detachably attached, wherein the camera body includes an imaging lens and the imaging lens. A two-dimensional image sensor disposed on a light receiving surface of a lens, and when the image reading device is attached to the camera body, at least a part of an image on a photographic film attached to the image reading device is formed. An imaging lens changing unit that changes a focal length of the imaging lens so that an image is formed on the imaging device by the imaging lens of the camera body; and the image reading device is attached to the camera body. Sometimes, an electrical connection means is provided for enabling communication between the camera body and the image reading device.

According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the change of the focal length of the imaging lens by the imaging lens changing means is automatically performed when the image reading device is attached to the camera body. Will be

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the change of the focal length of the imaging lens by the imaging lens changing means is performed by a switching member provided in the camera body.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention,
The image reading device measures a relative position between the photographic film and the imaging lens, a film loading mechanism for automatically winding the photographic film, an illumination light source for illuminating the photographic film, and measures the relative position. Encoder means for generating an encoder pulse indicating a target position, and when the image reading device is attached to the camera body, the image data of the photographic film is divided into a plurality of pieces through the electrical connection means. The encoder pulse is output serially to the camera body in synchronization with the encoder pulse generated by the encoder means.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a color image input device as one embodiment of the present invention. This color image input device has a camera body 1 and an APS film image reader 2 or 35 mm film image reader 3 as a film scanner in order to have a function as a general camera in addition to the function as a film scanner. Are removable.

In this color image input device, if the APS film image reading device 2 or the 35 mm film image reading device 3 is detached from the camera body 1, the camera body 1 can be used alone as a digital camera. As will be described later, the camera body 1 is provided with a magnifying optical system. When the camera body 1 is used in combination with the APS film image reading device 2 or the 35 mm film image reading device 3 as a film scanner, a super close-up is performed. Images can be stored as they are.
If necessary, the camera body 1 may be provided with a function of transmitting images and information signals to the personal computer 4.

The magnifying optical system provided in the camera body 1 is set at a predetermined magnification so as to capture an image of a part of the film surface, as will be described later. In addition, it has a function of reading image data a plurality of times while shifting the relative position between the optical system and the film, and can capture an image with high resolution.

The film image reading device 2 or 3
As described later, film feed, rewind mechanism and film illumination light source, as well as built-in encoder that can measure the amount of film movement or the amount of body movement,
It has a function of transferring the movement amount to the main body, but does not have a circuit for directly processing image signals. The film image reading device 2 or 3 has a dedicated interface for transferring the movement amount to the camera body 1. The information of each switch setting of the camera body 1 is stored in the film image reading device 2
Or 3 via its dedicated interface.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the camera body 1 and the configuration of each switch. Hereinafter, the structure of the camera body 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The camera body 1 is provided with a color area CCD 17 as a two-dimensional image sensor, and includes a first lens unit (with an AF mechanism) 15 and a second lens unit 16.
An image from the optical system including the mirror 22 is formed on the color area CCD 17. Details of this optical system will be described later with reference to FIGS.

The camera body 1 is provided with a liquid crystal monitor 18, and an image formed on the image sensor 17 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 18. An analog signal of an image obtained from the image sensor 17 is
It has a function of performing / D conversion, temporarily storing it in a memory, processing the image, and then outputting it to a built-in liquid crystal monitor 18 or an external monitor. In addition,
It has a function of reading the position information from the encoder when the film image reading device 2 or 3 is mounted, and storing the data in a predetermined place (see FIG. 15) in the video signal. As the imaging device 17, a two-dimensional imaging device (CCD or the like) is used so that it can be used as a camera. An all-pixel readout type is preferable, but an inexpensive electronic camera that complies with ordinary NTSC or PAL specifications may be used. In the case of these CCDs, since the pixels are not square pixels, data thinning processing is required.

Next, the switches and components provided on the camera body 1 will be described. First, the shutter release button 5 is for storing image data in a nonvolatile memory inside the camera when pressed. The brightness adjustment volume 6 is for adjusting the brightness of the backlight of the liquid crystal monitor 18. The color density adjustment volume 7 is for adjusting the color density of the liquid crystal monitor 18. The mode setting button 8 displays setting items of “camera mode”, “focus”, “white balance”, “exposure”, “picture mode” on the screen of the LCD monitor 18,
It is a button for deleting. The negative / positive changeover switch 9 is used to set whether the image is to be displayed as a positive image as it is, to be taken in, or to be displayed as a negative inversion or to be taken in. The power switch 10
This is for turning on / off the power of the camera body 1.

The tripod mounting hole 11 is a screw hole for fixing the camera body 1 to a tripod. The optical system switch 12 is an operation switch for switching the magnification of the optical system when used in place of a magnifying glass or when used as a scanner. Lamp switch 13 for lighting
Is an on / off switch for the enlargement illumination lamp 14, which is turned on during close-up photography so that an object can be illuminated. Illumination lamp 14 when enlarged
Is a lamp for illumination built in the camera body 1 and is used by being turned on mainly at the time of close-up photography.

The first lens unit 15 is a lens for photographing a general subject (with an autofocus function).
The lens unit 16 is a lens (for example, a magnification of 8 ×) used when photographing a subject while enlarging it. The color area CCD 17 is an image sensor as an element for converting an image of a subject into an electric signal. The liquid crystal monitor 18 with a touch panel is a display element for displaying an image formed on the image sensor 17 and setting various modes. The circuit board 19 includes a circuit having a communication function corresponding to control of the camera body 1, image processing, a personal computer, and various image reading devices. Board with connector 20
Is a board on which an electrical connector for communicating with various image reading devices is mounted. Backlight unit 21
Denotes a backlight of the liquid crystal monitor 18. Mirror 2
Reference numeral 2 is for bending the optical path of the camera body by 90 degrees.

Next, an example of a circuit configuration of the camera body 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The video signal from the image sensor 17 is digitally converted by the A / D converter 59. The gate array unit 64 includes the imaging device 17,
Each of the digitally converted pixel data, which is used for controlling the timing of the memories 60 and 61, the nonvolatile memory 65, the microcomputer (CPU) 68, and the digital signal processor unit (DSPU) 63, is shown in FIG. As shown, it is stored in a predetermined address of the DRAM 60. After the digital signal processor unit DSPU 63 performs processing such as negative-positive inversion and gamma correction, the memory DRAM 61
To be stored. When the shutter release 5 of the camera body 1 is pressed, the data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 65. When monitoring an image stored in the non-volatile memory 65, data is stored in the gate array unit 64.
, And analog converted by the D / A converter 62,
An external monitor output is obtained by the NTSC encoder 66. Simultaneously, the liquid crystal monitor 18 can be simultaneously monitored by the dedicated controller 67.
The enlarged illumination lamp 14 of the camera body 1 is turned on by an inverter-type drive circuit 74. When the camera body 1 is used alone and the lighting lamp switch 1 is used.
When the switch 3 is turned on, the lamp 14 is turned on.

Next, image reading devices for various types of photographic films detachably attached to the camera body 1 will be described. First, FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of a 35 mm film image reading device 3. The 35 mm film image reading device 3 divides an image of one frame of a 35 mm film into two right and left parts and two vertical parts. It is something that can be imported. In the left-right direction, the film is driven by the transmission motor 34.
The camera body 1 is moved manually. The image moves up and down and left and right, so the encoder 29
Are prepared for two directions, respectively. The film is provided with a cut / roll film switching dial 23 so as to be compatible with both cut sheets and roll films. Automatic winding is performed immediately after the film is inserted, but a film fine feed button 25 is provided so that the position can be finely adjusted in order to determine the image reading position of the first frame. Further, there are provided a film take-up button 24 used when reading is completed and the film is taken out, and an automatic film feed button 26 for moving the divided area of one frame of an image accurately. Furthermore, the film minute feed button 25
By pressing two automatic film feed buttons 26 at the same time, the length of one frame is automatically fed.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the APS film image reading apparatus 2. The 35 mm APS film image reading apparatus 2 is moved in two directions to take in the APS film image. I have. One direction is divided into three and taken in three times. The light source for illumination of each film scanner adapter uses an ultra-thin white fluorescent tube.

Next, the purpose of use of each part of each film image reading apparatus will be described together. First, 35
To describe the film image reading device 3 for mm,
The cut / roll film switching dial 23 is a dial that switches depending on whether the film to be read is cut or rolled. The film eject / rewind button 24 is a button used to end reading, rewind the roll film, or take out the cut film. Film feed button 2
Reference numeral 5 denotes a button for finely adjusting the position of the inserted film in order to determine the image reading position of the first frame. When the automatic film feed button 26 is turned on, the film is automatically moved, moves to the next reading position, and stops. Film eject / rewind button 24 and automatic film feed button 2
By pressing 6 simultaneously, one frame of the film is returned. When the film minute feed button 25 and the automatic film feed button 26 are simultaneously pressed, the film is advanced by one frame.

The power switch 27 is a power switch for supplying electricity to the film illumination fluorescent lamp 32, the motor 34, and the circuit board 19. The electrical connector 28 for connection to the camera body 1 supplies electricity to the camera body 1 and performs data communication with the camera body 1 at this portion. The encoder 29 measures the amount of movement of the film or the camera body 1 by the two encoders. The 35 mm roll film insertion port 30 is a slot for inserting and removing a 35 mm roll film, and the 35 mm cut film insertion slot 31 is for inserting a 35 mm cut film.
It is an outlet. The film lighting fluorescent lamp 32
The film winding unit 33 is a mechanical unit for winding the film after inserting the film, and the motor 34 is a motor for winding and moving the film.

First, the APS film image reading apparatus 2 will be described.
When reading is completed and this button is pressed, the film is rewound. The fine film feed button 36 is a button for finely adjusting the position of the inserted film in order to determine the image reading position of the first frame. When the automatic film feed button 37 is turned on, the film is automatically moved, moves to the next reading position, and stops. When the film take-up button 35 and the automatic film feed button 37 are pressed at the same time, the film is returned by one frame. When the film minute feed button 36 and the film automatic feed button 37 are simultaneously pressed, the film is advanced by one frame.

The power switch 38 is a power switch for supplying electricity to the film illumination fluorescent lamp 42, the motor 44, and the circuit board 19. The electrical connector 39 for connection to the camera body 1
To supply electricity 3 and to perform data communication with the camera body 1. The encoder 40 measures a moving amount of the film. APS film insertion slot 41
Is a slot for inserting and removing the APS film, the film illumination fluorescent lamp 42 is a place where the film illumination lamp is turned on, the film winding unit 43 is a mechanical unit for winding the film after inserting the film, and the motor 44 is ,
This is a motor for film winding and moving.

Next, an example of a circuit configuration of the film image reading device 2 or 3 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the circuit is simple because the film image reading device 2 or 3 does not handle image information. The pulses of the encoder 29 or 40 are counted by a microcomputer (CPU) 76, and the counted number is temporarily stored in a memory 77. In response to a request from the camera body 1, it has a function of converting it into a serial signal and transferring it to the camera body 1 side. When the camera body 1 is mounted, the inverter type driving circuit 82 of the film illumination fluorescent lamp 32 or 42 also has a function of being automatically started by the CPU 76. The operation means for the type of the reading device 2 or 3 and the setting for the camera body 1 is ROM
78 and is called by the CPU 76 as needed. The motor drive circuit 81 of the motors 34 and 44 is also controlled by the CPU 76.

FIG. 5 shows a camera body 1 having the above-described configuration, a film image reading device 2 or 3,
FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an outline of signal exchange with the computer 4, and a line 94 is a signal line from the camera body 1 to the computer 4, and outputs an image signal from the camera body 1 to the computer 4 side. Or a line for outputting position information when the film image reading device 2 or 3 is mounted. A line 95 is a signal line from the camera body 1 to the film image reading device 2 or 3, and when the camera body 1 is attached to the film image reading device 2 or 3, a clock signal or an 8-bit serial signal is transmitted to the image reading device. This is a line to output to 2 or 3. A line 96 is a signal line from the film image reading device 2 or 3 to the camera body 1,
This line is used to output a signal output in synchronization with the feeding of the film, a signal for identifying the type of the image reading apparatus, a mode setting information, and a signal of the film type.

Next, the contacts of the electrical connector will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows the electrical connector mounted on the connector-attached substrate 20 of the camera body 1 and the electrical connector 28 of the film image reading device 2 or 3.
Or 39 schematically illustrates the function of each contact between the two. As shown in FIG. 6, there are five contact blocks, which are electrical contacts. The contact V _DD 97 is a power supply terminal for a camera internal control circuit. Contact SCK / BUSY9
Reference numerals 8 and 99 denote a clock terminal for outputting from the camera to the film image reading device and a busy signal terminal for outputting from the film image reading device to the camera. The contact DSC 100 is a terminal for an 8-bit serial signal output from the film image reading device side in synchronization with the camera side and SCK. Contact DCS101
Is from the camera side to the film image reader side, SCK
This is a terminal for an 8-bit serial signal output in synchronization with. Finally, the contact GND 102 is a ground (not a motor) terminal for the internal control circuit of the film image reading apparatus.

Next, the basic operation of communication between the camera body 1 and the image reading device 2 or 3 via the electrical connection means by such an electrical connector will be described in order. (1) When the _VDD voltage is supplied from the image reading device and stabilized, the camera outputs the SCK clock. (2) When the image reading device recognizes the SCK clock, it is recognized that the terminal is connected, and the image reading device returns a BUSY signal. (3) The reading device transfers the identification data of the type of the image reading device, the mode setting, or the data of the type of the film if a film is inserted from the DSC. (4) Wait for the first command from the camera body. If there is nothing after waiting for a few seconds, the reading device side to the camera side,
A command requesting the transfer of the initial settings (switches, means) is sent from the DSC. (5) The camera sends initial setting data from DCS. (6) Confirm that the settings on the camera are appropriate, and permit the operation of the image feed button on the image reading device. (7) Press the feed button on the image reading device side, and after the movement is completed, transfer the frame number and the position information from the encoder from the DSC to the camera side. (8) Return the delivery completion command from the camera to the image reading device from the DCS. (9) The operations of the above items (7) and (8) are repeated, and after the last frame number is sent, a movement completion command for one frame is transferred from the DSC to the camera side.

Next, the optical system provided in the camera body 1 will be described in detail. 9, 10, and 11 schematically show an example of an optical system built in the camera body 1. The optical system of this embodiment has a configuration in which three types of focal lengths can be changed. FIG. 9 shows the camera mode (Camera mod
The configuration of the optical system in the case of e) is schematically shown. This camera mode is for general photographing when the camera body 1 is used alone, and also corresponds to a distant subject. At this time, the distance from the image pickup device 17 to the flange back of the first lens unit 15 is D1, and the front group extension amount of the first lens unit 15 is S1.

FIG. 10 schematically shows the configuration of the optical system in the 8 × mode (8 × mode). The 8 × mode is used when the camera is used alone or when the film image reading device is mounted. But it works in both cases. When the camera body 1 is used alone, the magnification of the imaging optical system is set to 8 times, and functions as a magnifying glass. When the image reading device 2 or 3 is attached, a part of the central portion can be read in an enlarged manner. At this time, the distance from the imaging element 17 to the flange back of the first lens unit 15 is D2, and the front lens group extension amount of the first lens unit 15 is S2.

FIG. 11 shows a film scanner mode (Fi
(lm Scanner mode) schematically shows the configuration of the optical system.This film scanner mode functions regardless of whether the camera is used alone or when a film image reading device is attached. In this mode, the magnification is set so that one entire frame of the film can be captured. Therefore, an optical system that can obtain an optimum magnification when the film image reading device 2 or 3 is mounted is supported. At this time, the distance from the image pickup device 17 to the flange back of the first lens unit 15 is D3, and the front group extension amount of the first lens unit 15 is S1.
The camera mode of FIG. 9, the 8 × mode of FIG.
What changes in the optical system in the film scanner mode in FIG. 11 is the distance from the image forming surface on the image sensor 17 to the flange back of the first lens unit 15, and the first lens unit 15 having a two-group configuration. The focal length is changed by changing the feeding amounts S1 to S3 of the front group. Further, in the 8 × mode in FIG. 10, a second lens unit 16 as another optical system is inserted between the mirror 22 and the first lens unit 15. With such a configuration, three types of optical systems having different focal lengths are dealt with.

Next, the basic operation when the camera body 1 is used alone will be described. 12 and 13
Shows a setting screen that appears on the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 18 when the mode setting button 8 of the camera body 1 is pressed. The setting 46 of the camera mode, the setting of the focus 47 and the exposure mode 53, and the registration and setting of the white balances 48 to 52 can be set on the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 18.
The “initial screen” indicated by reference numeral 45 in FIG.
When the mode screen display button of the camera body 1 is pressed, it appears as the first screen. “Camera mode” indicated by reference numeral 46
In the case of using the camera alone, a record mode for capturing and recording an image and a play mode for displaying an image in the nonvolatile memory 65 already recorded in the camera body 1 on the liquid crystal monitor 18 Is a menu for selecting. “Focus” indicated by reference numeral 47 is a switch between auto focus and manual,
In the case of general subject shooting, the lock position is set to auto, and in other cases (such as when an image reading device is attached), the lock position is set. In the lock position, auto focus is
The lens is canceled and the lens is fixed at the position where the lock button is pressed.

Reference numerals 48 in FIGS.
In the “White Balance” indicated by reference numerals 52 to 52, the screens indicated by reference numerals 48 and 51 are “White Ba” on the initial screen.
When you select "lance", the first menu that appears is "set
"And" call "can be selected. “Set” is “set” 49 of the position on the screen where the white balance is to be adjusted, and “fill in” the title for registering the determined value.
It is a button for zeroing. "Call" is "fill in" 50
"Call" the value of the white balance registered in step 52
Button. “Exposure” indicated by reference numeral 53 in FIG. 13 is a mode setting for adjusting the exposure, in which the charge accumulation time in the image sensor is set to “Auto”.
You can select from "Fix" and "Manual". "Fix" is 1 /
The standard is 60, but "Manual" enables shooting at any speed. “Picture mode” indicated by reference numeral 54 is a menu for selecting how to display an image on a liquid crystal screen or an external monitor, and selecting “Single” captures the entire screen. When the image is displayed and the image is set to "Quad", four images are divided and the four captured images are displayed at the same time, and when the image reading device is connected, the images are automatically connected and displayed. When "Auto" is selected, in the case of general subject shooting, the captured image is displayed on the entire screen and "Single"
When the image reading device is mounted, the image is divided into four parts, and finally the four captured images are connected and displayed, and are automatically set to be equivalent to "Quad". As described above, in the "camera mode", two modes can be selected: a recording mode (record) and a mode (play) in which an image in the nonvolatile memory is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor. If "record" is selected, shooting with the camera alone is possible. When "reproduction" is selected, the recorded image in the nonvolatile memory can be reproduced.

FIG. 16 shows the flow of the "record" operation when the camera is used alone. Since the communication with the film image reading device is not performed when the camera is alone, the camera mode is automatically set in step 103, and the camera operates according to the "camera mode" set on the camera side. "Reco
7, the signal from the image sensor 17 is sequentially converted by the A / D converter 59 and temporarily stored in the memory 60 by the gate array unit 64. After that, data processing based on the setting conditions as shown in FIGS.
After being performed by the PU 63, the data is stored again in the memory 61.
At this time, if the shutter release 5 is not pressed,
The image data is not stored in the nonvolatile memory 65. When the shutter release 5 is pressed, the signal read from the image sensor 17 when the shutter release 5 is pressed is subjected to A / D conversion, and the processed data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 65. The stored data is D / A converted, and is continuously displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 18 or an external monitor for 5 seconds. Then, the images from the image sensor 17 are sequentially displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 18 or on the external monitor again.

FIG. 17 shows a "play" operation flow when the camera is used alone. In accordance with the operation of the shutter release 5, the data in the nonvolatile memory is sequentially read into the gate array 64, converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 62 as it is, and output to the liquid crystal monitor 18 or an external monitor terminal. This mode is a mode for converting data in the non-volatile memory 65 in the camera into an analog image and displaying an image on the screen.

Next, the basic operation when the camera body 1 and the film image reading device 2 or 3 are used in combination will be described. The camera body 1 includes a film image reading device 2 or 3 and electrical connectors 20 and 28.
Or 29, as shown in FIG.
The following operation is performed. (1) Power is supplied to the camera from the _VDD terminal 97 of the connector. (2) After the power is supplied and the operation is stabilized, communication starts automatically, and it is first confirmed by the BUSY signal 99 whether or not they are connected to each other. (3) After the film is inserted, the film is automatically wound, and the light source for film illumination of the film image reading device is turned on. (4) Transfer data of switches and means on the camera side from the DCS terminal 101. (5) The camera requests a confirmation of the model of the film image reading device from the DCS terminal 101, and the DSC terminal 100
Thus, a reply is made from the film image reading device side. (6) Transfer the film type and mode setting data from the DSC terminal 100 to the camera. The above communication is performed between the camera and the film image reading device, and the camera and the film image input device initialize each other. After that, film images can be captured. (7) While monitoring the liquid crystal monitor 18, the initial position is adjusted by the film minute feed button 25 or 36.
After the initial position is specified, the frame number of the first frame is transferred from the DSC terminal 100. (8) After the relative position of the film image is changed,
The captured frame number coordinate position data is transferred from the SC terminal 100. (9) The operation of the above (8) is repeated a plurality of times.

FIG. 18 shows an operation flow when the camera body 1 and the film image reading device 2 or 3 are connected. In FIG. 7, the camera automatically rewrites the frame number and the coordinate position data from the film image reading device to a predetermined address on the memory 60. The DSP 63 stores the frame number and coordinate position data from the film image reading device and the data written on the image data in the memory 61 again. After that, the signal is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 62 and converted into a signal for liquid crystal display by the liquid crystal controller 67.
6 is converted into an NTSC signal. Even after the conversion into the NTSC signal, the coordinate position data from the film image reading device is written in a predetermined portion on the signal.

Since the converted NTSC signal is captured by a video capture board of an ordinary personal computer, the current frame number and coordinate information are handled as image data by the video capture board. When the image is captured, the image data is stored in the RAM of the personal computer body or on a recording medium. Therefore, a predetermined portion of the RAM or the recording medium having the original position information is read by dedicated software. After the image is captured three or four times, the read position data is calculated on the application of the dedicated software, and the image data captured three or four times is connected to obtain one image. Create a high pixel image.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a technique of image division photographing and composition. With the magnifying optical system of the camera body,
A portion 84 of the frame (in this example, approximately 1/4 portion) 84 is captured at each capture. Then, the camera side or the film side is moved, and slightly stopped at the position including the overlap, and the next capture is performed. By repeating this, as shown by reference numerals 84, 85, 86, and 87 in FIG. 14, one frame of the film can be captured. Since the respective images slightly overlap each other, it is sufficient to compare and combine the image data of these portions.

FIG. 15 shows a process of writing position information obtained from the encoders 29 and 40 of the film image reading apparatus on an image. As indicated by reference numeral 88,
All the A / D converted image data is once written in the camera body memory, but when the image reading device transfers the position information to the camera side, part of the image data in the memory is erased. , Instead, reference numeral 9
As shown by 0, this position data is written. Again D /
When the analog output is obtained by the A-conversion, the portion where the position information is written appears as noise as shown by reference numeral 92, but this information is again A / D output as shown by reference numeral 93. Once converted, it is treated as location information. Since dedicated software is used on the computer, a portion where the position information looks like noise is not displayed and cannot be confirmed by the user. On the software, images are automatically synthesized by means as shown in FIG.

The connection to the computer is
/ O is usually common, but as described above, according to the configuration of the image input apparatus of the present invention, a part of the NTSC signal on the screen is used, and the part is cut and the part is cut off. A method of writing and transferring position (coordinate position) information from the film image reading device and other various setting information to the device is also conceivable. For this reason, even if a general video capture board is used, it is characterized in that the number of pixels on the screen can be increased.

[0047]

According to the present invention, by providing two systems of an optical system for enlargement and general photography, a general electronic camera, digital camera,
In addition to being used as a magnifying glass, it can be used as a high-resolution film scanner by using a magnifying optical system.

Using an area CCD as an image sensor,
Allocate position information data to a certain part of the image signal,
By transferring the image data using a general NTSC signal, high-speed capture is possible while ensuring high resolution.

The image can be basically captured by a general video capture board as long as the image data is once written in the memory of a personal computer.

By connecting the camera body and the film image reading apparatus with a bidirectional interface, the optimum operation as a scanner can be automatically set.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a color image input device as one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of a camera body and the configuration of each switch in the color image input device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a 35 mm film image reading device in the color image input device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of an APS film image reading device in the color image input device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating an outline of signal exchange between a camera body, a film image reading device, and a computer in the color image input device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a function of each contact of a connector in the color image input device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a circuit block configuration of a camera body in the color image input device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a circuit block configuration of an image reading device in the color image input device of FIG. 1;

9 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in a camera mode of an optical system built in a camera body in the color image input device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an optical system incorporated in a camera body in the color image input apparatus of FIG. 1 in an 8 × mode.

11 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in a film scanner mode of an optical system built in a camera body in the color image input device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a view showing a mode setting screen on the touch panel of the color image input device of FIG. 1;

13 is a diagram showing a mode setting screen on the touch panel of the color image input device of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a technique of image division photographing and composition in the color image input device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a method for adding position information to an image in the color image input device of FIG. 1;

16 is a diagram showing an operation flow in a “record” mode by the camera alone in the color image input device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an operation flow in a “play” mode of the color image input device of FIG. 1 with the camera alone.

18 is a diagram showing an operation flow when the camera body and the film image reading device in the color image input device of FIG. 1 are used in combination.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera main body part 2 APS film image reading device 3 35 mm film image reading device 4 Personal computer main body 15 1st lens unit 16 2nd lens unit 17 Color area CCD 18 LCD monitor 19 Circuit board 20 Connector board 22 Mirror 25 Film fine feed Button 26 Automatic film feed button 28 Electrical connector 29 Encoder 33 Film winding unit 34 Motor 36 Fine film feed button 37 Automatic film feed button 39 Electrical connector 40 Encoder 44 Motor

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image input apparatus comprising a camera body to which an image reading device for a photographic film can be detachably attached, wherein the camera body is arranged on an imaging lens and a light receiving surface of the imaging lens. A two-dimensional image sensor,
When the image reading device is attached to the camera body, at least a part of an image on a photographic film attached to the image reading device is formed on the image sensor by the imaging lens of the camera body. To be,
Imaging lens changing means for changing the focal length of the imaging lens, and for enabling communication between the camera body and the image reading device when the image reading device is attached to the camera body. An image input device comprising: 2. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein the change of the focal length of the imaging lens by the imaging lens changing unit is automatically performed when the image reading device is attached to the camera body. 3. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein the change of the focal length of the imaging lens by the imaging lens changing means is performed by a switching member provided in the camera body. 4. The image reading device, comprising: a film loading mechanism for automatically winding the photographic film;
An illumination light source for illuminating the photographic film, and encoder means for measuring a relative position between the photographic film and the imaging lens and generating an encoder pulse indicating the relative position, and reading the image. When the apparatus is attached to the camera body, the image data of the photographic film is divided into a plurality of pieces through the electrical connection means, and the camera body is synchronized with the encoder pulse generated by the encoder means. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein the image input device is configured to output the data serially.