JP2007199628A - Print processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a print processing system capable of automatically grasping order data of a film when reading a frame image of a developed film.
A processor FP that develops an undeveloped film, a scanner FS that acquires a frame image of the developed film as digital image data, and a transport unit FC that transports a film discharged from the processor FP to a scanner FS. An order data storage unit 101 that stores print order data in association with identification information, and a print creation apparatus PA that creates a print based on image data obtained by the scanner FS, and is obtained by the scanner FS. An identification information analysis unit that analyzes image data and extracts identification information of an identification information label attached to the film leading end, and an order data reading unit that reads order data corresponding to the extracted identification information are provided. A label is a combination of a translucent area and a light-shielding area. Identification information by combined is represented.
[Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a print processing system capable of reliably associating a developed photographic film with order data of the photographic film.

  As a print processing system in which a film processor for developing an undeveloped photographic film and a film scanner for acquiring a frame image of the developed photographic film as digital image data are combined and disclosed, the following Patent Document 1 discloses Such photographic material processing apparatuses are known. According to this system, development processing of undeveloped photographic film is performed in the film processor, and the developed photographic film is discharged from the film processor and subsequently conveyed to the film scanner by the conveyance unit, and scanning of each frame image is performed. In this way, it is possible to automatically and continuously carry out from photographic film development processing to image reading. The read image data is sent to a print creating apparatus, and a photo print creation process is performed. Photo prints are stored in DP bags in order units and provided to the client.

  In this system, order data is input when developing a photographic film. The order data is stored in the order data storage unit and managed in order units. The order data includes identification information for specifying the order, order data (print size, number of prints, setting of reading resolution, whether to create a photo print, whether to write an image on a medium, etc.). include.

  In such a case, if order data is input before developing a photographic film, any order of photographic film is currently being processed as long as the process from the developing process of the photographic film to the image reading is continuously processed. It is possible for the system to grasp whether it is.

JP 11-234476 A

  However, the continuity of the processing may be interrupted. For example, it takes time to read a photographic film with a film scanner, or when trouble occurs in the film scanner and maintenance is required. In this case, the developed photographic film discharged from the film processor is not transported to the film scanner and is temporarily collected in the film stocker. The collected photographic film is inserted again into the film scanner by manual operation or the like, and the frame image is read.

  In such a case, the order in which the order data is input does not match the processing order of the photographic film, and the system cannot determine which order the photographic film is to be inserted manually. It becomes. In this case, for example, the identification information label affixed to the front end side of the photographic film is visually read and the corresponding order data is extracted from the order data storage unit, and then the reading process by the film scanner is started. The operator's work was complicated.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a print processing system capable of automatically grasping order data of a photographic film when reading a frame image of the developed photographic film. It is.

In order to solve the above problems, a print processing system according to the present invention provides:
A film scanner for reading frame images formed on developed photographic film and acquiring digital image data;
An order data storage unit for storing photographic film order data in association with identification information;
An identification information analysis unit that analyzes the image data acquired by the film scanner and extracts the identification information formed on the identification information label attached to the front end side of the photographic film;
An order data reading unit that reads out the order data corresponding to the extracted identification information;
The identification information label is formed so that identification information is represented by a combination of a light transmitting region and a light shielding region.

  The operation and effect of the print processing system having such a configuration will be described. A film scanner provided in this system can read a frame image formed on a developed photographic film and acquire digital image data. Further, an identification information label is attached to the leading end side of the photographic film, and the identification information can be extracted from the image information of the identification information label using the function of the film scanner. In other words, the identification information label represents the identification information by a combination of the light transmitting region and the light shielding region. With this configuration, identification information can be extracted using a function for reading a frame image, and the configuration of the film scanner can be simplified. By extracting the identification information, the order data stored in the order data storage unit can be read using this as a key.

  Therefore, even if it is a photographic film collected by the film stocker, the identification information can be extracted by the scanning process by the film scanner, and the order data can be grasped. Processing corresponding to the read order data can be automatically performed. As a result, it is possible to provide a print processing system capable of automatically grasping order data of a photographic film when reading a frame image of the developed photographic film.

In order to solve the above problems, another print processing system according to the present invention provides:
Film processor for developing undeveloped photographic film, film scanner for obtaining frame images of developed photographic film processed by the film processor as digital image data, and developed photographic film discharged from the film processor A print processing system comprising a transport unit for transporting the image to a film scanner and a print creation device for creating a photographic print based on image data acquired by the film scanner,
An order data storage unit for storing photographic film order data in association with identification information;
An identification information analysis unit that analyzes the image data acquired by the film scanner and extracts the identification information formed on the identification information label attached to the front end side of the photographic film;
An order data reading unit that reads out the order data corresponding to the extracted identification information;
The identification information label is formed so that identification information is represented by a combination of a light transmitting region and a light shielding region.

  According to this print processing system, an undeveloped photographic film is developed by a film processor, the developed photographic film is conveyed to a film scanner by a conveyance unit, and a frame image of the developed photographic film is read by the film scanner. . As described above, it is possible to continuously and automatically perform processing from development processing to image reading. Also, a print creation device is provided, and a photo print can be created based on image data acquired by a film scanner. Therefore, it is also possible to continuously perform processing up to photo print creation.

  In such a system, even if the continuity of processing is interrupted and the operation of inserting a photographic film into a film scanner is performed manually, the identification information is automatically extracted by the film scanner as described above. Data can be grasped.

  In this invention, it is preferable that the said translucent area | region is formed as a hole showing identification information.

  By making the holes, the irradiation light of the reading light source provided in the film scanner passes through the holes and the base portion of the photographic film. On the other hand, the light is not transmitted through the light shielding region. Thereby, identification information can be extracted by analyzing the read image data by image processing or the like.

  In the present invention, it is preferable to include a scanner control unit that reads image data corresponding to the contents of the order data read from the order data storage unit.

  According to this configuration, when the order data is read, the image data is read according to the contents. For example, if there is a designation related to the resolution, image reading is performed according to the designation, so that appropriate processing according to the order contents can be performed.

  In the present invention, it is preferable to include a print data generation unit for outputting the read identification information as a photographic print.

  By outputting the identification information as a photographic print, it is possible to collate the identification information formed on the photographic print with the identification information formed on the photographic film identification information label. Films and corresponding photographic prints can be provided.

  A preferred embodiment of a print processing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a print processing system 1 having a film processing apparatus FA including a film processor FP and a film scanner FS, and a print creation apparatus PA. The print processing system 1 may include other devices (for example, an orderer accepting terminal, a recording medium writing / reading device, a PC terminal capable of accepting the Internet, etc.). In this case, other devices can be connected to the print processing system via a network such as a LAN.

<Overall system configuration>
In FIG. 1, a film processing apparatus FA acquires a film processor FP for developing an undeveloped photographic film and a frame image of the developed photographic film developed by the film processor FP as digital image data by photoelectric conversion. And a film scanner FS are arranged in the vertical position. The film processing apparatus FA includes a transport unit FC for transporting the developed photographic film discharged from the discharge section of the film processor FP to the supply section of the film scanner FS.

  The film processing apparatus FA is connected to the print creating apparatus PA via a communication line. The print creation device PA has a communication function, an order management / control function, an image processing function, and a print creation function, and includes a display means such as a computer and a display, and an interface such as a keyboard and a mouse. With this configuration, the image data acquired by the film processing apparatus FA is transmitted to the print creation apparatus PA via the communication line, and the print creation apparatus PA prints an image on a print medium such as photographic paper. The order management / control is configured so that image data can be managed in units of orders and the order of print creation can be set.

  The print creation apparatus PA is not limited to the one using silver salt type photographic paper, and an ink jet type or sublimation type print creation apparatus may be used.

  In the present invention, a photographic film before being developed by the film processor FP (frame image in a latent image state) is particularly called an undeveloped photographic film, and a photographic film after being developed by the film processor FP (frame image). In particular) is sometimes referred to as a developed photographic film.

<Film processor>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the film processor FP includes a film insertion unit 11 disposed at the front of the processor body, and includes a development processing unit 12 and a drying processing unit 13 inside the processor body. A discharge unit 14 is disposed, and a transport mechanism 15 is formed from the film insertion unit 11 to the discharge unit 14. A liquid crystal display 16a for displaying various information and a control panel 16 having a plurality of operation buttons 16b are provided at a front position of the processor main body, and a control unit 17 for controlling the entire film processor FP is provided inside the processor main body. A film stocker 18 for receiving the developed photographic film fed from the discharge unit 14 is formed on the upper surface of the processor body.

  The film insertion section 11 is provided with a lid 11a that can be opened and closed. An unrolled photographic film accommodated in a film cartridge Ca (or cartridge) is set and transferred to the transport mechanism 15 (film drive mechanism). 11e) and a cutting unit 11b for cutting the rear end of the photographic film.

  In addition, in order to obtain information on the length of the photographic film, a loading sensor 11c (corresponding to a film position detection sensor) that detects passage of the front and rear ends of the photographic film conveyed by the conveyance mechanism 15 is provided. The loading sensor 11c can be composed of, for example, a pair of optical sensors (light receiving type, light projecting type), a reflection type sensor, a laser sensor, other proximity sensors, an image sensor, etc., but a pair of optical sensors (light receiving type, Projection type) is preferable. The loading sensor 11c can detect the film leading edge position (or the film leader leading edge position) and the film trailing edge position. Based on the detected leading edge position and trailing edge position information, the length information of the photographic film can be calculated (described later).

  In the case of APS film development processing, a film leader L is attached to the leading end of the photographic film drawn out from the cartridge Ca, the lid 11a is opened, and the cartridge Ca is set in the film insertion portion 11 so that the film leader L precedes. To do. A state in which the photographic film F and the film reader L are connected is shown in FIG. The film leader L is a sheet-like member having the same degree of flexibility as a resin film, and has a larger width dimension than the photographic film F. A large number of perforations La are formed in the film leader L, and the photographic film F is conveyed through the film processor FP by a sprocket that meshes with the perforations La. By providing such perforation La, it is possible to reliably guide the photographic film without slipping in the film processor FP.

  The perforation La is preferably formed at one end (see FIG. 3) in the width direction of the film leader L as shown, but may be formed at both ends. The photographic film F and the film leader L can be connected by inserting engaging protrusions formed on the film leader L into holes formed on the photographic film F as shown in FIG. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3B, the leading end of the photographic film F and the film leader L may be connected by an adhesive tape T. The shape and size of the film leader L to be used are determined in advance. In addition, since the film leader L and the photographic film F are connected using a jig, the connecting position (pasting position) of the photographic film F with respect to the film leader L is also determined in advance.

  Further, a check label CL (corresponding to an identification information label) is attached to the leading end side of the photographic film F, and identification information is formed on the check label CL. This identification information is used to specify an order, and order data corresponding to the identification information is stored in the system. The check label CL will be described later.

  After the photographic film F with the film reader L is set and the lid 11a is closed, film transport (loading) is started under the control of the control unit 17 by operating a predetermined operation button 16b of the control panel 16, After the development processing in the development processing unit 12 and the drying processing in the drying processing unit 13, the photographic film is discharged from the discharge unit 14 with the film reader L at the head. In this case, when the cartridge detecting means 11d detects the cartridge Ca and then closes the lid 11a, loading is started and conveyance of the photographic film F is started.

  The control unit 17 controls each element of the film processor FP so as to start loading. When the film driving mechanism 11e conveys the film reader L and the photographic film F to the developing processing unit 12 while sandwiching the film reader L and the photographic film F with the pressure roller, and the loading sensor 11c detects the leading edge of the film leader L and the photographic film that has been conveyed, The transport mechanism 15 of the processing unit 12 and the drying processing unit 13 is driven, and the film reader L and the photographic film are sandwiched between pressure rollers and transported to the development processing unit side. Here, the film drive mechanism 11e and the transport mechanism 15 operate by separate driving. Note that “loading” in the film processor FP means an operation in which a photographic film is drawn from the film cartridge Ca by the film driving mechanism 11 e and conveyed to the development processing unit 12.

  The development processing unit 12 includes a color development tank, a bleaching tank, a fixing tank, and a stabilization tank. Inside the development processing unit 12, the transport mechanism 15 includes a film reader L and a perforation La of the film reader L to transport the photographic film. A plurality of sprocket mechanisms to be engaged and a pressure roller mechanism 15a are provided. Further, the drying processing unit 13 includes a blower 13a for drying the photographic film conveyed from the development processing unit 12. Similarly, the drying processing unit 13 is also provided with the sprocket mechanism and the pressure roller mechanism. The transport mechanism 15 includes a sprocket mechanism, a pressure roller mechanism 15a, and a drive system that drives these synchronously with an electric motor (not shown).

  The discharge unit 14 is provided with a discharge roller 15b for discharging the developed photographic film from the film processor FP. The photographic film discharged by the discharge roller 15b is delivered to the transport unit FC and transported to the film scanner FS.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the film scanner FS has a film carrier 21 arranged at the lower part of the scanner body, a light source unit 22 below the film carrier 21, and a zoom lens 23 and a photoelectric sensor above the film carrier 21. A conversion unit 24 is arranged. A scanner control unit 25 (control unit) is arranged inside the scanner body. The film scanner FS is fixed to the film processor FP, and is disposed at the upper position of the discharge block of the discharge unit 14.

  The film carrier 21 is configured to form a developed photographic film supply part 21a in the same direction as the front part of the film processor FP, and to perform scanning while conveying the film from the supply part 21a to the rear side. Note that before the photographic film is sent to the film carrier 21, a process of separating the film reader L from the photographic film is performed in the transport unit FC. Further, the film carrier 21 includes a transport motor (not shown) that drives the transport roller 21b.

  The light source unit 22 has light emitting diodes (not shown) of three primary colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). The zoom lens 23 adjusts the focal length to provide information on the frames of the photographic film. Is imaged on the photoelectric conversion surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 24 at the set magnification. The photoelectric conversion unit 24 includes three line sensors (not shown) made of photoelectric conversion elements such as a CCD corresponding to the three primary colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue).

<Configuration of transport unit>
Next, the configuration of the transport unit FC for transporting the developed photographic film discharged from the film processor FP to the film scanner FS will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, a discharge roller 15b is provided in the discharge unit 14 of the film processor FP.

  The transport unit FC includes a transport block B fixed to a frame, and a chucker C attached so as to be rotatable around a predetermined axis. A film guide 30 is provided at the upstream end portion of the lower block portion of the transport block B, and is rotatably supported around the axis 30a. The film guide 30 is provided with a guide portion corresponding to the width dimension of the photographic film to be conveyed, and any one of the first position shown in FIG. Switch to position. When set in the first position, the photographic film can be guided in the direction of the film scanner FS. When set to the second position, the photographic film is discharged to the film stocker 18.

  A roller transport mechanism 32 including an upstream transport roller pair 32a and a downstream transport roller pair 32b is provided along the transport path. Each of the conveying roller pairs 32a and 32b includes a driving roller and a pressure roller, and is synchronously driven by the first driving motor M1. A first film sensor 33 and a reader sensor 34 are provided in the vicinity of the upstream side of the downstream conveying roller pair 32b. These sensors are optical sensors composed of a light emitting element and a light receiving element. When a photographic film or a film reader passes the sensor position, detection is performed by switching from a light transmitting state to a light shielding state. The first film sensor 33 and the reader sensor 34 are arranged at the same position when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. 4, but are arranged at different positions in the width direction, and the photographic film and the film reader are separately provided. Can be detected.

  A cutter 35 for separating the photographic film and the film reader is provided further downstream of the pair of downstream conveying rollers 32b, and is driven by a cut motor 36. The cut film leader is collected by the leader stocker 19. A second film sensor 37 is provided immediately downstream of the cutter 35, and detects the tip of the film reader or the tip of the photographic film. The second film sensor 37 can also be composed of the same optical sensor as the first film sensor 33.

  The chucker C sandwiches the leading end portion of the photographic film from which the film reader has been separated by the sandwiching roller pair 40, and conveys it to the supply unit 21a of the film scanner FS. The chucker C is provided so as to be rotatable around the axis 41 by a chucker drive motor. The chucker C can rotate between a receiving position for receiving a photographic film as shown in FIG. 4 and a transferring position where the photographic film can be transferred to the film scanner FS, and further, a loop is formed in the loop box 50. It is possible to make an intermediate stop at the loop forming position.

  A space on the right side of the transport unit FC is a loop box 50, in which a space for forming a loop of the photographic film is formed. A first guide part 60 and a second guide part 61 are provided above the transport unit FC, and transport paths 60a and 61a for transporting the photographic film are formed. When the chucker C rotates to the delivery position, the second guide portion 61 moves so as to retract from the path, and the photographic film is delivered to the conveyance path 60a of the first guide portion 60.

  A first discharge path 51 and a second discharge path 52 are provided above the loop box 50. The photographic film for which the frame image has been read by the film scanner FS is conveyed in the reverse direction through the first guide portion 60 and the second guide portion 61 and guided to the first discharge path 51. The end of the first discharge path 51 is connected to the film stocker 18, and the photographic film that has been scanned is collected by the film stocker 18.

  The photographic film developed by the film processor FP is automatically sent to the film scanner FS via the transport unit FC. However, the photographic film can be manually supplied to the film scanner FS. In this case, the 2nd guide part 61 is opened and a photographic film is manually supplied from the supply part 21a via the 1st guide part 60. FIG. For example, when the photographic film is not developed due to the request for reprinting, the photographic film is manually supplied to the film scanner FS. The manually inserted photographic film is configured to be discharged from the second discharge path 52.

  In the film scanner FS, a conveyance roller 21b is arranged along the conveyance path, and an opening 21c for reading is provided in the middle thereof. The reading optical axis SL is set at the position of the opening 21c. The supply unit 21a is provided with a loading sensor 26, which detects that the leading edge of the photographic film has been conveyed. Based on this detection, the drive motor for rotating each conveyance roller 21b is driven. In addition to the loading sensor 26, a ready sensor 27 is provided, and the start of image scanning of the photographic film is controlled based on the detection timing of the ready sensor 27.

<Control block configuration of film processing apparatus>
Next, the control function of the film processing apparatus FA will be described with reference to the control block diagram of FIG. First, main functions of the control unit 17 of the film processor FP will be described. The film end detection unit 17a detects the front end position and the rear end position of the photographic film (film reader) based on the detection signal from the loading sensor 11c. The film length calculation unit 17b calculates the length of the photographic film based on the information on the front end position and the rear end position detected by the film end detection unit 17a. What is actually detected by the loading sensor 11c is the tip of the film reader. Since the size of the film reader is known in advance, the length of the photographic film can be calculated by subtracting that amount. The communication control unit 17c has a function of performing communication with the transport unit FC and the film scanner FS.

  The film position calculation unit 17d calculates the timing at which the developed photographic film is sent into the transport unit FC based on the tip position information of the photographic film. Specifically, it is detected that the leading edge of the photographic film has reached a position at a predetermined distance from the discharge roller 15b. The counting unit 17e counts a predetermined time set in advance from the time when the tip is detected by the loading sensor 11c. When the predetermined time has been counted, the leading edge of the photographic film has reached a position at a predetermined distance from the discharge roller 15b. Instead of counting time, the conveyance amount by the conveyance mechanism 15 may be counted.

  The conveyance control unit 70 performs overall drive control including conveyance / stop of the photographic film conveyed in the conveyance unit FC. Further, it communicates with the control unit 17 of the film processor FP and the scanner control unit 25 of the film scanner FS. The position information and length information of the photographic film can be received by communication from the control unit 17.

  The carry amount calculating unit 71 calculates the carry amount of the photographic film. In order to control conveyance / stop of the photographic film in the conveyance unit FC, it is necessary to monitor the conveyance amount of the photographic film. The conveyance amount can be calculated based on the number of drive pulses supplied to drive each motor (pulse motor) and a signal from an encoder that rotates in conjunction with the conveyance roller. . Alternatively, the conveyance amount may be calculated by counting time with a timer.

  The conveyance control unit 70 performs drive control on the guide switching solenoid 31, the first drive motor M1, the second drive motor M2, the third drive motor M3, the chucker motor CM, and the cut motor 36. The first drive motor M1 drives the roller transport mechanism 32, and the second drive motor M2 and the third drive motor M3 drive the pinching roller pair 40 of the chucker C. The chucker C itself is not mounted with a drive source. When the chucker C is in the receiving position, the second drive motor M2 and the sandwiching roller pair 40 are mechanically connected, and the chucker C is in the transfer position. The third drive motor M3 and the sandwiching roller pair 40 are configured to be mechanically connectable. The second drive motor M2 and the third drive motor M3 are fixed with respect to the frame of the transport unit FC.

  As described above, the first and second film sensors 33 and 37 detect the leading and trailing edges of a photographic film (film reader). The home limit switch 35a detects whether or not the cutter 35 is at the home position. The home limit switch 35a mechanically detects the cutter 35, but other types of sensors such as an optical sensor may be used.

  The home sensor 38 is a sensor for detecting that the chucker C is at the receiving position (home position). The guide detection sensor 62 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the first guide unit 60 is closed. When the first guide portion 60 is closed, the photographic film can be delivered to the film scanner FS by the chucker C. Each of the above sensor signals is transmitted to the conveyance control unit 70, and drive control of the solenoid and the motor is performed based on the detection results.

  The scanner control unit 25 has a function of controlling the operation of the film scanner FS. A pre-scan unit 25a and a main scan unit 25b are provided as main functions for performing scanning. The functions of performing the pre-scan and the main scan will be described. The contents of each scanning will be described.

  Pre-scan is a process of reading an image of the entire developed photographic film at a low resolution. One of the purposes of the pre-scan is to determine the position of the frame image formed on the photographic film (function of the frame position analysis unit 25c). If necessary, the read image is displayed on the monitor and the operator Confirmation / judgment work, etc. The frame position can be determined using, for example, an image processing technique. Although the base portion of the photographic film is not exposed, the area of the frame image is an exposed area, and when developed, there is a difference in density. The frame position can be determined based on this density difference.

  In the main scan, only the area of the frame image is scanned with high resolution based on the frame position information determined by the pre-scan. The image data acquired by this main scan is image data used when actually creating a photographic print. If the frame position can be automatically determined by the pre-scan, the main scan can be automatically performed continuously.

  In FIG. 4, the photographic film is inserted into the film scanner FS through the first guide portion 60 when pre-scanning is performed, and is performed when the photographic film is conveyed from right to left in FIG. When the pre-scan is completed, the photographic film is transported from the left to the right and the main scan is performed. Such a photographic film conveyance control and image reading control are performed by the scanner control unit 25. The photographic film for which the main scan has been completed is discharged to the first discharge path 51 or the second discharge path 52 via the first guide part 60 and the second guide part 61.

  The identification information analysis unit 25d analyzes the identification information of the check label attached to the front end side of the photographic film. FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of the check label CL on the photographic film. The check label CL is composed of a light-transmitting region CL1 and a light-shielding region CL2, and the light-transmitting region CL1 is formed as a hole through which light passes. The light shielding region CL2 does not allow light to pass. In FIG. 6, the translucent region CL1 forms the identification information (number 1234) as it is.

  The part where the check label CL is affixed is the front end side of the photographic film, and is usually a fogging area. However, even in the fogged area, the light can be transmitted. Therefore, the light applied to the check label CL can reach a reading element such as a CCD after passing through the translucent region CL1.

  As a result, the identification information analysis unit 25d can analyze the identification information formed on the check label CL by analyzing the image around the check label CL. The analysis of the identification information can be performed by an image processing technique. When the identification information is extracted, the order data corresponding to this can be read.

  The communication control unit 25e has a function of communicating with the print creating apparatus PA, and the image data acquired by the main scan is transmitted to the print creating apparatus PA by the function of the communication control unit 25e. The identification information extracted by the identification information analysis unit 25d is transmitted to the print creating apparatus PA by the function of the communication control unit 25e, and the order data is searched. In addition, various communications are performed with the print creating apparatus PA.

<Another embodiment of check label>
Various modification examples of the check label CL other than that shown in FIG. 6 are possible. The translucent region CL1 may not be a hole, and may be formed of a transparent or translucent material. For example, a light-transmitting region CL1 and a light-shielding region CL2 may be formed by printing a thin transparent film sheet. In FIG. 6, the identification information is formed in the translucent region CL1, but conversely, the identification information may be formed as the light shielding region CL2. The identification information is not limited to numbers, and may be configured by an appropriate combination of characters, symbols, numbers / characters / symbols, and the like.

  Further, as the check label CL, for example, a hole (through hole) composed of several bits may be formed, and the identification information may be represented by a combination of the holes.

<Control block configuration of print creation device>
Next, the control function of the print creation apparatus PA will be described with reference to the conceptual diagram of FIG. The order control unit 100 provides a function of managing print order requests from customers in order units. One order is set in units of one photographic film or one storage medium. The order registration unit 100 a has a function of setting and registering order data, and the set order data is stored in the order data storage unit 101. Here, the order data is identification information for identifying the order, order data (print size, number of prints, setting of reading resolution, whether to create a photo print, whether to write an image on a medium) ) Etc. The identification information is set by the identification information setting unit 100b, and a check label on which the set identification information is formed is attached to both the front end side of the photographic film and the DP bag.

  In the case of simultaneous printing, the order data is registered before the photographic film is developed, and the photographic film can be developed only after the order data is registered. In the case of reprinting, it is performed before the photographic film is manually inserted into the film scanner FS.

  The order data search unit 100c has a function of reading order data using identification information as a key. When identification information is transmitted from the scanner control unit 25 of the film processing apparatus FA, the corresponding order data can be read using this identification information as a key. The print processing control unit 100d performs control so as to perform print processing of the registered order. Each order is sequentially registered in the order data storage unit 101, and is basically controlled to perform print processing according to the registration order.

  The image storage unit 102 stores image data to be printed. The image data is stored in association with the identification information, and based on a command from the print processing control unit 100d, the image data is read out in units of orders and print processing is performed. Image data read in the main scan of the film processing apparatus FA is received via the communication control unit 103 and stored in the image storage unit 102.

  The print data generation unit 108 generates print data based on the image including the check label CL read by the film scanner FS. Thereby, the image of the check label CL can be output as a photographic print. This print data is stored in the image storage unit 102 together with the image data of the corresponding identification information order.

  The image determination unit 104 provides a function of performing various determinations on acquired image data. For this purpose, an input operation unit 105 (such as a mouse and a keyboard) and a monitor 106 are provided, and an image is displayed on the monitor 106 to make various determinations by the operator. For example, it can be determined whether or not the color and density of the image are appropriate, and correction data can be input by the input operation unit 105 as necessary. In addition, it is possible to perform corrections such as backlight correction and red-eye correction, and to correct the frame position analyzed by the frame position analysis unit 25c. When the operator makes a determination using the function of the image determination unit 104, the determination is performed by displaying the image of the photographic film read by the prescan on the monitor. When the determination is completed, a main scan is started when a signal to that effect is transmitted to the film scanner FS.

  However, whether or not to perform the determination work by the image determination unit 104 is a matter of choice, and when the determination work is not performed, the pre-scan and the main scan are continuously performed. The image processing board 107 performs image processing on the image data read from the image storage unit 102 and transfers the image data to the exposure engine 200. In the image processing, correction based on correction data set in the image determination unit 104, enlargement processing corresponding to the print size, and the like are performed.

  The print creating apparatus PA is connected to the film processing apparatus FA via a network, but the number of the film processing apparatuses FA to be connected is not limited to one, and may be a plurality. A plurality of reception terminals 2 may be connected to the network. The receiving terminal 2 can receive a photo print order from a recording medium of a digital camera or other recording media. Therefore, the image data stored in the recording medium can be read out, and the order data and the image data are transmitted to the print creating apparatus PA, and the data is stored in the order data storage unit 101 and the image storage unit 102.

  In the paper magazine 201, long paper (photographic photosensitive material) is accommodated in a roll shape. A plurality of paper magazines 201 are detachably attached. For example, papers having different width dimensions can be loaded. The paper cutter 202 cuts the paper into a predetermined print size. The print size data is data stored in the order data storage unit 101.

  The exposure engine 200 is, for example, a laser engine, and optically modulates laser light based on image data transferred from the image processing substrate 107. As a result, the emulsion surface of the paper is scanned and exposed with a laser beam to form an image.

  The development processing unit 203 performs development processing on the paper on which the image is printed and exposed. The drying processing unit 204 performs a drying process on the developed paper. The paper discharge unit 205 discharges the dried paper to the outside of the apparatus. In the stacking unit 206, the discharged paper is stacked as a finished photographic print. Photo prints are collected so that they can be distinguished by order.

<Operation of film processing apparatus>
Next, the operation of the film processing apparatus FA will be briefly described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the film processing apparatus FA. 8 to 10 are operation diagrams showing operations in the transport unit.

  When the photographic film is developed in the film processor FP (S1), the photographic film F is discharged by the discharge roller 15b of the film processor FS (S2) and sent into the transport unit FC. As shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 8, the film guide 30 is set at a position where the film leader L can be guided, and the film leader L is guided to the transport block B by driving the discharge roller 15b (S3). ).

  In the transport block B, the film leader L and the photographic film F are driven by the roller transport mechanism 32, and when the film leader L arrives at the position of the film width regulation guide 3 (S4), the film width regulation is performed by the tip of the film leader L. The guide 3 is pushed up to retract the film width regulation guide 3 out of the transport path (S5). FIG. 8 shows a state where the film width regulation guide 3 is retracted. When the film leader L passes the position of the film width regulation guide 3, the film width regulation guide 3 rotates by its own weight and returns to the transport path (S6, S7). Since the relative positional relationship between the film leader L and the photographic film F is determined in advance, the width direction of the photographic film F can be regulated by returning the film width regulating guide 3.

  Next, the film leader L and the photographic film F are conveyed to a predetermined position, and the photographic film F is stopped (S8). In order to separate the film leader L from the photographic film F, the cutter 35 is operated to separate the film leader L (S9). The separated film leader L is discharged by the sandwiching roller pair 40 and collected by the leader stocker 19 (S10).

  Subsequently, only the photographic film F is conveyed, and is conveyed to a position where the leading end portion of the photographic film F is nipped by the nipping roller pair 40 of the chucker C (S11). Next, the chucker 40 is rotated around the axis 41 with the photographic film F being sandwiched (S12). The chucker C first stops at an intermediate position as shown in FIG. 9 and forms a loop of the photographic film F in the loop box 50 (S13, S14). When a sufficient amount of loops are formed, the chucker C is rotated again to the state shown in FIG. 10, and the photographic film F is transferred to the transport path 60a of the first guide portion 60 (S15). The delivered photographic film F is conveyed to the film scanner FS, and a frame image is read.

  When the photographic film F is transported, the operation of each part is controlled based on the outputs of the actuators and various sensors provided in the transport unit.

<Operation of film scanner>
Next, the scanning operation in the film scanner FS will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When scanning is performed, there are an automatic processing mode and a manual processing mode. In the automatic processing mode, the photographic film developed by the film processor FP is continuously automatically conveyed to the film scanner FS. In the manual processing mode, a photographic film is inserted into the film scanner FS manually by the operator.

  Examples of the manual processing include a case where extra printing is performed. In the case of reprinting, since there is no need to develop the photographic film, the photographic film is manually inserted into the film scanner FS. Even in the automatic processing mode, there are cases where continuous processing cannot be performed, that is, the photographic film discharged from the film processor FP cannot be conveyed to the film scanner FS as it is. For example, it takes a long time for the main scan, and the next photographic film cannot be inserted into the film scanner FS. In this case, the photographic film discharged from the film processor FP is collected into the film stocker 18. The photographic film collected in the film stocker 18 is manually processed by an operator at an appropriate time later.

  In addition, even when the above-described manual processing is performed by the film scanner FS, the photographic film cannot be automatically inserted into the film scanner FS, so that it is collected in the film stocker 18. Another example is when the film scanner FS is being maintained.

  The flowchart of FIG. 12 will be described. A photographic film is inserted into the supply unit 21a of the film scanner FS (S100). The leading edge of the photographic film is detected by the loading sensor 26 (S101). Based on the detection result, the transport roller 21b is driven, and the photographic film is transported by the transport roller 21b (S102).

  When the leading edge of the photographic film is detected by the ready sensor 27, scanning processing is started (S103, 104). As a result, pre-scanning is performed, and an image of the entire photographic film (pre-scan image) is read at a low resolution (S105).

  Based on the pre-scan image, the position of the frame image is determined by the function of the frame position analysis unit 25c (S106). Also, identification information is analyzed from the pre-scan image of the portion where the check label CL is affixed (S107). When the identification information is extracted, the identification information is transmitted to the print creating apparatus PA via the communication control unit 25e (S108).

  The order data search unit 100c of the print creation apparatus PA reads the order data corresponding to the transmitted identification information from the order data storage unit 101 (S109). The read order data is transmitted to the film processing apparatus FA and received by the scanner control unit 25 (S110). Based on the contents of the received order data, a main scan is performed (S111). The image data acquired by the main scan is transmitted to the print creating apparatus PA (S112) and stored in the image storage unit 102 (S113). The image data relating to the stored order is subjected to print processing under the control of the print processing control unit 100d (S114).

  Note that when image data is transmitted, the image data including the check label CL is also transmitted. Based on this image data, the print data generation unit 108 generates the print data of the check label CL and stores it in the image storage unit 102 together with the image data of the frame image. That is, it is stored as image data in the same order.

  When performing the printing process, control is performed so that the photo print of the check label CL is printed last. In the stacking unit 206, the photo prints of the same order are stacked in the form of being stacked vertically, and the photo prints of the check label CL are stacked on the top, so the order data contains the order identification information. It can be easily recognized. Using this visualized identification information, the identification information of the check label CL affixed to the photographic film and the identification information of the check label CL affixed to the DP bag can be visually confirmed and collated. it can. Since the photo print of the check label image is created for the purpose of the above collation, the print size may be set to the minimum necessary size.

  In the present embodiment, the analysis of identification information is always performed in S107, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the identification information is recognized in the system without analyzing the identification information, the identification information need not be analyzed. For example, while the development processing and scanning of the photographic film are continuously performed, the processing is performed in the order set by the order registration unit 100a, so that the identification information is grasped. In this case, the identification information analysis process need not be performed.

  When scanning the photographic film collected in the film stocker 18 as described above, it is impossible to know which order of photographic film is going to be scanned, and therefore the identification information is analyzed. When the print creation apparatus PA also receives an order from the reception terminal 2, the order of the order is from the reception terminal 2 and from the film processing apparatus FA. Therefore, in order to facilitate the collation work by the operator, it is preferable to read the check label CL and output the image of the check label CL as a photographic print.

  When printing a check label image, the following method is conceivable in addition to printing an image read by the film scanner FS as it is. For example, identification information (for example, text data) analyzed by the identification information analysis unit 25d may be transmitted to the print creation apparatus PA, and a photo print having a preset format may be created by the print data generation unit 108. .

<Another embodiment>
The photographic film to be processed in the present invention is not limited to a negative film or a positive film, and can be applied to an appropriate kind of photographic film such as 135 type or APS type.

  In this embodiment, the order data storage unit 101 and the print data generation unit 108 are provided in the print creation apparatus PA, and the identification information analysis unit 25d is provided in the film processing apparatus FA. Can be any location in the system. The same applies to other functions.

  Each control function of the film processing apparatus FA and the print creating apparatus PA can be configured by appropriately combining hardware such as a CPU, a memory, and a hard disk and software for performing control.

  When the film scanner FS has an infrared light emitting / receiving element for scratch-removal processing, the identification information on the check label is read regardless of the exposure state (fogging, image density, color, etc.) of the photographic film. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, the identification information is output as a photographic print. However, instead of or in combination with this, it may be printed on the back surface of the photographic print.

The figure which shows the external appearance structure of the whole print processing system which has a film processing apparatus. Sectional drawing which shows the whole structure of a film processing apparatus The figure which shows the state which connected the photographic film and the film leader Sectional view showing the configuration of the transport unit Block diagram showing control functions of transport unit Diagram showing check label configuration Block diagram showing the control functions of the print creation device Diagram showing operation of film processing equipment Diagram showing operation of film processing equipment Diagram showing operation of film processing equipment Flowchart explaining operation of film processing apparatus Flow chart explaining operation of film scanner

Explanation of symbols

25 Scanner control unit 25a Pre-scan unit 25b Main scan unit 25c Frame position analysis unit 25d Identification information analysis unit 100 Order control unit 100a Order registration unit 100b Identification information setting unit 100c Order data search unit 101 Order data storage unit 102 Image storage unit 108 Print data generator F Photo film FP Film processor FA Film processor FC Transport unit FS Film scanner PA Print creation device C Chucker L Film reader

Claims (5)

A film scanner for reading frame images formed on developed photographic film and acquiring digital image data;
An order data storage unit for storing photographic film order data in association with identification information;
An identification information analysis unit that analyzes the image data acquired by the film scanner and extracts the identification information formed on the identification information label attached to the front end side of the photographic film;
An order data reading unit that reads out the order data corresponding to the extracted identification information;
The print processing system, wherein the identification information label is formed such that identification information is represented by a combination of a light-transmitting area and a light-shielding area. Film processor for developing undeveloped photographic film, film scanner for obtaining frame images of developed photographic film processed by the film processor as digital image data, and developed photographic film discharged from the film processor A print processing system comprising a transport unit for transporting the image to a film scanner and a print creation device for creating a photographic print based on image data acquired by the film scanner,
An order data storage unit for storing photographic film order data in association with identification information;
An identification information analysis unit that analyzes the image data acquired by the film scanner and extracts the identification information formed on the identification information label attached to the front end side of the photographic film;
An order data reading unit that reads out the order data corresponding to the extracted identification information;
The print processing system, wherein the identification information label is formed such that identification information is represented by a combination of a light-transmitting area and a light-shielding area.   The print processing system according to claim 1, wherein the translucent area is formed as a hole representing identification information.   The print processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a scanner control unit configured to read image data corresponding to the content of the order data read from the order data storage unit. .   5. The print processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a print data generation unit configured to output the read identification information as a photographic print.

Images