Patent ID: 6078409
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A scanner having a film image input unit for reading images from developed film stowed in a cartridge, and a film holding unit capable of being detachably attached to said film image input unit and of holding said cartridge, comprising:said film holding unit comprising a first housing enclosing said cartridge independently of said image input unit and having opposing first and second sidewalls having external shapes different from one another;said image input unit comprising a second housing enclosing means for reading an image from developed film, said second housing having an external surface provided with a ditch selection having a bottom and opposing first and second sidewalls, said first and second sidewalls having external surfaces provided with shapes that respectively conform to the shapes of the first and second sidewalls of said film holding unit facilitate proper insertion and removal of said film holding unit from said ditch section;a means for instructing to detach said film holding unit from said image input unit;a film drive means for feeding said film; anda restraining means for prohibiting detachment of said film holding unit from said image input unit; wherein:said film drive means rewinds said film in response to a command from said detachment instruction means; andsaid restraining means is freed during one of a time immediately before and a time after the rewind is completed.