(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0012827 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jan. 22, 2004
`Fujinawa et al.
`
`US 20040012827A1
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`(73)
`(21)
`(22)
`
`(63)
`
`IMAGE READING APPARATUS
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Inventors: Nobuhiro Fujinawa, Yokohama-shi
`(JP); Takuya Shirahata, Yokohama-shi
`(JP)
`Correspondence Address:
`OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
`P.O. Box 19928
`Alexandria, VA 22320 (US)
`
`Assignee: Nikon Corporation
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`10/404,537
`
`Filed:
`
`Apr. 2, 2003
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`Continuation of application No. 09/801,711, ?led on
`Mar. 9, 2001, noW abandoned, Which is a continuation
`of application No. 08/907,641, ?led on Aug. 8, 1997,
`noW abandoned.
`
`Aug. 9, 1996 (JP) ................................... .. JP 08-211525
`Apr. 1, 1997 (JP) ................................... .. JP 09-083009
`
`Publication Classi?cation
`
`(51) Int. Cl.7 ........................... .. H04N 1/04; H04N 1/393
`(52) US. Cl. ....................... .. 358/474; 358/487; 358/449;
`358/451
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`An image reading apparatus having an illuminating device
`for illuminating a ?lm original, an image reading device for
`reading an image on the ?lm original illuminated by the
`illuminating device and outputting image signals. The image
`reading apparatus further includes a type discriminating
`device for discriminating Whether the ?lm original is a ?rst
`?lm original or a second ?lm original having different ?lm
`siZes, and a reading scope modifying device for modifying
`the reading scope of the image reading means according to
`the result of discrimination of the type discriminating
`means.
`
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 22, 2004 Sheet 1 0f 14
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`US 2004/0012827 A1
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 22, 2004 Sheet 2 0f 14
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`Page 3 of 23
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`Patent Application Publication
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`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1004
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Patent Application Publication
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`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1004
`Page 15 of 23
`
`

`
`US 2004/0012827 A1
`
`J an. 22, 2004
`
`IMAGE READING APPARATUS
`
`INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
`[0001] The disclosures of the following priority applica
`tions are herein incorporated by reference: Japanese Patent
`Application No. 8-211525, ?led Aug. 9, 1996; and Japanese
`Patent Application No. 9-083009, ?led Apr. 1, 1997.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
`
`[0003] The invention relates to an image reading apparatus
`for reading ?lm images. In particular, the invention relates to
`an image reading apparatus that can handle ?lms having
`different siZes.
`
`[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
`[0005] A ?lm scanner is an image reading apparatus for
`reading ?lm images provided on ?lm photographed by a
`camera, for example. The ?lm scanner reads images pro
`vided on negative ?lm or on reversal ?lm under the control
`of a host computer and outputs those images to the host
`computer. The host computer displays the ?lm images on a
`monitor screen.
`
`[0006] With 35 mm ?lm, a user receives developed ?lm in
`strip or mounted form (e.g., slides). In the latter case, a ?lm
`scanner is used for the purpose of reading the images
`provided on the ?lm received on slide mounts. In the case of
`strip ?lm, the ?lm scanner reads those images by receiving
`the ?lm in a custom holder.
`
`[0007] Recently, neW standards have been proposed
`Whereby long-type ?lm (“roll ?lm”) is handled While it is
`housed in a cartridge. With this ?lm system, the ?lm is in a
`photography-enabled state simply by loading the cartridge
`into the camera. Additionally, When the ?lm is developed,
`the user receives a cartridge housing the developed ?lm
`(rather than receiving the developed ?lm Without a car
`tridge).
`[0008] Aconventional ?lm scanner cannot read the images
`of the roll ?lm housed in the cartridge. Consequently, neW
`types of ?lm scanners have been proposed (see, for example,
`Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 5-75922),
`Whereby the images on roll ?lm housed in a cartridge can be
`read.
`
`[0009] One type of ?lm scanner uses a line sensor having
`a plurality of photoelectric converters arranged in a roW. A
`second type of ?lm scanner uses an area sensor having a
`plurality of photoelectric converters arranged in roWs and
`columns (i.e., a matrix). Japanese Laid-Open Patent Appli
`cation No. 5-75922 uses an area sensor.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0010] It is desirable to provide an image reading appa
`ratus that can handle both 35 mm ?lm and the neW roll ?lm.
`HoWever, the 35 mm ?lm is Wider than the roll ?lm.
`Accordingly, an image reading apparatus must be able to
`handle ?lms having different ?lm Widths.
`
`[0011] Since the 35 mm ?lm is Wider than the roll ?lm, an
`optical system set up to handle 35 mm ?lm Would read
`portions of the roll ?lm that did not contain data if used on
`roll ?lm. Thus, one aspect of the present invention is to
`
`provide an apparatus that limits the data read based on a
`particular ?lm siZe. The optical system must be able to read
`the scope of an image on 35 mm ?lm and on roll ?lm Without
`the output of useless data.
`
`[0012] If the 35 mm ?lm and the roll ?lm Were read at the
`same resolution, the effective resolution of the roll ?lm
`Would be less because of the small Width of the roll ?lm.
`Thus, another aspect of the invention is to provide an
`apparatus that modi?es the resolution of the optical system
`based on the ?lm siZe in order to obtain an equal amount of
`data With 35 mm ?lm and roll ?lm.
`
`[0013] Although modifying the resolution does not sig
`ni?cantly affect scanning With the area sensor, some prob
`lems occur With line sensors. When reading With a line
`sensor, in order to maintain the vertical-horiZontal (aspect)
`ratio of the pixels, it is necessary to modify the pitch of the
`auxiliary scan. Thus, another aspect of the invention is to
`address such problems, and to provide an image reading
`apparatus that can perform the appropriate reading accord
`ing to the type of ?lm.
`
`[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, an image
`reading apparatus that includes an image reading device
`determines the type of original (e.g. ?lm type) that is input
`to the apparatus and then modi?es the reading scope of the
`image reading device based on the type of original. This can
`be accomplished, for example, by adjusting the optical
`system of the image reading device, or by processing the
`signal output by the image reading device. The determina
`tion of the type of original can be made, for example, by
`monitoring the status of sensors provided at the input
`locations of the different types of originals, or by analyZing
`the signal output by the image reading device as the original
`is being scanned.
`
`[0015] The apparatus may also modify the reading reso
`lution of the image reading device according to the type of
`original that is determined. This can be done, for example,
`by adjusting the auxiliary scan amount if a line sensor is
`used as the image reading device.
`
`[0016] For example, When the original is ?lm, the type of
`?lm can be determined based on the presence or absence of
`the detection of a perforation in the ?lm. Alternatively, the
`type of ?lm can be determined based on a detection of the
`speci?cation of the type of ?lm. The type of ?lm also can be
`determined based on the presence or absence of detection by
`a loading detection sensor for the ?lm original.
`
`[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, the
`resolution of the image reading device is modi?ed based on
`the type of original that is loaded in the apparatus. Thus,
`regardless of Whether the ?rst type of original or the second
`type of original is loaded, the light-receiving area of the
`image reading device can be employed effectively, and
`high-quality images can be obtained.
`[0018] Further objects, details and advantages of the
`invention Will be apparent from the folloWing detailed
`description, When read in conjunction With the draWings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0019] FIG. 1 is an external perspective vieW of an image
`reading apparatus of one embodiment of the present inven
`tion.
`
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`

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`US 2004/0012827 A1
`
`Jan. 22, 2004
`
`[0020] FIG. 2 is an external perspective vieW of a car
`tridge of roll ?lm.
`
`[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram con?guration
`of the FIG. 1 image reading apparatus.
`
`[0022] FIG. 4 shoWs the FIG. 1 apparatus during the
`reading of roll ?lm.
`
`[0023] FIG. 5 shoWs the FIG. 1 apparatus during the
`reading of a strip of 35 mm ?lm.
`
`[0024] FIG. 6 shoWs the FIG. 1 apparatus during the
`reading of slide-mounted 35 mm ?lm.
`
`[0025] FIG. 7 is a plan vieW of the ?lms used in FIGS.
`4-6, and illustrates the Width dimension of each ?lm.
`
`[0026] FIG. 8 is a How chart of part of one ?lm type
`discrimination process.
`
`[0027] FIG. 9 is a How chart of the remainder of the FIG.
`8 ?lm type discrimination process
`
`[0028] FIG. 10 is a How chart of one ?lm type discrimi
`nation process for 35 mm ?lm.
`
`[0029] FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b) are explanatory draWings for
`reading 35 mm ?lm.
`
`[0030] FIG. 12 is a How chart of part of one ?lm type
`discrimination process for roll ?lm.
`
`[0031] FIG. 13 is a How chart of the remainder of the FIG.
`12 ?lm type discrimination process.
`
`[0032] FIGS. 14(a)-14(a') are explanatory draWings for
`reading roll ?lm.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0033] FIG. 1 shoWs an image reading apparatus 1 includ
`ing a cover 2 on an upper surface thereof. The cover 2 is for
`opening and closing a cartridge chamber for loading a
`cartridge 3. The cartridge 3 houses roll ?lm. An insertion
`opening 6 is located on the side surface of the image reading
`apparatus. The insertion opening 6 is used for inserting the
`strip ?lm 4 and slide-mounted ?lm 5. The strip ?lm 4 and
`slide-mounted ?lm 5 are Well-knoWn 35 mm ?lms, for
`example.
`[0034] FIG. 2 shoWs an external vieW of the cartridge 3.
`The cartridge 3 includes a cylindrical case 3a. The cartridge
`3 has tWo ends Which axially support a cartridge spool 3b
`that extends in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical
`case 3a. This con?guration alloWs the cartridge spool 3b to
`rotate freely.
`
`[0035] On a side surface of the cartridge 3 (not shoWn) a
`disk is arranged. The disk is for displaying information
`indicating Whether or not the housed roll ?lm is developed.
`The disk further provides optically readable information
`indicating the type of ?lm. Other information includes
`Whether the ?lm is negative ?lm, positive ?lm, color ?lm,
`monochrome ?lm, the manufacturer name and model num
`ber of the ?lm.
`
`[0036] The roll ?lm 7 is ?xed at its base end to the
`cartridge spool 3b. The roll ?lm 7 is Wound up into the case
`3a, and is housed entirely inside the case 3a. The leading end
`
`enters into and emerges from the case 3a through an opening
`3c according to forWard and backWard rotational driving of
`the cartridge spool 3b.
`
`[0037] The roll ?lm 7 has an image memory area 70, tWo
`perforations 71 and 72 on a side (in a lateral direction), and
`a magnetic memory area 73 on the other side (in a lateral
`direction) for each frame. The tWo perforations 71 and 72 are
`provided in ?xed positions for specifying the start position
`and end position of the image memory area 70.
`
`[0038] Information is recorded in each magnetic memory
`area 73. The recorded information relates to frame number,
`title, photographic date and time, photographic condition,
`speci?ed print siZe, and other information.
`
`[0039] As shoWn in FIGS. 3-6, the image reading appa
`ratus comprises, an insertion opening 6, a ROM 10, a central
`processing unit (CPU) 11, a RAM 12, an interface circuit (IF
`circuit) 13, an optical system motor drive circuit 14, an
`image signal processing circuit 15, a line sensor drive circuit
`16, a magnetic signal processing circuit 17, a light source
`drive circuit 18, a take-up spool drive circuit 19, an opposing
`roller drive circuit 20, a cartridge motor drive circuit 21, a
`loading chamber 22 for the cartridge 3, a cartridge motor 23,
`a ?lm information reading sensor 24, a take-up spool motor
`25, a reading device motor 26, a lens motor 27, a line sensor
`28, a lens 29, a re?ective mirror 30, a light source 31,
`magnetic sensors 32 and 33, an optical sensor 34, a ?lm
`detection sensor 35, opposing rollers 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40
`and a take-up chamber 41. Many of the electronic compo
`nents are mounted on a circuit board 42 shoWn in FIGS. 4-6.
`
`[0040] The image reading apparatus is connected to a host
`computer 50 via IF circuit 13. The host computer 50
`comprises a central processing unit, a program memory
`(e.g., ROM), a Working memory (e.g., RAM), a display
`device (Which functions as an output device) and a keyboard
`and mouse (Which function as input devices).
`
`[0041] A cartridge motor 23 and a ?lm information read
`ing sensor 24 are provided in the loading chamber 22. When
`the user opens the cover 2 and loads the cartridge 3 into the
`cartridge chamber 22, the cartridge spool 3b engages the
`rotating shaft of cartridge motor 23. The ?lm information on
`the disk (of the loaded cartridge 3) is read by the ?lm
`information reading sensor 24. This information is also
`supplied to CPU 11.
`
`[0042] The cartridge motor 23 is driven by cartridge motor
`drive circuit 21. The cartridge motor drive circuit 21 is
`controlled by CPU 11. The cartridge motor drive circuit 21
`controls (via CPU 11) rotational speed, rotational direction
`and stopping.
`
`[0043] When the cartridge motor 23 is driven forWard, the
`roll ?lm 7 is delivered out from the cartridge 3 to a conveyor
`path. When the cartridge motor 23 is driven backWard, the
`roll ?lm 7 is taken up inside cartridge 3 from the conveyor
`path (See FIG. 4).
`
`[0044] The ?lm detection sensor 35 and opposing rollers
`36 are provided in insertion opening 6. When the user inserts
`the strip ?lm 4 or the slide-mounted ?lm 5 into the insertion
`opening 6, the ?lm detection sensor 35 detects the strip ?lm
`4 or the slide-mounted ?lm 5. The ?lm detection sensor 35
`provides the detection to CPU 11.
`
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`

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`US 2004/0012827 A1
`
`Jan. 22, 2004
`
`[0045] CPU 11 controls the opposing roller drive circuit
`20, Which receives the detection signal from ?lm detection
`sensor 35. The opposing roller drive circuit 20 controls
`rotation of the opposing rollers 36. The opposing roller drive
`circuit 20 receives instructions from CPU 11. As a result, the
`strip ?lm 4 and slide-mounted ?lm 5 are provided to the
`conveyor path (see FIGS. 5-6).
`[0046] Along the conveyor path are opposing rollers 37, a
`magnetic head 33, an optical sensor 34, opposing rollers 38,
`opposing rollers 39, a magnetic head 32, opposing rollers 40,
`and a take-up chamber 41. The light source 31 is provided
`betWeen opposing rollers 38 and 39.
`
`[0047] The opposing rollers 37, 38, 39 and 40 are driven
`separately by the opposing roller drive circuit 20. The
`opposing rollers 37 convey roll ?lm 7, delivered from
`loading chamber 22, to the opposing rollers 38. The oppos
`ing rollers 37 convey 35 mm ?lm, delivered from the
`insertion opening 6 by the opposing rollers 36, to the
`opposing rollers 38.
`
`[0048] The opposing rollers 38 and 39 feed the ?lm
`original at a constant speed during image reading. The
`opposing rollers 40 convey the ?lm (roll ?lm 7 and strip ?lm
`4), to take-up chamber 41. The opposing rollers 40 also
`convey the ?lm back to opposing rollers 39.
`
`[0049] As is knoWn, if an area-type image sensor Were
`provided instead of the line sensor 28, it Would not be
`necessary to feed the ?lm using rollers 38 and 39 during
`image reading of a frame.
`
`[0050] The feeding speed of opposing rollers 40 is set a
`little higher than the feeding speed of opposing rollers 39, so
`that slack does not occur. This feeding speed relationship is
`maintained When the roll ?lm 7 is conveyed to the take-up
`chamber 41.
`
`[0051] Atake-up spool motor 25 is provided in the take-up
`chamber 41. The take-up spool motor 25 rotates based on
`signals supplied by the take-up spool drive circuit 19. Roll
`?lm 7 is taken up on the take-up shaft of the take-up spool
`motor 25 (refer to FIG. 4). Strip ?lm 4 may also be taken up
`on the take-up shaft of take-up spool motor 25.
`
`[0052] The magnetic heads 32 and 33 read magnetic
`information stored in the magnetic memory area 73 of roll
`?lm 7. They also provide the information to CPU 11 under
`control of the magnetic signal processing circuit 17. The
`magnetic heads 32 and 33 also can perform Writing of
`information to the magnetic memory area 73 under the
`control of magnetic signal processing circuit 17.
`[0053] The magnetic signal processing circuit 17 digitiZes
`the magnetic information read by the magnetic heads 32 and
`33, and provides it to CPU 11. The magnetic signal pro
`cessing circuit 17 also can provide the information, Written
`to magnetic memory area 73, to the magnetic heads 32 and
`33.
`
`[0054] The optical sensor 34 optically detects each perfo
`ration 71 and 72 of the roll ?lm 7. The optical sensor 34
`provides that detection to CPU 11.
`
`[0055] Light source 31 illuminates one surface of the ?lm.
`The light source 31 is controlled by the light source drive
`circuit 18. The light transmitted through the ?lm is intro
`duced to the line sensor 28 via the lens 29.
`
`[0056] The light source 31 comprises light-emitting
`diodes (LEDs) of three colors, R (red), G (green) and B
`(blue). In this case, the light source drive circuit 18 controls
`sWitching of lighting and extinguishing of the three colors of
`LEDs of the light source 31 folloWing instructions from
`CPU 11.
`
`[0057] Light source 31 may also be a White light source.
`In this case, three colors of ?lters R (red), G (green) and B
`(blue) are provided. When the three colors of ?lters are
`provided, a sWitching mechanism for the three colors of
`?lters is required.
`
`[0058] While the illustrated embodiment includes an
`architecture in Which light is transmitted through the ?lm,
`the invention also can be applied to architectures in Which
`the light is re?ected from the ?lm.
`
`[0059] Lens 29 is supported by a Worm that couples the
`lens to the rotating shaft of lens motor 27 so that it can move
`in accordance With rotation of the rotating shaft. The line
`sensor 28 is supported by a Worm that couples the line sensor
`to the rotating shaft of the take-up motor 26 so that the
`position of the light-receiving surface can be moved in
`accordance With the rotation of the rotating shaft.
`
`[0060] CPU 11 separately drives the reading motor 26 and
`the lens motor 27 by controlling the optical system motor
`drive circuit 14. This control adjusts the reading scope and
`resolution.
`
`[0061] Line sensor 28 comprises a plurality of photoelec
`tric converters arranged in a roW and a transfer component
`for transferring charge accumulated in the photoelectric
`converters. The line sensor 28 is positioned so that the
`direction of arrangement (main scan direction) of the plu
`rality of photoelectric converters intersects With the direc
`tion of movement (auxiliary scan direction) of the ?lm
`original.
`[0062] The line sensor 28 is either a monochrome image
`sensor or a color image sensor. The light source 31 used by
`a monochrome image sensor is a light source that sWitches
`betWeen three colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue), or a
`White light source. The light source 31 used by a color image
`sensor is a White light source.
`
`[0063] The line sensor drive circuit 16 controls the accu
`mulating operation and accumulating time of line sensor 28.
`The line sensor drive circuit 16 also controls the main scan
`for sWeeping out the accumulated charge (image signals,
`electrical signals) to the image signal processing circuit 15.
`[0064] The image signal processing circuit 15 ampli?es,
`signal processes and digitiZes the signals from line sensor
`28. The image signal processing circuit also supplies the
`digitiZed signals to CPU 11. The signal processing opera
`tions include correlated double sampling (CDS), shading
`correction, dark current correction, even-odd correction, and
`similar processing operations.
`
`[0065] ROM 10 is a program memory and RAM 12 is a
`Working memory. The ROM 10 and RAM 12 are connected
`by a bus to CPU 11. CPU 11 performs the control operations
`according to the program established in ROM 10.
`
`[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention,
`CPU 11 receives the output of ?lm information reading
`sensor 24 and ?lm detection sensor 35 and determines
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1004
`Page 18 of 23
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`

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`Jan. 22, 2004
`
`Whether the ?lm original is a roll ?lm or a 35 mm ?lm, for
`example. The resolution and reading scope of line sensor 28
`is then adjusted by controlling the optical system motor
`drive circuit 14 according to the result of this determination.
`
`[0067] CPU 11 causes the ?lm original to be read by
`controlling the opposing roller drive circuit 20, the line
`sensor drive circuit 16, the image signal processing circuit
`15 and the light source drive circuit 18. CPU 11 then stores
`the read line data in RAM 12. CPU 11 outputs the line data
`stored in RAM 12 to host computer 50.
`
`[0068] CPU 11 receives the output of the optical sensor 34
`and performs position detection of the perforations. This can
`also be used to determine Whether the read ?lm original is
`a roll ?lm or a 35 mm ?lm.
`
`[0069] The CPU 11 decides the type of original based on
`Whether a perforation is present at a speci?ed reading
`position of the line sensor 28. The reading range of the line
`sensor 28 matches the image storing area of the ?lm 4. When
`no perforation is detected, the CPU 11 determines that ?lm
`4 is inserted into the image reading device 1. When a
`perforation is detected, the CPU 11 determines that ?lm 7 is
`inserted into the image reading device 1.
`
`[0070] Alternatively, a sensor may, for example, detect the
`position of the perforation of ?lm 4 by outputting a high
`state When a light of high brightness is radiated thereon, and
`outputting a loW state When a light of loW brightness is
`radiated thereon. If the output signal of the sensor is con
`tinuously in a high state While the ?lm is moving, the CPU
`11 determines that there is no perforation. The CPU 11 then
`determines that ?lm 7 is inserted into the image reading
`device 1. If the output signal of the sensor alternates betWeen
`high and loW While the ?lm is moving, the CPU 11 deter
`mines that there is a perforation. In this case, the CPU 11
`determines that ?lm 4 is being detected. In this manner, the
`obtained result differs depending on the method of perfora
`tion detection.
`
`[0071] IF circuit 13 is an SCSI (Small Computer System
`Interface). IF circuit 13 outputs line data (image data) stored
`in RAM 12 to the host computer 50. IF circuit 13 provides
`to CPU 11 various types of commands, such as frame
`speci?cation and monitor screen setting information of the
`display device, that IF circuit 13 received from the host
`computer 50.
`
`[0072] The host computer 50 displays screen data received
`from IF circuit 13 on the monitor screen. The host computer
`50 also provides commands inputted from the keyboard and
`mouse to IF circuit 13.
`
`[0073] The control program for the image scanning appa
`ratus CPU 11 can be stored in ROM 10. It is also appropriate
`to use the central processing unit of the host computer 50
`instead of the image scanning apparatus CPU 11 to control
`the image scanning apparatus. It is also appropriate to use
`the memory of the host computer 50 instead of the memory
`of the image scanning apparatus to perform the functions
`described above. Thus, it is possible to store the program of
`the How chart of FIGS. 8-10 in the host computer 50, the
`hard disk drive, the host apparatus ROM, or other memory
`device 5. By reading the program stored in ROM to the
`memory, it is possible to perform the program in the center
`processing apparatus of the host computer 50.
`
`[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the image reading
`apparatus controller is implemented as a single special
`purpose integrated circuit (e.g., ASIC) having a main or
`central processor section for overall, system-level control,
`and separate sections dedicated to performing various dif
`ferent speci?c computations, functions and other processes
`under control of the central processor section. It Will be
`appreciated by those skilled in the art that the controller can
`also be implemented using a plurality of separate dedicated
`or programmable integrated or other electronic circuits or
`devices (e.g., hardWired electronic or logic circuits such as
`discrete elements circuits, or programmable logic devices
`such as PLDs, PLAs, PALs or the like). The controller can
`also be implemented using a suitably programmed general
`purpose computer, e.g., microprocessor, microcontroller or
`other processor device (CPU or MPU), either alone or in
`conjunction With one or more peripheral (e.g., integrated
`circuit) data and signal processing devices. In general, any
`device or assembly of devices on Which a ?nite state
`machine capable of implementing the ?oWcharts shoWn in
`FIGS. 8-10, 12 and 13 can be used as the controller. As
`mentioned above, the various control functions also can be
`performed by the host apparatus. As shoWn, a distributed
`processing architecture is preferred for maximum data/
`signal processing capability and speed.
`[0075] Conveyance of the ?lm original is possible on the
`same conveyor path and reading is possible With the same
`optical system, regardless of Whether a 35 mm strip ?lm or
`a 35 mm slide-mounted ?lm is used.
`
`[0076] The Width of each ?lm original is shoWn in FIG. 7.
`Slide-mounted ?lm 5 has an aperture Width of approxi
`mately 22-23 mm. Strip ?lm 4 has an image Width of about
`24 mm. Roll ?lm 7 has an image Width of about 16.7 mm.
`The overall Width of roll ?lm 7 is about 24 mm, approxi
`mately the same Width as the image Width of the 35 mm ?lm.
`
`[0077] Because the Width measurements differ betWeen
`neW ?lm and the 35 mm ?lm, it is necessary to determine the
`type of ?lm that is loaded in the apparatus. As previously
`explained, ?lm information reading sensor 24 is provided in
`the loading chamber 22. Also, the ?lm detection sensor 35
`is provided in insertion opening 6. Furthermore, the user can
`specify the type of ?lm original. Therefore, CPU 11 can
`determine the type of ?lm directly from such information. In
`this case, there are feW problems because CPU 11 can match
`the Width of the image to the various ?lm siZes.
`
`[0078] Another method of determining the type of ?lm
`original is explained in FIGS. 8-10, 12 and 13. This method
`does not utiliZe sensors 24 and 35 to make this determina
`tion. The program shoWn in the How chart of FIGS. 8-10 can
`be stored in the memories mentioned above or in a memory
`medium 50a such as, for example, CD-ROM. This enables
`set-up in advance in the host computer 50.
`
`[0079] Referring to FIG. 8, at step S1, CPU 11 sets the
`reading Width of line sensor 28 to the image Width of 35 mm
`?lm, Which is the largest Width. CPU 11 ?rst performs
`detection of the image memory area, Wherein an image is
`copied, by executing each process of steps S2-S5.
`
`[0080] In step S2 CPU 11 drives the cartridge motor 23
`and the opposing rollers 36, 37 and 38 according to the
`output of detection of the ?lm information detection sensor
`24 or the ?lm detection sensor 35. It then conveys the ?lm
`
`DIGITAL CHECK CORP. EXHIBIT 1004
`Page 19 of 23
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`

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`Jan. 22, 2004
`
`original for the speci?ed amount of time or length. In step
`S3, CPU 11 performs reading of one line by operating the
`light source 31.
`
`[0081] In step S4, CPU 11 determines from the result of
`step S3 Whether or not the output level of line sensor 28 has
`become less than or equal to a speci?ed value. When the
`determination is negative (NO), it performs iterative pro
`cessing of steps S4QS2QS3Q—>S4 until the determination
`becomes affirmative (YES). In the iterative processing of
`steps S4QS2—>S3QS4, the arrival of the leading end of the
`loaded ?lm original to the reading position is detected.
`
`[0082] Until the leading end of the ?lm original comes up
`to the reading position betWeen the opposing rollers 38 and
`39, the projected light of the light source 31 is input directly
`into the line sensor 28. Therefore, the output level of line
`sensor 28 is great.
`
`[0083] When the leading end of the ?lm original arrives at
`the reading position betWeen the opposing rollers 38 and 39,
`the projected light of the light source 31 is blocked by the
`?lm original. It can also be transmitted through the ?lm
`original. Therefore, the output level of the line sensor 28
`becomes a level corresponding to the type of ?lm original.
`
`[0084] In step S5, When the determination of step S4
`becomes af?rmative (YES), CPU 11 determines Whether or
`not the output level of line sensor 28 is about Zero. When the
`output level of line sensor 28 becomes about Zero, it means
`that the frame of a slide-mounted ?lm 5 is present.
`
`[0085] When the determination of step S5 is affirmative
`(YES), CPU 11 conveys the ?lm original for the speci?ed
`amount in step S6. In step S7, CPU 11 performs reading of
`one line. In step S8, CPU 11 determines Whether or not the
`result of reading has become greater than or equal to a
`speci?ed value.
`
`[0086] CPU 11 repeats the processing of steps S8QS6a
`S