JPH0215906B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a search device that searches for images by detecting and counting marks provided corresponding to each image on a recording medium such as a film on which a large number of images are recorded.

Conventionally, films used in search devices built into microfilm readers and the like are provided with counting marks on the side edges of each frame of the film. The frame is automatically searched.

The above search device illuminates the mark on the film with a lamp, detects the luminous flux from the mark with a mark sensor having a photoelectric conversion element as the film is moved, counts the output signal of the mark sensor with a counter, and counts the output signal of the mark sensor with a counter. A comparator circuit compares the counting contents of the device and the desired frame number entered from the keyboard,
When the two match, a stop signal is issued from the comparator circuit to the drive control circuit, and the drive system for transporting the film is stopped, so that the desired frame is stopped at a predetermined position where it will be projected onto the screen.

However, with the desired image retrieval device configured in this way, there is no problem as long as the size of the mark on the film is constant, but since the shape of the mark is not standardized, the mark size of commonly used films varies. There are lengths of .

Therefore, when using a film on which two or more types of marks of different shapes are recorded, the retrieval device is equipped with multiple mark sensors, and these mark sensors are placed at predetermined intervals according to the size of the marks. The marks are sequentially detected by multiple mark sensors in an array, and the mark size is detected by combining the output signals of the multiple mark sensors. However, if the mark size differs depending on the film, the interval between the mark sensors must be adjusted. The mark detection unit must be adjusted or replaced with a designated unit from among a number of mark detection device units consisting of multiple mark sensors in order to match the size of the mark, which makes adjustment difficult and search time consuming. The work was very inconvenient, and only a skilled person could find the desired unit.

In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, the present invention provides a search device that can be easily adapted to an increase in the size of marks and types of marks, and does not require adjustment.

The present invention will be explained below using specific examples shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows various films used in the present invention. Film F ₁ has one type of small-sized mark m on the side of the frame f on which an image is recorded, the density of which differs from the periphery corresponding to each frame. ₁ , this small mark
_m1 is for searching images classified into small items for each frame. The film F ₂ has one kind of medium mark m ₂ larger than the small mark m ₁ corresponding to each frame f, and this mark m ₂ is used to search for images classified into small items. .

Film F ₃ has two types of marks: large mark m _{3 and} small mark m ₁ , which are larger than mark m 2. Large mark m ₃ searches for images classified into medium items, and small mark m ₁ searches for images classified into medium items. This is for searching images classified into small categories. For example, when recording a drawing of a car's parts on film, the structure of the car is classified into several units, and a large mark ( _m3) indicating the middle item is recorded on the side of the frame in which the exploded view of each unit is recorded. Next to the frame in which the exploded diagram of the unit is recorded, record the component parts diagram, part number, price, etc. of this unit, and record the small mark m ₁ indicating the small item on the side of each frame in which this parts diagram, etc. is recorded. If you use this film, please mark it with a large mark.
If m ₃ is detected, the frame that records the exploded view of the desired unit can be searched, and if the small mark m ₁ is detected, the frame that records the desired parts diagram, part number, price, etc. in the desired unit can be searched. can be searched. The film _F4 has a large mark _m3 for medium items and a medium mark _m2 for small items.
Film _F5 has three types of marks: small mark _m1 , medium mark _m2 , and large mark m3.Large mark _m3 searches for images classified into large items, and medium mark _m2 searches for medium items _. Search for images classified as , small mark m ₁
is for searching images classified into small categories. For example, when recording parts drawings of various automobiles on film, three types of large, medium, and small marks can be selectively placed on the side of each frame so that the automobile model, exploded view of the unit, and component parts diagram can be searched. When using this film, if the large mark _M3 is detected, the configuration diagram of the desired car can be recorded.
If the medium mark _m2 is detected, the exploded view of the desired unit can be retrieved, and if the small mark _m1 is detected, the desired parts diagram, etc. can be retrieved.

The present invention provides a search device that can easily search for images classified by item in arbitrary classification units, even when using any of the above-mentioned films.

In the above embodiment, when there are two types of marks on the film, the larger mark is classified as a medium item and the smaller mark as a small item, but this may be reversed, and the size and classification of the mark are classified. Items can be matched arbitrarily.

FIG. 2 shows a film reader to which the present invention is applied. In the drawing, 1 is a removable cartridge that stores a long film in the form of a roll, 2 is a guide roller, 3 is a film guide plate,
4 is a lamp for illuminating the film; 5 is a condensing lens; 6 and 7 are glass plates placed opposite each other across the film transport path; 8 is a capstan roller; 9 is a pinch roller; 10 is a take-up reel; 11 is a This is a film feed roller. The cartridge 1 and take-up reel 10 are connected to a film tensioning and winding motor, and the capstan roller 8 and delivery roller 11 are connected to a film drive motor.
The film F in the cartridge 1 is sent out by the feed roller 11, and after being wound around the take-up reel, the film F is stretched between the cartridge 1 and the take-up reel 10, and wound onto the take-up reel by the capstan roller 8. or rewound into the cartridge 1. 16 is a mark detection device, 17 is a projection lens, and 18 is a screen.

The film F is illuminated by light from the lamp 4 between the glass plates 6 and 7, and the image of the illuminated frame is enlarged and projected onto the screen 18 by the lens 17.

The mark detection device 16 has four mark sensors, and each mark sensor has a light guide member 20, 21, 2 made of an optical fiber bundle as shown in FIG.
2, 23, and a light receiving element 25 consisting of a photoelectric conversion element.
26, 27, and 28, respectively.
One end of each light guide member 20 to 23 is disposed opposite to the mark movement path of the film F and spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the film movement direction, and the other end is arranged to receive light from the light receiving elements 25 to 28. The light receiving elements 25 to 28 sequentially detect optical signals from the marks. As shown in FIGS. 5A, B, and C, the distance between the end surfaces of the light guide members 21 and 23 facing the film transport path in the film transport direction is equal to the image m ₃ of the large mark m 3 shown in FIG. _1. ′ and longer than the image m ₂ ′ of the medium-sized mark m ₂ . The distance between the end faces of the light guide members 20 and 23 facing the film transport path in the film transport direction is slightly longer than the length of the image m ₃ ' of the large mark m ₃ shown in FIG. The distance in the film transport direction between the end faces facing the film transport path of 21 and 22 is slightly shorter than the length of the image m ₂ ' of the medium-sized mark m ₂ shown in _FIG . image
m ₁ ', and the light guide members 20 and 2
The interval in the film transport direction between the end faces facing the film transport path of No. 1 is set and arranged to be longer than the length of the image m ₁ ' of the small-sized mark m ₁ . Therefore, if the marks m ₁ , m ₂ , m ₃ are opaque, the light incident on one end of the light guide member 21 will be reflected by the small mark m ₁
When blocked by the other light guide member 20,
Light enters the light guide members 21 and 22 and 23, and
When the light incident on the light guide member 22 is blocked by the medium mark _m2 , the light enters the other light guide members 20 and 23, and the light incident on the light guide members 21 to 23 is blocked by the large mark _m3 . When the light guide member 20 is blocked, light enters the other light guide members 20. If the mark is transparent, the above is the opposite.

For convenience of explanation, the following description assumes that the marks on the film are opaque.

FIG. 4 shows a search circuit for searching for a desired image using the film shown in FIG.

Reference numerals 34 to 37 are amplifiers that amplify the output signals of the light receiving elements 25 to 28, and when the light receiving elements detect an optical signal from the mark (when the light entering the light receiving element is blocked by the mark), the output signal becomes "0". " mark detection signal is output. V ₁ ~ _{V 6} are inverters, A ₁ ~
A ₂₂ is an AND gate, R ₁ and R ₂ are an OR gate, 40
-42 are flip-flop circuits, 45-47 are addition/subtraction counters, 50-52 are registers, 55-5
7 is a comparison circuit, 60 is an input device for inputting a search number, 61 to 63 are register selection switches, 65
is a forward/reverse motor 6 that drives the counters 45 and 46, the capstan roller 8, and the feed roller 11.
6 and a motor (not shown) that drives the cartridge 1 and take-up reel 10.

The light receiving element 25 is provided to stop the film frame at a fixed position regardless of the size of the mark, and may be omitted if the stopping position does not need to be precisely regulated. Other light receiving elements 26, 2
7 and 28 are for detecting the size of the mark.

Flip-flop circuits 40-42 and AND gates _A4 - _A8 constitute means for determining the type of mark on the film based on the size of the mark.
AND gates A ₁ -A ₃ and inverters V ₁ -V ₃ constitute means for detecting the size of the mark. That is, when the light receiving element 25 is in a state where it is not outputting a mark detection signal, the light receiving element 26 outputs a mark detection signal, and the light receiving elements 27 and 28 do not simultaneously output a mark detection signal.
A ₁ opens and outputs a small mark detection signal from AND gate A ₁ indicating that a small mark m ₁ has been detected. This signal sets the flip-flop circuit 40, and the flip-flop circuit 40 stores the presence of the small mark _m1 on the film to be used.

Further, when the light receiving element 25 is in a state where it is not outputting a mark detection signal, the light receiving elements 26 and 27 simultaneously output a mark detection signal, and the light receiving element 2
8 does not output a mark detection signal, AND gate A ₂ opens, and AND gate A ₂ outputs a medium mark detection signal indicating that a medium-sized mark m ₂ has been detected. The flip-flop circuit 41 is set by this signal, and the flip-flop circuit 41 is set.
remembers that the medium mark _m2 was present on the film being used.

Further, when the light receiving element 25 is not outputting a mark detection signal, the light receiving elements 26, 2
7 and 28 simultaneously output mark detection signals, AND gate _A3 opens, and AND gate _A3 outputs a large mark detection signal indicating that a large size mark _m3 has been detected. This signal sets the flip-flop circuit 42, and the flip-flop circuit 42 stores the presence of the large mark _m3 on the film being used.

Reset input terminals R of flip-flop circuits 40-42 are connected to signal line C, and when a reset signal of "1" is sent to signal line C, each flip-flop circuit 40-42 is reset. This reset signal is generated when the power switch is turned on or when the reset switch of the input device 60 is turned on.

On the other hand, the signals output from each AND gate A ₁ , A ₂ , A ₃ pass through OR gate R ₁ as a count signal classified into small items, and are sent to the first counter 45 via AND gate A ₁₄ or A ₁₅ . .

AND gates _A4 - _A8 are opened and closed depending on the storage state of each flip-flop circuit 40-42. That is, AND gate _A4 opens when flip-flop circuit 40 stores a small mark, flip-flop circuit 41 stores a medium mark, and flip-flop circuit 42 stores no large mark. Similarly, AND gate A ₅ is opened when the medium mark and large mark are stored, but no small mark is stored, and AND gate A ₆ is opened when the small mark and large mark are stored, and the medium mark is stored. AND gates A ₇ and A ₈ open when the small mark, medium mark, and large mark are memorized.

AND gates A ₉ to _{A 13} are used to obtain count signals from marks classified into medium items or higher among marks classified into multiple items on the film, and the output signals of AND gates A ₁ to _{A 13} are Based on this, mark count signals are output that are sorted by mark size. If there are marks of two or more sizes on the film, one of AND gates A ₉ to A ₁₂ is selectively opened when the second largest size mark is detected, and at this time, these AND gates are The signal output from the gate passes through OR gate _R2 as a count signal classified into medium items, and is sent to second counter 46 via AND gate _A16 or _A17 .

When marks of three different sizes exist on the film, AND gate A ₁₃ opens when the third largest size mark is detected, and the signal output from AND gate A ₁₃ at this time is classified into large items. And gate A ₁₈ or
It is sent to the third counter 47 through _A19 .

A signal indicating the film feeding direction is input to the signal line d, and in this embodiment, a signal of "0" is input when the film is being fed from the cartridge 1 to the take-up reel 10 (hereinafter referred to as forward feeding). However, when feeding from the take-up reel 10 to the cartridge 1 (hereinafter referred to as reverse feeding), a signal of "1" is input.

One of the AND gates A ₁₄ and A ₁₅ is selectively opened depending on the film transport direction, and the counting signal sent from the OR gate R ₁ passes through the AND gate A ₁₄ when the film is being transported forward. The number is sent to the first counter 45 for addition and counting, and when the film is being fed backwards, it is sent to the first counter 45 for subtraction and counting through the AND gate _A15 . Therefore, the first counter 45 adds or subtracts the count signals classified into small items depending on the film transport direction.

One of the AND gates A ₁₆ and A ₁₇ is selectively opened depending on the film transport direction, and the counting signal sent from the OR gate R ₂ passes through the AND gate A ₁₆ when the film is being transported forward. It is sent to a second counter 46 for addition and counting, and when the film is being fed backwards, it is sent to a second counter 46 for subtraction and counting through an AND gate _A17 . Therefore, the second counter 46 adds or subtracts the count signals classified into medium items depending on the film transport direction. Also, one of the AND gates A ₁₈ and A ₁₉ is selectively opened depending on the film transport direction, and the counting signal sent from the AND gate A ₁₃ is activated when the film is being transported forward _.
The data is sent to the third counter 47 for addition and counting, and when the film is being fed backwards, the data is sent to the third counter 47 for subtraction and counting through the AND gate _A19 . Therefore, the third counter 47 adds or subtracts the count signals classified into major categories depending on the film transport direction.

A signal indicating the film feeding direction sent to the signal line d can be generated by detecting the rotational direction of the motor 66. This signal indicating the film feeding direction can also be generated by other methods.

The input device 60 has numeric keys for inputting the search number of a desired image and other command keys, and when inputting the search number, register selection switches 61 to
Turn on 63 and operate the number keys. When inputting a search number into the input device 60, first press the switch 6.
If you close 3 and enter the search number for the major item, the search number for this major item will pass through AND gate A ₂₂ ,
It is stored in the third register 52. Next, switch 6
3 is opened, the switch 62 is closed, and the search number for the middle item is input.The search number for the middle item passes through the AND gate _A21 and is stored in the second register 51. Next, when the switch 62 is opened and the switch 61 is closed to input the search number for the small item, the search number for the small item passes through the AND gate A ₂₀ and is stored in the first register 50. When using a film with marks of three different sizes, the desired search numbers are stored in the first, second, and third registers 50 to 52, respectively, and when using a film with marks of two different sizes, 1st,
Desired search numbers are stored in the second registers 50 and 51, respectively, and when a film with marks of one size is used, the first register 5
The desired search number is stored only in 0.

The first comparison circuit 55 compares the search number stored in the first register 50 and the count value of the first counter 45, and outputs a match signal when the two match.
The second comparison circuit 56 compares the search number stored in the second register 51 and the count value of the second counter 46, and outputs a match signal when the two match. The third comparison circuit 57 compares the count value of the third register 52 and the third counter 47, and outputs a match signal when the two match.

The control circuit 65 includes an input device 60 and a register 50.
~ 52 and receiving signals from comparison circuits 55 to 57;
In response to this input signal, the first and second counters 45, 4
6, a motor 66, and the like.
When the control circuit 65 receives a signal from the third register indicating that the search number has been input to the third register 52, the control circuit 65 sends a signal to the first and second counters 45 and 46 to inhibit counting operations. 2 counters 45, 4
Thereafter, when a match signal is received from the third comparison circuit 57, a signal is sent to the second counter 46 to cancel the counting prohibition of the second counter 46. Also, the control circuit 65
When the second register 51 receives a signal indicating that the search number has been input to the second register 51, it sends a signal to the first counter 45 to inhibit the counting operation of the first counter 45, and then 2 comparison circuit 56
When a match signal is received from the first counter 45, a signal is sent to the first counter 45 to cancel the counting prohibition of the first counter 45. Further, the control circuit 65 sends a signal to the motor 66 to rotate the motor 66 in a predetermined direction when receiving a search start command signal from the input device 60, and stops the motor 66 when receiving a matching signal from the first comparison circuit 55. , and outputs a signal for operating a brake device (not shown) that brakes the rotation of the film feed roller.

Next, the operation of the above device will be explained. Now, a case will be described in which the cartridge containing the film _F3 shown in FIG. 1 is used to search for a desired image in this film. Let A be the search number for the middle item of the desired image, and B be the search number for the small item. The user first presses the register selection switch 62.
close and enter the search number A into the input device 60,
Next, when the switch 62 is opened and the switch 61 is closed to input the search number B into the input device 60, the search number A is stored in the second register 51 and the search number B is stored in the first register 50. Before starting the search, flip-flop circuits 40 to 42
It is assumed that the counter has been reset and the count contents of each of the counters 45 to 47 have been erased. After inputting the search number, when the search start command key of the input device 60 is operated, a motor drive signal is output from the control circuit 65 and the motor 66 is driven in the forward direction. The feed roller 11 and the capstan roller 8 are rotated by the drive of the motor 66, whereby the film _F3 is fed out from the cartridge 1, passes between the lamp 4 and the lens 17, is fed to the take-up reel 10, and is taken up. It is automatically wound onto the reel. During film feeding, 4
Among the light receiving elements 25 to 28 of 2, the light receiving elements 26 and 2
7 and 28 simultaneously output mark detection signals, that is, the large mark _m3 causes the light receiving elements 26,
When the light incident on 27 and 28 is blocked, the AND gate _A3 opens, and the large mark detection signal output from the AND gate _A3 causes the flip-flop circuit 4 to open.
2 is set. Also, when only the light receiving element 26 outputs a mark detection signal, that is, a small mark m ₁
When the light incident on the light receiving element 26 is blocked by this, the AND gate _A1 is opened, and the flip-flop circuit 40 is set by the small mark detection signal output from the AND gate _A1 . When AND gate A ₃ outputs a large mark detection signal while flip-flop circuits 40 and 42 are in the set state, AND gate A ₁₁ opens, and the signal output from AND gate A ₁₁ is output as a count signal classified into medium items as an OR gate. Passes through R ₂ and is sent to AND gate A ₁₆ .
At this time, since the film is being fed forward, the AND gate _A16 is opened, and the count signals classified as medium items are added and counted by the second counter 46.

On the other hand, the small mark detection signal output from AND gate A ₁ and the large mark detection signal output from AND gate A ₃ pass through OR gate R ₁ as count signals classified into small items, pass through AND gate A 14, and then pass through AND gate A ₁₄ to the first The count is sent to the counter 45, but since the search number has been input into the second register 51, a count prohibition signal is sent from the control circuit 65 to the second counter 45.
The first counter 45 does not perform a counting operation. As described above, each time the mark detection device detects a large mark, the second counter 46 performs a counting operation. As the film advances, the count value of the second counter 46 increases, and when the search number A in the second register 51 and the count value of the second counter 46 match, a match signal is output from the second comparison circuit 56. As a result, the control circuit 65 outputs a signal to cancel the counting prohibition, and this signal cancels the counting prohibition of the first counter 45.

After outputting the match signal from the second comparison circuit 56,
Film F ₃ is further fed forward and the AND gate
The small mark detection signal output from _A1 is an OR gate.
Pass through R ₁ and pass through AND gate A ₁₄ to the first counter 4
It is added and counted at 5. Thereafter, every time the mark detection device detects a small mark, the first counter 45 performs a counting operation, and the search number B in the first register 50 and the first
When the count values of the counter 45 match, the first comparison circuit 5
A match signal is output from 5, which causes the control circuit 65 to
A stop signal is output from the motor 66, and this signal causes the motor 66 to stop.
immediately stops, film _F3 stops, and the search operation ends. When the film _F3 stops, the image classified into the desired sub-item is placed at a predetermined position between the lamp 4 and the projection lens 17, and the image can be observed on the screen 18 at the same time as the search is completed.

Note that in the above embodiment, the second comparison circuit 56
Since the mark detection device does not detect a large mark during the period from when the match signal is output from the first comparison circuit 55 to when the match signal is output from the first comparison circuit 55, only the AND gate _A1 is open and the AND gate _A3 is not open during this time. do not have.
Therefore, the output terminal of AND gate A ₃ is connected to AND gate A ₁₄ through OR gate R ₁ , but the first counter 45 substantially only receives the small mark detection signal, that is, the count signal classified into small items. It will be counted.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, an AND gate A ₃₀ is provided between the OR gate R ₁ and the AND gate A ₁₄ ,
OR gate to one input terminal of AND gate A ₃₀
The output terminals of R ₂ and AND gate A ₁₃ are connected to a NOR gate.
You may also connect via _NR .

In addition, when observing all images classified into a desired medium item, it is sufficient to enter the search number of the desired medium item in the second register 51, but do not input the search number in the first register 50. . In this case, after searching for the image of the desired medium item (the first image of the group of images of the desired medium item is searched),
By feeding the film one frame at a time, all images classified into desired categories can be viewed one after another on the screen.

Furthermore, when the mark detection device detects the large mark at the beginning of the film _F3 , the AND gate _A11 does not open (the flip-flop circuit 40 is in the reset state), so the beginning of the film is transferred to the cartridge 1.
The second counter 46 is configured to add and count "1" in advance only when the search operation is started by sending the second counter 46. That is, when starting the search operation from the first frame of the film, one count signal is added in advance to a counter that counts the count signal corresponding to the mark classified into the largest item.

Next, when searching for a new image in this film, operate the input device 60 and switches 61, 62 to enter the search number of the middle item and the search number of the small item of the desired image into the second and first registers 51. , 50, it is possible to search for a desired image without having to once rewind the film.

According to the above embodiment, the small mark m ₁ , medium mark m ₂ and large mark shown in FIG. 1 representing classification items
By using a film having at least one type of mark among _m3 , images classified into up to three categories can be searched for each desired category.

The present invention uses a recording sheet having count marks of a plurality of sizes, and allows images classified into a plurality of categories corresponding to the types of count marks to be searched by specifying an arbitrary category.

Note that, if there are many sizes of marks, mark sensors should be provided in a number that allows the size of the marks to be determined.

Further, the recording medium is not limited to a roll-shaped microfilm, but a microfissure film or the like can also be used.

As described above, automatic search can be easily performed using recording media having various marks of different sizes, there is no need to adjust the sensor spacing, and the mark detection device can be replaced depending on the recording medium. There's no need. Furthermore, since it is possible to easily deal with marks of different standards, only one search device is required, and costs can be reduced.

Furthermore, images sorted by item can be automatically searched using recording media with different mark sizes and mark types.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a front view showing one embodiment of a film applied to the present invention, Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram of a film reader to which the invention is applied, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a mark detection device, and Fig. 4 is a search FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are diagrams explaining the relationship between the end face of the light guide and the image of the mark, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the search circuit. 25, 26, 27, 28... mark sensor,
40, 41, 42...Flip-flop circuit, 4
5, 46, 47...Counter, _A1 to _A22 ...And gate.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. In a device that detects a mark provided corresponding to each image on an image recording medium and performs a search by performing different counts depending on the type of mark, a detection means for detecting the size of the mark, and a detection means The type of mark in the image recording medium is detected by the output of
a determining means for determining the classification of the mark indicated by the type of the mark; a counting means for counting the marks by classification based on the classification determined by the determining means;
A transport means for transporting an image recording medium, an input means for inputting positional information of a desired image to be searched and a classification of this positional information, and a counting means corresponding to the positional information input to the input means and the classification of this positional information. A retrieval device comprising: a means for comparing the count value of , and stopping the image recording medium based on a match.