U.S. patent application number 09/332153 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-28 for image reading apparatus, image recording apparatus and image processing device.
Invention is credited to INOUE, TOSHIYUKI, KATAKURA, KAZUHIKO, KONAGAYA, TATSUYA, NISHIO, TOMONORI, SAKAGUCHI, YASUNOBU, YAMAMOTO, TAKASHI, YOSHIDA, TAKASHI.
Application Number | 20020036757 09/332153 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 15817991 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020036757 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KATAKURA, KAZUHIKO ; et
al. |
March 28, 2002 |
IMAGE READING APPARATUS, IMAGE RECORDING APPARATUS AND IMAGE
PROCESSING DEVICE
Abstract
Light is irradiated onto a photographic film which is conveyed
by a film carrier. A compressor generates cooling air for cooling
the photographic film. A guide pipe guides the cooling air
generated by the compressor to at least one of a region of the
photographic film, onto which the light is irradiated, and a
reverse surface of the region. In this way, since the cooling air
generated by the compressor is guided to the photographic film, the
photographic film can be cooled by the cooling air having large
amount of flow, velocity of flow, or the like.
Inventors: |
KATAKURA, KAZUHIKO;
(RESIDENCE, XP) ; SAKAGUCHI, YASUNOBU; (RESIDENCE,
XP) ; INOUE, TOSHIYUKI; (RESIDENCE, XP) ;
YAMAMOTO, TAKASHI; (RESIDENCE, XP) ; YOSHIDA,
TAKASHI; (RESIDENCE, XP) ; KONAGAYA, TATSUYA;
(RESIDENCE, XP) ; NISHIO, TOMONORI; (RESIDENCE,
XP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION ZINN MACPEAK & SEAS PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON
DC
200373202
|
Family ID: |
15817991 |
Appl. No.: |
09/332153 |
Filed: |
June 14, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
355/30 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03B 27/52 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
355/30 |
International
Class: |
G03B 027/52 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 12, 1998 |
JP |
10-165730 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An image reading apparatus, comprising: a conveying device which
conveys a photosensitive material; an illuminator which irradiates
light onto the photosensitive material conveyed by said conveying
device; a reading device which reads light from the photosensitive
material in a state in which the photosensitive material is
conveyed by said conveying device; and a cooling device which cools
at least one of a region of the photosensitive material, onto which
the light is irradiated, and a reverse surface of the region.
2. An image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: control means which, when a condition for starting
cooling is formed, operates said cooling device and which, when a
condition for reducing cooling capacity is formed, reduces a
cooling capacity of said cooling device.
3. An image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
condition for starting cooling is the condition formed when the
light is able to be read by said reading device, and the condition
for reducing cooling capacity is the condition formed when the
light is unable to be read by said reading device.
4. An image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an
image having predetermined density or higher is recorded onto the
photosensitive material, and the condition for starting cooling is
the condition formed when the light from the image having a
predetermined density or higher can be read by said reading device,
and the condition for reducing cooling capacity is the condition
formed when the light from the image having a predetermined density
or lower can be read by said reading device.
5. An image reading apparatus according to claim 2, further
comprising: a detector which detects whether the photosensitive
material exists in the region onto which the light is irradiated by
said illuminator, wherein the condition for starting cooling is the
condition formed when it is detected by said detector that the
photosensitive material exists in the region, and the condition for
reducing cooling capacity is the condition formed when it is
detected by said detector that the photosensitive material does not
exist in the region.
6. An image reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said
conveying device is loaded so as to be attachable and removable,
and said detector detects the existence of the photosensitive
material in the region by detecting whether said conveying device
is loaded.
7. An image reading apparatus according to claim 2, further
comprising: an aperture which stops the amount of light irradiated
onto the photosensitive material; and a stopped state detector
which detects whether a state stopped by said aperture is a
dangerous state in which the quality of the photosensitive material
is deteriorated by the irradiation of the stopped amount of light,
wherein the condition for starting cooling is the condition formed
when it is detected by said stopped state detector that the stopped
state is dangerous, and the condition for reducing cooling capacity
is the condition formed when it is detected by said stopped state
detector that the stopped state is safe.
8. An image reading apparatus according to claim 2, further
comprising: a detector which detects a temperature in a vicinity of
at least one of the region of the photosensitive material, onto
which the light is irradiated, and the reverse surface of the
region, wherein said control means controls said cooling device on
the basis of the temperature detected by said detector so that at
least one of the quality of the region and the reverse surface of
the region is not deteriorated.
9. An image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
cooling device includes a cooling air generating device which
generates cooling air for cooling the photosensitive material and
guide means which guides the cooling air generated by said cooling
air generating device to at least one of the region of the
photosensitive material, onto which the light is irradiated, and
the reverse surface of the region.
10. An image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
illuminator irradiates linear light, which extends in the direction
intersecting the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive
material, onto the photosensitive material, and said cooling device
includes a cooling air generating device which generates cooling
air for cooling the photosensitive material and guide means which
guides the cooling air generated by said cooling air generating
device to at least one of a portion of a region to be illuminated
of the photosensitive material, onto which the linear light is
irradiated, and the reverse surface of the region to be
illuminated.
11. An image reading apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said
guide means guides the cooling air so that the cooling air flows
along at least one of the portion of the region to be illuminated
and the reverse surface of the region to be illuminated.
12. An image reading apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said
guide means guides the cooling air diagonally over at least one of
the entire portion of the region to be illuminated and the reverse
surface of the region to be illuminated.
13. An image reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said
cooling air generating device is a compressor.
14. An image reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said
cooling air generating device is provided with an air filter.
15. An image recording apparatus, comprising: a conveying device
which conveys a photosensitive material; an illuminator which
irradiates light onto the photosensitive material conveyed by said
conveying device; guide means which guides light from the
photosensitive material so that the light from the photosensitive
material is irradiated onto a photosensitive material for recording
in a state in which the photosensitive material is conveyed by said
conveying device; and a cooling device which cools at least one of
a region of the photosensitive material, onto which the light is
irradiated, and a reverse surface of the region.
16. An image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
reading device is a CCD having three lines which are disposed in
the conveying direction and extend in the direction which
intersects the conveying direction for reading an image.
17. An image reading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said
control means controls said cooling device in accordance with the
density of the image read by said reading device so that the
cooling device operates at larger capacity as the density becomes
higher.
18. An image reading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said
conveying device conveys the photosensitive material at slower
speed as the density of the image read by said reading device is
larger, and said control means controls said cooling device in
accordance with the conveying speed of said conveying device so
that said cooling device operates at larger capacity as the
conveying speed becomes slower.
19. An image reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said
control means determines whether the temperature detected by said
detector is higher than a temperature which is lower than a heat
resisting temperature, at which the quality of the photosensitive
material is not deteriorated, by a predetermined amount, and when
the detected temperature is higher than the temperature which is
lower than the heat resisting temperature by a predetermined
amount, said control means operates said cooling device.
20. An image reading apparatus according to claim 19, wherein, when
the detected temperature is lower than the temperature which is
lower than the heat resisting temperature by a predetermined
amount, said control means controls said cooling device so that
said cooling device operates at smaller capacity.
21. An image reading apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the
heat resisting temperature is a heat resisting temperature on a
base surface of the photosensitive material.
22. An image processing device, comprising: the image reading
apparatus according to claim 1; and means of determining image
processing conditions for converting read images into recorded
images.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus,
and more particularly, to an image reading apparatus in which
images recorded onto a photosensitive material are read by reading
light from the photosensitive material in a conveyed state. The
present invention also relates to an image recording apparatus in
which images recorded onto a photosensitive material are recorded
onto a photosensitive material for recording by irradiating light
from the photosensitive material onto the photosensitive material
for recording such as a photographic printing paper or the like in
a conveyed state.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Recently, a so-called digital photo printer in which images
of a photographic film are extracted by a CCD and the extracted
images are digitally processed and scan-exposed onto a photographic
printing paper has been proposed.
[0005] In this digital photo printer, image information recorded
onto the photographic film is optically read, the read images are
converted into digital signals and subjected to various image
processings such that image information for recording is formed.
Then, the photosensitive material is scan-exposed by recording
light which has been modulated in accordance with this image
information. The images (latent images) are recorded and printed in
developing processing.
[0006] The digital photo printer can freely effect editing such as
the composition of a plurality of images, the division of an image,
or the like; editing layout of a print image such as editing of
characters and an image, or the like; and various image processings
such as expansion/contraction, adjustment of
color/density/gradation, conversion of negative/positive
photographic film, emphasis of outline, or the like. Further, in
the conventional direct exposure print, all of the image density
information regarding density resolution, space resolution,
color/density reproducibility, or the like recorded onto the
photographic film cannot be reproduced. However, the digital photo
printer can obtain a print in which substantially 100% of image
density information recorded onto the photographic film is
reproduced.
[0007] Further, in the digital photo printer, the image information
recorded onto the photographic film or image processing conditions
of that information can be recorded (stored) in an external memory
or external media such as a memory, a hard disk, or the like
provided at the device. Accordingly, when extra printing or the
like is carried out, it is not necessary to have a photographic
film having original images and to reset processing conditions.
Thus, an operation such as the making of extra prints or the like
can be carried out rapidly and efficiently. Other services include
applied services such as the editing of digital image data recorded
by a digital camera or the like and the output of the image to a
printer or the like; recording of images of a photographic film
onto an external media; transfer of digital image data to a distant
place using an internet function; and the like.
[0008] A device of this sort is a type of production equipment.
Consequently, in this device, it is necessary that images are read
in a short time, that so-called processing capacity is high, and
that various types of photographic films having a variety of
exposure levels are finished with high image qualities.
Accordingly, in order to read an input image at a predetermined
processing capacity as high quality image data, a larger amount of
illuminating light is required for, for example, a negative
photographic film which has been overexposed.
[0009] Further, in the above-described image reading apparatus, it
is known that visible optical components which are required for
reading color images also have thermal energy. Consequently, a
light source for reading the color image naturally restricts the
wavelength region which can be cut and, even if the wavelength
components which are not required for reading are cut and light is
irradiated, a complete heat insulating effect is not obtained.
Thus, when a large amount of light is irradiated, thermal energy
accumulates on the photographic film original in proportion to the
amount of light, the temperature of the photographic film rises
more than a permissible temperature of the photographic film
components, and the quality of the photographic film thereby
deteriorates. The deterioration of the quality of the photographic
film includes temporary deterioration of quality (reversible
fading) or permanent deterioration of quality (irreversible fading,
deformation of a photographic film base, or the like).
[0010] Once irreversible heat damage is inflicted on the
photographic film, the film cannot be restored. The function of
protecting a photographic film should be one of the most important
subjects when the device is constructed. In this case, if the
illuminating light is used only for effective illumination, there
is the concern that heat damage will be inflicted on the
photographic film as described above. Thus, it is necessary to
provide any means which prevents rising of the temperature of the
photographic film.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention was developed in light of the above
circumstances, and the object thereof is to provide an image
reading apparatus and an image recording apparatus which can
effectively prevent deterioration of the quality of a
photosensitive material.
[0012] In order to achieve the above-described object, the present
invention comprises: a conveying device which conveys a
photosensitive material; an illuminator which irradiates light onto
the photosensitive material which is conveyed by the conveying
device; a reading device which reads light from the photosensitive
material in a state in which the photosensitive material is
conveyed by the conveying device; and a cooling device which cools
at least one of a region of the photosensitive material onto which
the light is irradiated, and a reverse surface of the region.
[0013] Namely, the conveying device conveys the photosensitive
material and the illuminator irradiates light onto the
photosensitive material which is conveyed by the conveying device.
The reading device reads light from the photosensitive material in
a state in which the photosensitive material is conveyed by the
conveying device.
[0014] The cooling device cools at least one of the region of the
photosensitive material onto which the light is irradiated and the
reverse surface of the region.
[0015] Thus, when the light from the photosensitive material is
read in a conveyed state, because the photosensitive material is
cooled even if the amount of light irradiated onto the
photosensitive material is increased, deterioration of the quality
of the photosensitive material can be prevented.
[0016] Namely, the structure which is suitable for the image
reading apparatus of the present invention is as follows. Namely,
the image reading apparatus of the present invention comprises: a
conveying device for conveying a photosensitive material; a CCD
having three lines which are disposed in the conveying direction
and extend in the direction which intersects the conveying
direction for reading an image; a lens device which serves as means
of projecting the photosensitive material image onto the CCD; and
an illuminator which irradiates light onto the photosensitive
material which is conveyed by the conveying device.
[0017] Further, the present invention comprises a cooling device
which cools at least one of a region of the photosensitive material
onto which the light is irradiated and a reverse surface of the
region.
[0018] In a suitable aspect of the image reading apparatus relating
to the present invention, there are a setup equipment which
performs image processings on read images and determines the
exposure conditions of recorded images, an image processing device
which performs various image processings on the read images, and a
recording equipment which records (stores) the read images.
[0019] Note that even if the above-described 3-line CCD is, e.g.,
an area sensor or the like, the sensor is, in fact, described as a
3-line CCD if it is used in the same way.
[0020] The present invention may further include control means
which, when a condition for starting cooling is formed, operates
the cooling device and which, when a condition for reducing cooling
capacity is formed, reduces (stops or operates at small capacity)
the cooling capacity of the cooling device.
[0021] Because the cooling device is operated when the condition
for starting cooling is formed and the cooling capacity of the
cooling device is reduced when the condition for reducing cooling
capacity is formed, the cooling device is prevented from operating
at large capacity when it is unnecessary, and the life of the
cooling device can be lengthened.
[0022] The condition for starting cooling may be when the light can
be read by the reading device and the condition for reducing
cooling capacity may be when the light cannot be read by the
reading device. When an image having a predetermined density or
higher is recorded onto the photosensitive material, the condition
for starting cooling may be when the light from the image having a
predetermined density or higher can be read by the reading device
and the condition for reducing cooling capacity may be when the
light from the image having a predetermined density or lower can be
read by the reading device.
[0023] The control means may control the cooling device in
accordance with the density of the image read by the reading device
so that the cooling device operates at larger capacity as the
density becomes higher. This is in light of the fact that the
temperature of a portion at which the density of the image is high
is higher than that of a portion at which the density of the image
is low under the same illumination conditions. When the
above-described density becomes high, the conveying device is
conveyed at slower speed in order to increase the illumination
time. In this case, the control means may control the cooling
device in accordance with the conveying speed of the conveying
device so that the cooling device operates at larger capacity as
the conveying speed is slower. This is in light of the fact that,
when the conveying speed is slow, the illumination time is long and
the temperature of the photosensitive material is high.
[0024] Further, the image reading apparatus includes: a detector
which detects whether the photosensitive material exists in the
region onto which the light is irradiated by the illuminator,
wherein the condition for starting cooling may be when it is
detected by the detector that the photosensitive material exists in
the region, and the condition for reducing cooling capacity may be
when it is detected by the detector that the photosensitive
material does not exist in the region. When the conveying device
can be loaded so as to be attachable and removable, the detector
may detect the existence of the photosensitive material in the
region by detecting whether the conveying device is loaded. The
conveying device is removed and cooling air having a high velocity
which is generated by the cooling device can be prevented from
blowing against a user or the like.
[0025] Moreover, the image reading apparatus includes: an aperture
which stops the amount of light irradiated onto the photosensitive
material; and a stopped state detector which detects whether a
state stopped by the aperture is a dangerous state in which the
quality of the photosensitive material is deteriorated by the
illumination of the stopped amount of light, wherein the condition
for starting cooling may be when it is detected by the stopped
state detector that the stopped state is dangerous, and the
condition for reducing cooling capacity may be when it is detected
by the stopped state detector that the stopped state is not
dangerous.
[0026] The image reading apparatus further comprises: a sensor
which senses a temperature in a vicinity of at least one of the
above-described region and the reverse surface of the region,
wherein the control means may control the cooling device on the
basis of the temperature detected by the sensor so that the quality
of at least one of the region and the reverse surface of the region
is not deteriorated.
[0027] The control means stores in advance a heat resisting
temperature (glass transition temperature) so as to not deteriorate
the quality of the photosensitive material, and determines whether
the temperature detected by the sensor is higher than a temperature
which is lower than the heat resisting temperature by a
predetermined amount. When the detected temperature is higher than
the temperature which is lower than the heat resisting temperature
by a predetermined amount, the control means may operate the
cooling device.
[0028] In accordance with the difference between the
above-described heat resisting temperature and the temperature
sensed by the sensor, when the difference is large, i.e., when the
temperature detected by the sensor is lower than the heat resisting
temperature, the control means may control the cooling device so
that the cooling device operates at smaller capacity. In this way,
when the temperature detected by the sensor is lower than the heat
resisting temperature, since the cooling device is operated at
smaller capacity, the cooling device can be prevented from
operating at an unnecessarily large capacity, and the life of the
cooling device can be lengthened.
[0029] Because the heat resisting temperature of a base surface of
the photosensitive material is lower than that of an emulsion
surface thereof, the heat resisting temperature of the base surface
is preferably used.
[0030] In this way, since the cooling device is controlled on the
basis of the temperature in the vicinity of at least one of the
region of the photosensitive material, onto which the light is
irradiated, and the reverse surface of the region so that the
quality of the photosensitive material is not deteriorated, the
deterioration of the quality of the photosensitive material can be
prevented more reliably.
[0031] The cooling device may comprise: a cooling air generating
device which generates cooling air for cooling the photosensitive
material; and guide means which guides the cooling air generated by
the cooling air generating device to at least one of the
above-described region and the reverse surface of the region.
[0032] The cooling air generating device includes, for example, a
compressor, fan, or the like. The amount of flow, the velocity of
flow, and the pressure of the cooling air generated by the
compressor are larger than those of the cooling air generated by
the fan. The larger the amount of flow, the velocity of flow, and
the pressure of the cooling air supplied to the photosensitive
material, the larger the cooling efficiency. Thus, the cooling air
which is generated by the compressor and has larger amount of flow,
velocity of flow, and pressure than the cooling air generated by
the fan is guided to at least one of the region of the
photosensitive material, onto which the light is irradiated, and
the reverse surface of the region. Even if the amount of light
irradiated onto the photosensitive material is increased, the
deterioration of the quality of the photosensitive material can be
prevented.
[0033] Further, in the present invention, the illuminator
irradiates linear light, which extends in the direction
intersecting the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive
material, onto the photosensitive material, and the cooling device
may comprise: a cooling air generating device which generates
cooling air for cooling the photosensitive material; and guide
means which guides the cooling air generated by the cooling air
generating device to at least one of a portion of the region to be
illuminated of the photosensitive material, onto which the linear
light is irradiated, and the reverse surface of the region to be
illuminated.
[0034] In this way, since the cooling air generated by the cooling
air generating device is guided to at least one of the portion of
the region to be illuminated of the photosensitive material, onto
which the linear light is irradiated, and the reverse surface of
the region to be illuminated, a decrease in the amount of flow of
the cooling air can be reduced and the cooling efficiency can be
improved.
[0035] When the illuminator irradiates linear light, which extends
in the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the
photosensitive material, onto the photosensitive material, the
reading device reads the light from the portion of the region of
the photosensitive material, onto which the linear light is
irradiated.
[0036] The guide means guides the cooling air so that the cooling
air flows along at least one of the portion of the region to be
illuminated and the reverse surface of the region to be
illuminated. In this way, the cooling air flows parallel to at
least one of the portion of the region to be illuminated and the
reverse surface of the region to be illuminated.
[0037] Further, the guide means guides the cooling air diagonally
over at least one of the entire portion of the region to be
illuminated and the reverse surface of the region to be
illuminated. In this way, the cooling air blows simultaneously to
at least one of the entire portion of the region to be illuminated
and the reverse surface of the region to be illuminated. Thus,
because at least one of the entire portion of the region to be
illuminated and the reverse surface of the region to be illuminated
can be cooled without irregularities, the cooling efficiency is
higher than the case in which the cooling air flows in
parallel.
[0038] The cooling air generated by the above cooling air
generating device is usually generated by cooling the air. However,
since dust or the like is contained in the air, when the cooling
air is generated in a usual state, the dust or the like can be
included in the cooling air.
[0039] Further, when the cooling air generating device is a
compressor, resin powders may be generated due to the wear of the
interior of the compressor. In this case, the cooling air blown
from the compressor can include the resin powders.
[0040] In this way, when the photosensitive material is cooled by
cooling air containing dust, resin powders, or the like, the dust
or the like may adhere to the photosensitive material. As a result,
the quality of read images may deteriorate or the photosensitive
material may be damaged.
[0041] In light of this, the cooling air generating device is
preferably provided with an air filter. Further, when the cooling
air generating device is a compressor, the air filter is preferably
provided at at least one of a suction port or a discharge port of
the compressor.
[0042] Further, in order to achieve the above object, an image
recording apparatus relating to the present invention comprises: a
conveying device which conveys a photosensitive material; an
illuminator which irradiates light onto the photosensitive material
conveyed by the conveying device; guide means which guides light
from the photosensitive material so that the light from the
photosensitive material is irradiated onto a photosensitive
material for recording in a state in which the photosensitive
material is conveyed by the conveying device; and a cooling device
which cools at least one of a region of the photosensitive
material, onto which the light is irradiated, and a reverse surface
of the region.
[0043] Namely, the conveying device conveys the photosensitive
material and the illuminator irradiates light onto the
photosensitive material conveyed by the conveying device. The guide
means guides the light from the photosensitive material so that the
light from the photosensitive material is irradiated onto the
photosensitive material for recording in the state in which the
photosensitive material is conveyed by the conveying device.
[0044] The cooling device cools at least one of the region of the
photosensitive material, onto which the light is irradiated, and
the reverse surface of the region.
[0045] Accordingly, in the image recording apparatus relating to
the present invention as well, even if the amount of light
irradiated onto the photosensitive material is increased when the
light from the photosensitive material is irradiated onto the
photosensitive material for recording in the conveyed state, since
the photosensitive material is cooled, deterioration of the quality
of the photosensitive material can be prevented.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a line CCD scanner.
[0047] FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of an optical system
of the line CCD scanner.
[0048] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the optical system
of the line CCD scanner.
[0049] FIG. 4A is a plan view which shows an example of an
aperture.
[0050] FIG. 4B is a plan view which shows an example of a
turret.
[0051] FIG. 4C is a plan view which shows an example of a lens
aperture.
[0052] FIG. 4D is a plan view which shows an example of a CCD
shutter.
[0053] FIG. 5 is a plan view which shows only a principal portion
of the optical system of the line CCD scanner.
[0054] FIG. 6 is a block diagram which shows a schematic structure
of an electric system of the line CCD scanner.
[0055] FIGS. 7A and 7B are conceptual views which show the states
of pre-scan and fine scan.
[0056] FIG. 8 is a graph which shows a relationship between the
illumination time and the temperature of the photographic film.
[0057] FIG. 9 is a flowchart which shows a temperature control
routine.
[0058] FIG. 10 is a flowchart which shows a temperature control
routine relating to a variant example.
[0059] FIG. 11 is a flowchart which shows a temperature control
routine relating to another variant example.
[0060] FIG. 12 is a flowchart which shows an operation control
routine of a compressor.
[0061] FIG. 13 is a plan view which shows only a principal portion
of an optical system of a line CCD scanner when air filters are
provided in the compressor.
[0062] FIG. 14 is a plan view shows only a principal portion of an
optical system of a line CCD scanner relating to a variant
example.
[0063] FIG. 15A is a perspective view which shows an example of a
guide pipe.
[0064] FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view which shows the example
of the guide pipe.
[0065] FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view which shows a variant
example of a guide pipe.
[0066] FIG. 16 is a plan view which shows only a principal portion
of an optical system of a line CCD scanner when air filters are
provided in the compressor shown in FIG. 14.
[0067] FIG. 17A is a perspective view which shows another example
of a guide pipe.
[0068] FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view which shows the other
example of the guide pipe.
[0069] FIG. 17C is a perspective view which shows another variant
example of a guide pipe.
[0070] FIG. 18 is a perspective view which shows still another
example of a guide pipe.
[0071] FIG. 19 is a plan view which shows a variant example of a
turret.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0072] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in
detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 1, a line CCD scanner (image reading
apparatus) 14 relating to the present embodiment is disposed on a
working table 27 on which an image processing section 16, a mouse
20, two types of keyboards 12A and 12B, and a display 18 are
provided.
[0074] The keyboard 12A is embedded in a working surface 27U of the
working table 27. The other keyboard 12B is accommodated within a
drawer 24 of the working table 27 when not in use and is taken out
from the drawer 24 and placed on the keyboard 12 A when in use. At
this time, a cord of the keyboard 12B is connected to a jack 110
connected to the image processing section 16.
[0075] A cord of the mouse 20 is connected to the image processing
section 16 via a hole 108 provided in the working table 27. The
mouse 20 is accommodated within a mouse holder 20A when not in use
and is taken out from the mouse holder 20A and placed on the
working surface 27U when in use.
[0076] The image processing section 16 is accommodated within an
accommodating section 16A provided at the working table 27 and the
accommodating section 16A is closed by an opening/closing door 25.
The image processing section 16 can be taken out by opening the
opening/closing door 25.
[0077] The line CCD scanner 14 reads photographic film images
recorded onto a photosensitive material such as a photographic film
or the like (a negative film, a reversal film, or the like). The
line CCD scanner 14 can read photographic film images of, for
example, a 135-size photographic film, a 110-size photographic
film, a photographic film on which a transparent magnetic layer is
formed (240-size photographic film: a so-called APS photographic
film), and a 120-size photographic film and a 220-size photographic
film (Brownie films). In the line CCD scanner 14, the photographic
film images of the above-described photographic film to be read are
read by a line CCD and image data is output.
[0078] The photographic film is a film which is subjected to
developing processing after a subject is photographed and in which
negative or positive images are visible.
[0079] The image data output from the line CCD scanner 14 is input
to the image processing section 16, the input image data is
subjected to various image processings such as correction or the
like and output to an unillustrated laser printer section as image
data for recording.
[0080] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an optical system of the line CCD
scanner 14 includes a light source section 30 which serves as an
illuminating device and is disposed at the lower portion of the
working table 27, a diffusion box 40 which is supported by the
working table 27, a film carrier 38 which serves as a conveying
device and is placed on the working table 27, and a reading section
43 which is disposed on the opposite side of the working table 27
with respect to the light source section 30.
[0081] The light source section 30 is accommodated within a casing
31 made of a metal, and a lamp 32 formed by a halogen lamp, a metal
halide lamp, or the like is disposed within the casing 31.
[0082] A reflector 33 is provided around the lamp 32. A portion of
light which has been irradiated from the lamp 32 is reflected by
the reflector 33 and irradiated in a predetermined direction. A
plurality of fans 34 are provided on the sides of the reflector 33.
The fans 34 are operated while the lamp 32 is lit such that the
interior of the casing 31 is prevented from overheating.
[0083] On the side of the reflector 33 towards which the light is
irradiated, a UV/IR cut filter 35, an aperture 39, and a turret 36
(see also FIG. 4B) are provided in that order. The UV/IR cut filter
35 prevents temperature rise of a photographic film 22 and improves
reading accuracy by cutting wavelength light in an ultraviolet
region and an infrared region along an optical axis L of the light
irradiated from the reflector 33. The aperture 39 adjusts the
amount of light from the lamp 32 and the amount of irradiated light
from the reflector 33. A balance filter 36 N for a negative film
and a balance filter 36P for a reversal film are fit into the
turret 36. The turret 36 appropriately determines a color component
of light to reach the photographic film 22 and the reading section
43 in accordance with the type of photographic film 22 (negative
film/reversal film).
[0084] The aperture 39 is formed by a pair of plate members which
are disposed with the optical axis L therebetween, and the pair of
plate members are slidable so as to move closer to or away from
each other. As shown in FIG. 4A, a notch 39A is formed at one end
side of each of the pair of plate members of the aperture 39 so
that a cross-sectional surface area of the plate member in the
direction orthogonal to the slide direction continuously changes
from the one end side to the other end side in the slide direction.
The sides of the plate members, at which the notches 39A are
formed, are disposed so as to oppose each other.
[0085] In the above-described structure, any one of the filters
(36N and 36P) in accordance with the type of photographic film is
placed on the optical axis L so that light having a desirable
optical component is obtained, and the amount of light which passes
through the aperture 39 is adjusted to a desirable amount in
accordance with the position of the aperture 39.
[0086] The configuration of the diffusion box 40 is formed so that
the length of the photographic film 22, which is conveyed by the
film carrier 38, in the conveying direction is shorter (see FIG. 2)
and the length thereof in the direction orthogonal to the conveying
direction (the transverse direction of the photographic film 22) is
longer (see FIG. 3) towards the upper portion, i.e., towards the
photographic film 22. Further, light diffusion plates (not shown)
are attached to both the side of the diffusion box 40 at which the
light enters and the side of the diffusion box 40 from which the
light exits. The above-described diffusion box 40 is used for a
135-size photographic film, however, diffusion boxes (not shown)
which have configurations in accordance with other photographic
films are also prepared.
[0087] The light which is incident on the diffusion box 40 is a
slit light, in which the transverse direction of the photographic
film 22 is a longitudinal direction (the direction intersecting the
conveying direction (the vertical direction in the present
embodiment)), toward the film carrier 38 (i.e., the photographic
film 22). The slit light is converted into diffused light by the
light diffusion plate and irradiated. Since the light irradiated
from the diffusion box 40 is converted into diffused light,
unevenness in the amount of light which is irradiated onto the
photographic film 22 is reduced, the slit light having uniform
amount of light is irradiated onto the photographic film images,
and even if the photographic film images are damaged, the damage is
not conspicuous.
[0088] The film carrier 38 and the diffusion box 40 are prepared
for each type of the photographic film 22 and selected in
accordance with the photographic film 22.
[0089] An elongated opening (not shown) which is longer than the
width of the photographic film 22 in the transverse direction
thereof is provided at a position, on each of the upper and lower
surfaces of the film carrier 38, which corresponds to the optical
axis L. The slit light from the diffusion box 40 is irradiated onto
the photographic film 22 via the opening provided on the lower
surface of the film carrier 38, and the light transmitted through
the photographic film 22 reaches the reading section 43 via the
opening provided on the upper surface of the film carrier 38.
[0090] The film carrier 38 is provided with an unillustrated guide
which guides the photographic film 22 so that the photographic film
22 is bent at a position (reading position) onto which the slit
light from the diffusion box 40 is irradiated. In this way,
planarity of the photographic film 22 at the reading position is
maintained.
[0091] Further, the diffusion box 40 is supported so that the upper
surface approaches the above-described reading position. Thus, a
notch portion is provided on the lower surface of the film carrier
38 so that the film carrier 38 and the diffusion box 40 do not
interfere with each other when the film carrier 38 is loaded.
[0092] The film carrier 38 is formed so that the photographic film
22 can be conveyed at a plurality of speeds in accordance with the
densities or the like of the photographic film images to be
subsequently fine scanned at the time of pre-scan or fine scan.
[0093] The reading section 43 is accommodated within a casing 44. A
mounting stand 47 is provided within the casing 44 and a line CCD
116 is attached onto the upper surface of the mounting stand 47. A
plurality of supporting rails 49 are hung from the mounting stand
47. A lens unit 50 is supported at the supporting rails 49 so as to
be slidable in the directions of arrow A and moves closer to or
away from the working table 27 for changing magnifications such as
expansion/contraction or the like. A supporting frame 45 is stood
upright at the working table 27. The mounting stand 47 is supported
at a guide rail 42 attached to the supporting frame 45 so as to be
slidable in the directions of arrow B and moves closer to or away
from the working table 27 for changing magnifications as described
above or maintaining a conjugate length at the time of
autofocusing. The lens unit 50 is formed by a plurality of lenses
and a lens aperture 51 is provided between the lenses. As shown in
FIG. 4C, the lens aperture 51 includes a plurality of aperture
plates 51A which are molded substantially C-shaped. The aperture
plates 51A are disposed evenly around the optical axis L. One end
portion of each of the aperture plates 51A is axially supported by
a pin and the aperture plate 51A is rotatable around the pin. The
plurality of aperture plates 51A are connected via unillustrated
links and rotated in the same direction when driving force of a
lens aperture driving motor (to be described later) is transmitted.
As the aperture plates 51A rotate, the surface area of a portion
which is formed around the optical axis L and not shielded by the
aperture plates 51A (a substantially stellate portion in FIG. 4C)
and the amount of light transmitted through the lens aperture 51
are changed.
[0094] In the line CCD 116, three lines of a sensing portion, in
which a plurality of photoelectric transducing elements such as CCD
cells, photodiodes, or the like are disposed in a row in the
transverse direction (the direction which intersects the conveying
direction (the vertical direction in the present embodiment)) of
the photographic film 22 and an electronic shutter mechanism is
provided, are provided parallel to each other at intervals, and any
one of color-separation filters of R, G, and B is attached to the
light incident side of the sensing portion (a so-called 3-line
color CCD). Moreover, a transfer portion which is formed by a
plurality of CCD cells is provided in a vicinity of each of the
sensing portions so as to correspond to each of the sensing
portions, and charge which is accumulated in each of the CCD cells
of each of the sensing portions is transferred in succession via
the corresponding transfer portion.
[0095] Further, a CCD shutter 52 is provided at the light incident
side of the line CCD 116. As shown in FIG. 4D, an ND filter 52ND is
fit into the CCD shutter 52. The CCD shutter 52 is rotated in the
direction of arrow u and is switched to any one of a completely
closed state in which light which is incident on the line CCD 116
is shielded for dark correction (a portion 52B or the like into
which the ND filter 52ND is not fit is placed at a position 52C
including the optical axis L), a completely opened state in which
light is incident on the line CCD 116 for ordinary reading or
bright correction (a position in FIG. 4D), and a light reduced
state in which light which is incident on the line CCD 116 is
reduced by the ND filter 52ND for linearity correction (the ND
filter 52ND is placed at the position 52C).
[0096] As shown in FIG. 3, a compressor 94 which generates cooling
air for cooling the photographic film 22 is disposed at the working
table 27. The cooling air generated by the compressor 94 is guided
and supplied to an unillustrated reading portion of the film
carrier 38 (toward the base surface of a reading region of the
photographic film 22) by a guide pipe (hose) 95 serving as a guide
device. In this way, the region in which a reading portion of the
photographic film 22 is placed can be cooled. In this case, the
cooling air is guided to the base surface of the photographic film
22. However, the present invention is not limited to this and the
cooling air may be guided to an emulsion surface of the
photographic film 22 or both the base and emulsion surfaces
thereof. The guide pipe 95 penetrates through a flow amount sensor
96 which detects the amount of flow of the cooling air. Compared to
a fan, the compressor 94 generates cooling air whose amount of
flow, rate of flow, pressure, or the like are large. Thus, the
cooling air generated by the compressor 94 can be guided to the
reading portion of the film carrier 38 by the guide pipe 95 in a
state in which the amount of flow, the rate of flow, the pressure,
or the like are maintained. Accordingly, the degrees of freedom in
disposing the compressor 94 are large. In this case, the compressor
94 is provided in the working table 27. However, the present
invention is not limited to this and the compressor 94 may be
provided at the film carrier 38. The number of compressors 94 is
not limited to one and a plurality of compressors 94 may be
provided. Namely, at least one compressor 94 may be provided at
each of the working table 27 and the film carrier 38. In this case,
the flow amount sensor is used. However, the present invention is
not limited to this and a sensor which detects velocity of the
cooling air or a pressure sensor which detects pressure thereof may
be provided. The amount of flow may be estimated from these
detected values.
[0097] The compressor 94 may be a linear piston type or a diaphragm
type. In the diaphragm-typed compressor, air is discharged by
moving forward and backward a plate-shaped elastic material such as
a rubber using electromagnetic force of a coil.
[0098] A schematic structure of an electric system of the line CCD
scanner 14 and the image processing section 16 is explained using
FIG. 6 with reference to a principal portion of the optical system
of the line CCD scanner 14 shown in FIG. 5.
[0099] The line CCD scanner 14 includes a microprocessor 46 which
serves as a control device and controls the entire line CCD scanner
14. RAM 68 (e.g., SRAM) and ROM 70 (e.g., ROM which can rewrite the
content of storage) are connected to the microprocessor 46 via a
bus 66, and a lamp driver 53, the flow amount sensor 96, and a
motor driver 48 are connected thereto. The lamp driver 53 turns
on/off the lamp 32 in accordance with the instruction from the
microprocessor 46. Further, when the photographic film images of
the photographic film 22 are read, the microprocessor 46 operates
the compressor 94 for supplying the cooling air to the photographic
film 22. The flow amount sensor 96 detects the amount of flow of
the cooling air and the microprocessor 46 detects abnormality.
[0100] Further, the microprocessor 46 is connected to a temperature
sensor 71, which serves as a detection device and detects the
temperature in a vicinity of a light illuminated region of the
photographic film, and a carrier loading detection sensor 72, which
serves as an optical or mechanical loading detection device and
detects whether the film carrier 38 is loaded or not. Because the
temperature sensor 71 detects the temperature in the vicinity of
the light illuminated region of the photographic film 22, the
temperature in the vicinity of the most heated region of the
photographic film 22 can be detected.
[0101] Moreover, a turret driving motor 54 and a turret position
sensor 55 (see also FIG. 4B) are connected to the motor driver 48.
The turret driving motor 54 rotationally drives the turret 36 in
the direction of arrow t in FIG. 4B so that any one of the balance
filter 36N for a negative film and the balance filter 36P for a
reversal film of the turret 36 is placed on the optical axis L, and
the turret position sensor 55 detects a reference position
(unillustrated notch) of the turret 36. The motor driver 48 is
further connected to an aperture driving motor 56 which slides the
aperture 39, an aperture position sensor 57 which detects the
position of the aperture 39, a reading section driving motor 58
which slides the mounting stand 47 (i.e., the line CCD 116 and the
lens unit 50 ) along the guide rail 42, a reading section position
sensor 59 which detects the position of the mounting stand 47, a
lens driving motor 60 which slides the lens unit 50 along the
supporting rails 49, a lens position sensor 61 which detects the
position of the lens unit 50, a lens aperture driving motor 62
which rotates the aperture plates 51A of the lens aperture 51, a
lens aperture position sensor 63 which detects the position of the
lens aperture 51 (the positions of the aperture plates 51A), a
shutter driving motor 64 which switches the CCD shutter 52 to any
one of the completely closed state, the completely opened state,
and the light reduced state, a shutter position sensor 65 which
detects the position of the shutter 52, and a fan driving motor 37
which drives the fans 34.
[0102] In the microprocessor 46, when the pre-scan (preliminary
reading) and the fine scan (main reading) are carried out by the
line CCD 116, the turret 36 is rotationally driven by the turret
driving motor 54 on the basis of the position of the turret 36
detected by the turret position sensor 55 and the position of the
aperture 39 detected by the aperture position sensor 57, the
aperture 39 is slid by the aperture driving motor 56, and the light
irradiated onto the photographic film images is adjusted.
[0103] Further, in the microprocessor 46, zoom magnification is
determined in accordance with the sizes of photographic film
images, whether trimming is effected, or the like, the mounting
stand 47 is slid by the reading section driving motor 58 on the
basis of the position of the mounting stand 47 which is detected by
the reading section position sensor 59 so that the photographic
film images are read by the line CCD 116 at the above-determined
zoom magnification, and the lens unit 50 is slid by the lens
driving motor 60 on the basis of the position of the lens unit 50
which is detected by the lens position sensor 61.
[0104] At the time of focusing control (autofocus control) in which
a light-receiving surface of the line CCD 116 is matched with an
image forming position of the photographic film image by the lens
unit 50, only the mounting stand 47 is slid by the reading section
driving motor 58 in the microprocessor 46. This focusing control
can, for example, maximize a contrast of the photographic film
image read by the line CCD 116 (a so-called image contrast method).
Instead, it is possible that a distance sensor which measures a
distance between the photographic film 22 and the lens unit 50 (or
the line CCD 116 ) by infrared rays or the like is provided and
that the focusing control is effected on the basis of the distance
detected by the distance sensor instead of data of the photographic
film image.
[0105] On the other hand, a timing generator 74 is connected to the
line CCD 116. The timing generator 74 generates various types of
timing signals (clock signals) for operating the line CCD 116, A/D
converters 82, which will be described later, or the like. The
signal output ends of the line CCD 116 are connected to the A/D
converters 82 via amplifiers 76. The signals which have been output
from the line CCD 116 are amplified by the amplifiers 76 and
converted into digital data by the A/D converters 82.
[0106] The output ends of the A/D converters 82 are connected to
the image processing section 16 via correlation double sampling
circuits (CDS) 88 and an interface (I/F) circuit 90 in that order.
In the CDSs 88, feedthrough data which shows the level of
feedthrough signals and pixel data which shows the level of pixel
signals are sampled and the feedthrough data is subtracted from the
pixel data at each pixel. Then, the results of operation (pixel
data which accurately corresponds to the amount of charge to be
accumulated at each CCD cell) are successively output to the image
processing section 16 as scan image data via the I/F circuit
90.
[0107] Because R, G, and B reading signals are output in parallel
from the line CCD 116, the signal processing system formed by the
amplifiers 76, the A/D converters 82, and the CDSs 88 have three
routes. The R, G, and B image data are input in parallel from the
I/F circuit 90 to the image processing section 16 as scan image
data.
[0108] Further, the display 18, the keyboards 12A and 12B, the
mouse 20, and the film carrier 38 which are mentioned before are
connected to the image processing section 16.
[0109] Next, the line CCD scanner 14 relating to the present
embodiment will be explained.
[0110] When the photographic film 22 is inserted into the film
carrier 38, an unillustrated photographic film identification
sensor of the film carrier 38 detects the photographic film 22 and
the film carrier 38 automatically starts the conveyance of the
photographic film 22.
[0111] At the same time, in the line CCD scanner 14, the respective
portions are moved in a preparatory state for effecting preliminary
reading (hereinafter, "pre-scan") for obtaining the optimum
exposure conditions, the pre-scan is carried out while the
photographic film 22 is conveyed at predetermined constant speed,
and the images recorded onto the photographic film 22 are read
roughly.
[0112] In the above-described preparatory state, projected
magnification (optical magnification) is set to the line CCD 116 by
the lens unit 50, an amount of light irradiated from the lamp 32 is
set, a reading cycle (formed by accumulation time and transfer
time) at the line CCD 116 is set, or the like.
[0113] Further, in the pre-scan, the images in a processing unit of
the photographic film 22, e.g., one strip if the photographic film
22 is a strip-shaped elongated photographic film, are read at once
under the same device conditions (the above-described optical
magnification, the amount of light to be irradiated, the reading
cycle, or the like).
[0114] When the pre-scan ends, a so-called setup operation, which
obtains exposure conditions for obtaining the optimum image
quality, is carried out on the basis of the images read at the time
of pre-scan. Further, as occasion demands, the images read at the
time of pre-scan are corrected according to the setup conditions
and the positive images in the finished states are displayed on the
display 18. An operator checks the positive images on a monitor,
further corrects manually the density, color, or the like of the
images if necessary, effects trimming operation as occasion
demands, and determines the range of images to be read. Moreover,
when the images are output onto a photographic printing paper, the
operator determines the size (a so-called print size) of the output
images, the number of outputs, or the like. After all of the
conditions are set in this way, the operator instructs to carry out
the main reading (hereinafter, "fine scan") by means of key input
or the like.
[0115] As a result, while the photographic film 22 which has been
conveyed to the distal end of the photographic film 22 in the
pre-scan is conveyed at this time in the direction opposite that of
the pre-scan, the images recorded onto the photographic film 22 are
moved in a device state which is required for the fine scan.
[0116] In the above-described device state which is required for
the fine scan, the conveying speed of the photographic film 22 is
set, the above-described optical magnification is set, the
above-described amount of light to be irradiated is set, the
above-described reading cycle is set, or the like. In this way,
optimal exposure conditions are set at each image frame which is to
be read hereinafter.
[0117] Then, after the images have been moved in the
above-described device state, the line CCD scanner 14 controls the
film carrier 38 and fine-scans the images recorded onto the
photographic film 22 at each frame under the determined exposure
conditions while the photographic film 22 is conveyed in the
direction opposite that of the pre-scan.
[0118] The image signals which have been read and obtained by the
line CCD 116 in the above-described fine scan are amplified by the
amplifiers 76 and converted into digital data (image data) by the
A/D converters 82.
[0119] Deviations (a so-called color deviation) of lines of the
above-described image data in the main scanning direction which are
read by three lines of the line CCD 116 are corrected by the CDSs
88, and then the image data is input to the image processing
section 16 via the interface (I/F) circuit 90. The image data is
converted into image data having a predetermined number of pixels
by an unillustrated expansion/contraction circuit within the image
processing section 16 and final image data is obtained. This image
data is transferred to an image recording device which is separate
from the present invention, and images are scan-exposed onto a
photographic printing paper and subjected to developing processing.
A desirable photographic print is thereby obtained.
[0120] When the photographic film 22 is inserted into the film
carrier 38 or the photographic film 22 is conveyed by the film
carrier 38 in the above-described operation, the photographic film
22 is cooled at the same time that the pre-scan is started and
while the photographic film 22 is conveyed. Namely, the compressor
94 is operated. On the other hand, when it is detected that the
fine scan ends or the photographic film 22 is removed from the
reading region, the cooling of the photographic film 22 is stopped.
Namely, the operation of the compressor 94 is stopped.
[0121] It is possible that the photographic film 22 is cooled in a
weak cooling state at first and is gradually cooled in a strong
cooling state, and the cooling is stopped in the strong cooling
state and is gradually cooled in the weak cooling state. Namely, it
is possible that the cooling does not stop completely, the weak
cooling state continues and can immediately cope with the insertion
of the next photographic film 22.
[0122] When a cooling device which can change cooling capacity by
changing voltage at the time of cooling, the voltage is controlled
so that the cooling state is controlled. When the cooling device
which can change cooling capacity by an inverter controlled type
thereat, an inverter device is controlled so that the cooling state
is controlled. Further, the cooling state may be controlled by
opening and closing an opening of a nozzle portion which is a blow
port.
[0123] The above-described operation will be further explained with
reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. Namely, FIG. 7A shows a basic
operation of reading which corresponds to images of a so-called
prints with film processing in which a series of frame images 77 of
the 35 [mm]-size photographic film 22 (strips) are read and
successively converted into print images. FIG. 7B shows an
operation of reading (mainly conveying speed) when a specific frame
image (high density frame) mixes with ordinary frame images in the
photographic film 22. Namely, the conveying speed of reading the
specific frame image is lower than the conveying speed (high speed)
of reading the images other than the specific frame image. The
information on the high density of the image or the like is
obtained from the pre-scan.
[0124] In reality, each portion of the photographic film 22 is
conveyed so as to pass the reading position. In FIGS. 7A and 7B,
the reading positions are moved relatively to the photographic film
22.
[0125] As described above, when the series of images are read, an
illuminated region stays at a predetermined photographic film
position P for a predetermined time in order to reverse the
conveying direction during the pre-scan and the fine scan.
Moreover, the conveying speed of reading the specific frame image
is lower than the conveying speed of reading the images other than
the specific frame image, i.e., an illuminated region stays at a
predetermined position Q for a predetermined time in order to
switch the conveying speed.
[0126] In the present embodiment, in light of the aforementioned,
when the illuminated region stays at the predetermined position for
a predetermined time, the amount of light irradiated onto the
photographic film 22 is reduced by stopping down the aperture 39 by
a predetermined amount. Thus, overheating of the photographic film
22 is prevented.
[0127] FIG. 8 shows a result in which a relationship between the
illumination time and the temperature of the photographic film 22
is tested under the conditions in which a halogen lamp (the lamp
32) has 400 W, the velocity of cooling air at the reading position
is 0 to 10 (m/s), and the temperature of the cooling air is a room
temperature.
[0128] The temperature of the photographic film 22 is described
along an axis of ordinates. The lines which are parallel to the
axis of abscissas are at 80.degree. C., 107.degree. C., and
113.degree. C. and show respectively a final reaching temperature
target value in the illuminated region, a glass transition
temperature of a TAC base material of a 35 [mm]-size photographic
film, and a glass transition temperature of a PEN base material of
an APS-size photographic film. The illumination time is described
along the axis of abscissas and are changed in accordance with the
conveying speed and the length of the illumination region in the
conveying direction.
[0129] The following points can be understood from the relationship
between the illumination time and the temperature of the
photographic film 22 shown in FIG. 8.
[0130] First, when there is no cooling air (V=0 [m/s]), only the
illumination time which is 2.5 [s] or shorter is permitted in order
to maintain the temperature of the photographic film 22 at
80.degree. C. or lower.
[0131] Second, when the velocity of the cooling air is 4 [m/s], the
illumination time up to 5 [s] is permitted in order to maintain the
temperature of the photographic film 22 at 80.degree. C. or lower.
Further, when the velocity of the cooling air is 6 [m/s], the
temperature of the photographic film 22 can be maintained at
80.degree. C or lower even if the photographic film is stopped.
[0132] Third, when the photographic film 22 is stopped in the
illuminated region for a long time (the aforementioned stay) in a
state in which the velocity of the cooling air is 4 [m/s] or lower,
in order to maintain the temperature at 80.degree. C. or lower, it
is necessary to take another measure for preventing the rise of
temperature.
[0133] The heat resisting temperature, in which the quality of the
photographic film 22 is not deteriorated, is lower than a glass
transition temperature Tg on a base surface of the photographic
film 22 by a predetermined value. The glass transition temperature
T.sub.g on the base surface is selected because the quality
deterioration temperature on the emulsion surface of the
photographic film 22 is higher than the glass transition
temperature T.sub.g on the base surface. When the temperature of
the photographic film 22 is higher than the glass transition
temperature T.sub.g on the base surface, deformation (deterioration
of quality) of the film occurs since the material of the base
surface becomes fluid. On the other hand, the heat resisting
temperature is lower than the glass transition temperature T.sub.g
by a predetermined value because, when heat is applied to the
photographic film 22 in a state in which the photographic film 22
is bent with the base surface being at the inner side, a so-called
creep phenomena occurs in which deformation gradually progresses
even if the temperature is lower than the above-described glass
transition temperature T.sub.g, and further, the amount of
deformation increases as the time in which the heat is applied
increases. This was confirmed by the experiments or the like of the
present inventors. Accordingly, when the permissible temperature of
the photographic film 22 is considered, this creep phenomena is
taken into account and the temperature of the film does not exceed
the temperature lower than the glass transition temperature
T.sub.g.
[0134] Thus, the photographic film 22 may be cooled so as to not
exceed the temperature lower than the glass transition temperature
T.sub.g.
[0135] FIG. 9 shows a temperature control routine which is started
when a main power supply is input. The present temperature control
routine is executed regardless of the time in which the images
recorded onto the photographic film 22 are read or not.
[0136] Namely, in step 112 in FIG. 9, a temperature T of the
photographic film 22 is detected. In step 114, a determination is
made as to whether the temperature T of the photographic film 22 is
higher than a predetermined threshold value T.sub.th or not. The
threshold value T.sub.th is a temperature which is lower than a
heat resisting temperature T.sub.0 (the above-described glass
transition temperature T.sub.g) on the base surface of the
photographic film 22 by a predetermined value t in which the creep
phenomena is considered (T.sub.0-t).
[0137] When the temperature T of the photographic film 22 is equal
to or higher than the threshold value T.sub.th, the compressor 94
is operated in step 116. Thus, the cooling air generated by the
compressor 94 is guided onto the base surface of the reading region
of the photographic film 22 via the guide pipe 95 and the
photographic film 22 is cooled.
[0138] It is possible that a temperature sensor or a Peltier
element which detects the temperature of the cooling air is
provided and the temperature of the cooling air is managed.
[0139] Further, the velocity of the cooling air in the reading
region of the photographic film 22 is 0.5 [m/s] to 10 [m/s],
preferably 2 [m/s] to 8 [m/s]. Namely, the velocity, in which the
temperature T of the photographic film 22 equals to the threshold
value T.sub.th, is selected from the results of test in FIG. 8 and
the time (illumination time) in which the portions of the
photographic film 22 pass the reading region which is obtained from
the conveying speed of the photographic film 22 and the length of
the reading region in the conveying direction. When the velocity of
the cooling air exceeds 10 [m/s], it is not necessarily effective
from the viewpoint of cooling efficiency. Moreover, there are a lot
of drawbacks such as vibrations caused by the cooling air of the
photographic film 22, noise caused by blowing the cooling air at
the blow port, noise caused by the cooling such as the compressor
94 or the like, a necessary large amount of electricity
consumption, or the like.
[0140] When the temperature T of the photographic film 22 is lower
than the threshold value T.sub.th, in step 118, the operation of
the compressor 94 is stopped. However, the present invention is not
limited to this and the compressor 94 may be operated at a small
capacity.
[0141] In this way, because the cooling air generated by the
compressor (the amount of flow, the velocity of flow, and the
pressure of the cooling air is larger than the cooling air
generated by the fan) is guided to the region, onto which the light
of the conveyed photographic film is irradiated, even if the amount
of light irradiated onto the photographic film is increased,
deterioration of the quality of the photographic film can be
prevented. Namely, because the photographic film is conveyed to the
region, onto which a large amount of slit light is irradiated, and
the cooling air is injected to the region of the photographic film,
onto which the slit light is irradiated (the temperature of the
region is higher than that of a non-illuminated region), the device
in the present embodiment is greatly different from the
aforementioned conventional devices in which the images recorded
onto the photographic film are read when the photographic film is
stationary.
[0142] Since the threshold value T.sub.th is determined in
consideration of the heat resisting temperature T.sub.0 on the base
surface of the photographic film, when the temperature in the
vicinity of the photographic film is lower than the heat resisting
temperature on the emulsion surface and higher than the heat
resisting temperature on the base surface, the deterioration of
quality of the photographic film can be prevented.
[0143] As described hereinbefore, because the aperture 39 is
stopped down by a predetermined amount at the time of the
temperature control (see FIG. 9) and when the illuminated region
stays at the predetermined position for a predetermined time, even
if the conveying state of the photographic film is bad, the
temperature of the photographic film can be set to the
above-described threshold value or lower.
[0144] In the aforementioned embodiment, the temperature control
routine is started when the main power supply is input. Namely, the
input of the main power supply is one of the starting conditions of
cooling. However, the present invention is not limited to this and
the following operation may be implemented.
[0145] Namely, FIG. 10 shows a temperature control routine which is
repeatedly executed at every predetermined time from the time in
which the main power supply is input.
[0146] In step 122 in FIG. 10, a determination is made as to
whether a carrier loading detection sensor 72 is turned on. When
the carrier loading detection sensor 72 is turned on (when it can
be determined that the photographic film exists in the region onto
which the light is irradiated), i.e., when the film carrier 38 is
loaded, the photographic film 22 is conveyed therefrom and the
images recorded onto the photographic film 22 are read. Then, in
step 124, the temperature control (the content in FIG. 9) is
executed.
[0147] In this way, when the carrier loading detection sensor 72 is
turned on as the condition for starting cooling, i.e., before the
images recorded onto the photographic film 22 are read, the
compressor 94 is operated.
[0148] On the other hand, when the carrier loading detection sensor
72 is turned off, since the film carrier 38 is removed, it is not
necessary to read the images on the photographic film 22. Namely,
because the light is not irradiated onto the photographic film 22,
it is not necessary to cool the photographic film 22. Therefore, in
step 126, the temperature control is stopped.
[0149] In this way, because the temperature control is stopped when
the film carrier 38 is removed as the condition for reducing
cooling capacity, the photographic film can be cooled only when it
is necessary and the electricity consumption can be reduced.
Further, unnecessary air can be prevented from blowing against the
operator.
[0150] The compressor 94 is operated before the images recorded
onto the photographic film 22 are read. However, the present
invention is not limited to this and the compressor 94 may be
operated when the images recorded onto the photographic film 22 are
read.
[0151] Moreover, FIG. 11 shows a temperature control routine which
is executed at the time of fine scan. Namely, the temperature is
controlled at the time of reading the image having predetermined
density or more.
[0152] In step 132 in FIG. 11, a variable k which identifies a
plurality of images recorded onto the photographic film 22 is
initialized. In step 134, the variable k is incremented by 1. In
step 136, a determination is made as to whether an image frame k
identified by the variable k is disposed in front of the reading
position by a predetermined distance.
[0153] When the image frame k is disposed in front of the reading
position by the predetermined distance, in step 138, a
determination is made as to whether the image frame k has
predetermined density, e.g., high density (medium density or the
like is possible), as the condition for starting cooling. Whether
the image frame k has high density or not can be determined on the
basis of the image data read at the time of pre-scan (extracted
from the image processing section 16 ).
[0154] The determination in which the image frame k has
predetermined density or not is the condition for starting cooling.
This is because, as mentioned above, the conveying speed of the
photographic film 22 is slower at the predetermined density, e.g.,
high density and, when the conveying speed thereof is slower, the
amount of light irradiated onto the photographic film 22 is larger
and the photographic film 22 is heated greater.
[0155] When the image frame k has high density, in step 140, the
temperature control (see FIG. 9) is started. When the image frame k
does not have high density, in step 142, the temperature control is
stopped.
[0156] Then, in step 144, a determination is made as to whether the
variable k is equal to the total number k.sub.0 of image frames.
When the variable k is not equal to the total number k.sub.0 of
image frames, the above-described processings (step 134 to step 144
) are executed. When the variable k is equal to the total number
k.sub.0 of image frames, the present routine ends.
[0157] The compressor 94 is operated at a normal condition.
However, as shown in FIG. 12, the compressor 94 may be operated by
changing the velocity of the cooling air in accordance with the
conveying speed of the photographic film 22.
[0158] Namely, in step 152, the conveying speed of the photographic
film 22 is extracted. In step 154, the operation capacity which
corresponds to the conveying speed of the extracted photographic
film 22 is extracted from a conveying speed--operation capacity
table (Table 1). In step 156, the compressor 94 is operated at the
extracted operation capacity.
[0159] Namely, the slower the conveying speed of the photographic
film 22, the higher the temperature thereof. Thus, the operation
capacity (cooling air velocity) is determined accordingly. Namely,
the table which determines linearly or in stages the capacity which
increases as the conveying speed of the photographic film 22 is
reduced is provided for processing (Table 1 (an example of the
table which determines the capacity in stages)).
1 TABLE 1 Conveying speed of photographic film Operation capacity
.sup. 0 to v.sub.1 capacity A v.sub.1 to v.sub.2 capacity B v.sub.2
to v.sub.3 capacity C . . . . . . (conveying speed v.sub.1 <
conveying speed v.sub.2 < conveying speed v.sub.3 . . . )
(capacity A > capacity B > capacity C)
[0160] As mentioned above, since the film carrier 38 conveys the
photographic film 22 at a plurality of speeds in accordance with
the densities or the like of photographic film images which are
subjected to fine scan therefrom at the time of pre-scan or at the
time of fine scan, in the above-described processing, the
compressor 94 is operated at necessary capacity in accordance with
the conveying speed of the photographic film 22.
[0161] Whether the film carrier 38 is loaded, i.e., whether the
photographic film 22 exists in the region onto which the light is
illuminated, is determined on the basis of the signal output from
the carrier loading detection sensor 72. However, the present
invention is not limited to this. Whether the photographic film 22
exists in the region onto which the light is irradiated may be
determined by the input of the distal end detection signal from the
film carrier 38 or the input of the scan start key of the
keyboard.
[0162] Further, the condition for starting cooling or the condition
for reducing cooling capacity may be judged by determining whether
the position of the aperture 39 detected by the aperture position
sensor 57 is a position at which the quality of the photographic
film is deteriorated by the amount of light illuminated onto the
photographic film 22 via the aperture 39.
[0163] When interlocking, the cutting of a control line, or the
like is determined and opening of the casing 31 or the like of the
light source section 30 is detected, the compressor 94 may be
stopped and the lamp 32 may be put out.
[0164] Further, in accordance with a difference which is obtained
by subtracting the temperature T of the photographic film 22 from
the threshold value T.sub.th or a difference which is obtained by
subtracting the temperature T of the photographic film 22 from the
heat resisting temperature T.sub.0 of the base surface, the
compressor 94 may be operated at capacity which is decreased if the
difference is large. In this way, when the temperature T of the
photographic film 22 is lower than the threshold value T.sub.th by
a larger amount and the compressor 94 is operated at smaller
capacity, the compressor 94 can be prevented from operating at
unnecessarily high capacity and the life of the compressor 94 can
be longer. In this case, a table which determines linearly or in
stages the capacity which is decreased if the difference is large
may be provided for the above processing.
[0165] Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the description
is given of a case in which the cooling air is generated by the
compressor 94 having no air filter. However, the present invention
is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, an air
filter 94A can be provided at a suction port of the compressor 94
and an air filter 94B can be provided at a discharge port thereof.
In this case, because dust, resin powders, or the like contained in
the cooling air can be removed, adhesion of the dust or the like to
the photographic film 22 is prevented. As a result, the quality of
read images can be improved and the inflicting of damage on the
photographic film 22 can be prevented.
[0166] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the guide
pipe 95 guides the cooling air so that the cooling air blows the
photographic film 22 diagonally. However, the present invention is
not limited to this. As shown in FIGS. 14, 15A, 15B, and 15C, it is
possible that the distal end of the guide pipe 95 reaches the
interior of the film carrier 38 (FIG. 14) and the guide pipe 95
guides the cooling air so that the cooling air flows parallel to a
reading region R of the photographic film 22 (see FIG. 15A).
Namely, the guide pipe 95 is disposed at the exterior of the
photographic film 22 and in the direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction of the photographic film 22 so that the
distal end of the guide pipe 95 is placed in the vicinity of the
reading region R. As shown in FIG. 15B, the guide pipe 95 may guide
the cooling air so that the cooling air flows parallel to the
reading region R on one surface of the photographic film 22. As
shown in FIG. 15C, the guide pipe 95 may guide the cooling air so
that the cooling air flows parallel to the reading region R on both
surfaces of the photographic film 22.
[0167] In this aspect, when the air filters 94A and 94B are
provided at the compressor 94 as mentioned above, the compressor 94
can have a structure, for example, like that shown in FIG. 16.
[0168] Further, as shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C, the guide pipe
95 may guide the cooling air so that the cooling air blows
diagonally over the entire reading region R of the photographic
film 22. Namely, the guide pipe 95 is disposed above the
photographic film 22 in the direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction of the photographic film 22, and a slit 95S
which extends along the reading region R is provided at a portion
of the guide pipe 95 which corresponds to the reading region R.
Thus, the cooling air blows diagonally over the entire reading
region R of the photographic film 22 via the slit 95S. Instead of
the slit 95S, as shown in FIG. 17C, a plurality of holes may be
provided in a row at a portion of the guide pipe 95 which
corresponds to the reading region R.
[0169] The slit 95S is provided at the portion of the guide pipe 95
which corresponds to the reading region R. However, the present
invention is not limited to this and, as shown in FIG. 18, a
plurality of pipes 95A, 95B, . . . may be provided above the
photographic film 22 so that the distal ends of the pipes 95A, 95B,
. . . are directed to the reading region R. Instead of the
plurality of pipes 95A, 95B, . . . , one pipe may be spaced apart
by a predetermined distance so that the cooling air from the pipe
blows the entire reading region R.
[0170] In the aforementioned embodiment, the flow amount sensor 96
is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this
and a sensor which detects the velocity of the cooling air or a
sensor which detects the pressure thereof may be provided.
[0171] The compressor 94 is used in the aforementioned embodiment.
However, the present invention is not limited to this and the
cooling air generated by a fan may be used at the time of the
temperature control.
[0172] The cooling air is blown directly to the photographic film
22 in the aforementioned embodiment. However, the present invention
is not limited to this. The photographic film 22 may be nipped by a
pair of transparent supporting plates (e.g., glass plates) and
cooled via the supporting plates.
[0173] The cooling air is blown to the photographic film 22. It is
more effective if a ventilating passage, which effectively guides
and blows the cooling air without resistance to the illuminated
region, is provided at the film carrier 38.
[0174] The balance filters described above are fit into the one
turret (see turret in FIG. 4B). The present invention is not
limited to this. As shown in FIG. 19, the balance filters may be
fit into a turret 36C for cyan filters which absorb red light, a
turret 36M for magenta filters which absorb green light, a turret
36Y for yellow filters which absorb violet light. A plurality of
cyan filters 36C1, 36C2, and 36C3 with different densities are fit
into the turret 36C. The cyan filters 36C1, 36C2, 36C3 are darker
in that order. The other turrets 36M and 36Y also have the similar
structures. The turrets 36C, 36M, and 36Y are supported rotatably
so that the filters selected by the turrets 36C, 36M, and 36Y are
superposed on the optical axis L.
[0175] The present invention is also applicable to a device in
which slit-shaped illuminating light is supplied to photographic
film images, e.g., a slit exposure-typed photographic exposure
device.
[0176] FIG. 20 shows a structural example of a principal portion in
an optical system of this type of photographic exposure device. As
shown in FIG. 20, a photographic exposure device 200 has
substantially the same structure as that of the line CCD scanner 14
relating to the above embodiment shown in FIG. 5. However, the
device 200 is different from the line CCD scanner 14 in that the
CCD shutter 52 is not provided and that a mirror 202 which guides
light from the photographic film 22 is provided so that the light
from the photographic film 22 is irradiated onto a photographic
printing paper 204. The photographic exposure device 200
corresponds to the image recording apparatus of the present
invention, the mirror 202 corresponds to the guide means of the
present invention, and the photographic printing paper 204
corresponds to the photosensitive material for recording of the
present invention.
[0177] In this photographic exposure device 200, slit light from
the photographic film 22 is guided to the photographic printing
paper 204 by the mirror 202 and slit exposure is effected while the
photographic film 22 and the photographic printing paper 204 are
relatively moved.
[0178] The present invention is also applicable to such an analog
printer. In this case as well, it goes without saying that the
aforementioned various embodiments can be used.
* * * * *