U.S. patent application number 09/983413 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-09 for image reading apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nikon Corporation. Invention is credited to Fujinawa, Nobuhiro, Shirahata, Takuya.
Application Number | 20020054357 09/983413 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 11609764 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020054357 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fujinawa, Nobuhiro ; et
al. |
May 9, 2002 |
Image reading apparatus
Abstract
An image reading apparatus can read images on film and is
capable of alternating between 35 mm film and a roll of film. The
apparatus includes a light source, a photoelectric converter, a
film transport that transports film past a reading position to
which the light is emitted and the photoelectric converter reads,
and two insertion openings. The light source illuminates the film
so that the photoelectric converter can read the illuminated images
and output an image signal. The film transport transports the film
to the reading position. A first insertion opening is used for
inserting a roll of film (e.g., in a cartridge), while a second
insertion opening is used for inserting 35 mm film (e.g., on a film
mount).
Inventors: |
Fujinawa, Nobuhiro;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) ; Shirahata, Takuya;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
P.O. Box 19928
Alexandria
VA
22320
US
|
Assignee: |
Nikon Corporation
|
Family ID: |
11609764 |
Appl. No.: |
09/983413 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09983413 |
Oct 24, 2001 |
|
|
|
09000957 |
Dec 30, 1997 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/302 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00806 20130101;
H04N 1/00267 20130101; H04N 1/193 20130101; H04N 1/00249 20130101;
H04N 1/12 20130101; H04N 2201/0408 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/302 |
International
Class: |
H04N 001/21 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 16, 1997 |
JP |
9-005387 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An image reading apparatus for reading images on film, the
apparatus comprising: illumination means for illuminating film;
image reading means for reading images on said film illuminated by
said illumination means at a reading position, said image reading
means outputting an image signal; a first insertion opening for
inserting a first type of film; a second insertion opening for
inserting a second type of film that differs from said first type;
and transport means for transporting the first type of film from
the first insertion opening to the reading position and for
transporting the second type of film from the second insertion
opening to the reading position.
2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
transport means includes a first transport means and a second
transport means, said first transport means including at least one
pair of opposing rollers arrange on opposite sides of a transport
path, said at least one pair of rollers having a spacing wider than
a thickness of said film, said spacing for receiving a holding
means for holding said first type of film between said pairs of
rollers and transporting said first type of film and said holding
means to said reading position of said image reading means, said
second transport means including a winding means for winding said
second type of film using a roller of said at least one pair of
rollers for transporting said second type of film to said reading
position of said image reading means.
3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, further
comprising: control means for adjusting said spacing between said
at least one pair of rollers, said spacing including a first
spacing accommodating said holding means and a second spacing
accommodating said second type of film.
4. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said
spacing is narrower than a thickness of said holding means.
5. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
first type of film is 35 mm film.
6. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
second type of film is a roll of film housed in a cartridge.
7. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said
holding means is a frame of a slide mount of one of a slide mount
and a film holder for holding 35 mm strip film.
8. An image reading apparatus for reading images on film, the
apparatus comprising: a light source that illuminates film; a
photoelectric converter that converts light images produced when
the light source illuminates the film at a reading position into
image signals; a first insertion opening that receives a first type
of film; a second insertion opening that receives a second type of
film; and a film transport that extends from the first insertion
opening to the reading position to transport the first type of film
from the first insertion opening along a transport path to the
reading position and that extends from the second insertion opening
to the reading position to transport the second type of film from
the second insertion opening to the reading position.
9. The image reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said
film transport includes at least one pair of opposing rollers
having a spacing wider than a thickness of said film, said spacing
receiving a holder that holds said first type of film between said
at least one pair of rollers to transport said first type of film
and said holder to said reading position and a winder that winds
said second type of film using a roller of said at least one pair
of rollers to transport said second type of film to said reading
position.
10. The image reading apparatus according to claim 9, further
comprising: a controller coupled to said at least one pair of
rollers to adjust said spacing between said at least one pair of
rollers, said spacing including a first spacing accommodating said
holder and a second spacing accommodating said second type of
film.
11. The image reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said
spacing is narrower than a thickness of said holder.
12. The image reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said
first type of film is 35 mm film.
13. The image reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said
second type of film is a roll of film housed in a cartridge.
14. The image reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said
holder is a frame of one of a slide mount and a film holder for
holding 35 mm strip film.
15. An image reading apparatus for reading images on film, the
apparatus comprising: a light source that illuminates film; a
photoelectric converter that converts light images produced when
the light source illuminates the film at a reading position into
image signals; a first conveyer including two rollers arranged
opposite each other with a spacing wider than a thickness of a
first type of film to receive a holder of the first type of film,
which mounts the first type of film, between the two rollers to
transport the holder to the reading position; and a second conveyor
including a winding mechanism that winds a second type of film,
different from the first type of film, using one of the two rollers
from the first conveyor to transport the second type of film to the
reading position.
16. The image reading apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said
spacing is narrower than a thickness of said holder.
17. The image reading apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said
holder is a frame of one of a slide mount and a film holder for
holding 35 mm strip film.
18. An image reading apparatus for reading images on film, the
apparatus comprising: a light source that illuminates film; a
photoelectric converter that converts light images produced when
the light source illuminates the film at a reading position into
image signals; a conveyor that selectively transports a holder that
holds a first type of film to the reading position and a second
type of film, different from the first type of film, to the reading
position using at least one of two rollers arranged opposite from
each other; and a controller coupled to the conveyor to adjust the
spacing between the two rollers, the spacing including a first
spacing accommodating the holder and a second spacing accommodating
the second type of film.
19. The image reading apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said
spacing is narrower than a thickness of said holder when the
conveyor transports said holder.
20. The image reading apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said
holder is a frame of one of a slide mount and a film holder for
holding 35 mm strip film.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] The disclosure of the following priority application is
herein incorporated by reference: Japanese Patent Application No.
9-005387, filed Jan. 16, 1997.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] The invention relates to an image reading apparatus, and
relates in particular to an image reading apparatus for reading the
images on film.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] An image reading apparatus for reading the images on film
photographed by a camera is conventionally known as a film scanner.
Typically, the film scanner receives commands from a host computer,
reads the images on the negative, or reversal film and outputs the
images to the host computer. The host computer will then display
the images on a monitor screen.
[0006] After conventional 35 mm film is developed, the film is
normally returned to the user in either strip form or housed in a
slide mount. Hence, film scanners for 35 mm film are generally
structured to read images on film while the film is housed in a
slide mount. In the situation where the film is in strip form, the
film scanner is designed to read the images while the film is
housed in a special film holder.
[0007] In general, film scanners for 35 mm film have an anchored
(stationary) optical system for reading the images and a transport
stage for moving the film across the optical system. Typically, the
film is transported across the optical system while holding the
slide mount, or special film holder. Film scanners such as these
have been very popular because of their low price. However, in
recent years, a new film system has been developed.
[0008] The new film system handles a continuous strip of film
having a magnetic memory area. The film is housed in a cartridge
and is commonly known as a roll of film. The roll of film is
convenient in that the user does not need to pull the roll of film
directly from the cartridge when placing the film in the camera,
but rather, is able to take photographs by simply loading, or
dropping, the cartridge into the camera. In addition, when the roll
of film is developed using the new film system, the film is
returned to the user with the developed film still housed in the
cartridge. In other words, the user handles the cartridge and never
touches the film roll, even after developing.
[0009] In response to the new film system, film scanners have been
proposed to specifically read the images on a roll of film housed
in a cartridge as compared to the film scanners for conventional 35
mm film. An example of such a film scanner was disclosed in
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 5-75922. When using the
disclosed film scanner, the user merely loads the cartridge into
the film scanner and the roll of film housed in the cartridge is
automatically scrolled out. The roll of film is then moved across
the optical system so the images on each frame can be read.
[0010] As described above, there are two types of film scanners,
those for 35 mm film and those for the new film system. However,
there are situations where it is inconvenient to use both types of
film scanners.
[0011] Thus, the manner in which 35 mm film and a roll of film are
inserted into a film scanner differ. It would therefore be
beneficial to develop a single film scanner which can accommodate
35 mm film as well as a roll of film. To achieve such a goal
requires designing an apparatus that takes into consideration the
various differences between 35 mm film and a roll of film. For
example, 35 mm film is typically inserted into a film scanner while
housed in flat holding means, such as, for example, a slide mount.
In contrast, a roll of film is normally inserted into a film
scanner while housed in a cylindrical cartridge.
[0012] In addition, 35 mm film is transported through the film
scanner while being secured by holding means that must be inserted
into the film scanner. Contrarily, the roll of film itself is
scrolled out of the cartridge and transported through the film
scanner. Thus, the structure of the transport means for 35 mm film
and a roll of film differ due to the film form each type of film
requires during transport. Consequently, it is necessary to
structure an apparatus so that the transport means is compatible
with both types of film.
[0013] Therefore, an apparatus which enables both types of film to
be inserted into the same apparatus is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In order to overcome the shortcomings in the prior art
mentioned above, according to one aspect of the invention, it is an
object of the invention to provide an image reading apparatus
capable of easily reading images from 35 mm film and a roll of
film.
[0015] It is another object of the invention to provide an image
reading apparatus having various types of insertion openings for
different types of film, making it possible to handle them
easily.
[0016] It is yet another object of the invention to provide an
image reading apparatus having a transport means capable of being
used with different types of film, making it possible to simplify
the structure of the apparatus.
[0017] Furthermore, it is another object of the invention to be
able to adjust the transport means according to the type of film
inserted into the apparatus to properly transport the film.
[0018] In particular, according to a first aspect of the invention,
an image reading apparatus includes an illumination means for
illuminating a roll of film or 35 mm film. In addition, the
apparatus also includes image reading means, transport means and
first and second insertion openings. The image reading means is
capable of reading the images illuminated by the illumination means
as well as outputting an image signal. The transport means
transports the roll of film or the 35 mm film to the reading
position of the image reading means. The first insertion opening of
the apparatus is for inserting the roll of film while the second
insertion opening is for inserting the 35 mm film.
[0019] According to a second aspect of the invention, an image
reading apparatus includes the illumination means and an image
reading means. A first transport means includes two rollers
arranged opposite each other having a spacing wider than the
thickness of the film. The first transport means spaces the rollers
apart for interposing a holding means for holding the 35 mm film
between the two rollers and transporting the film to the reading
position of the image reading means. The second transport means
includes winding means for winding the roll of film using one of
the above two rollers so that the roll of film may also be
transported to the reading position.
[0020] According to a third aspect of the invention, an image
reading apparatus also includes an illumination means and an image
reading means. A control means controls the spacing between the
opposing rollers of the transport means. The control means provides
a first spacing when a roll of film is being transported and a
second spacing when the holding means containing 35 mm film is
being transported.
[0021] Alternatively, the spacing between the two rollers may be
narrower than the thickness of the holding means. Additionally, the
holding means for the 35 mm film may either be a slide mount or a
film holder.
[0022] In operation of the image reading apparatus according to the
invention, a roll of film is inserted into a first insertion
opening. The transport means then transports the film,
frame-by-frame, so that it can be read at the reading position. The
illumination means illuminates the frame that is currently in the
reading position, making it possible to read the image on the
illuminated frame using the image reading means. Upon completion of
the image reading, the roll of film is ejected from the first
insertion opening.
[0023] When reading the images of 35 mm film, the film is inserted
into a second insertion opening. The film is then transported to
the image reading position similar to the manner in which the roll
of film is transported. The images are also read in a similar
manner. Upon completion of the image reading, the 35 mm film is
ejected from the second insertion opening.
[0024] Thus, it is possible to directly insert or eject both the
roll of film and the 35 mm film from their respective insertion
openings and read the images from both film types using a single
apparatus while handling the film types easily.
[0025] In operation of the image reading apparatus according to the
invention, the holding means for the 35 mm film that is inserted
into the apparatus is transported through the apparatus while being
interposed between opposing rollers. In addition, the roll of film
that is inserted into the apparatus is transported through the
apparatus by being wound using one of the opposing rollers having a
spacing wider than the thickness of the film.
[0026] Thus, the transport means for the roll of film and 35 mm
film both use one of the opposing rollers, making it possible to
read images from both film types using a single illumination means
and image reading means. Consequently, the structure of the image
reading apparatus is simple and both film types may use the same
transport path.
[0027] In operation of the image reading apparatus according to the
invention, when a roll of film is inserted into the apparatus, the
spacing of the two rollers is adjusted to a first spacing. The
frame of the film that is to be read is then transported to the
reading position using one of the opposing rollers. In addition,
when 35 mm film is inserted into the apparatus, the spacing between
the opposing rollers is adjusted to a second spacing. The holding
means is then transported to the reading position using the
opposing rollers.
[0028] Thus, it is possible to adjust the transport means in
accordance with the type of film that is to be transported.
[0029] It should be noted that for the image reading apparatus
according to the invention, the spacing of the opposing rollers may
be set narrower than the thickness of the holding means. Hence, it
is possible to transport the holding means by interposing such with
an appropriate spacing. In addition, it is possible for the holding
means to use either the frame of a slide mount or a film holder for
holding the 35 mm film.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The invention will be described in conjunction with the
following drawings in which like reference numerals designate like
elements and wherein:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image reading apparatus
with a lid in dashed lines shown in an open and closed position,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a film cartridge and roll
film;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the image reading
apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention, with
mounted 35 mm film loaded therein;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the image reading
apparatus with the lid shown in an open position, according to the
first embodiment of the invention, with a cartridge of film loaded
therein; and
[0035] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the image reading
apparatus according to the second embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] While the invention will hereafter be described in
connection with preferred embodiments thereof, it will be
understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those
embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
[0037] Hereafter, a detailed description of embodiments of the
image reading apparatus of this invention is provided with
reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals
have been used throughout to designate like elements.
[0038] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an image reading
apparatus and a film cartridge and roll of film, respectively.
Referring to FIG. 1, a lid 11 is shown in an open and closed
position, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.
As shown in FIG. 2, a roll of film 61 in the new film system has an
image memory area 62, two perforations 63 and 64 and a magnetic
memory area 65 for each frame. The perforations 63 and 64 designate
the start and end positions of the image memory area 62 in a
lengthwise direction of the roll of film 61. In each magnetic
memory area 65, information relating to the photograph, such as,
the frame number, title, date the photograph was taken, conditions
under which the photograph was taken and designated print size are
recorded.
[0039] The cartridge 60, which houses the roll of film 61, is
provided with a slit-shaped opening 67 on the side of the
cylindrical case 66. Furthermore, inside the case 66 is a cartridge
spool 68 axially supported on both ends of the case 66 in a
lengthwise direction so as to rotate freely. One end of the roll of
film 61 is anchored to the cartridge spool 68, and the film 61 is
housed in the case 66 by being wound around the cartridge spool 68.
Additionally, the roll of film 61 enters and leaves the cartridge
60 through the opening 67 according to the forward or reverse
rotation of the cartridge spool 68.
[0040] In addition, a disk (not shown) is provided on a side of the
case 66. The disk is an indicator that displays film information in
an optically readable manner (e.g., the disk can include a bar
code). The film information includes, for example, the type of film
and whether or not the roll of film 61 has been developed. The
information indicating the type of film includes, for example,
whether the film is negative or positive, color or monochrome,
model number and film manufacturer.
[0041] With the new film system, the roll of film 61 is always
completely housed in the cartridge 60 while being handled by the
user. In fact, the film 61 is inserted into the insertion opening
of the image reading apparatus while still housed in the cartridge
60. Only after the cartridge 60 has been inserted will the film 61
be extracted.
[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3-4, a lid 11 is provided on the
top surface of the image reading apparatus 10 to open and close a
loading chamber 13 that is configured to match the external shape
of the cartridge 60. A cartridge insertion opening 12 is provided
in the loading chamber 13 and is visible when the lid 11 is opened,
as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 1. Alternatively, insertion
and extraction of 35 mm film from the image reading apparatus 10 is
accomplished while the 35 mm film is housed in a flat slide mount
14, or film holder 15, of predetermined thickness. Therefore, a
separate insertion opening 16 is provided for the 35 mm film.
[0043] The 35 mm film insertion opening 16 is provided in the front
surface of the image reading apparatus 10. The opening 16 is
configured in the shape of a slit to match the shape of the slide
mount 14 or film holder 15.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the image reading apparatus 10
has a film transport path 17 which forms the route of the slide
mount 14, or film holder 15, once inserted into the opening 16. The
film transport path 17 includes five pairs of rollers, 18a and 18b,
19a and 19b, 20a and 20b, 21a and 21b and 22a and 22b. Each roller
pair 18-22 is arranged such that each roller pair 18-22 opposes
each other on the upper and lower side of the film transport path
17. The lower side rollers 18a-22a will be hereinafter called the
first rollers 18a-22a and the upper side rollers 18b-22b will
hereinafter be called the second rollers 18b-22b.
[0045] The space between the first rollers 18a-22a and the second
rollers 18b-22b is set to a constant value larger than the
thickness of the film 61 in the roll of film and slightly narrower
than the thinnest part of the slide mount 14 or film holder 15,
having an approximate thickness of 1 mm. The space between the
roller pairs 18-22 is set narrower than the thickness of the slide
mount 14 or film holder 15, but since each roller 18a-22b is made
of an elastic material, such as, for example, rubber, it is
possible for the slide mount 14 or film holder 15 to be interposed
between the roller pairs 18-22 through the deformation of the
rollers 18a-22b.
[0046] The rotation shaft of each roller 18a-22b is anchored to the
apparatus 10. The rotation shafts of the first rollers 18a-22a
comprise drive shafts that are independently rotated (i.e., driven)
in the forward or reverse direction. Contrarily, the rotation
shafts of the second rollers 18b-22b are slave shafts. Therefore,
when the first rollers 18a-22a are rotated in the forward
direction, the slide mount 14 or film holder 15 is transported
along the film transport path 17 from the opening 16 toward the
image reading position. Additionally, when the first rollers
18a-22a are rotated in the reverse direction, the slide mount 14 or
film holder 15 is transported along the film transport path 17 from
the image reading position back toward the opening 16. The image
reading position is the position where the line sensor 33 reads the
film. The image reading position is where the film and the
extension line of the optical axis of the projection lens 32
intersect.
[0047] The loading chamber 13 for the cartridge 60 is positioned
above the film transport path 17. The loading chamber 13 is
provided with a cartridge motor 23. The cartridge motor 23 is
positioned in the chamber 13 so that the motor 23 engages the
cartridge spool 68 after the cartridge 60 has been inserted into
the loading chamber 13. Therefore, the roll of film 61 is scrolled
from the cartridge 60 through the film transport path 17 by driving
the cartridge motor 23 forward. Additionally, the roll of film 61
may be rewound into the cartridge 60 by driving the cartridge motor
23 in reverse.
[0048] A film information reading sensor 24 is also provided in the
loading chamber 13. The film information reading sensor 24 detects
the film information displayed on the disk (not shown) of the
cartridge 60 that has been inserted into the loading chamber 13
prior to the apparatus 10 reading the images. The sensor 24 permits
the image reading apparatus 10 to optimally set viewing conditions
prior to reading the images on the roll of film 61.
[0049] A winding chamber 25 for the roll of film 61 is provided
above the film transport path 17 and on the opposite side of the
fifth roller pair 22a and 22b from the image reading position. A
winding spool 26 and a DC motor (not shown) that rotationally
drives the winding spool 26 are provided in the winding chamber 25.
A gear mechanism (not shown) links the rotation shaft of the
winding spool 26 to the rotation shaft of the cartridge motor 23.
Therefore, after the tip of the roll of film 61 has been wound onto
the winding spool 26, the remaining unwound portion of the roll of
film 61 is transported along the film transport path 17 by the
forward driving of the DC motor (not shown). The remaining portion
of the roll of film 61 is then wound onto the rotation shaft of the
winding spool 26 such that the roll of film 61 is housed inside the
winding chamber 25.
[0050] It should be noted that the path over which the roll of film
61 is initially transported merges with the film transport path 17
for the slide mount 14 or film holder 15 in front of the roller
pair 19a and 19b. From the point the two paths merge to the fifth
roller pair 22a and 22b, the transport path 17 for both film types
is the same.
[0051] In addition, magnetic sensors 27 and 28 and an optical
sensor 29 are arranged along the film transport path 17. The
magnetic sensors 27 and 28 read the information relating to the
photograph that is stored in the magnetic memory area 65 of the
roll of film 61. The information that is read is used in the image
revision and setting of the scan conditions for each frame. The
optical sensor 29 detects the perforations 63 and 64 in the roll of
film 61 from which a central processing apparatus (not shown), or
CPU, determines which frame the film 61 is currently positioned for
reading. The CPU also controls the transporting of the film 61.
[0052] Furthermore, an illuminating light source 30 is provided
between the third roller pair 20a and 20b and the fourth roller
pair 21a and 21b and below the film transport path 17. The
illuminating light source 30 is provided with light-emitting
diodes, for example, in the colors red, green and blue. The
illuminating light source 30 is also capable of alternately
lighting the three color light-emitting diodes. When the roll of
film 61 or the 35 mm film is positioned at the image reading
position, the light from the illuminating light source 30
illuminates one line of the film's frame. The direction of the
single line is orthogonal to the transport direction of the film,
in other words, the direction orthogonal to the secondary scanning
direction.
[0053] The light that illuminates the film undergoes an optical
path change by means of a reflective mirror 31 provided above the
film transport path 17. The light is then incident on a line sensor
33 by the projection lens 32. The sensor 33 functions as an imaging
means. The light sensor can be a photoelectric converter such as,
for example, a CCD, a photo-sensitive diode (PSD) or a CMOS
device.
[0054] In the case where the illuminating light source 30 is
provided with three colors of light-emitting diodes, the line
sensor 33 is composed of an image accumulation unit (not shown) and
a monochromatic image sensor (not shown). The image accumulation
unit has a plurality of photoelectric conversion units lined up in
a row, while the monochromatic image sensor is provided with a
transfer unit that transfers the electric charge accumulated in the
image accumulation unit.
[0055] The scanning direction of the electric charge accumulated in
the line sensor 33 is the main (primary) scanning direction. The
main scanning direction matches the direction of the photoelectric
conversion units, which, in other words, is the lengthwise
direction of the line sensor 33.
[0056] The one line illuminated by the illuminating light source 30
is read by the line sensor 33. In order to obtain the image of one
frame, a line sequence is used where the same line position is read
three times by alternating in sequence the emitted light color from
the illuminating light source. In addition, the image is obtained
by repeatedly moving the film one line at a time. Alternatively, a
screen sequence may be used where an entire frame is read for each
emitted light color.
[0057] Instead of using three different color emitters, the
illuminating light source 30 may be designed to accomplish three
color decomposition. The illuminating light source 30 can be
provided with a white light source, filters in the three colors
red, green and blue and a mechanism for alternating the three color
filters. In this embodiment, the line sensor 33 may have a
monochromatic image sensor. In addition, it would also be possible
to have the illuminating light source 30 contain a white light
source and the line sensor 33 have a color image sensor. This
alternative makes it possible for the image reading apparatus to
read the three colors simultaneously.
[0058] Although the disclosed imaging means is a line sensor 33, it
is possible for the imaging means to have a two-dimensional area
sensor. This alternative makes it possible to transport the film in
frame units (rather than line-by-line).
[0059] The projection lens 32 is coupled to and supported by the
rotation shaft of the motor 34. The lens 32 can move in the
direction of its optical axis accompanying rotation of the rotation
shaft. The line sensor 33 is coupled to and supported by the
rotation shaft of the motor 35. The position of the light-receiving
surface of the line sensor 33 can move in the direction of the
optical axis of the projection lens 32 accompanying rotation of the
rotation shaft. By controlling the motors 34 and 35 independently,
it is possible to adjust the reading range and resolution.
[0060] Hereafter, the illuminating light source 30, reflective
mirror 31, line sensor 33, and motors 34 and 35 together will be
referred to as the image reading optical system 40.
[0061] A circuit board 36 is provided below the film transport path
17. Provided on the circuit board 36 is a circuit for controlling
the rotational driving of the first rollers 18a-22a, a circuit for
controlling the rotational driving of the cartridge motor 23 and
winding spool 26, a circuit for driving the lighting of the
illuminating light source 30, a circuit for driving the line sensor
33, a signal processing circuit and a CPU. The various driving
circuits follow instructions from the CPU.
[0062] The operation of the image reading apparatus 10 according to
the first embodiment of the invention will now be described.
[0063] A user wanting to read images on 35 mm film housed in a
slide mount 14 first inserts the slide mount 14 into the 35 mm film
opening 16 of the image reading apparatus 10, as indicated by the
arrow in FIG. 3. When the tip of the slide mount 14 reaches the
first roller pair 18a and 18b, the slide mount 14 is interposed
between the roller pair 18a and 18b by the forward rotation of the
first roller 18a. Upon reaching the second roller pair 19a and 19b,
the slide mount 14 is moved along the film transport path 17 by the
forward rotation of the first roller 19a. The slide mount 14
reaches the image reading position where it is also interposed
between the third roller pair 20a and 20b. The images on the 35 mm
film housed in the slide mount 14 are then read by the image
reading optical system 40. The transport speed of the slide mount
14 is predetermined.
[0064] Upon finishing reading the images, the first rollers 18a-22a
are successively driven in reverse such that each of the roller
pairs 18-22 transports the slide mount 14 interposed between them,
until the slide mount is ejected from the opening 16.
[0065] In addition, when reading the images of 35 mm film, the user
may also place the 35 mm film in a special film holder 15 and
insert the film holder 15 into the opening 16 of the image reading
apparatus 10 in a manner similar to the film mount 14 described
above. Hence, this film holder 15 is similarly interposed by each
of the roller pairs 18-22 in succession and moved along the film
transport path 17. Upon reaching the image reading position, the
image on one frame of the 35 mm film is read. After the film images
have been read, the film holder 15 is ejected from the opening
16.
[0066] Slide mounts 14 and film holders 15 may have various
thicknesses. However, the space between the roller pairs 18-22 is
set to be narrower than the mount 14 and holder 15. Consequently,
the mount 14 and holder 15 are transported through the image
reading apparatus 10 by the deformation of the rollers 18a-22b.
[0067] Alternatively, when images on a roll of film 61 housed in a
cartridge 60 are to be read, the user opens the lid 11 of the image
reading apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 4, and inserts the cartridge
60, as-is, into the loading chamber 13 from the opening 12. The
cartridge motor 23 then engages the cartridge spool 68 such that
when the cartridge motor 23 is driven forward, the roll of film 61
is scrolled out from the cartridge 60. The roll of film 61 that has
been scrolled out is then guided to the winding chamber 25 by
passing between the first rollers 19a-22a and the second rollers
19b-22b until the tip of the film 61 winds around the winding spool
26. The remainder of the roll of film 61 follows by the forward
rotation of the winding spool 26 as the film 61 presses against the
second rollers 19b-22b. Additionally, the curling of the roll of
film 61 is simultaneously corrected while the position of the roll
of film 61 is determined to be in the direction of the optical axis
of the image reading optical system 40. While the roll of film 61
is being wound, the roll film 61 and the first rollers 19a-22a do
not make contact.
[0068] The roll of film 61 is moved along the film transport path
17 in accordance with the forward rotation of the winding spool 26
while making contact with the second rollers 19b-22b. When the
optical sensor 29 detects that the frame to be read has reached the
image reading position, the image on the frame is read by the image
reading optical system 40. Upon completing reading the image of the
frame, the next frame is transported to the image reading position
as the roll of film 61 is wound around the winding spool 26. The
image on that frame is then read. This step is repeated until all
the frames to be read have been completed, at which point the roll
of film 61 is rewound into the cartridge 60 through the reverse
driving of the cartridge motor 23. Then, the user can remove the
cartridge 60, as-is, from the loading chamber 13 through the
opening 12 by opening the lid 11.
[0069] In this way, the opening 12 is provided as an insertion
opening for enabling the insertion and removal of the roll of film
61 housed in the cartridge 60 and the opening 16 is provided as an
insertion opening for enabling the insertion and removal of 35 mm
film housed in the slide mount 14 or the film holder 15. Therefore,
it is possible to insert a roll of film 61 or 35 mm film into the
image reading apparatus 10 in a single operation through insertion
openings 12 and 16, respectively.
[0070] Additionally, while the images on one film type are being
read, the user can prepare to read images from the other film type
by inserting the other film type into the insertion opening.
Therefore, the apparatus 10 is easy to use regardless of the film
type.
[0071] It is also possible to arrange the driving system to scroll
the roll of film 61 from the cartridge 60 or to take in the 35 mm
film by separating the various insertion openings, simplifying the
structure of the insertion unit.
[0072] In addition, while the roller pairs 18-22, slide mount 14 or
film holder 15 are provided as the mechanism for transporting the
35 mm film, the mechanism for transporting the roll of film 61 is
the winding spool 26 and second rollers 18b-22b.
[0073] Thus, it is possible to transport the roll of film 61 and
the 35 mm film to the image reading position without requiring a
particularly complex mechanism. In addition, the second rollers
18b-22b are used by both film types, thereby simplifying the
structure of the transport system.
[0074] Furthermore, at the image reading position, the transport
path 17 for the roll of film 61 and the 35 mm film can be the same,
making it possible to read the images from both using a single
image reading optical system 40.
[0075] Accordingly, it is possible to handle both a roll of film 61
and 35 mm film with a simply constructed image reading apparatus 10
having good operability and the capability to read the images of
both types of film.
[0076] Now, a second embodiment of the present invention will be
described.
[0077] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the image reading
apparatus according to the second embodiment of the invention
illustrating when the images on 35 mm film being housed in a slide
mount 14 are read.
[0078] The image reading apparatus 50 of the second embodiment
differs from the image reading apparatus 10 of the first embodiment
in that it is possible to change the space between the opposing
first rollers 18a-22a and the second rollers 18b-22b. The rotation
shafts of the second rollers 18b-22b are anchored to the apparatus
50, while the first rollers 18a-22a are movable in the vertical
direction. Therefore, it is possible to change the space between
opposing rollers 18a-22b.
[0079] A boring screw 53 attached to the rotation shaft of a motor
52, such as, for example, a stepping motor, is coupled to the
horizontal part of the support member 51. The support member 51 is
guided by engaging a guide groove (not shown) provided along the
optical axis of the image reading optical system 40 intersecting
the film. Therefore, by rotating the boring screw 53 by driving the
motor 52, it is possible to move the support member 51 along the
guide groove (not shown). As a result, the first rollers 18a-22a
may move toward or away from the second rollers 18b-22b as the
space between the roller pairs 18-22 is changed.
[0080] The operation of the image reading apparatus 50 according to
the second embodiment of the invention will now be described.
[0081] To read the images on 35 mm film housed in a slide mount 14,
the user first designates the thickness of the slide mount 14
through a host computer (not shown). The space between opposing
roller pairs 18-22 is set to be slightly narrower than the
designated thickness after receiving the thickness information by
driving the motor 52. Then, the user inserts the slide mount 14
into the opening 16 of the image reading apparatus 50, as shown by
the arrow in FIG. 5. Thus, it is possible to transport this slide
mount 14 interposed with a suitable spacing.
[0082] In the case of reading images on a roll of film 61 housed in
a cartridge 60, the user designates this fact beforehand through a
host computer after which a motor 52 is driven, making it possible
to set the space between the roller pairs 18-22 wider than the
thickness of the roll of film 61. Then, the roll of film 61 is
transported in a manner similar to the first embodiment. Thus, with
the image reading apparatus 50 of the second embodiment, it is
possible to alter the space between the opposing roller pairs
18-22.
[0083] Normally, the thickness of the roll of film 61 is thinner
than the thickness of the slide mount 14. Therefore, when the
images on a roll of film 61 are to be read after having read the
images on 35 mm film, it is not necessary to adjust the space of
the roller pairs 18-22 since they are already narrow enough.
[0084] In addition, even if the thickness of the slide mount 14 or
film holder 15 housing the 35 mm film differs, it is possible to
transport the holding member interposed between the roller pairs
18-22 with a suitable spacing. Thus, even if the holding means is
too thick, it is still possible to transport the holding means
appropriately without applying an excessive burden to the rotation
shafts of the rollers 18a-22b. It is even possible to transport
thin holding means.
[0085] Although the structure of the second embodiment required
that the designation of the thickness of the slide mount 14 and
film holder 15 be made by the user through a host computer, the
present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, an
apparatus can have sensors that detect a cartridge 60, slide mount
14 or film holder 15 being inserted into the apparatus. The sensors
would be provided near the loading chamber 13 or the opening 16 of
the image reading apparatus 50. Through this structure, a
determination is made by the CPU as to whether a roll of film 61 or
other film type has been inserted into the apparatus 50. The CPU
would then control the motor 52 on the basis of the type of film
determined.
[0086] In addition, with the second embodiment, the structure was
such that the space between the roller pairs 18-22 was changed
through driving the motor 52 in accordance with the thickness
information indicating the thickness of the inserted slide mount
14. The present invention is not limited to this structure. For
example, a structure can be conceived wherein the roller pairs
18-22 are linked by springs, and the space is adjusted by the
elongation or compression of the springs in accordance with the
thickness of the slide mount 14 interposed between the roller pairs
18-22.
[0087] While the invention has been described in conjunction with
specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,
modifications and variations may be apparent to those skilled in
the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as
set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting.
Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
* * * * *