JP2001352420A - Device for carrying photographic film - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographic film carrying device, that can enhance film insertion job at interrupt processings by preventing interference of an automatic film loader(AFL) on the photographic film insertion job from the outside of the film-carrying device to a read carrying path at the interrupt processing. SOLUTION: An AFL unit 70 is supported slidably on the body of an image input device 12 and respectively movable to take an operation position, where a film feed path is connected to the read carrying path in a film carrier 46 or to take a retreating position in the lateral direction where the film feed path breaks away from the read carrying pat of the film carrier 46 and one end of a film feed port (film supply port) is made open to the outside of the photographic film carrying device. When the AFL unit 70 is moved to the retreating position, a control circuit interrupts the AFL unit 70 to supply a photographic film 26 to the read carrying path and carries the interruption of the photographic film 26 inserted into the read carrying path through the film supply port from the outside of the photographic film carrying device to pass through a read position R, by carrying roller pairs 56, 58, 60.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photographic film transport apparatus for transporting a belt-shaped photographic film on which an image is recorded and reading the image on the photographic film by image reading means such as a scanner. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a digital image processing apparatus for a photographic film, a photographic film on which an image is recorded is conveyed at a predetermined reading speed, and the image of the photographic film is read by a line scanner comprising a CCD line sensor or the like. There is a method of recording an image on a recording material, displaying an image on a display, and the like using image data obtained by the reading. In such a digital image processing device,
For example, while a photographic film is transported in one direction along a reading transport path by a pair of transport rollers, prescanning for reading an image of the photographic film with a relatively rough resolution by a line scanner is performed, and the image recorded on the photographic film is performed. After checking the size, dynamic range, etc. of the photographic film, it reverses the transport direction of the photographic film, transports the photographic film in the reverse direction, and reads the image of the photographic film with high resolution based on the data obtained by prescanning. Perform scanning.

[0003] In some digital image processing apparatuses, a film autoloader unit (hereinafter, referred to as an "AFL unit") is attached to the main body of the apparatus as an optional unit. The AFL unit includes, for example, a film holder in which a film bundle in which photographic films are stacked is loaded, one photographic film is separated from the film bundle loaded in the film holder, and the photographic film is transferred to a reading conveyance path. A feed roller for feeding the film to the connected film supply path and a pair of conveyance rollers for conveying the photographic film to the reading conveyance path along the film supply path are provided. This A
The FL unit separates one photographic film from an uppermost portion or a lowermost portion of a film bundle loaded in a film holder by a feed roller at a predetermined timing, and separates the photographic film along a film supply path into a digital image processing apparatus. To the main unit side. On the other hand, on the main body side of the digital image processing apparatus, for example, prescanning is performed at the time of forward transport in which the photographic film is transported in one direction along the reading transport path,
After the completion of the prescanning, the conveying direction of the photographic film is reversed, and the fine scanning is performed at the time of returning conveyance in which the photographic film is conveyed in another direction along the reading conveyance path.

[0004]

In a digital image processing apparatus provided with an AFL unit as described above, usually,
After one photographic film is started to be supplied to the reading transport path from the film bundle loaded in the film holder, the film is controlled by the AFL unit until all the photographic films loaded in the film holder are supplied to the reading transport path. The operation of supplying the photographic film from the holder to the reading conveyance path is repeated, but before all the photographic film is supplied from the film holder to the reading conveyance path, the photographic film other than the photographic film urgently loaded into the film holder is urgently loaded. Is supplied to the reading conveyance path, and a process of giving priority to image reading on the photographic film, that is, a so-called photographic film interruption process may be performed.

[0005] In a conventional digital image processing apparatus provided with an AFL unit, for example, an interrupting film supply path having one end as a supply port opened to the outside of the apparatus and the other end connected to a reading conveyance path is provided. When the above photographic film interruption processing is performed, all photographic films are discharged from the film supply path and the reading conveyance path, and the AFL is performed.
After temporarily stopping the supply of the photographic film to the reading conveyance path by the unit, the photographic film is inserted into the interruption film supply path from the supply port, and the photographic film is supplied from the interruption film supply path to the reading conveyance path.

However, in the digital image processing apparatus as described above, when an operator inserts a photographic film into the interrupting film supply path through the supply port at the time of interrupt processing, the operator is not allowed to insert the photographic film into the work. AFL
There was a problem that the units interfered with each other and the workability of inserting the photographic film was poor. Specifically, the operator supports the photographic film from the back side opposite to the emulsion side so that the rear end of the photographic film does not contact the AFL unit until the entire photographic film is inserted into the interrupting film supply path. Meanwhile, it is necessary to insert the photographic film from the supply port into the interruption film supply path. Also, AFL
Since the unit is arranged on the side of the main body of the digital image processing apparatus, the work of inserting the photographic film into the interrupting film supply path is performed by the A of the digital image processing apparatus.
It is difficult to perform the operation from the side where the FL unit is disposed, and it is necessary to perform the operation from the front side of the digital image processing apparatus, which limits the working posture of the operator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to prevent a film autoloader from interfering with an operation for inserting a photographic film from the outside of an apparatus into a reading conveyance path at the time of an interruption process, and to perform a film insertion operation at an interruption process. An object of the present invention is to provide a photographic film transport device capable of improving workability.

[0008]

According to the photographic film transport apparatus of the present invention, the retraction support means includes means for moving the film autoloader from the operating position where the film supply path is connected to the film supply port, The path is separated from the film supply port, and the film supply port can be moved to a retreat position where the film supply port opens to the outside of the apparatus. When the film autoloader is in the operating position, the photographic film inserted from the outside of the apparatus into the reading and conveying path through the film supply port is conveyed by the reading and conveying means so as to pass through the reading position. 1 photographic film from the film bundle loaded in the loading section Next, the image is supplied from the film supply path to the reading and conveying path, and the image on the photographic film can be read by the image reading means while the photographic film is conveyed along the reading and conveying path.

Further, after the supply of the photographic film by the film autoloader is started and before all the photographic films loaded in the loading section of the film autoloader are supplied to the reading conveyance path, the film autoloader is moved from the operating position to the retracted position. By moving the photographic film, the operator can directly insert the photographic film from the film supply port into the reading and conveying path, and convey the photographic film along the reading and conveying path so as to pass through the reading position. Interruption processing for reading an image on a photographic film other than the film by the image reading means becomes possible. At this time, if the retracting position of the film autoloader is set to a position where the film autoloader does not interfere with the operation of inserting the photographic film into the film supply port, the conventional photographic film transport device in which the film autoloader is fixed to the apparatus body side The workability of the operation of inserting the photographic film from the film supply port into the reading and conveying path by the operator can be improved as compared with the above.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when a photographic film is inserted into the reading and conveying path from outside the apparatus through the film supply port, a film interrupt signal is sent to the interrupt control means by an operation from outside the apparatus. By providing an interrupt operation unit for outputting, an interrupt processing request for reading an image on a photographic film inserted into the reading conveyance path from outside the apparatus through the film supply port to the interrupt control means can be notified by a film interrupt signal. Thus, the control necessary for executing the interrupt processing can be performed at an arbitrary timing.

At this time, for example, when a film interrupt signal is input to the interrupt control means while the photographic film is being supplied to the reading conveyance path by the film autoloader, the interruption control means causes all the photographic films to be transmitted from the film supply path and the reading conveyance path. Until the film is discharged, control is performed to prohibit the film autoloader from moving from the operating position. Accordingly, in a state where the photographic film exists over one or both of the film supply path and the reading conveyance path, the movement of the film autoloader from the operation position is prohibited, so that the film autoloader is operated at an inappropriate timing. Due to the movement from the position, the photographic film is jammed in the film supply path and the reading conveyance path, or the film autoloader moves from the operation position in a state where a part of the photographic film is in the film supply path, It is possible to prevent the photographic film from being damaged.

Here, the control for inhibiting the interruption control hand from moving from the operating position of the film autoloader is as follows.
For example, the control includes notifying the operator that the film autoloader cannot be moved using light, sound, a message, or the like, or controlling the film autoloader to be mechanically restrained at the retracted position.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an image input device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Structure of Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows an external view of an image input machine to which a photographic film transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 shows an image input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. A schematic configuration of a digital lab system using the machine is shown as a block diagram. Digital laboratory system 1
0 has an image input device 12 and an image output device 14 as shown in FIG. The image input device 12 has a line C
A CD scanner 16 and an image processing unit 18 are provided, and the image output unit 14 is provided with a laser printer unit 20 and a processor unit 22.

The line CCD scanner 16 is for reading a film image recorded on a photographic film such as a negative film or a reversal film. The line CCD scanner 16 is provided with a line CCD 24 (see FIG. 5) in which three rows of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) photometric sensors are arranged. And outputs image data of three colors of R, G, and B to the image processing unit 18, respectively.

The image processing section 18 performs image processing such as correction on the image data from the line CCD 24 and outputs the image data to the laser printer section 20 as recording image data.
Further, the image processing unit 18 outputs the image data on which the image processing has been performed to an external device as an image file (for example, outputs the image data to a storage medium such as a memory card, an external storage device such as an HDD, or another communication device via a communication line). Send to information processing equipment, etc.)
It is also possible.

The laser printer section 20 has laser light sources for emitting R, G, and B laser lights, respectively. The laser light modulated on the basis of recording image data input from the image processing section 18 is printed on photographic paper. Irradiate and form an image (latent image) on photographic paper by scanning exposure. Processor unit 2
2, the photographic paper scanned and exposed by the laser printer unit 20 is subjected to color development, bleach-fixing, washing, and drying. Thereby, the latent image formed on the photographic paper is developed into a visible image.

FIG. 5 shows a reading optical system 28 including a line CCD 24 installed in the image input device 12.
The reading optical system 28 has a light source 30 such as a metal halide lamp or a halogen lamp. A parabolic reflector 32 for selectively transmitting IR (infrared light) is provided so that the light source 30 is located at the focal position. Here, the light emitted from the light source 30 is reflected by the reflector 3
2 and irradiates in the direction of the photographic film 26.

As shown in FIG. 5, the reading optical system 28 has an IR cut filter 34, C (cyan) that cuts the IR of the light emitted from the light source 30 in order from the light source 30 along its optical axis L. ), M (magenta), Y (yellow)
And a light diffusion box 38 for diffusing light irradiated on the photographic film 26 with the IR cut filters 36C, 36M, 36Y. IR cut filter 3436
C, 36M, and 36Y are configured to be independently movable, and are inserted into the optical path in consideration of the balance of the light amounts of the respective component color lights emitted from the light source 30 and the sensitivity of the line CCD 24 to the respective component color lights. The amount is adjusted. This makes it possible to adjust the balance of the amounts of received light of the three colors R, G, and B in the line CCD 24.

The image input device 12 is provided with a flat work table 40 parallel to the floor F as shown in FIG. The work table 40 includes FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, an opening 42 penetrating in the thickness direction thereof
A vibration isolating table 44 attached to the apparatus frame is disposed in the opening 42. The anti-vibration table 44 is supported such that the upper surface thereof is located on the same plane as the upper surface of the work table 40. I have.

Here, the vibration isolator 44 is attached to the apparatus frame via an elastic member 48 such as rubber rubber, and the elastic member 48 blocks vibration from a vibration source such as a motor outside the apparatus and inside the apparatus. The structure is to be. The anti-vibration table 44 integrally supports the reading optical system 28 together with the film carrier 46. Thereby, the photographic film 26
Even when vibration is transmitted to the frame when reading an image for
The film carrier 46 and the reading optical system 28 are each kept stationary, so that the reading accuracy of the photographic film 26 due to vibration is prevented from lowering.

As shown in FIG. 5, the image input device 12 has the film carrier 46 sandwiched between the light source 30 and the opposite side.
A lens unit 50 for forming an image of the light transmitted through the photographic film 26 is arranged, and the lens unit 50
The line CCD 24 is arranged at the image forming position. Although FIG. 5 shows the lens unit 50 as a single lens, the lens unit 50 may be a single imaging lens or a zoom lens composed of a plurality of lenses. You may.

The line CCD 24 is provided with three CCD cell rows in which CCD cells are arranged in a line so as to be orthogonal to the direction in which the photographic film 26 is transported by the film carrier 46, and is provided on the light incident side of each line. R,
It is composed of a three-line color CCD to which any one of G and B color separation filters is attached. Therefore, C
The main scanning of the film reading is performed along the arrangement direction of the CD cells, and the photographic film 2 is scanned by the film carrier 46.
The sub-scanning of the film image reading is performed by transporting 6.

In the line CCD 24, three lines (CCD cell rows) are sequentially arranged at predetermined intervals along the transport direction (sub-scanning direction) of the photographic film 26 in the film carrier 46. There is a time difference between the detection timings of the R, G, and G component colors in the same pixel. However, in this embodiment, the R, G, and B photometric signals of the same pixel are output simultaneously from the line CCD scanner 16 by delaying the output timing of the photometric signal with a different delay time for each component color. It is configured to:

The film carrier 46 is provided with a reading transport path 52 for guiding the photographic film 26 to a predetermined reading position R as shown in FIG. The reading conveyance path 52 extends from the distal end surface of the supply guide portion 54 projecting laterally from the side plate portion of the film carrier 46 to the inside of the film carrier 46. A film supply port 53 for supplying the photographic film 26 to the transport path 52 is open.

In the film carrier 46, as shown in FIG.
A first transport roller pair 56, a second transport roller pair 58, and a third transport roller pair 60 are arranged in this order from the side. Each of the transport roller pairs 56, 58, 60 is constituted by a driven roller and a drive roller, and the drive roller of each of the transport roller pairs 56, 58, 60 receives torque from a common transport motor 61 (see FIG. 3). Is transmitted. Here, the transport motor 61 is a step motor whose rotational speed and rotational direction can each be controlled.

When the photographic film 26 is supplied from the film supply port 53 into the film carrier 46, the pair of conveying rollers 56, 58, 60 intersects the photographic film 26 perpendicularly to the optical axis L along the reading and conveying path 52. The sheet is conveyed along one direction (sub-scanning direction). In the film carrier 46, as shown in FIG. 4, a slit hole 62 elongated in the width direction of the photographic film 26 along the optical axis L is formed. Accordingly, the light emitted from the light source 30 passes through the photographic film 26 and enters the lens unit 50 above the film carrier 46. Here, the position where the optical axis L of the reading optical system 28 and the photographic film 26 in the film carrier 46 intersect is the reading position R.

As shown in FIG. 3, the film carrier 46 is integrally formed with a substantially cylindrical film take-up portion 64 at the end opposite to the film supply port 53. Is connected to the other end of the reading transport path 52. The film winding chamber 48 has an inner wall serving as a guide surface for curving the photographic film 26 in accordance with its winding habit. Thereby, the third conveying roller pair 60
The photographic film 26 carried out from the reading conveyance path 52 into the film take-up section 64 is wound into a roll and stored in the film take-up section 64.

In the film carrier 46, a first film sensor 66 is provided between the film supply port 53 and the first pair of conveying rollers 56 along the reading and conveying path 52 as shown in FIG. Roller pair 56 and second transport roller pair 5
8, the second film sensors 68 are provided respectively. Each of the film sensors 66 and 68 includes a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit that face each other via the reading and conveying path 52, and the light emitted from the light projecting unit receives the photographic film 2.
6, the light receiving section outputs a detection signal in synchronism therewith.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image input device 12 has an automatic film loader unit (hereinafter, referred to as "AFL unit") 70 as an optional unit on the side of the work table 40 (right side in FIG. 1). It is attached. On the upper surface of the AFL unit 70, there is provided a film supply unit 71 (see FIG. 3) into which a film bundle 72 in which the photographic film 26 before image reading is stacked in the thickness direction is loaded. The film supply unit 71 is provided with a film holder cover 74 disposed on the upper surface of the AFL unit 70 and a circular concave film storage chamber 76 opening to the upper surface of the AFL unit 70. The film storage chamber 76 has a depth corresponding to the width of the photographic film 26, and a plurality of guide pins 78 are provided upright at substantially equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the bottom outer peripheral portion. .

One end of an elongated groove-shaped film guide path 80 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the film storage chamber 76. The film guide path 80 is disposed behind the film storage chamber 76 when viewed from the operator. Holder cover 74
Extends inside. Here, the film holder cover 74 is disposed on the upper surface of the AFL unit 70 so as to be openable and closable. The film supply unit 71 includes
As shown in FIG. 3, a cover sensor 81 that detects the film holder cover at the closed position and outputs a detection signal is provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the film supply section 71 is provided with a film holder 82 in which the leading end of the film bundle 72 is loaded in the film holder cover 74. As shown in FIG. 6, the film holder 82 is provided with a holding bracket 84 which is bent in a substantially U-shape, and both side plates of the holding bracket 84 are spaced from each other along the width direction of the photographic film 26. Is formed at the base end so as to be substantially equal to the width of the photographic film 26 and tapered from the base end toward the opening end.

As shown in FIG. 6, the film holder 82 is provided with a lever member 90 for connecting the holding bracket 84 to the upper surface of the AFL unit 70 via a connecting shaft 88. As a result, the film holder 82 is supported so as to be swingable about the connecting shaft 88 between a predetermined supply position and a loading position. Here, when the film holder 82 is at the loading position where the film holder 82 swings approximately 90 ° clockwise from the supply position shown in FIG. 6, the operator can load the film bundle 72 into the film holder 82. The film supply unit 71
As shown in FIG. 4, the holder sensor 9 detects the film holder 82 at the supply position and outputs a detection signal.
1 is installed.

When loading the film bundle 72 into the film holder 82, first, the operator opens the film holder cover 74 and swings the film holder 82 to the loading position. Thereafter, the operator aligns the plurality of photographic films 26 constituting the film bundle 72 so that the leading ends (the ends on the recording image side of the first frame) match, and the film bundle 72 is shown in FIG. Film storage room 76
To store. At this time, the film bundle 72 is wound around the outer periphery of the three guide pins 78 so as to be curved according to the winding habit, and a part of the remaining rear end side is inserted into the inner periphery of the guide pin 78.

Next, the operator moves the leading end side of the film bundle 72 along the film guide path 80 into the film storage chamber 7.
6, the leading end of the film bundle 72 is pushed between both side plates of the holding bracket 84 of the film holder 82. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the leading end of the film bundle 72 is curved such that the center in the width direction is bulged toward the opening end of the holding bracket 84, and both side plate portions of the holding bracket 84. The film is pushed into the holding fitting 84 so that the film side ends are pressed against each other. Thus, the photographic film 26 constituting the film bundle 72
The photographic film 26 can be moved with a small transport resistance in the longitudinal direction of the film, but is held by the holding bracket 84 so that the movement in the thickness direction of the film is restricted. Further, the photographic films 26 constituting the film bundle 72 are loaded into the film holder 82 such that the surfaces (emulsion surfaces) face the base end of the holding bracket 84, respectively.

An actuator 93 (see FIG. 4) is connected to the film holder 82. On the other hand, a feeding roller 92 is provided in the film supply section 71 so as to face the film bundle 72 loaded in the film holder 82 at the supply position.
Is provided. The roller surface of the feed roller 92 is formed of rubber or the like having a high coefficient of friction and elasticity. Here, the actuator 93 moves the film holder 82 at the supply position to one of a predetermined press-contact position and a separation position along the thickness direction of the film bundle 72.
When the film holder 82 is moved to the pressing position, the back surface of the photographic film 26 located at the lowermost portion of the film bundle 72 is pressed against the roller surface of the feeding roller 92, and when moved to the separated position, the film bundle 72 is moved to the feeding roller 92. Away from

The feed roller 92 is connected to a feed motor 94 (see FIG. 4) via a torque transmission mechanism (not shown). When the feed motor 94 is driven, a predetermined feed direction (arrow CCW) is used. Direction). Therefore, the feed motor 9
When the film holder 82 moves from the separated position to the pressure contact position during the driving of the photographic film 4, the one photographic film 2 located at the lowermost position from the film bundle 72 loaded in the film holder 82
6 is separated, and the photographic film 26 is fed to the feeding roller 9.
The film is fed downstream along the longitudinal direction of the film by the frictional force received from the pressure contact portion with the second member.

As shown in FIG. 4, a film holder 8 is provided below the film holder 82 as shown in FIG.
A film sensor 95 for detecting the film bundle 72 loaded in the camera 2 is provided. This film sensor 9
5 outputs a detection signal when the film bundle 72 (photographic film 26) exists in the film holder 82 and the film holder 82 is at the supply position.

The film supply section 71 is provided with a film supply path 96 for guiding the photographic film 26 fed from the film holder 82 by the feed roller 92 to the image input device 12, as shown in FIG. I have. One end of the film supply path 96 is open toward the vicinity of the upper end of the feed roller 92 so that the photographic film 26 fed to the image input device 12 by the feed roller 92 is inserted.

At the other end of the film supply path 96, there is provided a connection port 121 opening toward the film carrier 46, and this connection port 121 is provided with a predetermined clearance C as shown in FIG. And directly faces the film supply port 53 of the reading conveyance path 52. Here, the clearance C is set so that the tip of the supply guide unit 54 does not collide with the AFL unit 70 even when the film carrier 46 is displaced relative to the apparatus frame integrally with the vibration isolator 44. .

As shown in FIG. 4, the AFL unit 70 includes a first transport roller pair 98, a first guide roller pair 102, and a second
A transport roller pair 100 and a second guide roller pair 104 are arranged. Here, the conveying roller pairs 98 and 100 are each composed of a driven roller and a driving roller, and a torque from a feeding motor 94 is transmitted to the driving roller.
Each of the guide roller pairs 102 and 104 is constituted by a pair of driven rollers.

In the film supply section 71, a loop guide roller 106 is provided between the second conveying roller pair 100 and the second guide roller pair 104 along the film supply path 96. A part of the upper end side is supported so as to protrude from the lower surface of the film supply path 96. Here, the loop guide roller 106 is
The photographic film 26 sent from the conveying roller pair 100 to the second guide roller pair 104 is supplied to the film supply path 9.
6 is slightly lifted upward from the lower surface. As a result, the leading end of the photographic film 26 is
When the rear end side of the photographic film 26 is conveyed by the second conveying roller pair 100 of the AFL unit 70, the second conveying roller pair 100 and the second guide roller 104 The formation of the loop portion 108 (see FIG. 3) which is bent upward in the photographic film 26 is promoted.

As shown in FIG. 4, a loop detection lever 110 and a loop sensor 112 for detecting a loop portion 108 formed on the photographic film 26 are arranged in the film supply path 96. Loop detection lever 110
Is supported so as to be swingable around a spindle 114 provided on the downstream side of the loop guide roller 106, and when the loop 108 is not detected, the tip of the loop 108 is in contact with the loop guide roller 106. It is held at the detection position by its own weight. The loop detection lever 110 is integrally provided with a substantially fan-shaped striker portion 116 protruding upward near the support shaft portion 114.

The loop detecting lever 110 is connected to the photographic film 2
When the loop portion 108 is formed in 6, the tip portion is pressed upward by the loop portion 108 and swings in one direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 4) from the non-detection position. At this time, when a loop portion 108 (see FIG. 3) having a predetermined size is formed on the photographic film 26, the loop sensor 112 detects the striker portion 116 of the loop detection lever 110 and outputs a loop detection signal. In the AFL unit 70, the driving of the feeding motor 94 is controlled based on the loop detection signal.

Here, the second guide roller pair 104 located on the downstream side of the loop portion 108 is composed of two driven rollers, and the slight conveyance required for maintaining the loop portion 108 to the photographic film 26 is performed. Only resistance works. For this reason, when the tension of the photographic film 26 increases on the downstream side of the second guide roller pair 104, the photographic film 26 forming the loop portion 108 reduces the tension of the second guide roller 104 so as to decrease the tension of the photographic film 26. It is sent downstream.

As shown in FIG. 4, the AFL unit 70 is provided with a film receiving section 118 below the film supply section 71 for receiving the photographic film 26 discharged from the reading and conveying path 52. One end of a film discharge path 120 for guiding the photographic film 26 discharged from the film supply port 53 into the film receiving section 118 is connected to the film receiving section 118. The other end of the film unloading path 120 is connected slightly upstream of the connection port 121 in the film supply path 96.

On the other hand, the film supply path 96 is provided with a transfer junction 122 at a connection with the film discharge path 120. As shown in FIG. 4, the converging portion 122 becomes narrower toward the connection port 121 between the upper surface of the film supply path 96 and the lower surface of the film discharge path 120 to form a substantially wedge-shaped space. ing. A pair of guide rollers 124 and 126 are disposed in the transport junction 122,
The lower end of the guide roller 124 has the film supply path 9.
6, the guide roller 126 is supported so that the upper end thereof projects from the lower surface of the film unloading path 120 into the transfer junction 122.

As shown in FIG. 4, a substantially wedge-shaped gate lever 128 whose width decreases toward the connection port 121 is disposed in the transfer junction 122. The gate lever 128 is swingably supported between a predetermined first guide position and a predetermined second guide position around a swing shaft 129 provided at an end opposite to the connection port 121. . Further, the gate lever 128 is always urged to the first guide position shown in FIG. 4 by an urging member (not shown) formed of a coil spring or the like. Here, the gate lever 128 at the first guide position has its tip portion guided by the guide roller 1.
24 is pressed against the roller surface. As a result, the film supply path 96 is closed in the transfer junction 122 by the gate lever 128, and the connection port 121 is formed on the lower surface side.
The photographic film 26 conveyed to the converging section 122 through the conveying guide 122 is guided to enter the film unloading path 120.

The gate lever 128 allows the photographic film 26 to move from the upstream side of the film supply path 96
When it is conveyed to 2, the photographic film 26 is pressed by the leading end and swings from the first guide position to the second guide position. As a result, the photographic film 26 is
In addition to being able to pass between the gate lever 128 and the gate lever 128, it is guided by the upper surface of the gate lever 128 so as to be discharged from the connection port 121.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first feeding roller pair 9
8, a first film sensor 130 and a second film sensor 132 are respectively disposed slightly downstream of the transport junction 122. Here, the film sensors 130 and 132 detect the photographic film 26 in the film supply path 96 and output a detection signal.

As shown in FIG. 4, a discharge roller pair 138 composed of a driving roller 134 and a driven roller 136 is disposed in the film receiving section 118 so as to face the opening of the film unloading path 120. Here, in the height direction, the driving roller 134 is supported below the opening of the film unloading path 120, and the driven roller 136 is supported above the film unloading path 120. The drive roller 1 is connected to the film receiving portion 118 via a torque transmission mechanism (not shown).
An actuator 142 connected to the driven roller 136 via a discharge motor 140 and a roller frame 143 is connected to the apparatus 34.

The actuator 142 is composed of, for example, an electromagnetic solenoid, a cam mechanism driven by a motor, or the like, and drives the driven roller 136 to the driving roller 134 along a direction perpendicular to the film discharging direction by the discharging roller pair 138. The nip is moved to one of a nip closing position for pressing and a nip opening position for separating from the drive roller 134. The discharge motor 140 rotates the drive roller 134 in a predetermined direction (clockwise in FIG. 4) at the time of driving. Here, the driven roller 1 is driven by the actuator 142.
When 36 moves to the nip opening position, the discharge roller pair 13
8 is a pair of transport rollers 56, 58,
The retracted state is retracted from the photographic film 26 sent from the reading transport path 52 to the film unloading path 120 by the 60 and the driven roller 13 is retracted by the actuator 142.
6 moves to the nip closed position, the discharge roller pair 138
Is in a transport state in which the photographic film 26 discharged from the film discharge path 120 is held by the nip portion, and the photographic film 26 can be drawn into the film receiving section 118.

In the film receiving section 118, as shown in FIG. 4, the axis of the driven roller 136 is offset to the downstream side by a predetermined distance from the axis of the driving roller 134 along the film discharging direction. Thus, the nip portion between the driven roller 136 and the driving roller 134 at the nip closing position is formed downstream with respect to the axis of the driving roller 134 along the film unloading direction as shown in FIG.

In the film receiving portion 118, as shown in FIG.
8, a film holder 144 is installed.
As shown in FIG. 8, the film holder 144 includes a holding bracket 160 bent substantially in a U-shape and the holding bracket 1.
60 are provided with locking guide members 162 attached to the inside of both side plate portions, respectively. This locking guide member 16
Reference numeral 2 denotes a sheet, and a large number of flexible fine projections are formed on the front surface thereof.

As shown in FIG. 4, an elongated plate-like pressing member 146 and an actuator 148 connected to the upper surface of the pressing member 146 are provided in the film receiving portion 118 above the film holder 144. . The pressing member 146 is supported so that its longitudinal direction is substantially parallel to the film unloading direction of the discharge roller pair 138.

On the other hand, the actuator 148 is
46 is moved to a predetermined pressing position or a standby position along a direction substantially perpendicular to the film unloading direction. Here, when the pressing member 146 moves to the pressing position, it is inserted into the holding bracket 160 of the film holder 144 as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 8, and when it moves to the standby position, as shown by the solid line in FIG. It is separated from the film holder 144.

Here, when the photographic film 26 is located between the pressing member 146 and the film holder 144 as shown in FIG.
Is moved from the standby position to the pressing position.
6 presses both ends of the photographic film 26, and the photographic film 26 is inserted into the holding bracket 160. As a result, the photographic film 26 is locked by the locking guide member 162 of the film holder 144 and the locking guide member 1
It is held in the holding bracket 160 by the holding force from 62. At this time, the locking guide member 162 is
6, a holding force of a sufficient magnitude is applied to stop inside the holding bracket 160 against its own weight.

In the film receiving section 118, a film sensor 150 is disposed slightly upstream of the film discharge port of the film discharge path 120 as shown in FIG. The film sensor 150 detects the photographic film 26 in the film output path 120 and outputs a detection signal.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the image input device 12. The image input device 12 is provided with a control circuit 170 for controlling the entire apparatus. The control circuit 170 is provided with a line CCD scanner 16, an image processing unit 18, a step motor driver 17 and the like.
4. DC driver 176 and sensor interface 1
A data bus 172 is provided to which the data buses 78 are connected. Here, upon receiving a control signal from the control circuit 170, the step motor driver 174 controls the driving of the transport motor 61 of the film carrier 46, and the DC driver 1
Reference numeral 76 controls the driving of the actuator 93 and the feed motor 94 of the film supply unit 71, respectively.

The sensor interface 178 is connected to the film sensors 66 and 68 of the film carrier 46, the cover sensor 81 of the film supply unit 71, the holder sensor 91, and the film sensors 95 and 1 through the data bus 172.
The detection signals from the loop sensors 30, 132 and the loop sensor 112 are transmitted to the control circuit 170, respectively.

The image input device 12 of the present embodiment has
The retraction support mechanism (not shown) is attached to the apparatus frame of the image input device 12 with sufficient strength, and the retraction support mechanism slidably supports the AFL unit 70 along the width direction of the film supply path 96. . Thus, A
The FL unit 70 is slidable between the operating position shown in FIG. 1 and the retracted position shown in FIG.
The evacuation support mechanism is provided with a lock (not shown) that restricts the AFL unit 70 to the operating position when the AFL unit 70 moves from the evacuation position to the operating position.
The lock unit releases the AFL unit 70 when a predetermined unlock operation is performed by the operator, whereby the AFL unit 70 can slide from the operating position to the retracted position.

Here, the retraction support mechanism includes, for example, a guide rail extending in the width direction of the film supply path 96 fixed to the apparatus frame of the image input device 12, and the guide rail fixed to the AFL unit 70 side. A bearing or the like that can move with low friction is provided thereon. In the lock portion of the retreat support mechanism, for example, a pin hole provided in one of the main body of the image input device 12 and the AFL unit 70, and a pin hole provided in the main body of the image input device 12 and the other of the AFL unit 70, A lock pin is provided to be inserted into the pin hole when 70 moves to the operating position. Further, in order to accurately position the AFL unit 70 at the operation position, the image input device 12 is provided with, for example, a ball catch mechanism having a concave catch portion and a ball urged in the direction of the catch portion, This ball catch mechanism drops a part of the ball into the catch portion when the AFL unit 70 moves to the operating position,
The FL unit 70 is urged to the operating position.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image input device 12 is provided with a position sensor 180 for detecting that the AFL unit 70 is in the operating position and is restrained by the lock portion. This position sensor 1
The detection signal from 80 is output to the control circuit 170 via the sensor interface 178 and the data bus 172 similarly to other sensors.

Here, when the AFL unit 70 is in the operating position, a predetermined clearance is set so that the leading end of the film supply path 96 and the leading end of the reading / conveying path 52 are parallel to each other as shown in FIG. The positions of the connection port 121 opened at the front end of the film supply path 96 and the film supply port 53 opened at the front end of the reading conveyance path 52 coincide with each other while leaving C apart. At this time, the tip of the film supply path 96 and the tip of the reading conveyance path 52 are
Each is formed along a straight line inclined with respect to the width direction of the photographic film 26, and is made parallel to each other. Thus, when the AFL unit 70 is at the operating position, the distance between the leading end of the film supply path 96 and the leading end of the reading transport path 52 is in the width direction of the photographic film 26 as shown in FIG. Inclined slit-shaped gap 18
2 are formed.

As shown in FIG. 10, openings 184 and 186 corresponding to an image recording area (frame area) of the photographic film 52 are provided on the film supply path 96 and the reading and conveying path 52 on the top side, respectively. The recesses 188, 190 corresponding to the frame areas of the photographic film 26 are formed on the bottom side so as to extend along the film transport direction. This allows
When the photographic film 26 is conveyed along the film supply path 96 and the reading conveyance path 52, the inner walls of the film supply path 96 and the reading conveyance path 52 contact only the both ends of the photographic film 26, and Is transported without any contact between the front and back surfaces of the image recording area (frame) on the film supply path 96 and the inner wall of the reading transport path 52.

At the leading end of the film supply path 96, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, inclined surfaces 192 and 194 inclined upward and downward toward the tip are formed on the top surface side and the bottom surface side, respectively. As a result, the width of the leading end of the film supply path 96 along the film thickness direction is tapered toward the leading end. In addition, inclined surfaces 196 and 198 which are inclined upward and downward toward the distal end are formed on the top surface side and the bottom surface side, respectively, also at the leading end of the reading transport path 52. As a result, the width of the leading end of the reading conveyance path 96 in the film thickness direction also increases toward the leading end in a tapered shape, and the film supply port 53 extends in the film thickness direction.
Is equal to the opening width of the connection port 121.

In the image input device 12, the AFL unit 70
1 is in the operating position shown in FIG. 1, when the photographic film 26 is transported by the transport roller pairs 98 and 100 as described above, the leading end of the photographic film 26 discharged from the connection port 121 is connected to the film supply port 53. Read transport path 52
When the photographic film 26 is transported by the transport roller pairs 56, 58, 60, the leading end of the photographic film 26 discharged from the film supply port 53 enters the film supply path 96 from the connection port 121. At this time, the leading end of the photographic film 26 is cut in parallel with the film width direction during development, or cut so as to be slightly inclined with respect to the film width direction, and is loaded into the film holder 82. On the other hand, the gap 18 between the film supply path 96 and the reading conveyance path 52
2 is sufficient in the film width direction (3 in this embodiment).
0 °), when the leading end of the photographic film 26 passes through the gap 182, the entire leading end of the photographic film 26 is no longer located on the gap 182, and the leading end of the photographic film 26 enters the gap 182. Intrusion is prevented. A part of the leading end of the photographic film 26 is a gap 1
82, a part of the leading end of the photographic film 26 may become
2, 194 or the inclined surfaces 196, 198, the leading end of the photographic film 26 can be guided into the film supply path 96 or the reading conveyance path 52 without applying a large conveyance resistance to the photographic film 26. .

In the image input device 12, the AFL unit 12
7 is in the retracted position shown in FIG. 7, the film supply path 96 is retracted to the rear of the reading transport path 52 together with the AFL unit 70 as shown in FIG.
The film supply port 53 of the photographic film 26 is opened to the side, and the photographic film 26 enters the reading conveyance path 52 through the film supply port 53.
Can be inserted. As shown in FIG. 7, a film carry-out container 158 having an open upper surface is fixed to an outer surface of the image input device 12 on the side of the AFL unit 70.
The photographic film 26 discharged from the reading conveyance path 52 through the film supply port 53 falls into the film discharge container 158 and is stored.

(Operation of the Embodiment) Next, the operation of the image input device 12 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. It is assumed that a film bundle 72 including a plurality of photographic films 26 is loaded in the film holder 82 of the film supply unit 71. 12 to 14 are controlled by the control circuit 170 of the image input device 12 (see FIG. 9).

FIGS. 12 to 14 show an operation of reading an image from the photographic film 26 supplied to the reading and conveying path 52 by the AFL unit 70. FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, when the power of the image input device 12 is turned on in step 200, it is confirmed in step 202 that the film holder cover 74 is closed based on a detection signal from the cover sensor 81. . Next, the process proceeds to step 206, where it is determined whether or not the film holder 82 is at the closed position based on the detection signal from the holder sensor 91, and the film bundle in the film holder 82 is determined based on the detection signal from the film sensor 95. 72 (photographic film 26) is determined. When the film holder 82 is not in the closed position and when the film bundle 7
If there is no 2, the process proceeds to step 208, and the process proceeds to step 208, where an error message is displayed on the display unit 152 (see FIG. 1) or the LED 154 (see FIG. 3).
Blinks to indicate that the device is in an error state. If it is displayed that the apparatus is in the error state including the subsequent steps, the operation of the image input device 12 is temporarily stopped until the processing for resetting the error state is performed by the operator. .

If it is determined in step 206 that the film holder 82 is in the closed position and the film holder 72 has the film bundle 72, the process proceeds to step 210, where the driving of the feed motor 94 is started, and the actuator 93 The holder 82 is moved from the separated position to the pressure contact position. As a result, the photographic film 26 located at the lowermost position from the film bundle 72 loaded in the film holder 82
Is fed into the film supply path 96 and inserted into the nip portion of the first conveying roller pair 98.

In step 212, the first conveying roller pair 9
First film sensor 13 installed slightly downstream of
0 photos within a predetermined threshold time T ₁ by a film 26
It is determined whether or not the tip of is detected. When the leading end of the photographic film 26 by the first film sensor 130 is not detected within the threshold time T _1, the process proceeds to step 214 to display that the apparatus is in an error state. The photographic film 26 is also detected by the first film sensor 130.
When the tip of the is detected within the threshold time T _1, the routine proceeds to step 216, is moved by the actuator 93 of the film holder 82 from the pressing position to the separated position.

After the film holder 82 is moved to the separated position, the photographic film 26 is transported along the film supply path 96 by the pair of transport rollers 98 and 100. When the leading end reaches the transport junction 122, the photographic film 26 becomes first. The gate lever 128 at the guide position is swung to the second guide position against the urging force. As a result, the photographic film 26 is conveyed to the connection port 121 through between the gate lever 128 and the guide roller 124, and enters the reading conveyance path 52 of the film carrier 46 from the connection port 121.

[0074] At step 218, the leading end of the photographic film 26, it is determined whether the detected within a predetermined threshold time T ₂ by the second film sensor 132 disposed just before the transport merging portion 122. When the leading end of the photographic film 26 by the second film sensor 132 is not detected within the threshold time T ₂ are, the process proceeds to step 221 to display that the apparatus is in an error state. Also when the leading end of the photographic film 26 has been detected within a threshold time T ₂ by the second film sensor 132, the process proceeds to step 222 to stop the feed motor 94.

In step 222, the image reading (pre-scanning or fine scanning) of the preceding (N-th) photographic film 26 is being executed, or the reading conveyance path 52 of the N-th photographic film 26 after the image reading is completed. It is determined whether or not the discharge from is completed. If it is determined in step 222 that the image reading on the Nth photographic film 26 has been completed, the process proceeds to step 224 to start driving the feeding motor 94 and restart the conveyance of the (N + 1) th photographic film 26. .

In step 226, after the first film sensor 130 detects the leading end of the photographic film 26,
The leading end of the photographic film 26, it is determined whether or not detected by the first film sensor 66 with a predetermined threshold time T ₃ within the film carrier 46. First film sensor 66
The leading end of the photographic film 26 if not detected within the threshold time T _3, the process proceeds to step 228 to display that the apparatus is in an error state by. Further, the leading end of the photographic film 26 by the first film sensor 66 when it is detected within the threshold time T _3, the process proceeds to step 230 to start driving the conveyance motor 61 of the film carrier 46. At this time, the control circuit 170 controls the transport motor 61 to rotate in the forward direction at a speed corresponding to the pre-scanning speed for the photographic film 26. Thereby, the pair of transport rollers 56, 5 of the film carrier 46
8 and 60 start rotating at the same speed in a direction (forward rotation direction) such that the photographic film 26 is conveyed from the film supply port 53 to the film winding unit 64 side.

Even after the pair of conveying rollers 56, 58, and 60 start rotating, the photographic film 26 remains at the leading end in the reading conveying path 52 in the reading conveying path 52 due to the conveying force from the film supply unit 71.
It is transported until it is inserted into the nip portion of the transport roller pair 56. As a result, the leading end side of the photographic film 26 is started to be conveyed by the first conveying roller pair 56 of the film carrier 46. Thereafter, when the leading end of the photographic film 26 is detected by the second film sensor 68 provided between the pair of transport rollers 56 and 58, the control circuit 170 starts driving the line CCD scanner 16 in synchronization with the detection (in response to the detection). Step 23
2-244).

Thereafter, in the film carrier 46, the leading end of the photographic film 26 is sequentially inserted into the nip portion between the second conveying roller pair 58 and the third conveying roller pair 60, and is read by the conveying roller pairs 56, 58 and 60. The photographic film 26 is transported along 52. At this time, the reading position R
The pre-scanning of the photographic film 26 is performed by the line CCD scanner 16, and the image recorded on the photographic film 26 is read from the line CCD at a low resolution to output prescanning data. Based on the prescanning data, the control circuit 170 recognizes feature quantities such as the number and position of image frames on the photographic film 26, the aspect ratio of each image, and the density of each image. The portion of the photographic film 26 on which the prescanning is completed is fed into the film winding section 64 from the reading and conveying path 52 by the third conveying roller pair 60, and is wound into a roll.

The film transport speed by the transport roller pairs 56, 58, 60 during the prescanning is set to be lower than the film transport speed by the transport roller pairs 98, 100 in the film supply unit 71. Accordingly, when the leading end of the photographic film 26 whose rear end is conveyed by the second conveying roller pair 100 of the film supply unit 71 is inserted into the nip portion of the first conveying roller pair 56 of the film carrier 46, the photographic film 26 Has a film supply unit 7
The loop portion 108 bent upward at a portion between the second guide roller pair 104 and the second transport roller pair 100 in FIG.
(See FIG. 3), and the loop portion 108
It increases as the transport time by both the transport roller pair 100 of the film supply unit 71 and the transport roller pair 56 of the film carrier 46 increases. At this time, when the loop portion 108 has a predetermined size and the loop detection lever 110 swings to the detection position shown in FIG. 3, the loop sensor 112 outputs a loop detection signal.

[0080] At step 236～ step 244, it is determined that the loop detection signal from the loop sensor 112 is output, after only the feed motor 94 preset stop time T ₄ of the film supply unit 71 is stopped, The driving of the feed motor 94 is restarted. The stop time T ₄ is set based on the transport speed of the transport rollers 56 of the film carrier 46 to a length of time during which the loop portion 108 does not disappear when the feed motor 94 stops. The control circuit 170 repeats the above control for intermittently driving the feed motor 94 until the rear end of the photographic film 26 is detected by the second film sensor 132 provided downstream of the second guide roller pair 104. . In step 244, the control circuit 170
Indicates that the rear end of the photographic film 26 is the second film sensor 13
When it is determined that the detection has been made in step S2, step 246 is performed.
Then, the feed motor 94 is stopped.

When the loop 108 is formed as described above, the second guide roller pair 104 located on the downstream side of the loop 108 is connected to the photographic film 2 on the downstream side.
When the tension of No. 6 increases, a part of the loop portion 108 is sent to the downstream side, and the tension of the photographic film 26 is reduced. As a result, the photographic film 2 between the second guide roller pair 104 and the first transport roller pair 56 of the film carrier 46 is
6 can be suppressed and the tension of the photographic film 26 can be kept substantially constant, so that a change in the reading speed at the reading position R due to a change in the tension of the photographic film 26 can be effectively suppressed.

In the present embodiment, after the loop motor 108 is formed, the feed motor 94 is stopped for a predetermined time (= T ₄ ) in synchronization with the turning on of the loop sensor 112, and then the loop sensor 112 is turned off. By driving until the switch is turned on, the loop portion 108 is maintained, but the inclination of the loop detection lever 110 from the non-detection position is detected continuously or stepwise, and the supply is performed according to the inclination of the loop detection lever 110. The rotation speed of the feed motor 94 is adjusted,
Control may be performed to keep the size of 8 substantially constant.

If it is determined in step 240 that the prescanning of the photographic film 26 has been completed, the transport motor 61 rotating in the normal rotation direction is reversed, and the discharge motor 140 of the film receiving unit 118 starts rotating. When the transport motor 61 is reversed, the transport direction of the photographic film 26 is also reversed.
Is started from the reading position R to the film supply port 53 side along the reading conveyance path 52. At this time, photographic film 2
The transfer speed (reading speed) of No. 6 is set based on the prescanning data, and reading conditions for the photographic film 26 are set in the line CCD scanner 16 based on the prescanning data. Thereby, the line CC
The D scanner 16 performs fine scanning for reading an image of the photographic film 26 passing through the reading position R at a high resolution according to the reading conditions.

At the time of fine scanning, the transport roller pair 5
When the rear end (the end on the last frame side) of the photographic film 26 conveyed by 6, 58, 60 is discharged from the reading conveyance path 52, the rear end of the photographic film 26 passes through the connection port 121 and conveys to the converging section 122. Break into This photographic film 2
6 is guided by the gate lever 128 held at the first guide position (see FIG. 4), and enters the film unloading path 120 from the transport junction 122. At this time, the driven roller 136 of the discharge roller pair 138 of the film receiving unit 118 is held at the nip opening position (see FIG. 4) by the actuator 142, and the nip portion of the discharge roller pair 138 is open. Therefore, the photographic film 26 discharged from the film discharge path 120 passes through the space between the driven roller 136 and the driving roller 134 and enters the film receiving section 118. At this time, the drive roller 134 contacts the back surface of the photographic film 26 conveyed by the conveyance force from the conveyance roller pair 56 of the film carrier 46 and guides the rear end of the photographic film 26 onto the film holder 144.

In steps 252 to 254, the photographic film
Fine scanning completed for all 26 images
Then, the leading end of the photographic film 26 is
It is determined whether or not it has been detected. In step 246
When the leading end of the photographic film 26 is detected, step 25 is executed.
6. From the time when the leading edge of the photographic film 26 is detected,
26 until the tip of the roller 26 comes off the nip portion of the conveying roller pair 56.
Time T required _FiveBased on prescanning data
And calculate whether the leading edge of the photographic film 26 has been detected.
Time T_FiveWhen the time has elapsed, the actuator 1
42, the driven roller 136 of the discharge roller pair 138 is reset.
To the closed position. This enables photographic film
The tip of 26 is separated from the nip portion of the conveying roller pair 56
At about the same time, the photographic film 26
Nipped by the nip portion, and the discharge row of the film receiving portion 118
138 to receive the film from the film output path 120.
The conveyance is started so as to be discharged into the entrance 118. this
At this time, the discharge motor 140 is driven by the discharge roller pair 138.
The transport speed when the film transport speed is fine scanning
It is much faster than the film transport speed by the pair 56
Drive roller 126 is rotated at a high speed. This
After the completion of the fine scanning, the film supply unit 71
Allows the photographic film 26 to be supplied into the reading transport path 52
The time until the time is reduced.

At step 258, the film receiving unit 11
It is determined whether or not the leading end of the photographic film 26 is detected by the film sensor 150 of No. 8, and when the leading end of the photographic film 26 is detected, the process proceeds to step 260, and a predetermined standby time T _{6 after} the leading end of the photographic film 26 is detected. At the same time, the actuator 142 is operated to move the driven roller 136 of the discharge roller pair 138 to the nip opening position, and at the same time, the actuator 142 is operated to move the pressing member 146 from the standby position to the pressing position. After completion, return to the standby position. Here, the waiting time T ₆
Is set slightly shorter than the transport time required to transport the leading end of the photographic film 26 from the position detected by the film sensor 150 to the nip portion of the discharge roller pair 138.

When the actuators 142 and 148 of the film receiving section 118 are operated at the above timings, the discharge roller pair 138 releases the photographic film 26 from the nip substantially simultaneously with the operation of the actuator 142. On the other hand, since the pressing member 146 comes into contact with the photographic film 26 at an intermediate position between the standby position and the pressing position, after the actuator 148 is operated, a certain delay time (in the present embodiment, 0 deg. .2 to 0.3 sec). Therefore, the photographic film 26 released from the discharge roller pair 138 is
Until the delay time elapses, the movement in the carry-out direction is continued by the inertial force and the gravity. At the time point when this delay time has elapsed, the leading end of the photographic film 26 has moved slightly downstream from a portion that was a nip portion with the driven roller 136 on the driving roller 134.

The pressing member 146 comes into contact with the photographic film 26 when the delay time has elapsed, and moves together with the photographic film 26 to the pressing position. As a result, the photographic film 26 is inserted into the holding bracket 160 of the film holder 144 near its leading end, and is locked by the minute projections of the locking guide 162 so as not to drop from the film holder 144. This photographic film 26 is a photographic film 2 whose tip is already inserted in the film holder 144.
6 is inserted into the film holder 144 so as to substantially coincide with the end of the film holder 144. Further, the rear end side of the photographic film 26 hanging down from the film receiving portion 118 is inserted into a film carry-out container 156 (see FIG. 1) installed below the AFL unit 70.

At step 262, the control circuit 170
It is determined whether the photographic film 26 that has not been subjected to fine scanning exists in any of the film supply unit 71 and the film carrier 46. If there is a photographic film 26 on which fine scanning has not been performed, the flow returns to step 244. That is,
In this case, when the fine scanning of the preceding Nth photographic film 26 is being performed, the succeeding (N + 1) th photographic film 26 waits at the position of the second film sensor 132 in the film supply path 96. When the (N + 1) -th photographic film 26 is confirmed by the film sensor 150 to be discharged from the transport junction 122 to the film discharge path 120, the transport junction 122 is The conveyance to the reading conveyance path 52 is started via the reading conveyance path 52. If there is no photographic film 26 on which fine scanning has not been performed, it is determined that reading of all the photographic films 26 loaded in the film holder 82 has been completed, and the image input device 12 is controlled to a standby state.

In the image input device 12 of this embodiment, the photographic film 26 is automatically supplied to the reading and conveying path 52 by the AFL unit 70 as described above, and the operator transfers the photographic film 26 through the film supply port 53 to the reading and conveying path. 52 can be supplied manually.

That is, the photographic film 26 usually has a predetermined number of frames (normally 6 frames) during development and initial printing.
It is supplied to the image input device 12 as it is without being cut into individual film pieces, and is supplied to the image input device 12 as a short film piece cut at a predetermined number of frames during the second and subsequent printing. Is done.

Here, the AFL unit 70 has a structure corresponding to the long photographic film 26 before cutting, and cannot automatically supply the short photographic film (film piece) 26 to the reading conveyance path 52. Therefore, in the image input device 12, the photographic film 2 by the AFL unit 70 is used.
If it is necessary to perform image reading on the short photographic film 26 during the automatic feeding of the AFL unit 6,
0, the supply operation of the photographic film 26 is interrupted, and the short-length photographic film 26 can be manually supplied to the reading conveyance path 52, that is, a so-called photographic film interruption process (hereinafter, simply referred to as “interruption process”). Is executed. However, the long photographic film 26 before cutting can be supplied to the reading conveyance path 52 by this interruption processing. In the image input device 12, the AFL unit 70
The film holder cover 74 installed on the upper surface has a function as an interrupting operation unit. When the film holder cover 74 moves from the closed position to the open position and the detection signal from the cover sensor 81 is turned off. , Control circuit 1
Control (interrupt control) for enabling interrupt processing is started by 70.

Next, the operation of the image input device 12 during the interruption process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, when the detection signal from the cover sensor 81 is turned off by the operator moving the film holder cover 74 from the closed position to the open position, in step 272,
Control circuit 170 film holder cover 74 is the absence in the closed position, i.e. a state in which the film holder cover 74 is opened to determine whether to continue over a T ₆ a predetermined threshold time. At this time, the film holder cover 74
When There returns to the closed position within the threshold time T _6, the control circuit 170 proceeds to step 272 to continue the operation of supplying the photographic film 26 by the AFL unit 70 without initiating the interrupt processing.

If the state in which the film holder cover 74 is opened in step 270 continues for longer than the threshold time T ₆ , the control circuit 170 proceeds to step 274, completes the acceptance of the interrupt processing, and sets the LED 1
54 flashes to indicate to the operator that the interrupt processing is being prepared.

In steps 276 to 280, the control circuit 170 controls the film supply path 96, the reading conveyance path 52
In addition, in order to discharge the photographic film 26 from the inside of the film discharge path 120, the image reading for the N-th photographic film 26 that was being read when the interrupt signal was input is continued. 1
Discharge to 18. After this, the Nth photographic film 26
, The image reading of the (N + 1) -th photographic film 26 stopped at the standby position set by the film sensor 132 in the film supply path 96 is started, and the (N + 1) -th photographic film 26 is read. The film is discharged to the film receiving unit 118. As a result, all the photographic films 26 are discharged from the film supply path 96, the reading conveyance path 52, and the film unloading path 120.

When all the photographic films 26 have been discharged from the film supply path 96, the reading conveyance path 52, and the film unloading path 120, the control circuit 170 changes the flashing color of the LED 154 (for example, red). To green) and the LED 14 is continuously lit, thereby indicating to the operator that the preparation for interruption has been completed.
In this state, the control circuit 170 sets the position sensor 18
When the detection signal from 0 is turned off and it is recognized that the AFL unit 170 has been moved from the operating position to the retreat position by the operator (step 282), the process proceeds to step 284.

In step 284, the film supply port 53
When the photographic film (interrupt photographic film) 26 is inserted into the reading conveyance path 52 through the
Is read. At this time, the control circuit 17
Specifically, when the first film sensor 66 detects the leading end of the photographic film 26 inserted into the reading conveyance path 52 through the film supply port 53 while the line CCD scanner 16 is being driven, By rotating the motor 61 in the forward direction, the transport of the photographic film 26 inserted into the nip portion of the first transport roller pair 56 is started. The photographic film (interrupt photographic film) 26 is prescanned when passing the reading position R during the forward conveyance, similarly to the photographic film 26 supplied from the AFL unit 70, and the conveyance direction after the completion of the prescanning is changed. Fine scanning is performed at the time of the reverse return conveyance, and the fine conveyance is carried out along the film carry-out path 120 into the film carry-out container 158 (see FIG. 7).

The AFL unit 70 is provided with a film receiving portion for a film piece having the same structure as the film receiving portion 118 and the photographic film 26 unloaded from the film unloading passage 120 instead of the film unloading container 158. A film inserter or the like automatically stored in a film case or a film storage bag may be provided.

In steps 286 to 287, the control circuit 170 returns the AFL unit 70 from the retracted position to the operating position by the detection signal from the position sensor 180, and activates the film holder cover 74 by the detection signal from the cover sensor 81. Upon recognizing the closing, the process returns to the routine of step 210 in FIG. Thereby, the photographic film 2 is stored in the film holder 82.
When 6 remains, the photographic film 26 is automatically supplied to the reading transport path 52 again by the AFL unit 70.

According to the image input device 12 according to the present embodiment described above, the AFL unit 70 operates in such a manner that the connection port 121 of the film supply path 96 is connected to the film supply port 53 of the reading conveyance path 52, The film supply path 96 is detachable from the film supply port 53 and can be moved to a retreat position where the film supply port 53 opens to the outside of the apparatus. When the AFL unit 70 further moves to the retreat position, the control circuit 170 causes the AFL unit to move. 70 and the reading conveyance path 52
The supply of the photographic film 52 to the photographic film (interrupt photographic film) 26 inserted into the reading and conveying path 52 from the outside of the apparatus through the film supply port 53 is stopped by the pair of conveying rollers 56, 58, 60. When the AFL unit 70 is in the operating position, the photographic films 26 loaded in the film holder 82 are sequentially supplied to the reading and conveying path 52 of the film carrier 46 by the AFL unit 70 so that the photographic films 26 are transported so as to pass through. The image on the photographic film 26 can be read by the line CCD scanner 16 while the film 26 is transported along the reading transport path 52.

Further, after the supply of the photographic film 26 by the AFL unit 70 is started and before all the photographic films 26 loaded in the film holder 82 are supplied to the reading conveyance path 52, the operator can operate the film holder cover 74.
When the AFL unit 70 is slid from the operating position to the retracted position after opening the photographic film, the photographic film (interrupt photographic film 26)
And the photographic film 26 can be conveyed along the reading conveyance path 52 so as to pass through the reading position R, so that the image of the photographic film 26 other than the photographic film 26 loaded in the film holder 82 can be read by the line CCD scanner 16. Enables the interrupt processing to be read. At this time, the AFL unit 70 at the retracted position is located rearward with respect to the main body of the image input device 12 and does not interfere with the operation of inserting the photographic film 26 into the film supply port 53, so that the AFL unit is fixed to the main body side. Compared to conventional image input devices
The workability of the operation of inserting the photographic film 26 from the film supply port 53 into the reading conveyance path 52 by the operator can be greatly improved.

In the image input device 12 of the present embodiment, A
The film receiving unit 118 receives the photographic film 26 after the image is read into the FL unit 70 and the film receiving unit 11 transfers the photographic film 26 discharged through the reading conveyance path 52 to the film receiving unit 11.
8 are provided integrally with each other. This allows the operator to
By simply sliding the L unit 70 to the retreat position, the discharge destination of the photographic film (interrupted photographic film) 26 discharged from the reading and conveying path 52 can be switched from the film receiving unit 118 to the film discharge container 158. That is, when the photographic film 26 is short,
Although it is difficult to remove the photographic film 26 from the film receiving unit 118, even in such a case, if the photographic film 26 is read by interrupt processing, the short photographic film 2
Film take-out container 1 for easily taking out 6 from outside the device
58.

In the image input device 12, both the film supply section 71 for loading the photographic film 26 before image reading and the film receiving section 118 for receiving the photographic film 26 after image reading are arranged in the AFL unit 70. Therefore, compared with the conventional device in which the film supply unit and the film receiving unit are arranged so as to sandwich the reading conveyance path,
Since the dimension along the width direction of the apparatus which is substantially parallel to the film transport direction by the reading transport path 52 can be reduced, the floor space required for installing the image input device 12 can be reduced.

[0104]

As described above, according to the photographic film transport device of the present invention, the interruption of the film autoloader from the operation of inserting the photographic film from the outside of the device into the reading transport path at the time of interrupt processing is prevented. Workability of film insertion work during processing can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an image input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital laboratory system using the image input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a configuration of a film carrier and an AFL unit in the image input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing a configuration along a photographic film transport path in the image input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a reading optical system in the image input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a film holder installed in a film supply unit in the image input device according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed along a film transport direction.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the image input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state where the AFL unit is retracted backward.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a film holder and a pressing member installed in a film receiving unit in the image input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, as viewed in a film transport direction.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the image input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a connection portion between a film supply path and a reading conveyance path in the image input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view showing a connection portion between a film supply path and a reading conveyance path in the image input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a control flowchart showing photographic film conveyance control in the image input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a control flowchart showing photographic film conveyance control in the image input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a control flowchart showing photographic film transport control in the image input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a control flowchart showing control at the time of interrupt processing in the image input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 12 Image Input Machine (Photo Film Conveying Device) 16 Line CCD Scanner (Image Reading Means) 26 Photo Film 46 Film Carrier 52 Reading Conveying Path 56 Conveying Roller Pair (Reading Conveying Means) 58 Conveying Roller Pair (Reading Conveying Means) 60 Conveying Roller Pair (reading / conveying means) 61 Conveying motor (reading / conveying means) 70 AFL unit (film autoloader) 72 Film bundle (photographic film) 74 Film holder cover (interruption operation unit) 82 Film holder (loading unit) 96 Film supply path 118 Film Receiving unit 120 Film unloading path 170 Control circuit (interrupt control means) 180 Position sensor (interrupt operation unit)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page F term (reference) 2H106 AB46 BA11 5C062 AA05 AB03 AB17 AB20 AB29 AB40 AC15 AC58 AC66 AD01 AE15 BA00 5C072 AA01 BA02 NA01 NA04 RA04 VA03 WA03

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A photographic film transport apparatus for reading an image of a photographic film by image reading means while transporting a belt-like photographic film on which an image is recorded, wherein a film bundle on which a photographic film is laminated is loaded. A loading section is provided, and the film bundle loaded into the loading section is
A film autoloader that supplies a photographic film to an image input unit provided with image reading means; a film supply path provided in the film autoloader for guiding a photographic film from the loading unit to the image input unit; A film supply port connected to the film supply path is provided, and a reading conveyance path for guiding a photographic film supplied through the film supply port to an image reading position by the image reading means, and an image recording area of the photographic film. Reading and conveying means for conveying the photographic film along the reading and conveying path so as to pass through the reading position; and operating the film autoloader such that the film supply path is connected to the film supply port; Path is separated from the film supply port, and the film supply port is moved to a retreat position where the film supply port opens outside the apparatus. Evacuation support means that is movable; and when the film autoloader moves to the evacuation position, the supply of the photographic film to the image input unit by the film autoloader is stopped, and from the outside of the apparatus to the reading conveyance path through the film supply port. An interrupt control means for conveying the inserted photographic film by the reading and conveying means so as to pass through the reading position. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an interrupt operation section for outputting a film interrupt signal to said interrupt control means by an operation from outside the apparatus when inserting a photographic film from outside the apparatus into the reading and conveying path through the film supply port. The photographic film transport device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. A film receiving section for receiving a photographic film after image reading, and a film carrying path for guiding a photographic film discharged from an image input section through the reading and conveying path to the film receiving section. 3. The photographic film transport device according to claim 1, further comprising: