JPH10257271A - Image input device and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a device to replace and select originals of each kind simply and to obtain optimum image quality even for a different kind of the original. SOLUTION: An image pickup means having a lens unit 30 with a constant field angle and a line sensor 32 is provided with 1st and 2nd original storage means that store originals having different sizes (a film 46 having an image width of (a) and a film 34 having an image width of (b)) and are placed at a prescribed position. That is, the 1st and 2nd original storage means are placed so that the film 46 having the image width of (a) and the film 34 having the image width of (b) are nearly matching an image pickup range of the image pickup means. Furthermore, either of the film 46 or the film 34 is escaped from the image pickup range of the image pickup means and the other is carried in the subscanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction by the line sensor 32 in the case of reading.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image input apparatus and method for converting a developed photographic film into an image signal by an image pickup means such as a solid-state image pickup device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An apparatus for reading and inputting an image of a developed photographic film (slide mount film) mounted on a slide mount holder is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-1.
No. 77275. In this device, the slide mount film mounted on the carriage is
It is illuminated by the light source of the LED block, forms an image on the CCD by the projection lens, is converted into an image signal, and is read.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H8-32773 discloses an apparatus for inputting an image of a developed long photographic film stored in a roll in a film cartridge using a special adapter in addition to inputting an image of a slide mount film. Is disclosed. In this apparatus, a cartridge holder accommodating a cartridge is loaded into a carriage through an opening in a front panel of a main body, and a roll-shaped long photographic film original in the cartridge is pulled out to a predetermined position where an image can be read. The extracted document is illuminated by the light source of the LED unit, forms an image on the line sensor by the lens unit, completes scanning while the carriage slides a distance of one frame, is converted into an image signal, and is read. . When inputting a slide mount film, the cartridge holder is detached from the main body, the slide mount film is loaded on the carriage, and reading can be performed in the same procedure as that of the above-mentioned long photograph film.

[0004]

However, in the former device for inputting a slide mount film,
It is impossible to read a long photo film, and an input device is separately required. On the other hand, in the latter case, both the slide mount film and the long photographic film can be input by the same device, but have the following disadvantages.
Since both documents can be shot only on the same shooting surface,
Only one document to be shot can be set on the main body. For this reason, in this apparatus, as a method for loading a long photo film, a method is adopted in which a cartridge holder incorporating a film feeding mechanism is prepared separately from the main body, and a cartridge is loaded therein.

However, in this method, when replacing a long photo film cartridge, it is necessary to insert and remove the cartridge holder to open and close the lid, and to switch between the slide mount film and the long photo film requires the same time and effort. Time arises. Of course, neither document can be loaded at the same time. Also, since the cartridge holder is separate from the main body, a space for attaching and detaching is required,
It is difficult to reduce the size of the main unit. Problems such as storage and loss while the cartridge holder is removed may also be considered. Furthermore, apart from the problem at the time of mounting, all the film originals are illuminated by one type of light source. Therefore, even if the wavelength characteristics are adjusted to positive, negative or intermediate, the characteristics from the optimum point will be determined for any original. Since they are separated, it is difficult to adjust the shooting conditions, and the best image quality may not be obtained. For example, if the slide mount film is a positive document and the long photographic film is a negative document, the image quality of the slide mount film is inferior to the image quality obtained with the optimal characteristic illumination if the characteristics of the illumination light source are optimal for the negative. Can be considered.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an image input apparatus and method capable of easily exchanging and switching each original and obtaining optimum image quality even for different types of originals. Aim.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is directed to a first sensor in the same direction as a main scanning direction of a line sensor.
A first document holding means for holding a first document having an image width of, and a second image having a second image width larger than the first image width in the same direction as the main scanning direction of the line sensor. A common image pickup unit having a second document holding unit for holding a document, a photographic lens, and the line sensor for selectively reading the first and second documents via the photographic lens; Transporting means for transporting the original and the second original in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction by the line sensor. The first and second original holding means are provided with the first and second originals. The image width is provided at a predetermined position such that the image width substantially matches the imaging range of the imaging means. The present invention also provides a first document holding means for holding a first document, a second document holding means for holding a second document larger than the first document, a photographic lens, Common imaging means having an area sensor for selectively reading the first and second documents via a lens, wherein the first and second document holding means are provided with the first and second documents. Are provided at predetermined positions so as to substantially coincide with the imaging range of the imaging means.

That is, according to the present invention, two different sizes of
Documents of more than one type can be loaded on the main body of the device at the same time, and it is possible to selectively read the original image without changing the distance between the document surface and the image pickup means. In addition, it is possible to quickly read the original by switching the original. In addition, the image pickup means is simple and the apparatus can be reduced in size, and there is no need to move the image pickup means in accordance with the document surface, so that the apparatus body can be downsized and the imaging range of the image pickup means can be used without waste.

Further, the present invention provides a first document holding means for holding a first transparent document, and a second document holding means for holding a second transparent document different in type from the first transparent document. A common image pickup means for selectively reading the first transparent document and the second transparent document; a light source for illuminating the first transparent document and the second transparent document; And an optical filter suitable for reading a specific type of original among the second transparent originals, wherein the first and second original holding means selectively read the first or second original. Preferably, the optical filter is disposed between the imaging unit and the light source, and the optical filter can be inserted between the imaging unit and the light source. Here, the types of the first and second transparent documents include the shape of the document in addition to the color of the document base or the type of image on the document such as negative or positive.

According to the present invention, an image can be read through an optical filter suitable for a document to be photographed in accordance with the type and shape of the document to be photographed. Can be entered.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a structural perspective view of an image input device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image input apparatus mainly holds a cartridge film 46 and transports the film 46, and a first film transport unit 12 that transports the film 46. The image input apparatus also retains a slide mount film 34 and transports the film 34. Second
A film transport unit 13, a light source 26, a lens unit 30, a line sensor 32, an image processing circuit 44, and a control circuit (not shown) for inputting signals from each sensor and input means to control each circuit. ).

A light source 26 for document illumination is mounted above the second film transport unit 13. As the light source 26, specifically, a fluorescent lamp, an LED unit, or the like is used. Above the light source 26, a reflector 28 for condensing light is provided. The illuminating light passes through the scan area 42 of the original (films 46 and 34), is condensed by the lens unit 30, forms an image on the line sensor 32, is converted into an image signal, and is sent to the image processing circuit 44. . Image processing circuit 44
Has an image memory or the like that stores at least one frame of image signals, processes image signals sequentially input via the line sensor 32 during film transport, and stores the processed image signals in the image memory. The image signal stored in the image memory is output to a display such as a monitor TV or a printer. The image processing circuit 44 includes a line buffer for temporarily storing image signals for several lines instead of an image memory.
An image signal may be sequentially transferred to an external device such as a personal computer via the line buffer.

The light source 26 is not a single unit.
Two or more units may be combined. Further, a reflecting mirror, a prism or the like may be inserted between the light source 26 and the document to bend the optical path. Similarly, a reflecting mirror, a prism, or the like may be inserted between the document and the lens unit 30 to bend the optical path. Next, the details of the first film transport unit 12 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the details of the first film transport section 12. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG.
Is fed out of the cartridge 10 by the film drive mechanism and fed in the direction of the arrow. The film drive mechanism engages with the spool 48 of the cartridge 10 and engages with the film supply unit for rotating the spool 48 forward / reverse, and the take-up spool 36, and winds the film 46 sent out from the film supply unit. A film take-up unit, a film drive unit that conveys the film 46 sent from the film supply unit at a constant speed while holding the film 46 between the capstan 50 and the pinch roller 52, and a film supply unit and a film take-up unit. And a film transport guide 51 (see FIG. 1) for holding the film 46 therebetween. A part 51A of the film transport guide 51 corresponding to the scan area 42 is formed in a curved shape, whereby the curl in the width direction of the film 46 is removed.

The film supply unit includes a cartridge 10
Is driven in a counterclockwise direction in the drawing, until the leading end of the film is taken up by the take-up spool 36.
The film 46 is sent out from the cartridge. Further, the film supply unit is provided with a clutch mechanism (not shown) for controlling the rotation of the spool 48, and the film 46 is fed with a predetermined tension by the action of the clutch mechanism and the driving force of the capstan 50. You. The film 4 that has passed through the scan area 42
6 passes through a magnetic head device 54 connected to a magnetic recording / reproducing circuit 60. In the magnetic head device 54, a write magnetic head 56 and a read magnetic head 58 are arranged adjacent to the upper side of the film 46, and these magnetic heads 56, 58 are fixed to the film transport unit main body. A film 46 corresponding to the magnetic heads 56 and 58
The pad 72 is arranged below the. The pad 72 is urged upward by a spring (not shown) to press the magnetic recording layer of the film 46 against the magnetic heads 56 and 58. As a result, in the magnetic head device 54, information can be written from the magnetic head 56 to the magnetic recording layer, and the information written to the magnetic recording layer can be read by the magnetic head 58.

The cartridge 10 and the scan area 4
2, an optical film detection sensor 70 is disposed to detect the film 46 and the perforation 46A when the film 46 passes. As shown in FIG. 1, a cartridge detection sensor 64 is provided at the rear end of the loading portion of the cartridge 10, and when the cartridge 10 is inserted to a predetermined position, it detects that the cartridge 10 has been mounted.

Next, the details of the second film transport section 13 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the second film transport unit 13 mainly includes the slide mount carriage 1.
6, the guide shafts 38A and 38B, the drive motor 22, the motor drive circuit 40 and the like. The slide mount carriage 16 is configured by adding a movable member to a slide mount holder that holds a slide mount film 34. This slide mount carriage 16
Are supported so as to slide with the guide shafts 38A and 38B and reciprocate in a direction parallel to each guide shaft. The rotation of the drive motor 22 driven by the motor drive circuit 40 is transmitted to the feed rack gear 18 via the transmission gears 20A, 20B, 20C, and is converted into a reciprocating linear motion. The slide mount carriage 16 is provided with an optical filter 14 integrally adjacent to the slide mount holder. The carriage position detection sensor 24 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit,
The home position of the slide mount carriage 16 is detected by detecting the detection hole 16 </ b> A provided on the slide mount carriage 16. The slide mount film 34 can be inserted into the slide mount carriage 16 in the direction of the arrow in FIG.
When the carriage is inserted to a predetermined position, the completion of mounting is detected by a slide mount detection sensor 62 provided at the rear end of the carriage. The sensor 62 may be an optical sensor or a mechanical sensor. Further, the transmission of the rotation from the drive motor 22 may use a timing belt, a flat belt, or the like instead of the transmission gear.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a cartridge film 4 containing the light source 26, the slide mount film 34, and the developed long photographic film in a cartridge, respectively.
6, the relative position of the lens unit 30 is shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view in the film feed direction, and FIG.
It is sectional drawing in alignment with line 4. Cartridge film 46
Has an image width a in the same direction as the main scanning direction of the line sensor 32 (direction in which a large number of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged),
Similarly, the slide mount film 34 has an image width b.

The lens unit 30 is a single focus lens having a constant angle of view θ, and the film 46 guided by the film transport guide 51 and the film 34 mounted on the slide mount carriage 16 have a range of the photographing angle of view θ. Are arranged in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the lens unit 30 so that the image widths a and b substantially coincide with each other.

Here, the size of the image portion of the cartridge film 46 of the new photo system is about 30 mm × 16 mm. On the other hand, the slide mount film 34 generally mounts a 135 type positive film in many cases, and the size of the image portion is 36 mm × 24 mm.
Therefore, the image width a of the film 46 is a = 16 mm
And the image width b of the film 34 is b = 24 mm. The angle of view of the lens unit 30 is generally θ = 4.
In many cases, the angle is between 5 ° and 60 °, and if θ = 45 °, if the step c between the films 46 and 34 is set to about 10 mm, the image widths of both films are made to match the shooting angle of view and the image is formed. Can be captured. Of course, the numerical values given here are examples, and when b> a, the lens unit 30
By setting c to an optimal numerical value in accordance with the angle of view and each dimension, an image can be captured with the image widths of both films matched with the shooting angle of view. The length L of the effective light emitting area of the light source 26 is set to satisfy L> b in order to cover the angle of view, and the entire effective image range of b can be illuminated.

Next, details of the lens unit 30 will be described. FIG. 5 is a half sectional view of the lens unit 30. As shown in FIG.
A moving barrel 112 containing a lens group is slidably fitted to the fixed barrel 110 in a direction parallel to the arrow in the figure. A line sensor 32 is attached to the other end of the fixed cylinder 110, and the focus can be adjusted by moving the movable cylinder 112 forward and backward with respect to the line sensor 32 according to the distance to the document. A pay-out ring 114 is rotatably fitted to the outer periphery of the fixed cylinder 110, and a cam surface 116 inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis is formed on an end surface thereof. The fixed cylinder 110 and the movable cylinder 112 are
, The cam surface 116 is always in contact with the cam pin 118 provided on the fixed cylinder 110, and when the feeding ring 114 rotates, the movable cylinder 112 slides according to the height of the cam surface 116. It slides in the moving direction. The feeding ring 114 can reciprocate in a circumferential direction by a lens driving circuit and a lens driving mechanism (not shown), and can be set to an arbitrary focal length by a signal from the control circuit. In this embodiment, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 4, the document surface has only two positions, the slide mount film 34 and the cartridge film 46, so that only two stages of focus switching are sufficient. Fixed cylinder 1
An optical sensor (not shown) for detecting the circumferential position of the feeding ring 114 is provided on the control ring 10, and the control circuit can recognize the focal position of the lens unit 30 based on the position.

Next, an image reading operation by the image input device according to the present invention will be described. First, the image reading operation of the slide mount film 34 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The position of the slide mount carriage 16 shown in FIG. 1 is a home position where the slide mount film 34 can be inserted and removed. still,
This home position can be detected by the carriage position detection sensor 24 as described above.

In the home position, the slide mount film 34 is mounted on the slide mount carriage 1.
6 (step S10), and when the slide mount film 34 is detected by the slide mount detection sensor 62 (step S12), the presence or absence of the cartridge film 46 is subsequently detected by the film detection sensor 70 (see FIG. 2). (Step S14). If there is no cartridge film 46, the lens position of the lens unit 30 is set so as to focus on the slide mount film 34 (step S16), and the slide mount carriage drive motor 22 is rotated clockwise (step S18). . As a result, the transmission gears 20B and 20C engaged with the output gear 20A of the drive motor 22 rotate counterclockwise, and the slide mount carriage 16 integrated with the feed rack gear 18
A is slid along A, 38B to the right in FIG. The slide mount carriage 16 is advanced to a position where the reading start point (P1 in FIG. 3) of the slide mount film 34 overlaps the scan area 42 (coincident with the center of the opening), and is stopped at the reading start point P1 (step S20). , S22). The movement of the slide mount carriage 16 to the reading start position P1 is determined when the number of drive pulses of the drive motor 22 from the start of operation reaches a predetermined feed position or when the slide mount carriage 16 is moved.
Is detected by transmitting a detection output of the carriage position detection sensor 24 that detects that the carriage has reached the predetermined position to the control circuit.

In the above state, the slide mount film 34
Is input (step S24), an image is read by the line sensor 32 of the slide mount film 34 (step S26). That is, the slide mount film 34 is moved to the reading start position P.
1 to the end position P2 (see FIG. 3) at a constant speed, and an image formed on the line sensor 32 by the illumination light from the light source 26 is photoelectrically converted in a predetermined line cycle, and the image signal is converted. Output to the image processing circuit 44.
Prior to inputting an image signal for one screen, it is also possible to control to perform a high-speed pre-scan operation for reading a rough image or detecting shooting conditions such as white balance and exposure amount. is there.

When the input operation of the image signal for one screen is completed, the drive motor 22 is rotated counterclockwise through the motor drive circuit 40 (step S28). Transmission gear 2 engaged with output gear 20A of drive motor 22
0B and 20C rotate clockwise, and the slide mount carriage 16 integrated with the feed rack gear 18 slides leftward in FIG. 1 along the guide shafts 38A and 38B. The slide mount carriage 16 returns to the home position shown in FIG. 1 again. The fact that the slide mount carriage 16 has returned to the home position
The detection output of the carriage position detection sensor 24 is confirmed by being transmitted to the control circuit (step S30).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the cartridge film 46 is present, the operation enters a state of waiting for an operation (step S32). Here, when an image reading command of the slide mount film 34 is input (Step S34), the cartridge film 46 is rewound (Step S36), and the cartridge film 46 is rewinded.
Is detected by the film detection sensor 70 (step S38), the above-described steps S16 to S2 are performed.
0 after performing the same processing as in step S40.
4), line sensor 3 of slide mount film 34
2 is performed (step S26).

Next, the operation of reading an image from the cartridge film 46 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The cartridge 10 is loaded, and the cartridge film 46 is detected by the film detection sensor 70.
Is detected (steps S50 and S52), the presence or absence of the slide mount film 34 is determined (step S54). The determination of the presence or absence of the slide mount film 34 is made based on whether or not the slide mount carriage 16 is at the home position.

If there is no slide mount film 34, the lens position of the lens unit 30 is set so as to focus on the cartridge film 46 (step S5).
6) Drive the film drive motor to drive the cartridge 10
Sends out the cartridge film 46 (step S
58). Then, the film detection sensor 70 detects that the film 4
After detecting the perforation 46A of the first frame of No. 6 (see FIG. 2), the film is fed by a predetermined amount, and the film 46 is stopped just before the image leading edge of the first frame passes through the scan area 42 (steps S60 and S62). ).

When a command to read the cartridge film 46 is input in the above state (step S64), the film 46 is fed by a predetermined amount and the line sensor 32 of the film 46 is sent.
Is performed (step S66). When reading this image, the slide mount carriage 1
Since the cartridge 6 is at the home position shown in FIG. 1, the image is read by the illumination light that has passed through the optical filter 42 for the cartridge film 46. The image signal read in this way is sent to the image processing circuit 44 and subjected to appropriate image processing.

When the image reading of the first frame is completed and the image reading of the second frame is to be continued, the film 46 is further sent to detect the perforation of the second frame, and the same procedure as in the first frame is performed. Perform a read operation.
Various operations can be performed by performing frame advance and rewind of the film (step S68). For example, by designating the frame number of the cartridge film 46, a desired frame image of the cartridge film 46 can be read. Here, the frame number of the film 46 can be detected by counting the perforations 46A of the film 46 detected by the film detection sensor 70. In addition, prior to the image reading operation for each frame, control is performed such that a high-speed prescan operation is performed to read a rough image for creating an index image or to detect photographing conditions such as white balance and exposure amount. It is also possible. It is also possible to read and write magnetic information recorded on the magnetic recording layer of the cartridge film 46 during a high-speed prescan operation.

When the reading operation is completed and the ejection of the cartridge film 46 is commanded, the film 46 is rewound into the cartridge 10 by the film driving mechanism, and
The completion of rewinding of the film 46 is detected by the film detection sensor 70 (Steps S72 and S74). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S54 that the slide mount film 34 is present, the operation waits (step S76). Here, the cartridge film 4
6 is inputted (step S7).
8), the slide mount carriage 16 is returned to the discharge position (home position) (step S80), and the completion of discharge of the slide mount carriage 16 is detected by the carriage position detection sensor 24 (step S8).
2) After performing the same processing as in steps S56 to S60 (steps S84 to S88), the image is read by the line sensor 32 of the cartridge film 46 (step S66).

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the slide mount carriage. The optical filter 114 is integrally disposed on the upper surface of the slide mount carriage 116 shown in FIG. When this slide mount carriage 116 is used instead of the slide mount carriage 16 of FIG. 1, when reading the slide mount film 34, an image is read by the illumination light passed through the optical filter 114. When reading the cartridge film 46, the optical filter 114 is retracted from the scan area 42 integrally with the slide mount carriage 116, so that the image is read with the illumination light of the light source 26 as it is.

FIG. 9 is a view showing still another embodiment of the optical filter. In the optical filter 134 shown in the figure, a filter unit 134A is arranged at the center of a holder having the same outer shape as the slide mount film 34. FIG.
When the optical filter 134 shown in FIG. 9 is attached to the slide mount carriage 16 in the direction of the arrow instead of the slide mount film 34, an optical filter detection sensor (not shown) fits the cutout 134B provided in the optical filter 134. Upon detection, the mounting of the optical filter 134 is detected. When the reading of the cartridge film 46 is instructed, the filter unit 134A of the optical filter 134
The slide mount carriage 16 is delivered to a position where is overlapped with the scan area 42. Hereinafter, an image is read using illumination light that has passed through the optical filter 134 in the same procedure as in the above-described embodiment. When the user manually instructs to cancel the installation of the optical filter 134, the slide mount carriage 16 returns to the home position in FIG. In the home position, the optical filter can be replaced from outside the device. At this time, if several types of optical filters incorporating filter units having different optical characteristics are prepared, an arbitrary optical filter can be replaced and used. If the shape of the optical filter 134 is formed in a symmetrical shape in front and rear, left and right, it is possible to easily insert the optical filter 134 regardless of the front and rear insertion directions. A chamfered shape may be formed on the end face in the insertion direction. The optical filter detection sensor may be optical or mechanical. Optical filter 1
The detection shape provided in 34 is not limited to the notch but may be a hole or a convex shape.

Next, another embodiment of the image input apparatus according to the present invention will be described. The image input device shown in FIG. 10 has an image width (a = 1) of the slide mount film 134.
6 mm) and the image width of the cartridge film 46 (a =
16 mm) are the same size. The lens unit 130 and the line sensor 132 are integrally configured to be slidable in the photographing optical axis direction by a lens driving mechanism. The lens unit 130 has a single focus and a constant angle of view, and the position when photographing the cartridge film 46 is indicated by a solid line in FIG. When photographing the slide mount film 134, the slide mount film 134 is disposed at a position indicated by a broken line in FIG. When the original size of the slide mount film 134 and the size of the cartridge film 46 are the same, the configuration of this embodiment allows the use of a single-focus lens unit that does not require a zooming mechanism. And a small-sized device can be provided at low cost.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing still another embodiment of the image input apparatus according to the present invention. This image input device
Two types of transparent originals 200a and 200 having different original sizes
0b is read by an imaging device including the lens unit 202 and the area sensor 204. That is, the light source 20
4. The transparent original 200a or 200b illuminated by the illumination light of No. 4
Is formed on the imaging surface of the area sensor 204 via the lens unit 202 having a single focus and a fixed angle of view, and is photoelectrically converted as an image signal for one screen.

The broken lines in FIG. 11 indicate the diagonal lines of the predetermined image reading areas of the transparent originals 200a and 200b. The transparent originals 200a and 200b are arranged so as to be read at a fixed shooting angle of view so that the reading range of the image pickup device substantially coincides with these diagonal lines. The transparent original 200a and the transparent original 200b can be selectively read. When the transparent original 200a is read, the transparent original 200b is at the retracted position, and
When reading 0b, the transparent original 200a is at the retracted position. The light source 204 is not a single unit, but may be a combination of two or more units. Further, a reflecting mirror, a prism, or the like may be inserted between the light source and the document to bend the optical path. Similarly, an optical path may be bent by inserting a reflecting mirror, a prism, or the like between the document and the imaging device.

Further, an optical filter suitable for the original 200b may be inserted between the light source 204 and the imaging device when reading the transparent original 200b, and the optical filter may not be inserted when reading the transparent original 200a. Conversely, when reading the transparent original 200a, an optical filter suitable for the transparent original 200b is inserted between the light source 204 and the imaging device, and when reading the transparent original 200a, the optical filter is not inserted. good.

Further, the transparent original 200a is a slide mount film 34, and the transparent original 200b is a developed long original, and the slide mount film 34 is attached to an original holding unit (slide mount holder) instead of the slide mount film 34. An arbitrary optical filter having the same shape may be attached, and the optical filter may be inserted between the light source 204 and the transparent original 200b according to the type of the transparent original 200b. Furthermore, instead of the lens units 130 and 202 having a fixed angle of view, a predetermined angle of view (for example, a wide angle side) of a zoom lens may be used.

[0039]

As described above, according to the present invention, two or more types of originals having different sizes can be simultaneously mounted on the apparatus main body, and can be selected without changing the distance between the original surface and the imaging unit by the common imaging unit. Since the original can be read, adapters for specific originals are not required, and reading by switching originals can be performed quickly. In addition, the image pickup means is simple and the apparatus can be reduced in size, and there is no need to move the image pickup means in accordance with the document surface, so that the apparatus body can be downsized and the imaging range of the image pickup means can be used without waste.

Further, according to the present invention, an image can be read through an optical filter suitable for the original in accordance with the shape and type of the original to be photographed. Can be entered.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing details of a first film transport unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a main part of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a film feeding direction.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a half sectional view showing details of the lens unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart used to explain an image reading operation of the slide mount film.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart used to explain an image reading operation of the cartridge film.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the slide mount carriage shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an optical filter having the same outer shape as the slide mount film.

FIG. 10 is a structural perspective view showing another embodiment of the image input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a structural perspective view showing still another embodiment of the image input apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Cartridge 12 ... 1st film conveyance part 13 ... 2nd film conveyance part 14, 114, 134 ... Optical filter 16, 116 ... Slide mount carriage 22 ... Drive motor 24 ... Carriage position detection sensor 26, 204 ... Light source 30 , 130, 202 ... Lens unit 32, 132 ... Line sensor 34 ... Slide mount film 36 ... Rewind spool 42 ... Scan area 44 ... Image processing circuit 46 ... Cartridge film 62 ... Slide mount detection sensor 64 ... Cartridge detection sensor 70 ... Film Detection sensor 200a, 200b: transparent original a 206: area sensor

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04N 1/10 H04N 5/253 1/107 1/10 5/253

Claims (16)

[Claims] A first document holding means for holding a first document having a first image width in the same direction as the main scanning direction of the line sensor; and a first document holding means for holding the first document in the same direction as the main scanning direction of the line sensor. A second document holding means for holding a second document having a second image width wider than the first image width; a photographic lens; and the first and second via the photographic lens.
Common image pickup means having the line sensor for selectively reading the original, and conveying means for conveying the first original and the second original in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to a main scanning direction by the line sensor, respectively. Wherein the first and second document holding means include the first and second document holding means.
The image input device is provided at a predetermined position so that the image width of the image input device substantially coincides with the imaging range of the imaging means. 2. A first document holding means for holding a first document, and a second document holding means for holding a second document larger than the first document.
Document holding means, a photographic lens, and the first and second lenses via the photographic lens.
And a common image pickup unit having an area sensor for selectively reading the first and second originals. The first and second original holding units are provided with the first and second originals.
An image input device, wherein the originals are provided at predetermined positions so as to substantially coincide with an imaging range of the imaging means. 3. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein one of the first and second originals is a developed long photographic film, and one is a slide mount film. apparatus. 4. A first document holding means for holding a first transparent document; a second document holding means for holding a second transparent document of a type different from the first transparent document; A common imaging unit for selectively reading the first transparent document and the second transparent document, a light source for illuminating the first transparent document and the second transparent document, and the first and second transparent documents. An optical filter suitable for reading a specific type of original among the transparent originals; wherein the first and second original holding units are provided with the first or second original holding unit;
An image input device, wherein the transparent document is selectively readable between the image pickup means and the light source, and the optical filter can be inserted between the image pickup means and the light source. 5. The first transparent document and the second transparent document are different in size, and the imaging means selectively selects a first lens and a second document via a photographic lens and the photographic lens. And the first and second image sensors.
5. The document holding unit according to claim 4, wherein the first and second transparent documents are respectively provided at predetermined positions so as to substantially coincide with an imaging range of the imaging unit. 6. Image input device. 6. The image pickup apparatus has a focus adjustment mechanism capable of focusing on both the original surface of the first transparent original and the original surface of the second transparent original. 6. The image input apparatus according to claim 5, wherein focus adjustment is performed according to whether the transparent original is the first transparent original or the second transparent original. 7. One of the first and second document holding means is a slide mount holder for holding a slide mount film, and the optical filter is formed in the same shape as the outer shape of the slide mount film. The image input device according to claim 4, wherein the image input device is mounted on the slide mount holder instead of the slide mount film. 8. One of the first and second document holding means is a slide mount holder for holding a slide mount film, and the optical filter is provided integrally with the slide mount holder. The image input device according to claim 4, wherein: 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a transport unit for transporting the slide mount holder, wherein the optical filter is moved into a predetermined position by transporting the slide mount holder to the imaging area of the imaging unit. Claim 7
Or the image input device according to 8. 10. The image input apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first transparent original is a developed long photographic film, and the second transparent original is a slide mount film. 11. The imaging means has a line sensor,
10. The image input device according to claim 4, wherein the first and second transparent originals are respectively conveyed in a sub-scanning direction of the line sensor by conveying means when reading the originals. 12. A first document holding means for holding a first document, and a second document at a position different in photographing distance by a predetermined distance from the first document held by the first document holding means. Second document holding means for holding a document, a photographic lens, and the first and second
A common image pickup unit having an image sensor for selectively reading the original, and moving the image pickup unit in the optical axis direction by the predetermined distance according to whether the original to be read is the first original or the second original. An image input device, comprising: a focus adjustment mechanism. 13. A developed elongate photographic film stored in a container or a slide original mounted on a slide mount holder is selectively conveyed to respective image reading positions, and an image of the elongate photographic film or slide mount original is provided. An image input method for reading the long photo film via an imaging means, wherein the long photo film and the slide original can be transported on different paths, and the frame of the long photo film is retracted while the slide image is retracted from the reading position. When reading of the slide original is instructed while the image is being conveyed to the reading position, the long photographic film is rewound into the container and the slide original is conveyed to the reading position. Image input method. 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein when the reading of the slide document is instructed, the focus adjustment mechanism of the imaging device is operated so as to focus on the document position of the slide document. Image input method described. 15. A developed long photographic film stored in a container or a slide original mounted on a slide mount holder is selectively conveyed to respective image reading positions, and an image of the long photographic film or the slide mount original is read. In the image input method for reading through the imaging means, the long photo film and the slide original can be conveyed on different paths respectively, and the slide image is taken while the long photo film is wound in a container. When the reading of the long photo film is instructed while being conveyed to the reading position, the slide original is retracted from the reading position, and the long photo film is sent out from the container to send the long photo film. An image input method comprising: transporting an image to a reading position. 16. A focus adjusting mechanism of the imaging device is operated so as to focus on a document position of the long photo film when an instruction to read the long photo film is issued. The image input method according to claim 15.