JP3872886B2 - Image reading system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image reading system, and more particularly to a scanner system that is serially connected on a bus for transmitting a control signal and an image signal mixedly.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a transmission method for controlling a control signal and an information signal together has been proposed. For example, an IEEE 1394 standard bus attracting attention as a next-generation bus system makes it possible to connect a personal computer (PC), an audiovisual (AV) device, or a personal computer peripheral device through the same bus. . By using this IEEE 1394 bus, data can be handled between apparatuses other than the personal computer main body, and the load on the personal computer main body can be reduced.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-154077 proposes a system that displays a signal flow between a plurality of devices.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when handling a large amount of data between devices other than a personal computer, such as a high-quality still image, just showing the flow of the system as disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-154077. It is not possible to confirm what the currently captured image is like.
[0004]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image reading system in which the load on a personal computer is reduced when an image is captured and the captured image can be confirmed by a user.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
That is, the present invention relates to a computer device having at least an instruction input device, a display device, and a fixed storage device, and an image reading device connected to the computer device via predetermined bus means capable of mixing instruction data and image data. In an image reading system comprising a device and an external storage device commonly connected to the bus means, Up The image reading device The index scan is performed, and the captured index image is transferred to the computer. The computer displays the index image together with the parameter window on the index image window of the image display device, and the user opens the parameter window. The parameter information set by the command input device is transferred to the image reading device, and the image reading device performs a main scan under the image reading conditions of the parameter information and takes the image and stores it in the external storage device. It is characterized by that.
[0007]
In the image reading system according to the present invention, the image reading apparatus is connected to a computer device including at least an instruction input device, a display device, and a fixed storage device via a predetermined bus means capable of mixing instruction data and image data. And an external storage device is commonly connected to the bus means. And the image reading apparatus Then, an index scan is performed, and the captured index image is transferred to the computer. The computer displays the index image together with the parameter window on the index image window of the image display device, and transfers parameter information set by the user using the command input device with reference to the parameter window to the image reading device. The image reading device performs a main scan under the image reading condition of the parameter information, takes an image, and stores it in the external storage device. .
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment of an image reading system according to the present invention.
[0010]
In FIG. 1, a personal computer (PC) 11 is connected to a monitor 12 for displaying the state of the personal computer 11 and a keyboard and mouse (pointing device) 13 for controlling the personal computer 11 by a cable or the like. Yes. The personal computer 11 includes a hard disk device (HDD) 14 that is a peripheral device, a large-capacity removable disk device (here, DVD (digital video disk) -RAM) 15, and a scanner (film) that captures an IX240-compatible film image. A scanner 16 is connected by an IEEE 1394 standard bus.
[0011]
In such a configuration, the personal computer 11 sends only control conditions and control signals set by the user or the like to the scanner 16 using the keyboard and mouse 13. The scanner 16 controls the scanner itself according to the information sent from the personal computer 11, and at the same time, automatically sets a file name to the peripheral device (HDD or DVD-RAM) in which the captured image is set. The image (index image) smaller than the image that has been stored and stored in the image size is sent to the personal computer 11. The personal computer 11 displays the image on the monitor 12 when the index image is sent.
[0012]
The index image corresponds to the above-described index print of the film corresponding to IX240, and is an image in which the images of all the frames of the film are arranged on the display of the monitor 12 so as to be loaded into the scanner 16.
[0013]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of information displayed on the display of the monitor 12.
When the program is started, a setting window 21 for setting conditions and an index image display window 22 for displaying an index image are displayed on the display 20 of the monitor 12.
[0014]
The index image display window 22 does not display all the index images 23 since all the images are not captured. Each of these index images has a display frame that increases every time it is captured, so that an inadvertent frame is not displayed. Reference numeral 24 denotes a file name corresponding to the index image 23.
[0015]
In the setting window 21, the storage location of the image captured by the scanner 16 is displayed. Here, only the HDD 14 or the DVD-RAM 15 can be selected so that it is easy to understand that an image is captured independently of the personal computer 11. The image destination may be the personal computer 11 or other peripheral device such as a printer.
[0016]
As described above, in this embodiment, a personal computer and peripheral devices such as a scanner and a storage device are serially connected by a single cable via a bidirectional bus of the IEEE 1394 standard, and a control command is sent from the personal computer to the scanner. Sent. When the scanner receives the control command, it controls the scanner independently and automatically stores the data in the specified device with the file name, and at the same time, captures it to the personal computer every time an image is captured. Sent back image and file information. The personal computer does not always monitor the peripheral device, but can perform it much more quickly than the case of monitoring the processing of the personal computer itself.
[0017]
Next, operations of the personal computer and the scanner according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When image capture is started by the personal computer 11, first, in step S11, capture information is set by the user through the monitor 12 and the keyboard 13. Next, in step S12, condition information and a control command are transmitted to the scanner 16 by a start operation. In step S13, the signal from the scanner 16 is made ready for reception by interruption.
[0018]
Thereafter, the scanner-related operation is performed only when a transmission signal from the scanner 16 is input.
For example, when an error signal is received, the process proceeds to step S14, where the error code is displayed on the scanner 16 side by the monitor 12, and then the process proceeds to step S16. If an index image is sent from the scanner 16 side, the process proceeds to step S15, where the index image is additionally displayed. Further, when the end code is received, the process proceeds to step S16, the end display is performed, and the process ends.
[0019]
If the image capture is designated after the end display is terminated, the file is read from the storage location where the scanner 16 is automatically stored. Therefore, the scan is not performed again, and the desired image is read and displayed in a short time.
[0020]
On the scanner 16 side, when a scanner command is received, it is initialized in step S21 and a sequence is started. Next, in step S22, it is determined whether or not there is an IX240 type film. If it is determined that there is no film, the process proceeds to step S23, an error signal is transmitted to the personal computer 11 side, and the error display in step S14 described above is performed.
[0021]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that there is a film, whether the storage destination of the image data read based on the information related to the destination in step S24 is the HDD 14 or the DVD-RAM 15. Determined. Here, if the storage destination is the HDD 14, the process proceeds to step S 25, and if the storage destination is the DVD-RAM 15, the process proceeds to step S 26.
[0022]
If the storage destination of the image data is set in this way, the image is captured in step S27. In step S 28, a small image that can be seen from the read image, that is, an index image is created and transmitted to the personal computer 11. When the index image is transmitted in step S28, the personal computer 11 additionally displays the index image as described above.
[0023]
In step S29, the read image is transmitted to the destination medium and stored together with the automatically added file name. Thereafter, in step S30, it is determined whether or not all frames have been captured.
[0024]
If all the frames have not been completed in step S30, the process proceeds to step S31, and one film is fed, and then the process returns to step S27. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S30 that all the frames have been completed, the process proceeds to step S32, the film is rewound, and an end command is transmitted to the personal computer 11 in step S33, and this sequence is executed. finish.
[0025]
As described above, in the first embodiment, a bidirectional serial bus, for example, a bus such as the IEEE 1394 standard is utilized, and the scanner is independently controlled by a forming formula independent of a personal computer, and the read image is read. Is automatically stored on the specified medium, and at the same time, the index image is sent to the personal computer and displayed on the monitor, so that the captured image can be easily obtained without imposing a burden on the personal computer. Can be confirmed.
[0026]
In the embodiment described above, an image is captured by a film scanner, but a flat head type scanner or a paper port scanner may naturally be used. Further, the scanner may be one using a two-dimensional sensor or one using a one-dimensional line sensor.
[0027]
The storage device may be a large-capacity storage medium such as a magneto-optical (MO) disk device, a phase change (PD) disk device, or a CD-R (writable CD) other than the DVD-RAM. Of course, the data may be sent to a personal computer other than the storage device, for example, a personal computer other than the personal computer that is directly output to or controlled by the printer.
[0028]
The image may be stored more preferably by using a format that stores a plurality of image sizes, such as a photo CD or FlashPix. Alternatively, the image may be saved as one image and output after image processing in accordance with the display mode (for example, thumbnail display).
[0029]
Furthermore, the file name may be set semi-automatically. For example, the directory may be specified by the user. The conditions that can be set simultaneously are not limited to this, and trimming, resolution, integration time, and the like may be set in advance.
[0030]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The configuration of the image reading system is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0031]
In the second embodiment, the condition setting method will be particularly described with a single storage destination. In order to set conditions individually, index scanning is performed on all frames in advance, and various conditions are set for each frame while viewing the image.
[0032]
FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a display example of the index image display window according to the second embodiment.
Simultaneously with the start of the program, the index image 23 'is captured by the scanner 16 and displayed on the index image display window 22'. A parameter window 25 is provided below the index image 23 ′, and includes a parameter setting button 27, a file name display unit 28, and a save end mark 29.
[0033]
Here, when the parameter setting button 27 in the parameter window 25 is selected, a parameter sub-window 30 shown in FIG. 4B is displayed.
In this parameter sub-window 30, it is possible to make detailed settings such as whether or not to perform import save, file name setting, resolution setting, and integration time correction. However, the file name, resolution, and integration time correction are automatically set without setting.
[0034]
The file name displayed in the file name display section 28 of the parameter window 30 is displayed only when the import is selected. Further, the save end mark 29 displays a display that can distinguish whether or not the capture save has been performed. For example, it is performed by changing the color such as red and blue, or by performing a hollow display and a solid display. Trimming is possible when capture saving is selected, and the trimming frame 26 is instructed directly to the index image with a mouse or the like.
[0035]
Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the personal computer 11 starts capturing an image, first, the software side of the personal computer 11 is initialized in step S41. Next, in step S42, a small image that can be seen roughly, that is, a command for fetching all frames of the index image is transmitted to the scanner 16 side. Thereafter, the relationship with the scanner 16 is cut off until a signal from the scanner 16 is received.
[0036]
If an error code is received from the scanner 16, an error display is performed in step S43. Subsequently, an end display is performed in step S44, and this sequence is ended.
[0037]
If an index image is received, index display is performed in step S45. Then, as described with reference to FIG. 4, the parameter is set in step S46 using the index image display window 22 '. When the setting is completed, in step S47, it is determined whether or not there is a start instruction. If there is no start instruction, the process returns to step S46. If there is an instruction, the process proceeds to step S48, and a start command and parameter information are transmitted from the personal computer 11 to the scanner 16.
[0038]
If a re-image of the index image is received, the index image is re-displayed and a save end display is performed in step S49.
On the other hand, the sequence starts when the scanner 16 receives a command from the personal computer 11 in step S51. Next, in step S52, the scanner 16 is initialized, and in step S53, it is determined whether or not there is an IX240 type film.
[0039]
Here, if there is no film, the process proceeds to step S55, and after the error code is transmitted to the personal computer 11 side, this sequence is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S53 that there is a film, the process proceeds to step S54 where an index image is taken in and the image is transferred only to the personal computer 11.
[0040]
When a main scan capture command and a parameter command are received from the personal computer 11, a next main scan sequence is started in step S56. Next, in step S57, a frame for capturing image reading conditions is set. For example, there are film frame setting, trimming alignment, resolution, integration time setting, and the like.
[0041]
Next, an image is captured in step S58, and an index image is created from the image read in step S59 and transmitted to the personal computer 11 again. On the personal computer 11 side, the index image is displayed again in step S49, and then the end display by the save end mark 29 is performed.
[0042]
In step S60, the read image and the file name added automatically or by the user are transmitted to the destination medium and stored. Next, in step S61, it is determined whether or not the loading has been completed for all the frames for which loading has been instructed.
[0043]
Here, if not all the processes are completed, the process proceeds to step S62, and after the film is sent to the next frame, the process returns to step S57. On the other hand, if all the processes are completed, the process proceeds to step S63 to rewind the film. Subsequently, in step S64, an end command is transmitted to the personal computer 11, and the sequence is ended.
[0044]
As described above, a bidirectional serial bus connection such as the IEEE 1394 standard is utilized, the index image is utilized, and only necessary images are automatically reduced in a state where the load on the personal computer is reduced under necessary conditions. Capturing can be easily performed so that the capturing state can be understood.
[0045]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image reading system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the image reading system is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0046]
In the third embodiment, the index image is transmitted first, then all images are automatically captured, and the image information is read from the stored disk without performing the main scan again during the main scan. An example is shown. The difference from the first embodiment described above is that the index display is first performed and then the main scan is performed.
[0047]
A description will be given using a DVD-RAM as a place where an image is first stored from the scanner.
When the personal computer 11 starts capturing an image, the condition information and the control command are transmitted to the scanner 16 by a start operation in step S71. Next, in step S72, the signal from the scanner 16 is set in a reception standby state by interruption.
[0048]
In step S73, an index signal is received from the scanner 16, and an index image is displayed in step S74. Subsequently, in step S75, the process waits for an end command or an image selection / main scan command. In this state, the scanner 16 automatically starts a main scan, and the obtained image is stored in the DVD-RAM 15.
[0049]
Here, in step S76, it is determined whether or not an end command has been input from the user. If the input command is an end command, this sequence ends. On the other hand, if it is not an end command, it is subsequently determined in step S77 whether or not it is a capture instruction.
[0050]
If it is determined in step S77 that the capture command is not after an image instruction, the process returns to step S75. If the capture command is after an image instruction, the process proceeds to step S78 to check whether there is image data specified in the DVD-RAM. Confirmation is made. Here, if there is no image on the DVD-RAM, the process proceeds to step S79, where a data-waiting warning is displayed, and then the process returns to step S75.
[0051]
On the other hand, if there is an image on the DVD-RAM in step S78, the process proceeds to step S80 and data is read from the DVD-RAM. Then, the image read in step S81 is displayed, and in step S82, processing such as saving with the file name changed again is performed. Thereafter, the process returns to step S75.
[0052]
On the other hand, the scanner 16 determines whether or not the condition information and the control command transmitted from the personal computer 11 in the start operation are received in step S91. When the command or the like is received, the process proceeds to step S92 where initialization on the scanner 16 side is performed, and an index image is input in subsequent step S93.
[0053]
In step S94, the input index image is transmitted from the scanner 16 to the personal computer 11 as a thumbnail image. On the personal computer 11 side, when an index signal is received as described above, an index image is displayed.
[0054]
Next, an image for main scanning is input in step S95, and the image data input in step S96 is recorded in the DVD-RAM 15. Here, in step S97, it is determined whether or not all frames have been captured.
[0055]
If all the frames have not been completed in step S97, the process proceeds to step S98, one film is fed, and the process returns to step S95. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S97 that all the frames have been completed, the process proceeds to step S99, the film is rewound, and the sequence is terminated.
[0056]
As described above, according to the third embodiment, a film image is used while a film scanner is independently controlled in a form independent of a personal computer by utilizing a bidirectional serial bus, for example, a bus such as the IEEE 1394 standard. Automatically captures and stores and reads files from the storage location according to the selection from the index image, making it easy to achieve high image quality without burdening the personal computer and the user. Images can be provided.
[0057]
Furthermore, in the third embodiment, only the index image is displayed. However, for example, the color of the frame of the image is changed so that the initial index image and the index image after the main scan are different. Thus, the status of the main scan may be displayed.
[0058]
In addition, when an image that is displayed but not yet scanned is selected, the preferentially selected image may be captured.
In addition, according to the said embodiment of this invention, the following structures can be obtained.
[0059]
(1) image reading means for reading a film image;
Recording means for recording the read image information;
Display means for displaying at least part of the read image;
Control means for controlling the image reading means;
Bus means for transmitting the control signal and the image signal mixedly on the same signal line among the image reading means, the storage means and the control means;
An image reading system comprising:
[0060]
(2) bus means for transmitting the control signal and the image signal mixedly;
An image reading means serially connected to the bus means for reading an image;
A recording unit that is serially connected to the bus unit and records image information read by the image reading unit;
Control means serially connected to the bus means for controlling the image reading means;
Display means connected to the control means for displaying at least part of the image information read by the image reading means;
An image reading system comprising:
[0061]
(3) bus means for transmitting control signals and image signals mixedly;
An image reading means serially connected to the bus means for reading an image;
A recording unit that is serially connected to the bus unit and records image information read by the image reading unit;
Control means serially connected to the bus means for controlling the image reading means;
A display unit connected to the control unit and displaying at least a part of the image information read by the image reading unit;
The image reading system, wherein the image reading means transmits an image having a smaller capacity than the image recorded in the recording means to the control means.
[0062]
(4) bus means for transmitting control signals and image information mixedly;
An image reading means serially connected to the bus means for reading an image;
A recording unit that is serially connected to the bus unit and records image information read by the image reading unit;
Control means serially connected to the bus means for controlling the image reading means;
A display unit connected to the control unit and displaying at least a part of the image information read by the image reading unit;
The image reading system, wherein the image reading means transmits an image having a smaller capacity than the image recorded in the recording means to the display means.
[0063]
(5) The image reading system according to (2) or (4), wherein the recording means is a fixed disk device or a removable disk device.
[0064]
(6) bus means for transmitting control signals and image signals mixedly;
An image reading means serially connected to the bus means for reading an image;
A recording unit that is serially connected to the bus unit and records image information read by the image reading unit;
A control unit that is serially connected to the bus unit, controls the image reading unit, and reads an image recorded in the recording unit;
A display unit connected to the control unit and displaying at least a part of the image information read by the image reading unit;
The image reading means displays an image having a smaller capacity than the image recorded in the recording means on the display means, and reads the image recorded from the recording means in response to an image reading instruction. Image reading system.
[0065]
(7) The image reading system according to (1), (2), (3), (4), or (6), wherein the storage means is a fixed disk device or a removable disk device .
[0066]
(8) The image reading device according to (7), wherein the removable disk device is an MO (magneto-optical) disk device, a PD (phase change) disk device, or a DVD (digital video disk) RAM device. system.
[0067]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, by utilizing a bidirectional serial bus, the captured content can be confirmed on the display while the image capture is performed almost in a manner not dependent on a personal computer. It is possible to provide an image reading system capable of reducing the load on the computer and improving the operability of the personal computer while confirming the captured image.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment of an image reading system of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of information displayed on the display of the monitor 12 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining operations of the personal computer and the scanner according to the first embodiment of the invention.
4A is a diagram showing a display example of an index image display window according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a display example of a parameter sub-window 30. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining operations of a personal computer and a scanner according to a second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining operations of a personal computer and a scanner according to a third embodiment of the invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Personal computer (PC),
12 monitor,
13 Keyboard and mouse (pointing device),
14 Hard disk drive (HDD),
15 large-capacity removable disk device (DVD (digital video disk) -RAM),
16 Scanner (film scanner),
17 Bus,
20 display,
21 Settings window,
22, 22 'index image display window,
23, 23 'index image,
24 file name,
25 Parameter window,
26 trimming frame,
27 Parameter setting buttons,
28 File name display section,
29 Save end mark,
30 Parameter sub-window.

Claims (2)

A computer device comprising at least an instruction input device, a display device, and a fixed storage device;
An image reading device connected to the computer device via predetermined bus means capable of mixing command data and image data;
In an image reading system including an external storage device commonly connected to the bus means,
Upper Symbol image reading apparatus performs an index scan, the index image captured, transferred to the computer,
The computer displays the index image together with a parameter window on the index image window of the image display device, transfers parameter information set by the user with the command input device with reference to the parameter window, to the image reading device,
An image reading system, wherein the image reading apparatus performs a main scan under the image reading condition of the parameter information, takes an image, and stores it in the external storage device . 2. The image reading system according to claim 1, wherein the parameter information can be set to select whether to perform capture saving, file name, resolution, or integration time correction .

Images