JPS63139469A - Film image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To discriminate at a glance image areas binarized by using different thresholds from each other on an output image by surrounding with a full line or broken line the range of an area designated by an area designating means, and outputting it in an image mode together with an image. CONSTITUTION:Movable cursors 29, 30 set on a monitoring screen 17 designate an image area(an extent on the screen) for which image signals are binarized by using a threshold different form that used for other areas. A photoelectrical conversion means (b) generates image signals from the designated area in the image area of a film (a) designated by the area designating means (c) by using a threshold different from that used for other image areas, and outputs them, and thus outputted signals are digitized. A frame generating means (e) surrounds thus designated extent of area with a full line or broken line, and output the result in form of an image together with the image of the film. As a result, image areas binarized by using different thresholds can be easily discriminated form each other on the output image.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a film image reading device that electronically reads images recorded on photographic film such as microfilm using photoelectric conversion means, and particularly relates to a film image reading device that electronically reads images recorded on a photographic film such as a microfilm. The present invention relates to a density adjustment technique for obtaining good image density when printing out image information on a printer, recording it in an image memory, or outputting and displaying it on an image workstation on a display.

[Prior art] Conventionally, image reproduction involves recording information such as documents generated in large quantities at high density on microfilm, and reading the recorded images on the microfilm each time as needed and printing them out in a predetermined size. The device is known.

In particular, as an image reproducing device capable of image information processing such as electronic transmission and editing of image information on microfilm, there is an image reading device that reads images recorded on microfilm using an image sensor, and an image reading device for reading the image recorded on microfilm. A display device that optically or electrically monitors and displays the image of the microfilm read by the image reading device, and an image output device that visualizes an image corresponding to the read information read by the image reading device on a recording paper. is generally known.

FIG. 5 depicts a conventional image reproducing apparatus of this type, focusing on its image reading means and display means. In this figure, the frames la and 1b on the microfilm F are illuminated by irradiation light emitted from a halogen lamp 2 and condensed by a condensing lens 3. The images of frames 1a and lb of the film F illuminated in this way are transmitted to a CCD (charge coupled device) through an optical system consisting of an imaging lens 4 and a fixed mirror 5 when the switching mirror 15 is at the position indicated by the broken line in this figure. , BBD (bucket brigade element), CI
An image is formed on the scanning plane of a one-dimensional line sensor 6 made up of a solid-state imaging device such as D (charge injection device).

This one-dimensional line sensor 6 is fixed on a carriage 9 that reciprocates while being guided by a pair of parallel guides 7 and 8. In addition, the carriage 9 is driven by the motor 1.
Since the one-dimensional line sensor 6 is fixed to a wire lO that converts rotation from 1 into linear motion, the one-dimensional line sensor 6 moves in the sub-scanning direction by driving the motor 11, and reads the formed image information while main-scanning.

A photointerrupter 13 that detects the start of reading scanning is arranged on the main body side of the apparatus to which the guides 7 and 8 are fixed, and a light shielding plate 14 fixed to the carriage 9 is moved as the carriage 9 moves. When the light from the photointerrupter 13 is blocked, the photointerrupter 13 generates a read scan start timing signal.

On the other hand, a switching mirror 5 is arranged between the imaging lens 4 and the fixed mirror 5, and when the switching mirror 15 is switched to the position indicated by the solid line in the optical path, each of the frames 1a and 1b of the film F is The image is enlarged and formed on a screen 17 as a monitor display means via a switching mirror 15, a projection lens 16, and the like.

On this screen 17, a reading frame (2) for a half-size image and a reading frame (2) for a full-size image are printed in advance. If the recording paper set in a laser beam printer (not shown) serving as an image output means is vertically long, the one-dimensional line sensor 6 reads the half-size area surrounded by the reading frame ■, and the laser beam printer records the paper. On the other hand, if the recording paper is horizontally long, the one-dimensional line sensor 6 reads the full-size area surrounded by the reading frame (3), and the laser beam printer prints it out on the recording paper.

6(A) to 6(E) respectively show image output read by an image sensor 6 such as a one-dimensional line sensor in a conventional device as shown in FIG. 5, and outputted to an output recording device 100 such as a printer or memory. An example of a circuit configuration is shown below.

The circuit shown in FIG. 6(A) is the most basic circuit configuration example, and after an image signal obtained by an image sensor 6 such as a CCD is amplified by an amplifier 18,
A comparator 19 compares it with a threshold set by a density setting variable resistor 20 and converts it into a binary value, and supplies this binary code to an output recording device 100 such as a printer or a magnetic disk memory.

In order to remove the DC component and low frequency component of the analog image signal from the image sensor 6 when the comparator 19 converts the analog image signal into a 2-input signal, it is necessary to remove the direct current component and low frequency component of the analog image signal from the image sensor 6.
It is also possible to have a configuration like this.

In the circuit shown in FIG. 6 ([1), the analog image signal amplified by the amplifier 18 is once passed through the high-pass filter (bypass filter) 21 to remove DC components and low frequency components, and then the comparator 19 supply to. Figure 6 (C)
In the circuit 20 shown in FIG.
9, and the other one removes high-frequency components by a low-pass filter 22 and superimposes them on the threshold output of the concentration setting variable resistor 20, so that in the comparator 19, Direct current components and low frequency components are substantially removed from the human image signal.

FIGS. 6(D) and 6(E) show a conventional example in which automatic density adjustment is performed by specifying a density value using a CPU such as a microprocessor (central processing unit). Figure 6 (E)
The base density detection circuit 26 generates a low-level envelope from the digital image signal, and its output value represents the image No. 43 level of the portion on the microfilm where there is no image information.

However, the conventional circuits shown in FIGS. 6(A) to 6(E) described above are constructed on the assumption that images are input at the same density on one screen and printed or recorded at the same density. It had been.

Therefore, if there are parts of an image on a photographic film such as microfilm that have particularly high density or particularly low density, the areas with high or low density can be replaced with the same density as other areas. The disadvantage was that it could not be printed or recorded.

In order to eliminate this drawback, even if the density of some areas of an image on a photographic film such as microfilm is different from other areas, the image is adjusted to the same density and output to an output recording device such as a printer. A possible film image reading device has been proposed by the applicant (Japanese Patent Application No. 61-99339).
.

In this proposal, as shown in FIG.
9.30 is installed, and within the image area specified by the cursor 29.30, the threshold values used in other areas can be adjusted using, for example, a density modulation switch 33 and a density setting variable resistor 34 within the cursor frame as image density adjustment means. The image signal is binarized using different threshold values, thereby making it possible to make the density of the digital image signal output to the recording side of a printer or the like all uniform.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the above-mentioned proposed invention, it is not possible to tell which area on the image output on the output surface such as recording paper or a display screen is an area that has been output by changing the threshold value. The problem was that there was no.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a film image reading device that can clearly display an area in which the image density has been adjusted by changing the darkness value.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention reads an image on a film as an image signal using a photoelectric conversion means, and reads an image within an image area of the film specified by an area specifying means. In a film image reading device that converts an image signal into a digital image signal using different threshold values for a specified area and other image areas, the specified area specified by the area specifying means and the other image areas are converted into digital image signals according to the output of the area specifying means. The present invention is characterized by comprising a frame signal generating means for generating a frame signal indicating a boundary with a region, and a signal synthesizing means for synthesizing and outputting a frame signal generated from the frame signal generating means and a digital image signal.

[Function] According to the present invention, the range of the area specified by the area specifying means can be surrounded by a frame of lines, points, etc. and output together with the image. can be seen at a glance on the output image.

[Example] Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

A. Basic configuration FIG. 1 shows the basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.
a is a film, b is a photoelectric conversion means for reading the image on the film a and outputting an analog image signal, C is an area specifying means, and d is a specified area within the image area of the film A specified by the area specifying means C and others. This image density adjustment means converts the image signal output from the photoelectric conversion means into a digital image signal using a threshold value different from the image area of the photoelectric conversion means.

Frame signal generating means e generates a frame signal indicating the boundary between the specified area specified by the area specifying means C and other image areas in response to the output of the area specifying means C.

f is a signal synthesizing means, which synthesizes the frame signal generated from the frame signal generating means e and the above-mentioned digital image signal, and outputs the synthesized signal to a printer or the like.

B1 Circuit Configuration FIG. 2 shows the circuit configuration of a film image reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 2, a Haloken lamp 2, a condensing lens 3. Film F, imaging lens 4. - Dimensional line sensor (hereinafter referred to as
(referred to as CCD) 6. Wire 10, sub-scanning motor I
1. Photo interrupter 13. The light-shielding plate +4° monitor screen 17 and other film image reading mechanisms are substantially the same as those of the conventional example explained in FIGS. 5 and 7, so the details thereof will be omitted.

Furthermore, the movable cursor 29, 30 installed on the monitor screen 17 is used to specify an image area (range on the screen) in which the image signal is to be binarized using a threshold different from the threshold used in other areas. be. One cursor 29 is a pair of main-scanning direction cursors that designates an area in the main-scanning direction, and the other cursor 3° is a pair of sub-scanning direction cursors that designates an area in the sub-scanning direction.

31 is a variable resistor that outputs position data of a cursor 29 that is slidable in the main scanning direction, and 32 is a variable resistor that outputs position data of a cursor 30 that is slidable in the sub-scanning direction.

The manual mentioned above in Figure 7? m degree modulation switch 33
The seventh switch specifies whether or not to change the density in the area surrounded by the cursors 29 and 30 to a different density from other areas by turning the switch "ON" or 'OFF'. The variable resistor 34 for specifying 4 degrees within the cursor frame having the manual dial switch described above in the figure is used to select the four cursors 29.3 among the frame images on the film F.
The operator can freely set the value of the output image density in the area within the cursor frame surrounded by 0, and the variable resistor 34 generates a voltage corresponding to the density set by the operator.

A multiplexer 41 is supplied with output signals (voltage values) from the variable resistors 31 and 32 and selectively outputs in response to a select signal. 42 is a converter for digitizing the analog data of the multiplexer 41. The position data of cursor 29.30 is variable resistor 31.32
and multiplexer 41 to converter 42
is converted into a digital value.

43 is a CPU (central processing unit), which is supplied with a digital signal indicating the position of the cursor from the AD converter 42, determines a designated area to change the density based on the digital signal, and, as will be described later, receives a digital signal indicating the position of the cursor from the CCD 6. The density of the read input image signal is variably controlled.

44 is an amplifier that amplifies the output image signal of the CCD 6. 45 is a line sensor reading counter (:
Line sensor control number 1 for main scanning CD 6 (
The result of counting the main scanning synchronization signal C is sent to the main scanning cursor area specifying circuit 46.

46 is a main scanning cursor area designation circuit, and the CPU 43
A main scanning cursor area signal is output from the position signal indicating the position of the main scanning direction cursor 29 from the line sensor reading counter 45 and the count value of the line sensor control signal from the line sensor reading counter 45. Reference numeral 47 denotes a sub-scanning cursor area designation circuit, which, in response to a position signal indicating the position of the sub-scanning direction cursor 30 from the CPLI 43, generates a sub-scanning cursor area signal corresponding to the position of the cursor 30 and synchronized with the motor control signal. Output B. 48 is a density designation circuit that designates the overall output image density, and has a constant voltage threshold (hereinafter referred to as
(referred to as the first threshold value).

Reference numeral 49 indicates an AND box, and the main scanning cursor area signal B from the main scanning cursor area specifying circuit 46 and the sub-scanning cursor area signal B from the sub-scanning cursor area specifying circuit 47.
and the 0N10FF signal from the density modulation switch 33, and outputs the result as the select signal E. Reference numeral 50 denotes an adder that adds the first threshold value from the density designation circuit 48 and the output voltage from the density designation variable resistor 34 within the cursor frame to generate a second threshold value.

51 and 52 are comparators, and the image signal from the amplifier 44 is supplied to each non-inverting input terminal.

The former comparator 51 binarizes the image signal using the first threshold value of the density designation circuit 48. The latter comparator 52 binarizes the image signal using the second threshold from the adder 50.

Reference numeral 53 denotes a multiplexer for signal switching, which outputs either the comparator 51 or the comparator 52 or a 62-value signal in response to the select signal E from the AND gate 49.

That is, in the multiplexer 53, when the select signal E from the AND gate 49 is at a high level, it means that the main scanning position of the image on the CCD 6 is within the frame of the cursor that requires density change. The human power (human power 2) from the comparator 52 is sent to the output recording device side, and the select signal E from the AND gate 49 is at a low level when the scanning position of the image on the CCD 8 is outside the cursor frame. , the input image signal (input 1) from the first comparator 51, which has been binarized using a normal first threshold value, is sent to the output recording device side.

Reference numeral 54 denotes an edge pulse generation circuit necessary for outputting the left and right vertical lines of the black frame, which will be described later, indicating the boundary line of the density modulation area range. An edge pulse F having approximately the same pulse width as the scanning synchronization signal C is generated. Reference numeral 55 denotes an edge pulse generation circuit necessary to output the above-mentioned upper and lower horizontal lines of the black frame, and generates an edge pulse G having a short pulse width according to the rising and falling edges of the above-mentioned main scanning cursor area signal.

Reference numeral 56 denotes an AND gate, which performs an AND operation between the former edge pulse F and the main scanning cursor area signal, and outputs a signal indicating the left and right vertical lines of the black frame described above. Reference numeral 57 denotes an AND gate, which performs an AND operation between the latter edge pulse G and the sub-scanning cursor area signal B, and outputs a signal indicating the upper and lower horizontal lines of the above-mentioned black frame. 58 is or gate,
A logical sum operation is performed on the output signals of both AND gates 56 and 57, and a black frame signal H indicating the above-mentioned black frame is output. 59 is an AND gate, which connects the black frame signal H and the density modulation switch 3.
The AND operation result with the 0N10FF signal of 3 is output to the OR gate 60. The OR gate 60 combines the image signal output from the multiplexer 53 and the black frame signal H, and outputs the synthesized signal to an output recording device such as a printer.

Therefore, when the density modulation switch 33 is ON, a black frame is output on the output image, and when the switch 33 is OFF, the black frame is not output on the output image.

C1 Effect FIG. 3 shows the timing of the output signals of the embodiment of FIG. Next, referring to FIG. 3, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

In a normal case where it is not necessary to modulate only a partial area of the image on the microfilm F to a different density, the operator sets the density modulation switch 33 to the OFF (closed) side. When this switch 33 is OFF, the 0N10FF signal from the switch 33 becomes 0, so the select signal from the AND gate 49 is always "o", and the multiplexer 53 always selects the first comparator while the CCD 6 is scanning. Only the input signal from 51 is selectively output to an output recording device such as a printer.

Therefore, in this case, as in the conventional case, a binary image signal processed using a uniform threshold value preliminarily specified by the density specifying circuit 48 is outputted to the output recording device and recorded and reproduced.

On the other hand, if an image area with a different density is found in part of the image before reading the image on the microfilm F, and the operator wishes to change the density to the same density as the other areas, the operator must The cursors 29 and 30 are moved to positions surrounding the outer periphery of the area having different density to designate the area where the density should be modulated. Next, the operator specifies how much the density of the area within the cursor frame surrounded by the cursors 29 and 30 is to be made darker or lighter than other parts using the cursor frame density specifying variable resistor 34, and then Switch the modulation switch 33 to "ON" (closed).

As a result, the voltage value obtained by adding the plus or minus voltage value set by the concentration specifying variable resistor 34 within the cursor frame and the predetermined voltage value from the concentration specifying circuit 48 by the adder 50 is added to the second comparator 52. The select signal E from the AND gate 49 is applied to the multiplexer 53 when the CCD 6 scans within the cursor frame.

That is, as described above, the area positions specified by the cursors 29 and 30 are converted into voltage values by the variable resistors 31 and 32, and sequentially sent to the AD converter 42 via the multiplexer 41, where they are digitized. It is later supplied to the CPU 43. C
Based on the supplied data, the PU 43 sends position data indicating the modulation timing in the sub-scanning direction to the sub-scanning cursor area designation circuit 47 that generates the sub-scanning cursor area signal B (see FIG. 3), and outputs position data indicating the modulation timing in the main scanning direction. Position data indicating the modulation timing is sent to a main scanning cursor area designation circuit 46 that generates a main scanning cursor area signal D (see FIG. 3).

Next, when a reading start button (not shown) is pressed by the operator, a sub-scanning synchronization signal A (motor control signal, see FIG. 3) is sent from the CPU 43 to the carriage drive motor 11, which starts the motor 11. Then, the CG[) 6 is moved in the sub-scanning direction, and at the same time, the main-scanning synchronization signal C(
A line sensor control signal (see FIG. 3) is supplied to the COD 6, and reading of the CD 6 is started.The line sensor reading counter 45 counts the main scanning synchronization signal C and calculates the count value. The data is sequentially sent to the main scanning cursor area designation circuit 46.

The main scanning cursor area designation circuit 46 selects the designated area of the CCD 6 from the position data indicating the modulation timing in the main scanning direction received in advance from the CPIJ 43 and the count value indicating the main scanning position of the CCD 6 from the counter 45. At the timing shown in FIG. 3 when the cursor frame is being scanned, a main scanning cursor area signal 0 is generated and sent to the AND gate 49.

Further, the sub-scanning cursor area designation circuit 47 is a CPII 43
Based on the taken position data indicating the modulation timing in the sub-scanning direction, the synchronization receiver determines the timing in synchronization with the sub-scanning synchronization signal A, and the CCD 8 scans the modulation area position in the sub-scanning direction. During this time, a sub-scanning cursor area signal B is generated at the timing shown in FIG. Furthermore, since the output signal of the density modulation switch 33 is at a high level (ON) at this time, during the period when the sub-scanning cursor-area signal B is at a high level,
The main scanning cursor area signal is supplied to the multiplexer 53 as a select signal E (see FIG. 3).

The multiplexer 53 supplies the manual signal from the first comparator 51 to the output recording device via the OR gate 60 when the select signal E is at a high level, and supplies the manual signal from the second comparator 52 when the select signal E is at a low level. Since the human input signal is supplied to the output recording device via the or gate 60, the CCD
6 is the cursor 29. :The output of the second comparator 52 is sent to the output recording device via the OR gate 60 only when the cursor frame surrounded by IO is being scanned.

As described above, the first comparator 51 outputs a binary image signal whose density is adjusted at the first density (threshold value) specified by the density specifying circuit 48, and the second comparator 52 outputs a binary image signal whose density is adjusted by the first density (threshold value) specified by the density specifying circuit 48, and the second comparator 52 outputs a binary image signal whose density is adjusted by the first density (threshold value) specified by the density specifying circuit 48. The positive or negative second specified by the variable resistor 34? Since a binary image signal whose density is adjusted at the adjusted density (third threshold value) which is the sum of the IA degree (lal value) and the above-mentioned first density is output, the multiplexer 53 outputs the signal at a predetermined normal 4 degrees outside the cursor frame. An image signal whose density is adjusted to a specified density is obtained within the cursor frame, and by appropriately adjusting the cursor frame density specifying variable resistor 34, an image signal with the same density both inside and outside the cursor frame is output and recorded. Recorded on the device side.

On the other hand, in synchronization with the edge of the sub-scanning cursor area signal B output from the sub-scanning cursor area specifying circuit 47, an edge pulse F (see FIG. 3) having approximately the same width as the main-scanning synchronizing signal C is generated from the edge pulse generation circuit 54. , the AND operation of this edge pulse F and the scanning cursor area signal is performed by an AND gate 56, and the result of the operation is inputted to one input terminal of an OR gate 58. In addition, a short edge pulse G (see FIG. 3) is generated from the edge pulse generation circuit 55 in synchronization with the edge of the main scanning cursor area signal output from the main scanning cursor area specifying circuit 46, and this edge pulse G and the sub-scanning cursor area AND gate 57 performs a logical product operation with signal B, and the result of the operation is sent to OR gate 58.
input manually to the other input terminal.

As mentioned above, the AND gate 56 outputs a signal indicating the left and right vertical lines of the black frame, and the AND gate 57 outputs a signal indicating the upper and lower horizontal lines of the black frame.
From 8 onwards, both signals are added (a black frame signal H indicating the boundary line of the Q-degree modulated image area is output to one input terminal of the AND gate 59. is supplied to the OR gate 60 through the AND gate 59, and the concentration modulation switch 3 is connected to the other input terminal of the AND gate 59.
Since the 0N10FF signal of No. 3 is input manually, if the density modulation switch 33 is set to ON, the black frame signal is added to the image signal, and the OR gate 60 outputs the signal as shown in FIG. 4(B).
An image signal with a density-modulated area surrounded by a black frame as shown in is obtained, and is outputted by a printer or the like (not shown). Figure 4 (A) shows an input image in which the density of the letter "A" is different from other areas. Figure 4 (B
).

In addition, there is a manual switch (
(not shown) and manually input the 0N10FF signal of this switch to the search box 59, the operator can freely choose whether or not to display the black frame even when the density is modulated. .

D. Modified Example When specifying an image area using a different threshold value, ■ In this embodiment, a mechanical slide cursor 29, 30 attached to the frame of the monitor screen 17 was used, but the present invention is not limited to this. An optical cursor may be used for specification, or a method may be used in which a numerical value indicating the area position is manually set using a numeric keypad or a digitizer without using a cursor. Alternatively, the modulation image area may be fixed in advance.

(2) Also, in this embodiment, the image area for which different threshold values are used is explained as one location, but it goes without saying that two or more areas may be used.

(2) Further, in this embodiment, the image signal is digitized using a binarization circuit, but the present invention can also be applied to the case where the image signal is digitized with three or more values.

■ Also, in this embodiment, analog comparators 51 and 52
However, a digital comparator may be used to perform AD conversion on the image signal and the threshold value, and then the comparison may be performed.

■Also, in this embodiment, the value specified by the variable resistor 34 for specifying concentration within the cursor frame is added to the value of the concentration specifying circuit 48;
The voltage may be directly supplied to the comparator 52 as a threshold value.

In addition, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned variable resistor 34 is used to set a threshold different from that in other areas, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the voltage can be changed using a changeover switch, or the voltage can be set numerically using a numeric keypad. You may.

■Furthermore, the frame for displaying the area is not limited to a black frame, but may be a white frame, or may have other shapes such as a `` or *'' mark.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, the range of the area specified by the area specifying means can be surrounded by a frame of lines, points, etc., and the image can be output together with the image. The image area that has been binarized using this method can be seen at a glance on the output image.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 shows the timing of the output signal of the embodiment of FIG. 4A and 4B are explanatory views showing examples of input and output images of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 (A1-(E)) are block diagrams showing configuration examples of conventional density adjustment circuits, and FIG. 7 is a front view showing the external appearance of the screen portion of the conventional device.F...Film; 4... Imaging lens, 6... Image sensor (CCD), 11... Motor, 17... Screen, 29... Main scanning direction cursor, 30... Sub scanning direction cursor, 33. ...Concentration modulation switch, 34...Concentration specification variable resistor within cursor frame, 43...
・Cpu. 45...Line sensor reading counter, 46...
Main scanning cursor area specification circuit, 47... Sub-scanning cursor area specification circuit, 48... Density specification circuit, 49.5 [i, 57.59... AND gate, 50
...Adder, 51.52...Comparator, 53...Multiplexer. 54.55... Edge pulse generation circuit, 58.60.
...orgate. 17 screen 4 rows of rice n screen part/') King's view Figure 7

Claims (1)

[Claims] a) An image on the film is read as an image signal by a photoelectric conversion means, and a designated area within the image area of the film designated by the area designation means and other image areas are set using different threshold values. In a film image reading device that converts the image signal into a digital image signal by using the method, b) a frame indicating a boundary between the specified area specified by the area specifying means and the other image area according to the output of the area specifying means; A film image reading device comprising: frame signal generating means for generating a signal; and c) signal synthesizing means for synthesizing and outputting the frame signal generated from the frame signal generating means and the digital image signal. Device.