JP3710924B2 - Image reading device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus that reads image information such as a photographic film using a CCD or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a photographic printer that exposes an image recorded on a photographic film such as a negative film onto a photosensitive material such as photographic paper, the film type of the photographic film, the frame size of the image, and the exposure are used to determine the exposure conditions of the image. It is necessary to read information such as the feature amount (for example, average density and color) of the image to be read.
[0003]
Further, in an image processing apparatus that reads an image recorded on a photographic film with a scanner and uses the image data obtained by the reading to record an image on a recording material, display an image on a display, and the like. Like the above, it is necessary to read various information about the photographic film. For this reason, conventionally, it has been common to provide a CCD corresponding to various information to be read and to read various information relating to the photographic film based on the data output from the CCD.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since perforation is perforated at both ends in the width direction of the photographic film, in the above configuration, light that has passed through the perforated part of the light incident on the CCD from each part of the photographic film. Becomes an excessive amount of light. For this reason, it is necessary to reduce the amount of light applied to the photographic film so that the output of the CCD does not saturate even when light transmitted through the portion where the perforation is formed is incident. However, since the amount of light transmitted through the image recording range of the photographic film also decreases at the same time, there is a problem that image information recorded on the photographic film cannot be read with high accuracy.
[0005]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides an image reading apparatus capable of accurately and simultaneously reading image information recorded on a photographic film and information existing outside the image recording range. Objective.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the first aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus that reads the image information of the photographic film and the information existing outside the image recording range by the light incident through the photographic film, the light is In the incident light transmitting portion, provided with a light reducing means for reducing the transmittance of only the light passing through the perforation of the photographic film below the transmittance of the photographic film base, and provided in a transport path through which the photographic film is transported The light reducing means is provided in a light transmitting portion made of slit-like glass extending in a direction intersecting the transport direction .
[0007]
According to the invention of claim 1, for example, in the case of a 135 size photographic film, perforations are formed at both ends in the width direction along the longitudinal direction. In the light transmitting portion, the light passing through the perforation can be reduced in transmittance by the dimming means as compared with the light passing through the photographic film base, so that the image information can be accurately obtained without entering a large amount of light into the reading means. Read. In addition, information existing outside the image recording range of the photographic film, for example, barcode information such as DX / FNS recorded outside the perforation of the photographic film, is dimmed by the light transmitted through that portion. Therefore, it can be read with high accuracy.
[0009]
Further, since the light reducing means is provided in the light transmitting portion made of glass, the structure is simpler than that provided only with the light reducing means. And since the light transmissive part was comprised with glass, it can prevent that a dust etc. fall to the lower part.
[0010]
The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the light transmitting portion is subjected to a reflection and flare prevention treatment on the surface opposite to the side on which the photographic film is conveyed.
[0011]
According to invention of Claim 2 , surface treatment is given to the opposite side to the side in which the photographic film of a light transmissive part is conveyed. This is because when the photographic film is conveyed, it slides with the light transmitting portion, so that the surface treatment, for example, the AR coating may be peeled off. However, in the present invention, since the surface of the opposite side of the photographic film is subjected to surface treatment, there is no fear of this.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, the digital laboratory system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described first.
(Schematic configuration of the digital laboratory system)
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a digital lab system 10 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows an appearance of the digital lab system 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the digital laboratory system 10 includes a line CCD scanner 12, an image processing unit 16, a laser printer unit 18, and a processor unit 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the line CCD scanner 12 and the image processing unit 16 are provided in the input unit 96, and the laser printer unit 18 and the processor unit 20 are provided in the output unit 98.
[0015]
The line CCD scanner 12 is for reading a film image recorded on a photographic film such as a negative film or a reversal film. For example, a 135 size photographic film, a 110 size photographic film, and a transparent magnetic layer are formed. The photographic film (240-size photographic film: so-called APS film), 120-size and 220-size (Broni size) photographic film images can be read. The line CCD scanner 12 reads the film image to be read with the line CCD and outputs image data.
[0016]
The image processing unit 16 performs image processing such as various corrections on the input image data, and outputs the image data to the laser printer unit 18 as recording image data. Further, the image processing unit 16 outputs the image data subjected to the image processing to the outside as an image file (for example, outputs it to a storage medium such as a memory card or transmits it to another information processing apparatus via a communication line). Etc.) is also possible.
[0017]
The laser printer unit 18 includes a laser light source that emits R, G, and B laser beams. The laser beam that is modulated according to the recording image data input from the image processing unit 16 is applied to the photographic paper. An image is recorded on photographic paper by scanning exposure. The processor unit 20 performs color development, bleach-fixing, water washing, and drying on the photographic paper on which an image is recorded by scanning exposure in the laser printer unit 18. As a result, an image is formed on the photographic paper.
[0018]
(Schematic configuration of line CCD scanner)
FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of an optical system of the line CCD scanner 12 including a film carrier 14 (described later in detail) according to the present invention. This optical system includes a light source 64 composed of a metal halide lamp, a halogen lamp, or the like. A parabolic reflector 24 that transmits IR (infrared light) is disposed so that the light source 64 is positioned at the focal position, and the light emitted from the light source 64 and reflected by the reflector 24 is photographic film 22. Irradiated in the direction.
[0019]
On the light emission side of the light source 64, an IR cut filter 26 for cutting off IR of light emitted from the light source 64, C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) dimming filters 70C, 70M, 70Y, A light diffusing box 66 is disposed in order along the optical axis L. The light diffusing box 66 uses ND filter 28 as a neutral density filter and light irradiated to the photographic film 22 as diffused light. The dimming filters 70C, 70M, and 70Y are configured to be independently movable, and in the optical path in consideration of the balance of the amount of each component color light emitted from the light source 64, the sensitivity of the line CCD 74 to each component color light, and the like. The amount of insertion is adjusted. As a result, the received light amounts of the three colors R, G, and B in the line CCD 74 can be adjusted.
[0020]
The photographic film 22 is conveyed by the film carrier 14 so that the film surface is perpendicular to the optical axis L. The film carrier 14 is formed with a light transmitting portion 32 (see FIG. 4) extending in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the photographic film 22 through which light emitted from the light source 64 is transmitted (details will be described later).
[0021]
A lens unit 72 that forms an image of light transmitted through the photographic film 22 along the optical axis L is provided on the opposite side of the light source 64 across the film carrier 14 that conveys the photographic film 22, and an imaging position. Line CCDs 74 are arranged in order.
[0022]
In FIG. 3, only a single lens is shown as the lens unit 72. However, the lens unit 72 may be a zoom lens composed of a plurality of lenses. The line CCD 74 is provided with three lines of CCD cells arranged in a line so that the CCD cells are orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the photographic film 22 (the direction of the arrow A1 shown in FIG. 3). It is composed of a three-line color CCD in which any of R, G, and B color separation filters is attached on the incident side. Accordingly, main scanning for film reading is performed in the CCD cell arrangement direction, and sub-scanning for film image reading is performed by conveying the photographic film 22. In the line CCD 74, three lines (CCD cell rows) are sequentially arranged at predetermined intervals along the conveyance direction of the photographic film 22, so that the R, G, and G components in the same pixel are arranged. There is a time difference in color detection timing. However, in the present embodiment, the R, G, and B photometric signals of the same pixel are simultaneously output from the line CCD 74 by delaying the photometric signal output timing with different delay times for each component color. It is configured.
[0023]
Further, based on the film image data read by the line CCD 74, focusing control is performed to move the imaging point position of the lens unit 70 so that the contrast of the film image is maximized. As a result, the image forming point position of the lens unit 70 is matched with the light receiving surface of the line CCD 74.
[0024]
(Structure of film carrier)
Next, the film carrier 14 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows a film carrier 14 according to the present embodiment. The film carrier 14 can be applied to the conveyance of a 135 size photographic film 22.
[0025]
A cover 42 that is substantially the same as the base 40 that can be opened and closed with respect to the base 40 is attached to the film carrier 14. A lever 44 for operating opening and closing of the cover 42 is attached to one side of the cover 42. By engaging a locking portion (not shown) of the lever 44 with a hole (not shown) of the base 40, the cover 42 can be closed in a state of being crimped to the base 40.
[0026]
In performing the reading process in the line CCD scanner 12 of the digital laboratory system 10, the operator inserts the photographic film 22 into the film insertion opening 46 formed in the film carrier 14. At this time, the film image recorded on the photographic film 22 is inserted in a predetermined direction. In the present embodiment, the film image recorded on the photographic film 22 is inserted facing downward.
[0027]
When the photographic film 22 is inserted and the leading edge detection sensor 52 detects the leading edge of the photographic film 22, the roller driving motor 84 is driven. By driving the roller driving motor 84, the conveying roller pairs 54, 60, 68 rotate simultaneously and in the same direction via the timing belt 82 and the pulley 85, and the photographic film 22 is rotated in a predetermined direction (the arrow shown in FIG. 3). Nipped and conveyed in the A1 direction). Dust and the like adhering to the surface of the conveyed photographic film 22 are removed by a dust removal roller 56 and the like.
[0028]
When the photographic film 22 passes above the light transmission part 32 formed in the film transport path 34 (see FIG. 6), the line CCD 74 records the film image recorded on the photographic film 22 and information on the photographic film 22. The bar code 37 is read simultaneously. That is, the light emitted from the light source 64 and transmitted through the light transmission part 32 and the photographic film 22 is incident on the line CCD 74 via the lens unit 72. (Configuration of light transmission part)
A light transmitting portion 32 is formed between the pair of transport rollers 60 and the pair of transport rollers 68 disposed along the film transport path 34, that is, near the center of the film transport path 34 (see FIG. 4).
[0029]
The light transmission part 32 is configured as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the opening 100 formed in the film transport path 34 is fitted with a transparent glass plate 102 in the form of a drum bridge having both ends horizontal and an arcuate R at the center. ing. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6, the central portion of the glass plate 102 in the transport direction (arrow A direction, hereinafter referred to as A direction) protrudes into the transport path 34. The center part of this embodiment is R8 (mm), and the height H (see FIG. 6) from the horizontal part to the center part is 1 mm. This is because the conveyed photographic film 22 may be warped in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction (arrow B direction, hereinafter referred to as B direction). The flatness is secured by taking the warp in the main scanning direction). Thereby, the image reading of the photographic film 22 is performed with high accuracy.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 5, an ND filter 104 is formed by depositing a silver / aluminum deposition film 103 on a surface (hereinafter, referred to as a back surface) 102 </ b> A opposite to the conveyance path 34 side of the glass plate 102. The portion of the vapor deposition film 103 of the ND filter 104 has a hole 106 at the center in the B direction at the apex portion in the A direction of the drum bridge shape, and notches 108A and 108B at both ends in the B direction. Therefore, the dimming portions 110A and 110B are formed between the hole portion 106 and the notches 108A and 108B.
[0031]
An AR coat (not shown) for preventing reflection and flare is provided on the vapor deposition film 103 (surface side). Thus, since the vapor deposition film 103 and the AR coat are formed on the back surface 102 </ b> A side of the glass plate 102, the AR coat or the like is not peeled off when the photographic film 22 is conveyed.
[0032]
In the ND filter 104 formed by vapor-depositing the vapor deposition film 103 on the glass plate 102, a portion including the hole portion 106, the cutout portions 108 </ b> A and 108 </ b> B, and the dimming portions 110 </ b> A and 110 </ b> B becomes the light transmission portion 32. As shown in FIG. 7, the hole 106 corresponds to the image information portion of the photographic film 22, the notches 108 </ b> A and 108 </ b> B correspond to the bar code 37, and the dimming portions 110 </ b> A and 110 </ b> B correspond to the perforation 36.
[0033]
Here, the dimming portions 110A and 110B are formed to be slightly wider than the width of the perforation 36 in the B direction. With this configuration, even if the photographic film 22 meanders during transportation and is displaced in the B direction, the light transmitted through the perforation 36 is reliably attenuated by the dimming portions 110A and 110B.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 7, the length of the light transmitting portion 32 in the B direction is longer than the length of the photographic film 22 in the B direction in the film image recorded on the photographic film 22.
[0035]
Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
At the time of image reading, when the photographic film 22 passes through the upper part of the light transmission part 32 formed in the film conveying path 34, the line CCD 74 is a bar on which the film image recorded on the photographic film 22 and information on the photographic film 22 are recorded. The code 37 is read simultaneously. That is, the light emitted from the light source 64 and transmitted through the light transmission part 32 and the photographic film 22 is incident on the line CCD 74 via the lens unit 72. At this time, since the light emitted from the light source 64 is attenuated by the dimming portions 110A and 110B of the light transmitting portion 32, the light transmitted through the perforation 36 of the photographic film 22 is dimmed.
[0036]
In this way, the light attenuated by the dimming units 110A and 110B is incident on the line CCD 74, so that the amount of light transmitted through the perforation 36 does not become excessive, and the film image recorded on the photographic film 22 and Since the amount of light transmitted through the bar code 37 does not become too small, the film image recorded on the photographic film 22 and the bar code 37 on which information on the photographic film 22 is recorded can be read accurately and simultaneously.
[0037]
Further, in the present embodiment, a glass in which a light-attenuating vapor deposition film is fitted to the light transmitting portion 32 is used as the light reducing portions 110A and 110B for dimming portions where the amount of light incident on the line CCD 74 is large. Although the example provided by vapor-depositing on the board 102 was demonstrated, it does not restrict to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a slit-shaped opening (elementary omission) is formed and an ND filter is provided in the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction (perforation corresponding part).
[0038]
Further, in the present embodiment, the light emitted from the light source 64 is attenuated by the dimming units 110A and 110B, and the photographic film 22 is irradiated with the dimmed light. However, the present invention is not limited to this. is not. For example, the light emitted from the light source 64 may be applied to the photographic film 22, and the light transmitted through the photographic film 22 may be reduced before entering the line CCD 74. That is, the dimming portions 110A and 110B for dimming light may be provided on either the emulsion surface side of the photographic film 22 or on the opposite side of the emulsion surface, and may be provided on both. Good.
[0039]
In the present embodiment, perforations 36 are perforated at predetermined intervals at both ends in the width direction along the longitudinal direction of the photographic film 22, and the film type, frame number, etc. of the photographic film 22 are in the vicinity of the perforation 36. The 135 size photographic film 22 on which the recorded barcode 37 is formed has been described as an example, but the applicable photographic film 22 is not limited to this. Depending on the type of photographic film, it can be applied by providing a dedicated film carrier.
[0040]
The light transmission part 32B is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 8 for the example applied to the 240 size photographic film (what is called APS film) below.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 8, the 240 size photographic film 22B has a perforation 88 formed at one end in the width direction along the longitudinal direction of the photographic film 22B, and turnaround perforation (hereinafter, referred to as the other end in the width direction at the longitudinal end). 90 (referred to as TAP) is formed. A magnetic layer 92 on which film type, frame number, and the like are magnetically recorded is formed between the perforations 88 and at the other end in the width direction of the photographic film 22B.
[0042]
On the other hand, the light transmission part 32 </ b> B forms only the light reduction part 110 </ b> C corresponding to the perforation 88.
[0043]
The light transmission part 32B formed in this way reduces the light transmitted through the perforation 88 during image reading of the photographic film 22B, thereby preventing an excessive amount of light from entering the line CCD 74. Further, since the conveyance of the photographic film 22B is controlled to stop before the part of the TAP 90 enters reading, it is possible to prevent the light transmitted through the TAP 90 from entering the line CCD 74 without being dimmed.
[0044]
The present invention is not limited to these films, and can also be applied to a slide film (reversal film) (not shown) held in a slide holder for each frame.
[0045]
In the digital laboratory system 10 according to the present embodiment, when reading an image, first, pre-scanning for reading barcode information, image density, image size, and the like is performed, and reading conditions are set. Next, a fine scan for reading image information is performed based on the reading conditions. Therefore, when panoramic image information is included in the photographic film 22, barcode information and the like are read in the same manner as a normal image at the time of pre-scanning. During the subsequent fine scan, the LHP lever 62 (see FIG. 4) is driven to shield the portion outside the image information range by the light shielding portion 62A. In this way, panorama-size image information can be handled.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
Since the invention according to claim 1 has the above-described configuration, only the perforated transmitted light of the photographic film is attenuated by the dimming means, so that it exists outside the image recording range of not only image information but also barcode information. Information can be read with high accuracy.
[0047]
Further , since the light reducing means is provided on the glass, the configuration is simplified and dust or the like does not fall from the light transmitting portion to the lower part.
[0048]
Since the present invention according to claim 2 has the above-described configuration, the surface treatment of the light transmitting portion, for example, the AR coating or the like is not damaged.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a digital laboratory system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an external view of a digital laboratory system according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an optical system of the line CCD scanner according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an internal configuration of a film carrier according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a light transmission part provided in the film transport path of the film carrier according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a light transmission part provided in the film transport path of the film carrier according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a relationship between a light transmission part and a film according to the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating another example of the light transmission unit according to the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Digital laboratory system 14 Film carrier (conveying means)
22 Photo film 32 Light transmission part 36, 88 Perforation 74 Line CCD (reading means)
110A, 110B, 110C Dimming part (dimming means)

Claims (2)

In the image reading device that reads the image information of the photographic film and the information existing outside the image recording range by the light that has passed through the photographic film,
In the light transmissive portion where the light is incident, the light transmissive portion includes a light reducing means for reducing the transmittance of only the light passing through the perforation of the photographic film to be equal to or lower than the transmittance of the photographic film base,
An image reading apparatus , wherein the light reducing means is provided in a light transmitting portion made of slit-like glass extending in a direction intersecting a conveyance direction provided in a conveyance path in which the photographic film is conveyed . 2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the light transmitting portion is subjected to a reflection and flare prevention treatment on a surface opposite to a side on which the photographic film is conveyed .

Images