U.S. patent application number 09/244364 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-09 for image reading apparatus.
Invention is credited to IIZUKA, TOSHIMI, NAGANO, MASATOSHI.
Application Number | 20010012097 09/244364 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26365086 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010012097 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NAGANO, MASATOSHI ; et
al. |
August 9, 2001 |
IMAGE READING APPARATUS
Abstract
An image reading apparatus is constructed so that a film holder
and an adapter that are accessories can be selectively mounted to a
film scanner that serves as an original placing board. A cartridge
containing a dedicated film can be inserted into and removed from
the adapter. Image information is read from the film in the film
holder or the film in the cartridge by moving the original placing
board. Further, the film or the cartridge can be exchanged in a
condition where the film holder or the adapter is mounted to the
film scanner.
Inventors: |
NAGANO, MASATOSHI; (TOKYO,
JP) ; IIZUKA, TOSHIMI; (YOKOHAMA-SHI, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBIN BLECKER & DALEY
2ND FLOOR
330 MADISON AVENUE
NEW YORK
NY
10017
US
|
Family ID: |
26365086 |
Appl. No.: |
09/244364 |
Filed: |
February 4, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
355/41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03B 27/52 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
355/41 |
International
Class: |
G03B 027/52 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 9, 1998 |
JP |
HEI 10-027185 |
Mar 18, 1998 |
JP |
HEI 10-068537 |
Claims
1. An image reading apparatus comprising: (a) a mounting portion
for mounting thereto a holder which holds a film original; and (b)
image reading means for reading image information recorded on the
film original, wherein the film original is able to be loaded in
and/or unloaded from the holder in a condition where the holder is
mounted to said mounting portion.
2. An image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
film original is contained in a cartridge, and the cartridge
containing the film original is loaded in the holder.
3. An image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
holder has an inserting slot for inserting the cartridge and a lid
for covering the inserting slot.
4. An image reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
film original loaded in the holder is transported in a condition
where the lid is closed, and it is impossible to open and close the
lid of the holder during transportation of the film original.
5. An image reading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the
holder has drive means for transporting the film original.
6. An image reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the
holder has communication means for communicating with said image
reading apparatus.
7. An image reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein it is
possible to load the cartridge in the holder by opening the lid in
a condition where the holder is mounted at a predetermined position
of said image reading apparatus.
8. An image reading apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the
film original loaded in the holder is transported in a condition
where the lid is closed, and it is impossible to open and close the
lid of the holder during transportation of the film original.
9. An image reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the
holder has drive means for transporting the film original.
10. An image reading apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, even
if the lid is opened and closed in a condition where the holder is
mounted to said image reading apparatus, the lid does not interfere
with a body of said image reading apparatus.
11. An image reading apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the
film original loaded in the holder is transported in a condition
where the lid is closed, and it is impossible to open and close the
lid of the holder during transportation of the film original.
12. An image reading apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the
holder has drive means for transporting the film original.
13. An image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
cartridge can be loaded in and/or unloaded from an upper portion or
a side portion of the holder in a condition where the holder is
mounted to said image reading apparatus.
14. An image reading apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the
predetermined position is a position where the holder is mounted
and/or removed.
15. An image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
film original can be loaded in a condition where the holder is
mounted at a predetermined position of said image reading
apparatus.
16. An image reading apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the
film original is contained in a cartridge, and the cartridge
containing the film original is loaded in the holder.
17. An image reading apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the
holder has an inserting slot for inserting the cartridge and a lid
for covering the inserting slot.
18. An image reading apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the
film original loaded in the holder is transported in a condition
where the lid is closed, and it is impossible to open and close the
lid of the holder during transportation of the film original.
19. An image reading apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the
holder has drive means for transporting the film original.
20. An image reading apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the
holder has communication means for communicating with said image
reading apparatus.
21. An image reading apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the
predetermined position is a position where the holder is mounted
and/or removed.
22. An image reading apparatus according to claim 17, wherein it is
possible to load the cartridge in the holder by opening the lid in
a condition where the holder is mounted at the predetermined
position of said image reading apparatus.
23. An image reading apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the
film original loaded in the holder is transported in a condition
where the lid is closed, and it is impossible to open and close the
lid of the holder during transportation of the film original.
24. An image reading apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the
holder has drive means for transporting the film original.
25. An image reading apparatus according to claim 22, wherein, even
if the lid is opened and closed in a condition where the holder is
mounted to said image reading apparatus, the lid does not interfere
with a body of said image reading apparatus.
26. An image reading apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the
film original loaded in the holder is transported in a condition
where the lid is closed, and it is impossible to open and close the
lid of the holder during transportation of the film original.
27. An image reading apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the
holder has drive means for transporting the film original.
28. An image reading apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the
cartridge can be loaded in and/or unloaded from an upper portion or
a side portion of the holder in a condition where the holder is
mounted to said image reading apparatus.
29. An image reading apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the
predetermined position is a position where the holder is mounted
and/or removed.
30. An image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a
holder holding a film original contained in a cartridge and a
holder holding a bare film original can be selectively mounted to
said mounting portion.
31. A film holder arranged to hold a film original and to be
capable of being mounted to a mounting portion of an image reading
apparatus which has image reading means for reading image
information recorded on the film original, said film holder being
constructed such that the film original is able to be loaded in
and/or unloaded from said film holder in a condition where said
film holder is mounted to said mounting portion.
32. A film holder according to claim 31, wherein the film original
is contained in a cartridge, and the cartridge containing the film
original is loaded in said film holder.
33. A film holder according to claim 32, wherein said film holder
has an inserting slot for inserting the cartridge and a lid for
covering the inserting slot.
34. A film holder according to claim 33, wherein the film original
loaded in said film holder is transported in a condition where the
lid is closed, and it is impossible to open and close the lid
during transportation of the film original.
35. A film holder according to claim 34, wherein said film holder
has drive means for transporting the film original.
36. A film holder according to claim 35, wherein said film holder
has communication means for communicating with said image reading
apparatus.
37. A film holder according to claim 33, wherein it is possible to
load the cartridge in said film holder by opening the lid in a
condition where said holder is mounted at a predetermined position
of said image reading apparatus.
38. A film holder according to claim 37, wherein the film original
loaded in said film holder is transported in a condition where the
lid is closed, and it is impossible to open and close the lid
during transportation of the film original.
39. A film holder according to claim 38, wherein said film holder
has drive means for transporting the film original.
40. A film holder according to claim 37, wherein, even if the lid
is opened and closed in a condition where said film holder is
mounted to said image reading apparatus, the lid does not interfere
with a body of said image reading apparatus.
41. A film holder according to claim 40, wherein the film original
loaded in said film holder is transported in a condition where the
lid is closed, and it is impossible to open and close the lid
during transportation of the film original.
42. A film holder according to claim 41, wherein said film holder
has drive means for transporting the film original.
43. A film holder according to claim 32, wherein the cartridge can
be loaded in and/or unloaded from an upper portion or a side
portion of said film holder in a condition where said film holder
is mounted to said image reading apparatus.
44. A film holder according to claim 37, wherein the predetermined
position is a position where said film holder is mounted to and/or
removed from said mounting portion.
45. A film holder according to claim 31, wherein the film original
can be loaded in a condition where said holder is mounted at a
predetermined position of said image reading apparatus.
46. A film holder according to claim 45, wherein the film original
is contained in a cartridge, and the cartridge containing the film
original is loaded in said film holder.
47. A film holder according to claim 46, wherein said film holder
has an inserting slot for inserting the cartridge and a lid for
covering the inserting slot.
48. A film holder according to claim 47, wherein the film original
loaded in said film holder is transported in a condition where the
lid is closed, and it is impossible to open and close the lid
during transportation of the film original.
49. A film holder according to claim 48, wherein said film holder
has drive means for transporting the film original.
50. A film holder according to claim 49, wherein said film holder
has communication means for communicating with said image reading
apparatus.
51. A film holder according to claim 45, wherein the predetermined
position is a position where said film holder is mounted to and/or
removed from said mounting portion.
52. A film holder according to claim 47, wherein it is possible to
load the cartridge in said film holder by opening the lid in a
condition where said film holder is mounted at the predetermined
position of said image reading apparatus.
53. A film holder according to claim 49, wherein the film original
loaded in said film holder is transported in a condition where the
lid is closed, and it is impossible to open and close the lid
during transportation of the film original.
54. A film holder according to claim 53, wherein said film holder
has drive means for transporting the film original.
55. A film holder according to claim 52, wherein, even if the lid
is opened and closed in a condition where said film holder is
mounted to said image reading apparatus, the lid does not interfere
with a body of said image reading apparatus.
56. A film holder according to claim 55, wherein the film original
loaded in said film holder is transported in a condition where the
lid is closed, and it is impossible to open and close the lid
during transportation of the film original.
57. A film holder according to claim 56, wherein said holder has
drive means for transporting the film original.
58. A film holder according to claim 46, wherein the cartridge can
be loaded in and/or unloaded from an upper portion or a side
portion of said film holder in a condition where said film holder
is mounted to said image reading apparatus.
59. A film holder according to claim 52, wherein the predetermined
position is a position where said film holder is mounted to and/or
removed from said mounting portion.
60. An image reading apparatus comprising: (a) a loading slot for
inserting therein a film original; (b) transport means for
transporting the film original for reciprocating motion from said
loading slot toward an inner side of said image reading apparatus;
and (c) a lid for covering said loading slot.
61. An image reading apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said
lid is detachable.
62. An image reading apparatus according to claim 61, wherein said
lid is made from a transparent or semitransparent member.
63. An image reading apparatus according to claim 61, further
comprising attaching means for making said lid detachable.
64. An image reading apparatus according to claim 62, further
comprising attaching means for making said lid detachable.
65. An image reading apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said
lid is able to be opened and closed with a hinge.
66. An image reading apparatus according to claim 65, wherein said
lid is made from a transparent or semitransparent member.
67. An image reading apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said
lid is able to be opened and closed in sliding motion.
68. An image reading apparatus according to claim 67, wherein said
lid is made from a transparent or semitransparent member.
69. An image reading apparatus comprising: (a) a front cover for
changing size of a loading slot for inserting therein one of a
plurality of film originals having respective different formats;
and (b) transport means for transporting the film original for
reciprocating motion from the loading slot toward an inner side of
said image reading apparatus, wherein a minimum size of the loading
slot formed by said front cover is smaller than a minimum size of a
slot into which the film original can be inserted.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus
for reading an image recorded on a film original such as a
developed photographic film.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] The structure of a conventional film scanner serving as an
image reading apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.
20 through 24.
[0005] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the structure of the
conventional film scanner. FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the
schematic structure of the film scanner shown in FIG. 20.
Furthermore, FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the circuit
structure of the film scanner shown in FIG. 20.
[0006] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, a developed film 102 is fixed
on a film carriage 101 which is used as an original placing board.
Light emitted from a lamp 103 which is a light source passes
through the film 102 and is then reflected by a mirror 104 to be
imaged by a lens 105 on a line sensor 106 which is composed of a
CCD.
[0007] A motor 107 moves the film carriage 101 in scanning
directions (directions of arrows in FIGS. 20 and 21), and a sensor
108 detects the position of the film carriage 101. Reference
numeral 109 denotes an optical axis directed from the lamp 103 to
the line sensor 106, reference numeral 110 denotes a control
circuit, and reference numeral 111 denotes a lens holder arranged
to hold the lens 105. Reference numeral 112 denotes an exterior
case of the film scanner, and reference numeral 113 denotes an
input and output terminal.
[0008] The lamp 103, line sensor 106, motor 107, sensor 108, and
the input and output terminal 113 are electrically connected to the
control circuit 110. Further, the control circuit 110, as shown in
FIG. 22, is composed of a film scanner control circuit 110-1, a
sensor control circuit 110-2, a motor control circuit 110-3, an
image information processing circuit 110-4, a lamp control circuit
110-5, a line sensor control circuit 110-6, a quantity-of-light
detecting circuit 110-7, and a motor-driving-speed deciding circuit
110-8.
[0009] Next, the method of reading image information recorded on
the film 102 will be described.
[0010] First, when a film reading command is inputted from the
external through the input and output terminal 113, the position of
the film carriage 101 is detected by the sensor 108 and sensor
control circuit 110-2. This position information is transmitted to
the film scanner control circuit 110-1. Then, in order to make the
film carriage 101 stand ready at a predetermined standby position,
the motor 107 is driven by the motor control circuit 110-3, and
hence the film carriage 101 is moved to the standby position.
Furthermore, the lamp control circuit 110-5 turns on the lamp 103,
and rough scanning is performed by rotating the motor 107 at a
predetermined speed by the motor control circuit 110-3 so as to
scan an image area of the film 102 at a predetermined speed in the
direction of a film plane. During this rough scanning, image
information is transmitted to the line sensor control circuit 110-6
by the line sensor 106.
[0011] Next, the film carriage 101 is moved to the predetermined
standby position by rotating the motor 107. Then, fine scanning is
performed by rotating the motor 107. During this fine scanning,
image information is transmitted from the line sensor 106 to the
image information processing circuit 110-4 through the line sensor
control circuit 110-6. When the fine scanning is completed, the
lamp control circuit 110-5 turns off the lamp 103, and at the same
time, the image information processing circuit 110-4 performs image
information processing. Moreover, the image information is
outputted from the input and output terminal 113, and the operation
of the film scanner is terminated.
[0012] Since the above conventional film scanner is adapted to read
only a specific kind of transparent original (developed
photographic film), it is not possible to read a different kind of
transparent original such as a transparent original contained in a
dedicated cartridge.
[0013] In addition, since a loading slot for inserting a strip film
holder or a slide-mounted film is always opened in the above
conventional film scanner, there is a possibility of dust entering
from the loading slot. The dust entering inside the film scanner
adheres to a surface of the lamp, which is an internal light
source, and to optical parts such as a mirror, and hence leads to
nonuniformity of the light source and reduction of luminous
intensity. As a result, there happens a problem of decreasing the
quality of a read image.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide an image
reading apparatus which has excellent operability. In addition,
another object of the present invention is to prevent invasion of
foreign particles and dust, which leads to reduction of image
quality and a failure, into the inside of the image reading
apparatus.
[0015] To attain the above objects, in accordance with an aspect of
the present invention, there is provided an image reading
apparatus, which comprises a mounting portion for mounting thereto
a holder which holds a film original, and image reading means for
reading image information recorded on the film original, wherein
the film original is able to be loaded in and/or unloaded from the
holder in a condition where the holder is mounted to the mounting
portion. Owing to this construction, it becomes possible to
increase the operability of the image reading apparatus.
[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an image reading apparatus, which comprises a
loading slot for inserting therein a film original, transport means
for transporting the film original for reciprocating motion from
the loading slot toward an inner side of the image reading
apparatus, and a lid for covering the loading slot. Owing to this
construction, it becomes possible to prevent the invasion of
foreign particles and dust into the inside of the image reading
apparatus.
[0017] The above and further objects, features, and advantages of
the present invention will become apparent from the following
detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a film scanner according to
a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic construction of the
film scanner according to the first embodiment with a film holder
being mounted thereto.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic construction of the
film scanner according to the first embodiment with an adapter
being mounted thereto.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit structure of the
film scanner according to the first embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a circuit structure of the film
scanner according to the first embodiment with the adapter being
mounted thereto.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation of the film
scanner according to the first embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a side view of the film scanner according to the
first embodiment with the adapter being mounted thereto.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic construction of a
film scanner according to a second embodiment of the present
invention with an adapter being mounted thereto.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a circuit structure of the film
scanner according to the second embodiment with the adapter being
mounted thereto.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the adapter for mounting a
cartridge film into the film scanner.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a manner where the
cartridge film is being loaded into the adapter.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a film scanner according to
a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the
film scanner according to the third embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a manner where a slide-mounted
film is located at an eject position in the film scanner according
to the third embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a manner where a cartridge film
adapter is being inserted into the film scanner according to the
third embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a modification example of the
lid in the third embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a film scanner according to
a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a film scanner according to
a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 19 is a film scanner according to a sixth embodiment of
the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a conventional film
scanner.
[0038] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a schematic construction of the
conventional film scanner.
[0039] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a circuit structure of the
conventional film scanner.
[0040] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a manner where a sleeved film
is being inserted into the conventional film scanner.
[0041] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a manner where a slide-mounted
film is being inserted into the conventional film scanner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0043] (First Embodiment)
[0044] A film scanner according to a first embodiment of the
present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1
through 7.
[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a construction of
principal parts of the film scanner according to the first
embodiment when a film holder, which is an accessory, is mounted to
the film scanner. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic
construction of the film scanner according to the first embodiment,
which is shown in FIG. 1, when the film holder, which is shown in
FIG. 1, is mounted to the film scanner. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing
a schematic construction of the film scanner according to the first
embodiment when an adapter, which is another accessory and is used
for a cartridge film shown in FIG. 10, is mounted to the film
scanner. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit structure of
the film scanner shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram
showing a circuit structure of the film scanner, shown in FIG. 1,
when an adapter II is mounted to the film scanner. FIG. 6 is a flow
chart showing the operation of the film scanner shown in FIG. 1,
and FIG. 7 is a side view of the film scanner, shown in FIG. 1,
when the adapter II is mounted to the film scanner. Incidentally,
while the adapter II is the same as the adapter shown in FIG. 10,
the adapter II is illustrated in somewhat simplified fashion.
[0046] In FIG. 1, reference symbol I denotes a film scanner body,
and reference symbol II denotes an adapter which is mountable to
the film scanner body I and is used for reading an image recorded
on a film contained in a dedicated cartridge.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, reference numeral 1 denotes
a film carriage, which has mounting portions 1a and 1b for mounting
thereto a film holder 7 or the adapter II. In addition, the film
carriage 1 is supported to be freely movable with respect to the
film scanner body I in the scanning directions shown by a
double-headed arrow in FIGS. 1 through 3. Reference numeral 2
denotes a lamp which is a light source, reference numeral 3 denotes
a mirror, reference numeral 4 denotes a lens, reference numeral 5
denotes a lens holder which holds the lens 4, and reference numeral
6 denotes a line sensor composed of a CCD. The film holder 7 has
window portions 7a through 7f. A developed film (35 mm film or the
like) 8 has six continuous frames and is held by the film holder 7,
and the respective frames of the film 8 are exposed to the outside
of the film holder 7 with the window portions 7a through 7f, so
that light can pass through the film 8. In addition, the film
holder 7 has such a shape the film holder 7 is held in the mounting
portions 1a and 1b so as to be freely movable in the scanning
directions (the directions of the arrow in FIG. 1) (FIG. 1 shows a
state where the film holder 7 is mounted to the mounting portions
1a and 1b).
[0048] In addition, light from the lamp 2 passes through the film
8, and is then reflected by the mirror 3 to be imaged on the line
sensor 6 by the lens 4. In addition, an optical axis 9 reaches the
line sensor 6 from the lamp 2, a motor (A) 10 moves the film
carriage 1 in the scanning directions for scanning, and a motor (B)
11 moves the film holder 7 in the scanning directions for selecting
a film frame and transports the film 32 contained in the adapter II
for winding and rewinding the film 32.
[0049] A detecting sensor (A) 12 detects the position of the film
carriage 1, a detecting sensor (B) 13 detects that the film holder
7 is mounted to the film scanner body I and further detects the
position of the film holder 7, and a detecting sensor (C) 14
detects that the adapter II is mounted to the film scanner body I.
Reference numeral 15 denotes a contact unit of the film scanner
body I for electrically contacting to the adapter II, reference
numeral 16 denotes a control circuit (A), reference numeral 17
denotes an input and output terminal, and reference numeral 18 is
an exterior case of the film scanner body I. In addition, the motor
(B) 11, the contact unit 15, the detecting sensor (B) 13, and the
detecting sensor (C) 14 are provided on the film carriage 1.
[0050] An exterior cover 21 of the adapter II has protruding
portions 21a and 21b for engaging with the mounting portions 1a and
1b of the film carriage 1. A lid 22 covers a port provided in the
exterior cover 21 for inserting therein the film cartridge and
taking out the film cartridge, and a two-dot chain line 23
indicates the lid 22 which is opened for loading the film cartridge
to and/or unloading the film cartridge from the adapter II as shown
in FIG. 11. Reference numeral 24 denotes a contact unit of the
adapter II, reference numeral 25 denotes a film window, reference
numeral 26 denotes a lever for opening the lid 22, and reference
numeral 27 denotes a control circuit (B) for controlling the
adapter II. A detecting sensor (D) 28 detects a state of the film
in the adapter II, and a detecting sensor (E) 29 detects the
presence and absence of the film cartridge in the adapter II.
Furthermore, a detecting sensor (F) 30 detects a state of opening
or closing of the lid 22. Reference numeral 31 denotes the film
cartridge containing a dedicated film, which is inserted in the
adapter II, and reference numeral 32 denotes the film pulled out
from the film cartridge 31.
[0051] In addition, the lamp 2, the line sensor 6, the motor (A)
10, the motor (B) 11, the detecting sensor (A) 12, the detecting
sensor (B) 13, the detecting sensor (C) 14, the input and output
terminal 17, and the film scanner contact unit 15 are electrically
connected to the control circuit (A) 16.
[0052] Furthermore, the detecting sensor (D) 28, the detecting
sensor (E) 29, the detecting sensor (F) 30, and the adapter contact
unit 24 are electrically connected to the control circuit (B)
27.
[0053] Moreover, the control circuit (A) 16, as shown in FIGS. 4
and 5, is composed of a film scanner control circuit 16-1, a motor
(A) control circuit 16-2, a motor (B) control circuit 16-3, a lamp
control circuit 16-4, a line sensor control circuit 16-5, a
detecting sensor (A) control circuit 16-6, a detecting sensor (B)
control circuit 16-7, and a detecting sensor (C) control circuit
16-8. In addition, the control circuit (B) 27 is composed of an
adapter control circuit 27-1, a detecting sensor (D) control
circuit 27-2, a detecting sensor (E) control circuit 27-3, and a
detecting sensor (F) control circuit 27-4.
[0054] Moreover, position detecting means for detecting the
position of the film carriage 1 is composed of the detecting sensor
(A) 12 and the detecting sensor (A) control circuit 16-6, and
detection means for detecting the mounting of the film holder 7 to
the film scanner body I and detecting the position of the film
holder 7 is composed of the detecting sensor (B) 13 and the
detecting sensor (B) control circuit 16-7. In addition, detection
means for detecting the mounting of the adapter II to the film
scanner body I is composed of the detecting sensor (C) 14 and the
detecting sensor (C) control circuit 16-8.
[0055] Furthermore, detection means for detecting a state of the
film in the adapter II is composed of the detecting sensor (D) 28
and the detecting sensor (D) control circuit 27-2. Moreover,
detection means for detecting the presence and absence of the film
cartridge 31 in the adapter II is composed of the detecting sensor
(E) 29 and the detecting sensor (E) control circuit 27-3. In
addition, detection means for detecting a state of opening and
closing of the lid 22 of the adapter II id composed of the
detecting sensor (F) 30 and the detecting sensor (F) control
circuit 27-4.
[0056] Next, the method of reading image information recorded on
the film 8 or 32 will be described with reference to the flow chart
of FIG. 6.
[0057] First, when electric power is applied from a power supply
(not shown) to the film scanner body I by operating a power switch
(not shown), the position of the film carriage 1 is detected by the
detecting sensor (A) 12 and the detecting sensor (A) control
circuit 16-6. This position information is transmitted to the film
scanner control circuit 16-1. Then, so as to make the film carriage
1 wait at a predetermined standby position, the motor (A) 10 is
driven by the motor (A) control circuit 16-2 to move the film
carriage 1 to the standby position (S1). Furthermore, if the
detecting sensor (B) 13 and the detecting sensor (B) control
circuit 16-7 detect that the film holder 7 is mounted to the film
carriage 1 (S2, YES), at the same time, the detecting sensor (B) 13
and the detecting sensor (B) control circuit 16-7 detect the
position of the film holder 7 also. This position information is
transmitted to the film scanner control circuit 16-1. Then, so as
to make the film holder 7 wait at a predetermined standby position,
the motor (B) 11 is driven by the motor (B) control circuit 16-3 to
move the film holder 7 to the standby position (S3). When the user
of the film scanner operates the film scanner with a known method
to issue an instruction for rough scanning (S4), the lamp control
circuit 16-4 turns on the lamp 2 (S5), and the known rough scanning
operation of images of six frames of the film 8 is performed (S6).
When the rough scanning operation is completed, the lamp 2 is
turned off by the lamp control circuit 16-4, and the film holder 7
is returned to the standby position to perform predetermined image
processing (S7). Then, the images are displayed on a monitor (not
shown) (S8). Furthermore, when the user selects an image to be
fine-scanned among the six frames of images and operates the film
scanner with a known method (S9), the lamp 2 is turned on by the
lamp control circuit 16-4 (S10), and a known fine scanning
operation of the selected frame is performed by moving the film
carriage 1 (S11). Moreover, after completion of the fine scanning
operation, the lamp 2 is turned off by the lamp control circuit
16-4, the film carriage 1 is returned to the standby position, and
image processing is performed (S12). Then, the image is displayed
on the monitor (S13).
[0058] In addition, if the detecting sensor (C) 14 and the
detecting sensor (C) control circuit 16-8 detect that the adapter
II is loaded into the film scanner body I, this information is
transmitted to the film scanner control circuit 16-1. Furthermore,
at this time, the film scanner contact unit 15 and the adapter
contact unit 24 are electrically connected to each other. Thus, the
control circuit (A) 16 and the control circuit (B) 27 are
electrically connected to each other. Moreover, the film scanner
control circuit 16-1 and the adapter control circuit 27-1 start
communication and confirm whether the adapter II is correctly
mounted to the film scanner body I or whether the adapter II is
normally operating. In addition, after completion of this
confirmation, electric power is supplied from the film scanner body
I to the adapter II through the film scanner contact unit 15 and
the adapter contact unit 24. Furthermore, if the adapter II is
mounted to the film scanner body I, the motor (B) 11 is coupled to
a transport mechanism (not shown) for the film 32 in the adapter
II.
[0059] Then, the presence or absence of the film cartridge 31 is
detected by the detecting sensor (E) 29 and the detecting sensor
(E) control circuit 37-3. If it is detected that the film cartridge
31 is inserted into the adapter II (S14), a state of opening and
closing of the lid 22 is detected by the detecting sensor (F) 30
and the detecting sensor (F) control circuit 27-4. In addition, if
it is detected here that the lid 22 is closed (S15), the detecting
sensor (D) 28 and the detecting sensor (D) control circuit 27-2
detect a state of the film 32, and this information is transmitted
from the adapter control circuit 27-1 to the film scanner control
circuit 16-1. Then, the motor (B) control circuit 16-3 drives the
motor (B) to pull out the film 32 to a predetermined position in
the adapter II (S17). Moreover, when the user operates the film
scanner body I and issues an instruction for rough scanning, the
lamp control circuit 16-4 turns on the lamp 2 (S19) and the known
rough scanning operation is performed (S20). When the rough
scanning operation is completed, the lamp 2 is turned off by the
lamp control circuit 16-4, the film 32 is returned to the
predetermined position in the adapter II, and predetermined image
processing is performed (S21). Then, a plurality of images obtained
by the rough scanning operation are displayed on the monitor (not
shown) (S22). When the user selects an image to be fine-scanned
among the plurality of images and operates the film scanner with a
known method (S23), the lamp 2 is turned on by the lamp control
circuit 16-4 (S24), and the known fine scanning operation on the
selected image is performed by moving the film carriage 1 (S25).
After completion of the fine scanning operation, the lamp 2 is
turned off by the lamp control circuit 16-4, the film carriage 1 is
returned to the standby position, and image processing is performed
(S26). Then, the image is displayed on the monitor (not shown)
(S27).
[0060] Here, the adapter II has such a construction that the lid 22
can be opened and closed only when the film cartridge 31 is not
inserted, or when the film cartridge 31 is inserted and the film 32
is not pulled out from the film cartridge 31. In addition, the
adapter control circuit 27-1 and the film scanner control circuit
16-1 control the adapter II and the film scanner respectively lest
the motor (A) 10 and motor (B) 11 should be driven for rough
scanning or fine scanning if the detecting sensor (F) 30 and the
detecting sensor (F) control circuit 27-4 detect that the lid 22 is
opened, and if the detecting sensor (E) 29 and the detecting sensor
(E) control circuit 27-3 detect that the film cartridge 31 is not
inserted into the adapter II even if the lid 22 is closed.
[0061] In addition, since insertion of the adapter II into and
removal of the adapter II from the film carriage 1 become possible
when the film carriage 1 is located at a predetermined standby
position with respect to the film scanner body I (refer to FIG. 7),
the adapter II can be easily mounted into the film scanner body
I.
[0062] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the film scanner is
constructed so that the lid 22 of the adapter II mounted to the
film carriage 1 can be opened and closed at the standby position of
the film carriage 1 and so that the lid 22, which is opened, may
not interfere with the exterior cover 18 of the film scanner body I
at that time. Owing to this construction, it is possible to insert
the film cartridge 31 into and remove the film cartridge 31 from
the adapter II with the adapter II remaining mounted to the film
scanner body I without bothering removing the adapter II from the
film scanner body I.
[0063] In summary, the film scanner is constructed so that the film
8 or the film cartridge 31 can be inserted into the film holder 7
or the adapter II respectively with the film holder 7 or the
adapter II remaining mounted to the film scanner body I. In
addition, the film scanner is constructed so that the film 8 or the
film cartridge 31 can be inserted into and removed from the film
holder 7 or the adapter II respectively when the film holder 7, the
adapter II or the film cartridge 31 is at a predetermined position.
Furthermore, by constructing the film scanner so that such
insertion or removal position may become a loading or unloading
position of the film holder 7 or the adapter II, the operability of
the film scanner becomes better. Moreover, the film scanner can
read an image of a film contained in a dedicated cartridge, the lid
22 of the adapter II can be opened when the adapter II is located
at a predetermined position with respect to the film scanner body
I, and the film cartridge 31 can be inserted and removed at the
predetermined position. In addition, the film scanner is
constructed so that the lid 22 may not interfere with the film
scanner body I even if the lid 22 is opened at the predetermined
position and so that the film 32 can be transported only when the
lid 22 is closed. Furthermore, the film scanner is constructed so
that the lid 22 cannot be opened during transportation of the film
32 and so that an image reading operation including the movement of
the film carriage 1 in the film scanner body I can be performed
only when the film 32 is transported to be ready for image reading
at the time of the adapter II being mounted to the film scanner
body I. Moreover, in the first embodiment, the film cartridge 31
can be inserted in and removed from the direction above the adapter
II at the time of the adapter II being mounted in the film scanner
body I. Nevertheless, even if the film scanner is constructed so
that the film cartridge 31 can be inserted in and removed from the
horizontal direction, the film cartridge 31 can be easily inserted
into and removed from the adapter II mounted in the film scanner
body I. In addition, the film scanner has power supply means and
communication means from the film scanner body I to the adapter II,
and is constructed so that the adapter II can be controlled from
the side of the film scanner body I.
[0064] (Second Embodiment)
[0065] A film scanner according to a second embodiment of the
present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and
9. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic construction of the film
scanner according to the second embodiment when an adapter is
loaded into a film scanner body, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram
showing a circuit structure of the film scanner shown in FIG. 8
when the adapter is loaded into the film scanner body. In addition,
in regard to the second embodiment, a perspective view of essential
parts, a diagram showing a schematic construction at the time of a
film holder being loaded, a block diagram showing a circuit
structure, a flow chart showing an operation, and a side view at
the time of the adapter being loaded are the same as those in FIGS.
1, 2, 4, 6, and 7, respectively, and hence these figures are
omitted. Furthermore, in FIG. 8, the same reference numerals are
assigned to the parts that are the same as those in the first
embodiment, and hence description of these parts is omitted.
[0066] In FIG. 8, reference numeral 33 denotes an adapter motor
which performs transportation, that is, winding and rewinding of a
film 32 contained in a film cartridge 31 in the adapter II.
[0067] The difference of the second embodiment from the first
embodiment is that the motor (B) 11 provided in the film scanner
body I is used only for moving the film holder 7 in the scanning
directions and the transportation of the film 32 contained in the
film cartridge 31 in the adapter II is performed by the adapter
motor 33 provided in the adapter II. Furthermore, another
difference is that the control circuit (B) 27 is composed of an
adapter control circuit 27-6, the detecting sensor (D) control
circuit 27-2, detecting sensor (E) control circuit 27-3, detecting
sensor (F) control circuit 27-4, and an adapter motor control
circuit 27-5.
[0068] Owing to this construction, although the adapter motor 33
should be provided, it is not necessary to provide the complicated
driving-force transmission mechanism (not shown) for transporting
the film 32 in the adapter II by the motor (B), and the
driving-force change-over mechanism (not shown) from the motor (B)
to the adapter II, which are provided in the first embodiment.
Therefore, it is possible to make the construction of the film
scanner body simple and to construct the adapter mountable in the
film scanner body. In addition, since the drive of the film holder
7 and the transportation of the film 32 are performed by a
dedicated motor without using the complicated mechanism, highly
accurate drive and transportation can be performed.
[0069] Other constructions and control relating to the film scanner
body I and adapter II are the same as those in the first
embodiment, and hence description of these is omitted.
[0070] As described above, according to the first and second
embodiments, it is possible to provide an image reading apparatus
capable of reading a plurality of kinds of transparent originals
and having excellent operability with a simple construction.
[0071] In detail, it is possible to selectively mount a plurality
of kinds of accessories to the image reading apparatus, and because
a transparent original can be loaded to and unloaded from the
accessory with the accessory, which is mounted, remaining attached,
it is possible to read a plurality of kinds of transparent
originals. Furthermore, it is possible to load a desired
transparent original to and unload the desired transparent original
from the accessory without detaching the accessory, which is
attached to the image reading apparatus, from the image reading
apparatus when reading a plurality of transparent originals whose
kinds are the same.
[0072] In addition, it is possible to load a transparent original
to and unload the transparent original from an accessory only when
the accessory mounted to the image reading apparatus is located at
a predetermined position with respect to the body of the image
reading apparatus. Therefore, when the user loads the transparent
original to or unloads the transparent original from the accessory,
the accessory is located at a predetermined position with respect
to the body of the image reading apparatus, and hence it is easy to
load and unload the transparent original.
[0073] Furthermore, it is designed that a position where a
transparent original can be loaded to and unloaded from an
accessory is a position where the accessory is attached to and
detached from the image reading apparatus. Therefore, a state of
the accessory, where the transparent original is loaded, being
mounted is the same as a state of the transparent original being
loaded in the accessory which is mounted in the image reading
apparatus. Hence, it is easy to control the image reading apparatus
because reading of an original image can be started from the state
of the accessory being the same.
[0074] Moreover, the image reading apparatus is adapted to a
transparent original contained in a dedicated cartridge.
[0075] In addition, it is possible to prevent the user from
carelessly touching a cartridge containing a transparent original
inserted in an accessory and to prevent dust from invading the
accessory.
[0076] Furthermore, it is possible to prevent a lid from carelessly
opening at the time of reading an image of a transparent original
contained in a dedicated case. Moreover, it is possible to prevent
the user from making misoperation, to have excellent operability,
and to obtain a stable image, because a cartridge in an accessory
can be exchanged only at a predetermined position.
[0077] In addition, insertion of a cartridge into and removal of a
cartridge from an accessory are easy and operability is excellent,
because a lid of the accessory does not interfere with the body of
the image reading apparatus when the cartridge containing a
dedicated film is inserted into or removed from the accessory
mounted to the body of the image reading apparatus.
[0078] Furthermore, since it is possible to prevent the user from
erroneously touching a transparent original and a cartridge during
transportation of a film contained in the cartridge in an
accessory, it is possible to obtain a safe and stable image.
[0079] Moreover, since an accessory has a motor for transporting a
transparent original inserted into the accessory, it is not
necessary to provide a complicated driving-force transmission
mechanism from a body of the image reading apparatus to the
accessory and a driving-force change-over mechanism. Therefore, it
is possible to make a construction of the image reading apparatus
simple.
[0080] In addition, it is designed that image reading is performed
by moving a film carriage, which is an original placing board, only
when a transparent original in an accessory is transported and the
image reading becomes ready. Hence, it is not necessary to perform
a useless operation, and it is possible to make the power
consumption of the image reading apparatus low.
[0081] Furthermore, even if an accessory where a cartridge
containing a dedicated film can be inserted and removed is mounted
to a body of the image reading apparatus, it is possible to easily
insert the cartridge into and remove the cartridge from the
accessory. Hence, operability is excellent.
[0082] Moreover, since electric power is supplied from a body of
the image reading apparatus to an accessory where a cartridge
containing a dedicated film can be inserted and removed, it is not
necessary that the accessory has a power supply separately. In
addition, since the image reading apparatus has communication means
between a body of the image reading apparatus and the accessory, it
is possible to control the body of the image reading apparatus and
the accessory. Hence, it is possible to obtain the image reading
apparatus which can be easily controlled and is small.
[0083] Furthermore, it is possible to read an image of a film being
bare such as a 35 mm film by means of a film holder, and it is
possible to read an image of a dedicated film in a cartridge such
as an APS (Advanced Photo System) film by using an adapter instead
of the film holder.
[0084] (Third Embodiment)
[0085] FIG. 12 is a perspective view for explaining the
construction of a film scanner (image reading apparatus) according
to a third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 12, a line
CCD sensor 222 is located on a focal plane of the lens 221, which
is an image forming optical system, and performs photoelectric
conversion. Further, a mirror 223 refracts an optical axis of the
lens 221 by 90.degree., a cold cathode ray tube 224 is an
illumination means, and a film holder carriage 225 is held so that
the film holder carriage 225 can move across the optical axis of
the lens 221. Moreover, a stepping motor 226 constitutes a movement
means for moving the film holder carriage 225.
[0086] A film holder 227 sandwiches a film 233 and is used for
reading an image by being inserted into the film holder carriage
225, and a guide shaft 228 guides the film holder carriage 225 in a
moving direction thereof. In addition, an image processing circuit
board (a first circuit board) performs control and signal
processing of the entire apparatus, and a power supply circuit
board (a second circuit board) 230 is provided for supplying
electric power from an input power supply to the apparatus.
Furthermore, a power cable 231 is used for supplying electric power
from an external power supply to the apparatus, and a communication
cable 232 is used for outputting an image signal to another
apparatus or receiving an instruction from another apparatus.
[0087] Next, reading of an image recorded on the film 233 will be
described. First, the film holder 227 is inserted from a loading
slot 234 into the film scanner. The power supply circuit board 230
receives an alternating current through the power cable 231, and
supplies necessary electric power to the image processing circuit
board 229.
[0088] When reading is started, the cold cathode ray tube 224 is
turned on, and light passing through the film 233 is refracted by
the mirror 223 by 90.degree. and is then imaged on the CCD line
sensor 222 by the lens 221. The light is converted into an image
signal by the CCD sensor 222, the image processing circuit board
229 performs predetermined processing of the image signal, and an
image signal that is equivalent to one line of an external device
connected is outputted.
[0089] Next, the stepping motor 226 moves the film carriage 225 by
a distance equivalent to one line to read the next line of image.
By repeating the above operation, an image signal equivalent to one
frame of film is outputted.
[0090] In addition, in FIG. 12, although the reading method for the
sleeved film is described, it is also possible to read an image of
a slide-mounted film by inserting the slide-mounted film from the
loading slot 234. Furthermore, in regard to a different type of
film such as a cartridge film, as described later in FIG. 15, it is
possible that a dedicated adapter 208 for pulling out the film is
inserted similarly to the method described in FIG. 12 after pulling
out the film with the adapter 208 and changing to a film inserting
slot 202a of the film scanner body 201.
[0091] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the film scanner
according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 13, reference numeral
201 denotes the film scanner body, reference numeral 202 denotes a
front cover, reference numeral 203 denotes a door for changing the
size of a film inserting slot, reference numeral 203a denotes a
first film inserting slot, and reference numeral 204 denotes a lid
for covering the inserting slot 203a. Furthermore, reference
numeral 206 denotes a power switch, and reference numeral 207
denotes an LED lamp indicating that a power supply is turned on.
Reference numeral 205 denotes a mounting portion for temporarily
attaching thereto the lid 204 removed.
[0092] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state where a slide-mounted
film is inserted into the film scanner body 201, and, also when the
slide-mounted film is about to be removed from the film scanner
body 201, this state also occurs.
[0093] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the second film inserting slot
202a in a state where the cartridge film adapter 208 is inserted
after opening the door 203 of the film scanner body 201 shown in
FIG. 13. In FIG. 15, the lid 204 is attached to the door 203.
[0094] In addition, FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a lid 240 which is
a modification of the lid 204 shown in FIG. 13. The lid 240 is made
of transparent plastic such as acrylic resin and polycarbonate
resin. A convex lens portion 240a, which is provided in the lid
240, is made at the same time as the lid 240 by injection molding.
The convex lens portion 240a can be assembled by inserting a lens
into the lid after making the lens separately. In this case, it is
apparent that material of the lid is not limited to transparent
material.
[0095] (Fourth Embodiment)
[0096] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a film scanner
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
17, reference numeral 211 denotes a film scanner body, reference
numeral 213 denotes a door for changing the size of a film
inserting slot, and reference numeral 213a denotes a first film
inserting slot. Furthermore, reference numeral 214 denotes a
movable lid for covering the inserting slot 213a, reference numeral
214a denotes a catch pawl for keeping the door 214 closed, and
reference numeral 212 denotes a front cover holding the door
214.
[0097] (Fifth Embodiment)
[0098] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a film scanner according to
a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 18, reference
numeral 241 denotes a film scanner body, and reference numeral 242
denotes a front cover. In addition, reference numeral 243 denotes a
door for changing the size of a film inserting slot, reference
numeral 243a denotes a first film inserting slot, and reference
numeral 244 denotes a sliding lid for covering the film inserting
slot 243a.
[0099] (Sixth Embodiment)
[0100] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a film scanner
according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
19, reference numeral 251 denotes a film scanner body, reference
numeral 252 denotes a front cover, and reference numeral 253
denotes a sliding door for changing the size of a film inserting
gate. In the state shown in FIG. 19, a first film inserting gate
253ais formed at a first position where the door 253 is fully
opened. In this state, a cartridge film adapter can be inserted.
Reference numeral 253b denotes a state of the door 253 being pulled
up to a second position, and reference numeral 254 denotes a second
film inserting gate. Furthermore, if the door 253 is slid to the
upper end as shown by reference numeral 253c, the second
film-inserting gate 254 is fully shut, and hence it is possible to
prevent dust from invading.
[0101] It becomes possible for the door 253 not to accidentally
move during image reading by providing click means respectively at
three slide positions. In addition, it becomes more convenient to
provide interlock means of turning off a power switch when the door
253 is fully closed.
[0102] As described above, according to the third to sixth
embodiments, it is possible to prevent the performance of an
internal optical system and a light source from degrading and to
assure the quality of an original image that is read, by preventing
foreign particles such as dust from invading from a film inserting
slot of a film scanner, which was a problem up to now. In addition,
there is an effect that, even if a film has been kept in a film
scanner for a long time, it is possible to prevent a film from
being polluted, by closing a lid. Furthermore, a convex lens
provided in the lid can be used as a magnifying glass for
inspecting a scratch and an image of a film before reading.
* * * * *