Film pasting apparatus

A film pasting apparatus for pasting a color separation film on a base film used for a photomechanical process, comprises a lower table for placing a base film and having optical sensors, an upper table disposed above the lower table and having suction means and pasting means, a film tray for storing a color separation film on which a first registration mark having two line segments defining a predetermined angle and a second registration mark having two line segments parallel to the two line segments of the first registration mark are formed at positions corresponding to the sensors, film picking means for inserting the film tray into the apparatus main body below the upper table to draw the color separation film to the upper table by the suction means, film registering means for withdrawing the film tray from the apparatus to detect the registration marks of the color separation film drawn to the upper table by using the sensors, for registering the color separation film based on a result of detection of the registration marks, and for placing the color separation film on the base film placed on the lower table, and means for operating the pasting means to paste the color separation film on the base film.

Background of the Invention 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to a film pasting apparatus used for a 
photomechanical process. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
In a photomechanical process, color separation films (negative films or 
positive films) obtained by a color scanner in units of originals are 
pasted on base films in units of colors with a tape or an adhesive in 
accordance with a designated layout, and the base films are printed on 
reversal films (positive films or negative films) by a printer to perform 
a negative/positive reversing process. These reversal films are used to 
form press plates. In this case, positional registration between the 
respective color separation films of each original is performed as 
follows. While overlapping the color separation films of subsequent colors 
on the color separation film of the first color (normally, a magenta), an 
operator pastes the color separation films of other colors on the 
respective base films in accordance with the color separation film of the 
first color. 
In the prior art, since registration is performed in a plate by plate 
manner by an operator with using the naked eye as described above, the 
operator feels fatigued, and the efficiency in work is low. In addition, 
since the registration precision varies depending on operators, it is 
difficult to form high-quality original plate films. 
Summary of the Invention 
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above 
situation, and has as its object to provide a film pasting apparatus which 
can perform a film pasting operation with high precision within a short 
period of time, and can easily form a high-quality original plate film. 
According to the present invention, there is provided a film pasting 
apparatus for pasting a color separation film on a base film in a 
photomechanical process, comprising a lower table on which a base film is 
placed, the lower table having optical sensors; an upper table disposed 
above the lower table and having suction means and pasting means; a color 
separation film tray for storing a color separation film on which a first 
registration mark having two line segments defining a predetermined angle 
and a second registration mark having two line segments parallel to the 
two line segments of the first registration mark are formed at positions 
corresponding to the sensors; film picking means for changing a positional 
relationship between the color separation film tray and the upper table to 
locate the color separation film tray at a position below the upper table 
and to draw the color separation film to the upper table by the suction 
means; film registering means for changing a positional relationship 
between the color separation film tray and the upper table to withdraw the 
color separation film tray from the position below the upper table and to 
detect the registration marks of the color separation film drawn to the 
upper table by using the sensors, for aligning a positional relationship 
between the upper table and the lower table based on a result of detection 
of the registration marks, and for placing the color separation film on 
the base film placed on the lower table; and means for operating the 
pasting means to paste the color separation film on the base film. 
According to the film pasting apparatus of the present invention, by 
setting the color separation films in the color separation film tray, 
registration of the respective films and film pasting operations are 
automatically performed. Therefore, the degree of fatigue felt by an 
operator can be reduced, and a high-precision film pasting operation can 
be performed within a short period of time, thereby efficiently forming 
high-quality original plate films. In addition, a positional misalignment 
is detected in accordance with the timings at which the sensors detect the 
line segments constituting the registration marks while at least one of 
the upper and lower tables is moved. Therefore, even if a color separation 
film is greatly shifted from the proper position, the positional 
misalignment can be detected to allow a registration operation. 
Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will be set 
forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from 
the description, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. 
The objects and advantages of the present invention may be realized and 
obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly 
pointed out in the appended claims.

DETIALED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
A preferred embodiment of a film pasting apparatus according to the present 
invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying 
drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the outer appearance of the 
embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the internal structure of 
the embodiment. 
A key switch device 12 and a CRT monitor 14 are arranged on a main body 10 
of the apparatus. A tray unit 16 is formed on the front surface of the 
apparatus main body 10. The tray unit 16 serves to store base films, color 
separation films, and base films on which color separation films are 
already pasted. Although either positive films or negative films can be 
used as the color separation films, negative films are used in this 
example. The key switch device 12 serves to supply various commands to the 
apparatus. The CRT monitor 14 serves to inform an operator of the 
operation state of the apparatus or give various types of warnings to the 
operator. Note that the contents of the display by the CRT monitor 14 may 
be output by a printer (not shown). The base films on which the color 
separation films are pasted in units of colors are negative/positive 
reversed by the printer to be formed into original plate films in units of 
colors. 
In the case of a newspaper, a base film has a size corresponding to a 
double-page spread, and a color separation film output from a scanner has 
a size corresponding to 12 or 15 columns on one page, or a double-page 
spread (15 columns). Although a photograph is not always printed in the 
entire width of a newspaper, an output color separation film always has a 
size corresponding to the entire width (of one page or a double-page 
spread). Therefore, a photograph is laid out to be placed at a desired 
position on a color separation film, and portions other than the portion 
on which the photograph is laid out are formed into light-shielding 
portions. A base film is also shielded in advance except for a portion on 
which a color separation film is pasted. In this embodiment, the nine 
types of base films shown in FIGS. 3A to 3I are prepared in accordance 
with pasting patterns so that base films are selected in accordance with 
the sizes and pasting positions (locations) of color separation films. 
Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3I, the hatched portions indicate light-shielding 
portions, and color separation films are pasted on blank portions (window 
portions). In newspaper printing, a photographic portion is printed by 
using four color separation films, i.e., Y (yellow), M (magenta), C 
(cyan), and K (black) films, while a character portion is printed by using 
an exclusive monochromatic film. For this reason, a total of five color 
separation films is required for one printed material. 
In the apparatus main body 10, as shown in FIG. 2, the tray unit 16 is held 
by a pair of left and right holding frames 18a and 18b and is designed to 
be slidable forward and backward. With this structure, the tray unit 16 
can be inserted into the apparatus main body 10 to allow base films and 
color separation films to be automatically picked from trays, or can be 
withdrawn from the main body 10 to allow base films and color separation 
films to be set in the trays. An upper table (capable of moving in the 
vertical direction (Z direction) and hence to be referred to as a Z table 
hereinafter) 20 and a lower table 22 are disposed in the main body 10 at 
the rear portions of the holding frames 18a and 18b so as to be parallel 
to each other. The tray unit 16 can be inserted between the upper and 
lower tables 20 and 22 by means of a rodless air cylinder. 
The tray unit 16 is constituted by a total of five trays, i.e., two pairs 
of base film trays and color separation film trays respectively storing 
base films and color separation films which have not undergone a film 
pasting process yet, and one discharge tray in which base films which have 
undergone a film pasting process are collected. In this case, a first 
color separation film tray 24, a first base film tray 26, a second color 
separation film tray 28, a second base film tray 30, and a discharge tray 
32 are arranged from above in the order mentioned. Since two pairs of 
trays respectively storing base films and color separation films are 
arranged in this manner, while one pair of trays is operated (during a 
period in which a base film and color separation films are picked from the 
trays), color separation films and a base film can be set in the other 
pair of trays, thus improving the operation efficiency. 
When one of the trays is inserted into the apparatus main body and is moved 
to a position immediately below the Z table 20, the Z table 20 is lowered 
to pick a base film or a color separation film from the tray by suction 
using a vacuum unit (not shown). When the tray is withdrawn from the main 
body to return to the original position (the position shown in FIG. 2), 
the Z table 20 is further lowered, thereby placing the base film on the 
lower table 22. The lower table 22 also includes a vacuum unit to hold the 
base film by suction. The lower table 22 can be moved in the transverse 
direction (x direction) and longitudinal direction (y direction) within a 
horizontal plane and can be rotated in a direction .theta. to perform 
registration of the color separation film. Hereinafter, the lower table 22 
will be referred to as a .theta. table. 
Although not shown, an identification mark for identifying one of the 
pasting patterns shown in FIG. 3 is attached to the base film. The .theta. 
table 22 includes an optical sensor for detecting this mark when a base 
film is sucked to the Z table 20. In addition, identification marks 
indicating a color and an odd/even page are attached to each color 
separation film. The optical sensor of the .theta. table 22 also detects 
these identification marks. The size, position, and the like of each color 
separation film are identified when the optical sensor detects the size 
and position themselves. In accordance with the result of this 
identification, the pasting pattern of the base film shown in FIG. 3 is 
matched with the color separation film in terms of size, set location and 
direction, and the like. If they do not coincide with each other, a 
corresponding warning is produced. With this operation, erroneous setting 
of base films and color separation films in the tray unit 16 can be 
detected to prevent erroneous pasting operations. 
FIG. 4 shows the .theta. table 22 in detail. The .theta. table 132 includes 
a Y table 134 disposed on a base portion 132 through movable supports to 
be movable in the y direction (longitudinal direction), and an X.theta. 
table 136 disposed on the Y table 134 through movable supports 138 to be 
movable in the x direction (transverse direction) and be rotatable within 
a plane. The Y table 134 is moved in the y direction by an y-axis driving 
motor 140 through a known feed screw mechanism disposed in the y 
direction. The driving motor 140 is arranged on the base portion 132. 
On the Y table 134, an X1-axis driving motor 142a, an X2-axis driving motor 
142b, an X1-axis guide 144a, and an X2-axis guide 144b are arranged. The 
X1- and X2-axis guides 144a and 144b extend along the x direction to be 
parallel to each other. The rotating shaft of the X1-axis driving motor 
142a is connected to an X1-axis feed screw 146a. The rotating shaft of the 
X2-axis driving motor 142b is connected to an X2-axis feed screw 146b. An 
X1-axis carriage 148a designed to slide on the X1-axis guide 144a is 
meshed with the X1-axis feed screw 146a. An X2-axis carriage 148b designed 
to slide on the X2-axis guide 144b is meshed with the X2-axis feed screw 
146b. The X1-axis carriage 148a holds the X.theta. table 136 through a 
rotating pivot support 150, whereas the X2-axis carriage 148b holds the 
X.theta. table 136 through a slide pivot support 152. The rotating pivot 
support 150 holds the X.theta. table 136 to allow the table 136 to be 
freely rotated about a pin portion extending from the table 136. The slide 
pivot support 152 holds a pin portion extending from the X.theta. table 
136 to allow the pin to freely slide in the y direction. 
With this structure, the X.theta. table 136 can be rotated about the 
rotating pivot support 150 by driving the X2-axis driving motor 142b while 
stopping the X1-axis driving motor 142a. In addition, the X.theta. table 
136 can be moved along the X1- and X2-axis guides 144a and 144b in the x 
direction by driving the X1- and X2-axis driving motors 142a and 142b at 
the same speed. 
Pins 154 for registration a base film are formed on the upper surface of 
the X.theta. table 136 at the upper right and left corners. In addition, a 
large number of suction holes (not shown) are formed in the upper surface 
of the X.theta. table 136 to draw a base film or a negative film by 
suction. Each pin 154 has an acute-angle distal end to be easily inserted 
into a corresponding registration hole in a base film. The suction holes 
are connected to a table vacuum unit (not shown). Note that the pins 154 
are retractable and are lowered to retract into the table 136 when a base 
film which has undergone film pasting processing is to be discharged. In 
this case, the table vacuum unit is also stopped. 
In this embodiment, a base film is placed on the X.theta. table 136 upon 
registration by means of the pins 154. However, since no registration 
holes can be formed in a color separation film, four of registration marks 
170a to 170h are formed on the four corners of the film 166 when the film 
166 is output from a color scanner, as shown in FIG. 5. With this 
arrangement, a positional misalignment is detected by detecting two 
registration marks, of these four marks, which are located at the largest 
distance in one of the row and column directions. For example, if a film 
has only one page, a positional misalignment is detected by using the pair 
of marks 170b and 170e, the pair of marks 170b and 170g, the pair of marks 
170c and 170f, or the pair of marks 170c and 170h are used. If a film has 
two pages, i.e., a double-page spread, the pair of marks 170a and 170d are 
used. Each mark has a substantially L-shape constituted by two line 
segments having the same length with their end points connected to each 
other at 90.degree.. 
FIG. 6 shows an arrangement for detecting a positional misalignment by 
using the marks 170a and 170b. Optical sensors (spot sensors) and 172a, 
172b, and the like are disposed in the X.theta. table 136 at positions 
corresponding to these marks. Light sources 174a, 174b, and the like are 
arranged in the upper table (not shown in FIG. 6) at positions 
corresponding to the sensors 172a, 172b, and the like to uniformly 
illuminate predetermined regions (square regions in this case) including 
the registration marks 170a, 170b, and the like. Assume that the color 
separation film 166 is a negative film. In this case, the film 166 shields 
light, but right passes through the marks on the film. Therefore, when the 
X.theta. table 136 is moved to cause the mark 170 to cross the detection 
spot of the sensor 172, the transmitting light is incident on the sensor 
172, and the mark is detected. Since the detection spot of each sensor 172 
is a very small point, the detection precision is high. In this case, 
transmission type sensors are used to realize uniform detection precision. 
The precision of a reflection type sensor may vary depending on a 
reflecting direction. Although not shown, a circular aperture or a pin 
hole is formed immediately before each sensor to detect only light 
incident at a right angle, thereby increasing the detection precision. 
Alternatively, a magnifying objective lens having a magnification of about 
.times.10 may be disposed at the front surface of each sensor to increase 
the detection precision. Such a means for increasing the detection 
precision is employed for the following reason. If the precision of each 
sensor itself is increased, dust and the like smaller than each mark, 
which adhere to a film surface, are detected, requiring cumbersome 
post-processing. In contrast to this, if a magnifying lens is used, dust 
or the like having a diameter smaller than an effective depth of focus is 
blurred so as not to be detected. In general, in order to increase the 
precision of a transmission type sensor, light to be transmitted must be 
modulated in an on/off manner, and the axis of emitted light and that of 
received light must be caused to coincide with each other, resulting in 
difficulty in design. However, in this embodiment, since the precision is 
sufficiently high, as described above, light to be radiated need not be 
modulated. For this reason, since each light source can be completely 
separated from a corresponding light-receiving portion (sensor) as long as 
uniform radiation is realized, the degree of freedom in design is high. 
Although not shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, a color mark (color 
circle) corresponding to the color component of a color separation film, 
and a mark indicating an odd or even page is formed, as identification 
marks other than registration marks, on a film. Assume that a film having 
no color mark is a monochromatic film. No odd and even page marks are 
basically formed on a monochromatic film. 
In accordance with the detection results obtained by such spot sensors with 
respect to registration marks, the X.theta. table 136 is rotated, while 
the X.theta. table 136 and the Y table 134 are respectively moved in the x 
and y directions such that the positions of the respective marks coincide 
with each other throughout four films, thereby performing a registration 
operation. 
A registration operation using the marks 170a and 170b shown in FIG. 6 will 
be described below with reference to FIG. 7. The relative positions of the 
two marks 170a and 170b on a film are set such that one side of one mark 
and one side of the other mark are located on the same straight line or 
made parallel to each other at a predetermined distance. Note that since 
the two line segments of each mark are connected to each other at 
90.degree., the other side of one mark is parallel to the other side of 
the other mark. There is a possibility that marks are formed on a film in 
such a manner that one side of one mark and one side of the other mark are 
not located on the same straight line or are not parallel to each other. 
In general, however, since each line segment constituting a mark is about 
1 cm, and a distance L between two marks is very long relative to each 
line segment, an error angle .DELTA..theta. shown in FIG. 8 can be 
neglected. 
Note that the initial position of each sensor with respect to a 
corresponding mark must be set such that the two line segments 
constituting the mark always cross the detection spot of the sensor, as 
shown in FIG. 9, when the .theta. table 22 (sensor) is moved in the X and 
y directions by predetermined distances. That is, the positional 
misalignment detection range is in the range defined by the alternate long 
and short dashed lines between the two marks shown in FIG. 9. According to 
this embodiment, in order to widen the detection range, it is only 
required that the size of each mark be increased, and the predetermined 
distance the .theta. table 22 moves be increased. With this increase in 
detection range, the detection precision is not degraded. This 
predetermined distance is normally set to be equal to the length of a line 
segment of each mark. 
As shown in FIG. 7, the .theta. table 22 (Y table 134) is moved in the y 
direction (longitudinal direction in FIG. 7) by a predetermined distance. 
Meanwhile, the marks 170a and 170b cross detection spots 176a and 176b of 
the sensors 172a and 172b. During this period, sensor light is incident on 
the sensors 172a and 172b. As a result, the timings at which the central 
positions of the respective mark line segments are located on the 
detection spots 176a and 176b can be detected on the basis of the outputs 
from the sensors 172a and 172b. Since the positions of the sensors 172a 
and 172b are known, the positional misalignment or inclination of the film 
in the y direction can be detected. In accordance with this detection 
result, the X.theta. table 136 is rotated, and the Y table 134 is moved in 
the y direction, thereby performing a registration operation. 
Subsequently, the .theta. table 22 (X.theta. table 136) is moved in the x 
direction by a predetermined distance. Similarly, if the marks 170a and 
170b respectively cross the detection spots 176a and 176b of the sensors 
172a and 172b while the table 136 is moved, the timings at which the 
central positions of the respective mark line segments are located on the 
detection spots 176a and 176b can be detected on the basis of the outputs 
from the sensors 172a and 172b, thus detecting the positional misalignment 
of the film in the x direction. In accordance with the result of this 
detection, the X.theta. table 136 is moved in the x direction to perform a 
registration operation. 
With this operation, even if the film is greatly shifted from the proper 
position, the positional misalignment can always be detected, and 
registration can be performed by rotating and moving the .theta. table 22 
in accordance with the detection result. Note that a film need not be 
moved in two orthogonal directions, i.e., the x and y directions, to 
detect marks by the spot sensors, but may be moved in an oblique direction 
such that two line segments cross a detection spot upon one movement of 
the film, as shown in FIG. 10. 
Referring to 2, the trays are supported by the two support frames 18a and 
18b for the sake of descriptive convenience. In practice, however, support 
frames are disposed for each tray, as shown in FIG. 11. In addition, each 
support frame for each tray has a double structure. This structure will be 
described below with reference to the tray 30. A tray member 30a is 
mounted on a first support frame 30b to be slidable forward/backward, and 
the first support frame 30b is mounted on a second support frame 30c to be 
slidable forward/backward. The second support frame 30c is provided in the 
apparatus main body 10 between the Z table 20 and the .theta. table 22. As 
shown in FIG. 11, the first support frame 30b is normally protruding from 
the second support frame 30c toward the front side of the apparatus, and 
the tray member 30a is located on the first support frame 30b. This state 
corresponds to the state shown in FIG. 2. The tray member 30a and the 
first support frame 30b are moved forward/backward by a rodless air 
cylinder (not shown). Note that when the air cylinder is turned off, the 
tray member 30a can be manually moved forward/backward. Therefore, when 
base films and color separation films are to be set in the trays 24, 26, 
28, and 30 or base films which have undergone a film pasting process are 
to be recovered from the discharge tray 32, the air cylinder is turned 
off. If, for example, a tray member 30a is withdrawn from the first 
support frame 30b to the position indicated by the alternate long and 
short dashed line in FIG. 11, films can be easily set or the base films 
can be easily recovered. Thereafter, when the tray member 30a is pushed 
into the original position (indicated by the solid lines in FIG. 11), and 
the apparatus is started again, the first support frame 30b is moved 
backward (to the right in FIG. 11) along the second support frame 30c and 
is inserted into the apparatus main body together with the tray member 
30a, while the tray member 30a is fixed to the first support frame 30b. 
Subsequently, a base film or a color separation film is picked from the 
tray member 30a by the lowered Z table 20. A base film, which has 
undergone a film pasting process, located on the .theta. table 22 is drawn 
to the Z table 20 by suction. After the Z table 20 is raised, the base 
film is stored in the discharge tray which is moved to a position below 
the Z table 20. The air cylinder is turned off and the apparatus is 
started by operating the key switch device 12 shown in FIG. 1. 
As described above, during an operation of the apparatus, the tray unit 16 
is automatically inserted into the main body and is returned to the 
original position. Therefore, if an operator carelessly holds the handle 
of the tray, the hand may be pulled into the apparatus main body, or if 
the operator inserts his/her hand into the apparatus main body while the 
tray is inserted in the apparatus main body, the hand is caught in the 
tray when it returns. In order to prevent such an accident, it is 
preferable that an operator refrain from reaching the apparatus. For this 
purpose, in this embodiment, beam sensors for horizontally radiating beams 
in front of the apparatus are arranged in correspondence with the 
respective trays. The hatched circular regions shown in FIG. 11 indicate 
the detection ranges of the respective sensors. With this arrangement, 
when part of the body of an operator, e.g., a hand, approaches the handle 
of one of the trays at the front surface of the main body, the 
corresponding beam is interrupted, and this state is detected. The 
detection result is informed as a warning by a buzzer or the like. This 
warning prevents the operator from carelessly reaching the tray and having 
an accident. 
However, as described above, the base film trays and the color separation 
film trays are arranged in pairs so that while one pair is operated, base 
films and color separation films can be set in the other pair to prepare 
for the next operation. If, therefore, the beam sensors are always 
operated, an warning is generated during a preparation for the next 
operation, annoying the operator. For this reason, only the beam sensor 
arranged in front of the tray which is being operated is selectively 
operated. With this arrangement, only an approach to the tray which is 
being operated can be selectively detected, and an effective warning can 
be generated. 
Although not shown, doors which can be freely opened and closed are 
disposed on the side and rear surfaces of the apparatus main body to allow 
inspection of the interior of the apparatus when an operation error, e.g., 
jamming of a color separation film or a base film, is caused. These doors 
include door switches for detecting opening/closing of door. Each door 
switch detects an open state of the door to generate a warning or stop the 
operation of the apparatus, thus providing a safety measure. 
The internal structure of each tray will be described next. Although not 
shown, registration pin holes are formed in each base film, and pins 
corresponding to the pin holes are formed on the bottom surface of the 
base film trays 26 and 30. When a base film is to be set in one of the 
trays 26 and 30, the film is positioned with respect to the pins. When the 
base film is to be picked, the pins are lowered and retracted into the 
tray to facilitate the picking operation. Five color separation films (Y, 
M, C, K, and monochromatic films) can be stored in each of the trays. 
Therefore, a maximum of ten base films which have undergone a film pasting 
process can be stored in the discharge tray 32. Note that if a base film 
having a color separation film pasted on one half (one page) of a 
double-page spread portion thereof is set in one of the base film trays, 
so-called re-pasting can be performed, i.e., pasting of a color separation 
film on the other half (the other page) of the base film. 
FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the color separation film trays 24 and 28. 
As described above, each base film has a size corresponding to the 
double-page spread of a newspaper, and color separation films have two 
sizes corresponding to 12 columns and 15 columns when they are prepared in 
units of pages. If the photograph to be printed in the left and right 
pages of a newspaper has the same number of columns, a double-page spread 
color separation film is formed. If they have different number of columns, 
color separation films must be respectively formed for the left and right 
pages and set on the left and right in the tray. In this case, since a 
color separation film is slightly larger than a base film, if color 
separation films are arranged on the left and right, they overlap at a 
central portion in the tray. This makes it difficult to set color 
separation films in the tray and to pick the color separation films from 
the tray. In order to properly set a color separation film of each page in 
a corresponding region, a plurality (two in this case) of separators 40 
are disposed in the middle of each tray. As shown in the sectional view of 
FIG. 13, the separator 40 includes a projection having a substantially 
S-shaped cross-section to allow the color separation films of left and 
right pages to be vertically separated and stacked. The separator 40 can 
be rotated about a shaft 42. When a color separation plate for a 
double-page spread is to be set, the separator 40 is reversed to retract 
the projection into the tray, as indicated by the broken line, and the 
bottom surface of the tray is made flat, thereby preventing the separator 
40 from hindering a setting operation of the color separation film 
corresponding to two pages. 
Furthermore, in order to set color separation films having different 
numbers of columns at proper positions, film pressing plates 44 are 
disposed at positions corresponding to the front end portions of 12- and 
15-column color separation films. The film pressing plates 44 are axially 
supported along the horizontal direction. Before a color separation film 
is set, the film pressing plates 44 are raised. After the color separation 
film is set with the rear end thereof positioning at the rear end of the 
tray, the film pressing plates 44 are lowered to hold the front end of the 
color separation film. 
The bottom surface of a rear end portion 46 of each color separation film 
tray is slightly raised to form an inclined portion. In addition, an 
elastic member 48 is formed on the wall of the rear end of the tray. When 
a plurality of color separation films are drawn to the Z table 20 by 
suction, the elastic member 48 serves to strip the second and subsequent 
films from the Z table 20. Note that such inclined portions 46 and elastic 
members 48 are formed not only in the color separation film trays but also 
in the base film trays. They are formed to reliably pick color separation 
films and base films one by one. 
The rear end portion of each tray will be described in detail below. FIG. 
14 shows the rear end portion of each of the base film trays and color 
separation film trays in detail. A spacer 60 is formed on the bottom 
surface of the rear portion, and a slope plate 62 is formed on the spacer 
60, thus forming the inclined portion 46 which is inclined upward. In 
addition, an elastic member 64 (48) consisting of a sponge rubber material 
or the like extends horizontally from the upper end of the rear wall. When 
a plurality of base films or color separation films are almost drawn to 
the Z table 20 by suction, the elastic member 64 serves to strip the 
second and subsequent films from the Z table 20. For this purpose, the 
elastic force of the elastic member 64 is set to strip films with a force 
smaller than the suction force of the Z table 20 (to be described later). 
In addition, a roller 66 is mounted outside the rear wall of the tray. 
When the film is to be drawn to the Z table 20 by suction, the roller 66 
causes the films to be reliably drawn to the Z table 20 when the tray is 
withdrawn from the main body. 
The process of picking a base film or a color separation film from one of 
the trays and drawing it to the Z table 20 by suction will be described 
below with reference to FIG. 15A and 15B. 
As shown in FIG. 15A, when the tray is completely inserted into the 
apparatus main body (to the position immediately below the Z table 20), 
the Z table 20 is lowered. As shown in FIG. 16, a number of suction pads 
84 are formed in peripheral portions of the Z table 20, and a large number 
of smaller suction holes 86 are formed in the entire surface of the Z 
table 20. With this structure, a base film or a color separation film is 
drawn to the Z table 20 in such a manner that the film is drawn by the 
suction pads 84 at the rear end of the film and drawn by the suction holes 
86 throughout the film. When the Z table 20 is lowered, a vacuum unit of 
the Z table 20 (not shown) is operated. Since the rear end portion of the 
tray is inclined upward, the rear end portion of the base film or the 
color separation film is drawn first to the Z table 20 by suction. Even if 
a plurality of base films or color separation films are attracted to the Z 
table by static electricity or the like, the second and subsequent films 
are stripped from the Z table 20 owing the above-described function of the 
elastic member 64. As a result, only the uppermost base film or color 
separation film is drawn to the Z table 20 by suction. In order to 
reliably perform such a stripping operation, the Z table 20 may be finely 
moved up and down. With this operation, the second and subsequent base 
films and color separation films are swung and dropped from the Z table 
20. 
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 15B, when the tray is withdrawn from the 
apparatus main body, portions other than the rear portion, of the base 
film or the color separation film, drawn to the Z table 20 by suction, are 
pressed against the Z table 20 by the roller 66 upon withdrawal of the 
tray. As a result, the base film or the color separation film is 
completely drawn to the Z table 20 by suction. 
Note that when color separation films of left and right pages are set on 
the left and right in the tray by using the separators shown in FIG. 12, 
the color separation films are picked one by one. In this case, only the 
suction pads 84 on the side from which the color separation film is picked 
are operated to draw air, while the suction pads 84 on the other side from 
which the color separation film is not picked are operated to blow air so 
as to urge the color separation film, which is not be to be picked, 
against the tray. 
Though the Z table 20 is lowered in the above description, it is possible 
to lower the suction pads 84 as shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C. When the 
tray is completely inserted between the Z table 20 and .theta. table 22, 
as shown in FIG. 17A, the Z table 20 is lowered, and the suction pad 84 is 
also lowered from the Z table 20 to be brought into contact with a base 
film or a color separation film in the tray. In this example, it is not 
necessary to provide the inclined portion. The pad vacuum unit is then 
operated, and the rear end of the base film or the color separation film 
is drawn to the suction pad 84 by suction. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 
17B, the suction pad 84 is raised, and the table vacuum unit is operated 
so that the rear end of the base film or the color separation film is 
drawn to the Z table 20 by suction. When the tray is withdrawn from the 
apparatus main body, the base film or the color separation film in the 
tray is urged against the Z table 20 by the roller 66 and is drawn to the 
Z table 20 by suction owing to the function of the table vacuum unit, as 
shown FIG. 17C. 
FIG. 18a, 18B, and 18C show the shape of each suction pad 84. FIG. 18A is a 
sectional view of the suction pad. FIG. 18B is a sectional view showing a 
cross-section crossing the cross-section in FIG. 18A at 90.degree.. FIG. 
18C is a sectional view taken along a line c-c' in FIG. 18B. The suction 
pad 84 is constituted by an elastic member such as a rubber member. A 
screw member 88 having a flatted cylindrical shape is inserted, as a plug, 
into the suction pad to ensure an air path. When the screw member 88 is 
rotated, the insertion depth of the plug is changed, and the sectional 
area of the air path indicated by the arrows in FIG. 18B is changed, 
thereby easily adjusting the strength of suction. Since the pad 84 is 
constituted by an elastic member, it is not necessary to form the plug by 
a screw member. A mere plug may be inserted in the pad 84 and the 
insertion depth of the plug may be manually adjusted. 
In general, as the suction force of the suction pad 84 is increased to 
reliably pick a color separation film from a tray, the color separation 
film is deformed in the form of a projection in the hole of the pad. As a 
result, the flatness of the film may be impaired. If the flatness is 
impaired, registering marks (such as marks 170a to 170h shown in FIG. 5 or 
mark having a shape of cross) are distorted, resulting in hindering 
accurate registration between the respective colors. According to this 
embodiment, since the suction force of each suction pad can be easily and 
finely adjusted, a base film or a color separation film can be reliably 
picked from a tray without impairing its flatness. 
Since film pasting units (to be described later) are disposed on the Z 
table 20, plural openings 82 (in this example, 3 columns.times.4 rows) 
through which film pasting is performed are formed in the Z table 20. Film 
pasting heads (to be described later) are vertically moved through these 
openings 82 to paste a color separation film on a base film on the .theta. 
table 22 with a tape. 
The film pasting units disposed on the Z table 20 will be described in 
detail below. As indicated by the openings 82 in FIG. 16, three film 
pasting units are disposed in the transverse direction of the Z table 20. 
Each unit is capable of performing a film pasting operation at four 
positions. In practice, three of the four positions are selected in 
accordance with the size of a color separation film. 
As shown in FIG. 19, each film pasting unit comprises a tape cassette 204 
designed to hold a roll of continuous tape 210 and detachably disposed in 
the Z table 20, a tape pasting head 202 disposed above the opening 82 in 
correspondence therewith, two clamps 220 and 222 which are vertically 
opened/closed and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined 
distance, a shuttle 206 for cutting a piece of tape while the distal end 
portion of the continuous tape 210 is clamped by the clamps 220 and 222, 
and for transferring the piece of tape to the head 202, and a rail 208 
allowing the shuttle 206 to travel. The shuttle 206 is reciprocated 
between the tape cassette 204 and the tape pasting head 202 along the rail 
208 by an air cylinder (not shown). A cutter for cutting a piece of tape 
from the continuous tape 210 is disposed on the tape cassette 204. 
An operation of the film pasting unit will be described below with 
reference to FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C. The tape cassette 204 has the 
continuous tape 210 formed of a pasting tape wound around an annular core 
a large number of times. The tape pulled out from the continuous tape 210 
is held by a roller pair 214 through a roller 212. In this case, the 
adhesive surface of the tape faces downward. Although not shown, a sensor 
for detecting the residual amount of the continuous tape 210 is disposed 
on the Z table 20, and a dog for a sensor is formed on the tape cassette 
204. With this structure, the tape cassette 204 can be easily detached 
from the Z table 20 to replace the tape 210 and a cutter 216. Therefore, 
such replacement can be easily performed. Note that when the continuous 
tape 210 is to be set, the distal end of the tape must slightly protrude 
from the roller pair 214. When the clamps 220 and 222 are closed, they 
clamp the tape. When the clamps 220 and 222 are open, they can move 
astride the roller pair 214. The cutter 216 for cutting the tape 210 is 
disposed in front of the roller pair 214. The clumps 220 and 222 are 
provided on the shuttle 206 and the distance between the clamps 220 and 
222 is set to be slightly longer than the length of the tape pasting head 
202. The roller pair 214 and the clamps 220 and 222 are preferably formed 
of a fluoroplastic material or the like to prevent adhesion of the 
adhesive of the tape. 
FIG. 21 shows the shuttle 206 in detail. When a ring 232 is rotated, clamp 
holding members 228 and 230 are vertically moved to open and close a 
clamp. The clamp is constituted by upper and lower clamp pieces 224 and 
226 connected to the holding members 228 and 230. 
FIG. 22 shows the arrangement of the clamp pieces 224 and 226. Nonslip 
members 234 which cause friction large enough to pull out a distal end of 
the tape from the continuous tape are formed on the surfaces of the upper 
and lower clamp pieces 224 and 226 such that the clamp pieces respectively 
have rugged surfaces. In addition, a non-adhesive material 236 consisting 
of a fluoro-plastic or the like, to which the adhesive surface of the tape 
does not adhere, is coated on the surface of the lower clamp piece 226, 
which is brought into contact with the adhesive surface of the tape, so as 
to cover the rugged surface of the nonslip member 234. With this 
structure, a tape can be reliably clamped, and at the same time the piece 
of tape can be smoothly transferred from the clamps 220 and 222 to the 
pasting head 202. 
In the initial state, as shown in FIG. 20A, the shuttle 206 is located at 
the initial position on the tape cassette 204 side, and the clamp 220 is 
closed to clamp the distal end of the tape protruding from the roller pair 
214. At this time, the clamp 222 is open and hence does not clamp the 
tape. 
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 20B, when the shuttle 206 is moved toward 
the head 202, and the clamp 222 is moved astride the roller pair 214, the 
shuttle 206 is temporarily stopped, and the clamp 222 is closed to clamp 
the tape 210. This position of the shuttle 206 is assumed to be a cutting 
position. The cutter 216 is then lowered to cut the tape between the clamp 
222 and the roller pair 214. With this operation, a piece of tape having a 
length corresponding to the distance between the clamps 220 and 222 is cut 
from the tape cassette 204. 
While this piece of tape is clamped by the clamps 220 and 222, the shuttle 
206 is further moved toward the head 202, as shown in FIG. 20C. At this 
time the head 202 is located at an upper position so as not to interfere 
with the passage of the shuttle 206 (the clamps 220 and 222). When the 
shuttle 206 is moved to a position immediately below one of the heads 202, 
the movement of the shuttle 206 is stopped, and the head 202 is lowered. A 
large number of suction holes are formed in the lower surface of the head 
202 to draw the peace of tape by suction. When the head 202 is lowered, 
the clamps 220 and 222 are opened, and the piece of tape is drawn to the 
lower surface of the head 202 by suction. At this time, in order to 
reliably transfer the piece of tape from the clamps 220 and 222 to the 
head 202, the head 202 is moved downward to a position lower than the 
position of the piece of tape clamped by the clamps 220 and 222 to press 
the tape before the clamps 220 and 222 are opened. Thereafter, the head 
202 is moved upward, and the shuttle 206 returns to the initial position 
shown in FIG. 20A, thus supplying a piece of tape to another head. Note 
that the lower surface of the head 202 is preferably constituted by an 
elastic member such as a rubber member in order to reliably paste the 
piece of tape on a base film. 
FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the overall arrangement of the 
apparatus. A power supply is connected to a control unit 328 and a vacuum 
unit 330. A control unit 328 for on/off-controlling a valve unit 332 
supplies control signals to a tray unit 300, a Z table unit 322, a film 
pasting unit 321, a .theta. table unit 326, a vacuum unit 330, and the 
valve unit 332. The vacuum unit 330 includes a vacuum pump for drawing a 
base film, a color separation film, a piece of tape, and the like by 
suction, and its control circuit. The valve unit 332 includes an 
electromagnetic valve for controlling the air cylinder, an electromagnetic 
valve for controlling suction, and the like. Air is supplied from the 
vacuum unit 330 to the vacuum unit 330, the tray unit 300, the Z table 
unit 322, the film pasting unit 324, and the .theta. table unit 326 
through the valve unit 332. A beam sensor 336 is connected to an operation 
panel 334. The operation panel 334 is connected to the control unit 328 
and the vacuum unit 330. 
An operation of the embodiment will be described below with reference to 
the flow charts shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B. In the tray unit 16, color 
separation films corresponding to one original are set in the color 
separation film trays 24 and 28 in a predetermined order, and 
corresponding base films are set in the base film trays 26 and 30. As 
described above, each color separation film tray has a size large enough 
to store a color separation film of the maximum size (corresponding to a 
double-page spread of a newspaper). If only a color separation film 
corresponding to one page is to be set, it is set on one side in a tray 
which corresponds to the page by using the separators 40. If a color 
separation film corresponding to 15 columns or less is to be set, it is 
set in the corresponding region by using the film pressing plates 44. Pin 
holes are formed in each base film, and corresponding pins are formed in 
each base film tray. The base film is positioned with respect to the pins 
and set in the tray. 
When an operation start is designated by operating the key switch device 
12, the contents of trays are checked in step #10. In this step, the size 
and location of a color separation film are checked. The result of this 
check is used to determine a tape pasting position in a later tape 
preparation process or the like. In addition, the presence/absence of a 
base film in the discharge tray 32, which has undergone a tape pasting 
process is detected in this step. If any base film which has undergone a 
tape pasting process is left in the discharge tray 32 when base films and 
color separation films are set in the trays, a warning is generated. 
In step #12, the Z table 20 is lowered to a base film receiving position. 
The base film receiving position is a position of the Z table 20 at which 
a base film is transferred from the tray 26 or 28 to the Z table 20. At 
this time, the pins for registration the base film extend upward from the 
.theta. table 22. 
In parallel with operations in step #12 and the subsequent steps, the tape 
preparation process shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C is performed in step #14. 
The film pasting unit in each column has four tape pasting positions and 
the pasting heads 202 at the respective positions. Of these pasting heads 
202, three heads are selected in accordance with the size of a color 
separation film. Each film pasting unit cuts pieces of tape from the 
continuous tape 210 of the tape cassette 204 and supplies them to the 
selected heads. The heads 202 draw the pieces of tape by suction and wait 
for a film pasting process. Since the tape preparation is performed while 
the films are picked from the trays, all the pieces of tape are 
simultaneously pasted on the film after the registration of the color 
separation film so that the time for requiring the film pasting is 
shortened. 
In step #16, the base film tray 26 or 30 is inserted into the apparatus 
main body and is moved between the Z table 20 and the .theta. table 22. 
When the insertion of the base film tray is completed, the vacuum unit of 
the Z table 20 is operated in step #18 to cause the rear end portion of 
the base film to be drawn first to the Z table 20 by suction. Even if a 
plurality of base films are drawn to the Z table by suction, the second 
and subsequent films are stripped from the Z table owing to the function 
of the elastic member 64 formed on the rear end portion of the tray. At 
this time, the pins in the base film tray are lowered and retracted into 
the tray to allow the base film to be easily picked from the tray. 
In step #20, the Z table 20 is finely moved up and down while only the rear 
end portion of the base film is drawn to the Z table 20 by suction. With 
this operation, even if a plurality of base films drawn to the Z table 20 
by suction cannot be stripped from the table by the elastic member 64, the 
second and subsequent films can be reliably dropped by the swinging 
motion. As a result, only one base film can be reliably drawn to the Z 
table 20 by suction. 
In step #22, the base film tray is returned to the initial position. At 
this time, as shown in FIG. 15B, the base film is pressed by the roller 66 
to be completely drawn to the Z table 20 by suction. 
After this operation, the registration pins in the base film tray extend 
upward again, and the Z table 20 is moved (lowered) to a sensor position 
in step #24. 
In step #26, the .theta. table 22 reads the identification marks on the 
base film drawn to the Z table 20 by suction to check whether the upper 
and lower surfaces of the base film are properly located and the base film 
pattern is correct. If YES is obtained in step #26, the vacuum unit of the 
.theta. table 22 is operated in step #28. At the same time, the Z table 20 
is moved downward to the lowest point to press the base film against the 
.theta. table 22. With this operation, the base film is picked from the 
base film tray and is placed at a predetermined position on the .theta. 
table 22. The placed base film is drawn by the vacuum unit of the .theta. 
table 22 to be fixed to the table. 
If NO is obtained in step #26, step #52 is executed to discharge the base 
film. In parallel with the operations described above, each film pasting 
unit performs a preparation for a film pasting process, i.e., cutting 
pieces of tape from the continuous tape and supplying them to the pasting 
heads. The prepared pieces of tape are directly pasted on the base film. 
As a result, the operator sees the base film on which the pieces of tape 
are directly pasted and hence can recognize that an error is determined in 
step #26. 
In step #30, the Z table 20 is moved (raised) to a color separation film 
receiving position. The color separation film receiving position is a 
position of the Z table at which a color separation film is transferred 
from the tray 24 or 28 to the Z table 20. 
In step #32, the color separation film tray 24 or 28 is inserted into the 
apparatus main body and is moved between the Z table 20 and the .theta. 
table 22. Similar to the case of the base film, in steps #34 to #38, a 
color separation film is picked from the tray, and the film is pressed by 
the roller 66 upon return of the tray to the initial position so as to be 
drawn to the Z table 20 by suction. 
In step #40, the Z table 20 is lowered to the sensor position. In step #42, 
the registration marks on the color separation film are detected by the 
optical sensors disposed in the .theta. table 22 to check a registration 
error of the color separation film and obtain amounts of registration 
.theta., x, and y for the color separation film, based on the principle 
shown in FIGS. 7 to 10. If NO is obtained in step #42, the color 
separation film is returned in the color separation film tray. In step 
#44, registration between the respective color separation films is 
performed. Note that it is checked on the basis of the identification 
marks whether the color, positions of upper and lower surfaces, page, and 
the like of the color separation film are correct. If an error is 
determined, the base film is discharged after the color separation film is 
returned into the color separation film tray. Positioning (registration) 
is performed by rotating and moving the .theta. table 22. 
In step #46, the Z table 20 is moved downward to the lowest point. Here, 
since the vacuum unit of the .theta. table 22 is operated, the color 
separation film is transferred from the Z table 20 onto the base film on 
the .theta. table 22, and the color separation film is pressed against the 
base film on the .theta. table 22. 
In the film pasting units, pieces of tape have been supplied to the 
respective heads 202 by the opening/closing operations of the clamps 220 
and 222 of the shuttles 206, the moving operations of the shuttles 206, 
the operations of the vacuum units of the heads 202, and the like, as 
shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C, up to this time. More specifically, each 
shuttle 206 is moved to the initial position, and the clamp 222 is closed 
to clamp the distal end of the tape. The shuttle 206 is moved to the 
cutting position (FIG. 20B), and the clamp 222 is closed to clamp the 
tape. The tape is then cut by the cutter 216 to form a piece of tape. The 
shuttle 206 is moved to the head position (FIG. 20C). Thereafter, the head 
202 is lowered, and the vacuum unit of the head is operated. The clamps 
220 and 222 are opened to cause the piece of tape to be drawn to the lower 
surface of the head 202. Subsequently, the shuttle 206 is returned to the 
initial position, and the same operation is repeated a number of times 
corresponding to the number of heads required for a pasting process. 
After the Z table 20 is moved downward to the lowest point, in step #48, 
all the tape pasting heads 202 are lowered to press the pieces of tape 
against the base film and the color separation film. When the heads 202 
are raised after the vacuum unit of the head 202 is stopped, the color 
separation film is pasted on the base film. 
In step #50, the base film registration pins of the .theta. table 22 are 
lowered and retracted into the table, and the vacuum unit of the .theta. 
table 22 is stopped. Since the Z table 20 is located at the lowest point 
at this time and the vacuum unit of the Z table 20 is kept operating, the 
base film which has undergone a film pasting process can be transferred 
from the .theta. table 22 to the Z table 20 by suction. 
In step #52, the Z table 20 is raised to a discharge position. The 
discharge position is a position of the Z table 20 at which the base film 
which has undergone a film pasting process is transferred from the Z table 
20 to the discharge tray 32. In step #54, the discharge tray 32 is 
inserted into the apparatus main body and is moved between the Z table 20 
and the .theta. table 22. 
In step #56, by stopping the operation of the vacuum unit of the Z table 
20, the base film which has undergone a pasting process can be collected 
into the discharge tray 32. In step #58, the discharge tray 32 is 
withdrawn from the position between the Z table 20 and the .theta. table 
22, a film pasting process for one base film is completed. In this case, 
when even one base film is discharged into the discharge tray 32, the CRT 
monitor 14 displays a message that the base film can be taken out from the 
discharge tray 32 in order to speed up the original plate film formation. 
In this case, two pairs of trays are prepared. When one pair of trays is 
operated, the above-described operation is automatically repeated until 
all the base films and the color separation films in the trays run out. 
During this period, not only the other pair of trays but also the 
discharge tray of one pair cannot be operated (cannot be pulled out). If, 
however, at least one base film which has undergone a pasting process is 
to be taken out before a process for all the colors is completed, or a 
more urgent color separation film is to be pasted, an interruption button 
may be formed in the key switch device 12 so that the process can be 
stopped halfway by depressing the button. Note that if the interruption 
button is depressed, one base film processed halfway is discharged into 
the discharge tray 32, and the process is interrupted when the discharge 
tray returns to the initial position (shown in FIG. 2). In this state, the 
other pair of trays can be operated, or the color separation films in the 
previously operated trays can be replaced with different films and the 
trays can be operated again. Assume that the start and interruption keys 
are depressed in this order before the operation of the apparatus. In this 
case, if, for example, five base films and corresponding color separation 
films are set, the process is interrupted when a film pasting process for 
one base film is finished so that base films which have undergone a 
pasting process can be taken out one by one. In addition, a discharge key 
may be arranged in the key switch device 12 so that a film or base film 
processed halfway can be forcibly discharged by depressing the discharge 
key. In this case, prepared pieces of tape are also pasted on a base film 
and are recovered. 
An operation of the tray unit, Z table, .theta. table, and film pasting 
unit corresponding to the above flow charts will be described with 
reference to FIGS. 25A to 25D. In the tray unit, base films are set in the 
base film trays 26 and 30, and color separation films corresponding to one 
original are set in the color separation film trays 24 and 28 in a 
predetermined order. Each film tray has a size enough to store a film of 
the largest size (a double-page spread of a newspaper). A film 
corresponding to only one page is set on a one-side portion of each tray 
which corresponds to the page. When an operation start is designed by 
operating a button, a switch, or the like, the Z table 20 is lowered to a 
base film receiving position, and the pins 154 for registration a base 
film extend upward from the .theta. table 22. Thereafter, the base film 
tray 26 or 30 is inserted between the Z table 20 and the .theta. table 22. 
When the tray is completely inserted, the Z table 20 is lowered, and the 
vacuum unit is operated, and the base film is drawn by the suction pads 
84, as shown in FIG. 15A. Subsequently, the pins of the base film tray are 
lowered and retracted into the tray to facilitate the process of picking a 
base film from the base film tray. When the base film tray is withdrawn 
from the position between the Z table and the .theta. table, the base film 
is drawn to the Z table 20 by suction, as shown in FIG. 15B. 
Subsequently, the pins in the base film tray extend upward again, and at 
the same time the Z table 20 is lowered to the base film receiving 
position. The .theta. table 22 reads the identification marks on the base 
film to check whether the upper and lower surfaces of the base film are 
properly located and the base film pattern is correct. If YES is obtained 
in this step, the table vacuum unit of the .theta. table 22 is operated, 
and the Z table 20 is lowered to the lowest point to press the base film 
against the .theta. table 22. Thereafter, the Z table is raised to a film 
receiving position. With this operation, the base film is picked from the 
base film tray and is placed at a predetermined position on the .theta. 
table. The base film is then drawn and fixed to the .theta. table by 
suction through the table vacuum unit. 
The color separation film tray 24 or 28 As inserted between the Z table and 
the .theta. table, and a color separation film is picked from the tray and 
is drawn to the Z table 20 by suction when the tray is withdrawn from the 
position between the Z table and the .theta. table in the same manner as 
in the case with the base film, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. Note that 
each color separation film tray has a function of judging the size of a 
color separation film, i.e., whether it corresponds to 12 columns, 15 
columns, or a double-page spread. After this operation, the Z table 20 is 
lowered to the sensor position. The registration marks 170a, 170b, . . . 
on of the film are detected by the optical sensors 172a, 172b, . . . 
arranged in the .theta. table 22 to check the misalignment of the color 
separation film and obtain the amounts of registration .theta., x, and y 
of the color separation film. Note that it is checked on the basis of the 
identification marks whether colors, the positions of the upper and lower 
surfaces, page, and the like of the color separation film are correct. If 
NO is obtained in this step, a corresponding warning is given. 
The Y table 134 and the X.theta. table 136 are moved and rotated to perform 
registering of the color separation film. Thereafter, the Z table 20 is 
lowered to the lowest position. 
The color separation film is transferred from the Z table 20 onto the base 
film on the .theta. table 22 by means of the suction force of vacuum unit 
of the .theta. table 22 and is pressed against the base film. 
In the film pasting units, pieces of tape have been supplied to the 
respective heads by the opening/closing operations of the clamps 220 and 
222 of the shuttles 206, the operations of the vacuum units of the heads, 
and the like, as shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C, up to this time. More 
specifically, the shuttle 206 is moved to the initial position (FIG. 20A), 
and the clamp 220 is closed to clamp the distal end of the tape. The 
shuttle 206 is then moved to the cutting position (FIG. 20B), and the 
clamp 222 is closed to clamp the tape. After the tape is cut by the cutter 
216, the shuttle 206 is moved to the head position (FIG. 20C). The head is 
then lowered, and the vacuum unit in the head is operated. The clamps 220 
and 222 are opened to allow the piece of tape to be drawn to the lower 
surface of the head. Thereafter, the shuttle 206 is returned to the 
initial position. The same operation is repeated a number of times 
corresponding to the number of heads required to paste the film. 
After the Z table 20 is lowered to the lowest point, the tape pasting head 
202 incorporated in the Z table 20 is lowered to paste the tape on the 
base film and the color separation film. After the head vacuum unit is 
stopped, the head 202 is moved upward, thereby pasting the color 
separation film on the base film. 
The base film registration pins 154 of the .theta. table 22 are lowered and 
retracted into the table, and the table vacuum unit is stopped. At this 
time, when the Z table 20 is located at the lowest position, the base film 
which has undergone a film pasting operation can be drawn to the Z table 
20 by means of the suction force of the vacuum unit of the Z table 20. The 
Z table 20 is then raised to the discharge position, and the discharge 
tray 32 is inserted between the Z table and the .theta. table. The .theta. 
table 22 is returned to the original position. 
Subsequently, the table vacuum unit of the Z table 20 is stopped. As a 
result, the base film which has undergone a film pasting operation is 
discharged into the discharge tray 22. The discharge tray 22 is withdrawn 
from the position between the Z table and the .theta. table, and the 
operation is completed. 
As described above, according to this embodiment, by only setting base 
films and color separation films in the corresponding trays, respectively, 
a base film and a color separation film can be automatically picked from 
the trays and placed on the lower table with registration, and the color 
separation film can be automatically pasted on the base film by the film 
pasting units incorporated in the upper table, thereby easily performing a 
high-precision film pasting operation without increasing a burden on an 
operator. 
In addition, according to the this embodiment, two registration marks, each 
constituted by two line segments, are arranged on a color separation film 
such that the corresponding line segments of the marks are parallel to 
each other, and the positioning marks are detected by the sensors while 
the relative positions of the color separation film and the sensors are 
changed. With this operation, even if a color separation film is greatly 
shifted from the proper position, an amount of a positional shift can be 
detected, thus allowing a registration operation with respect to the color 
separation film. 
Moreover, according to the film pasting unit of this embodiment, a tape is 
pulled out from the tape holder while the tape is clamped by the two 
clamps formed on the shuttle at a predetermined distance, the tape is cut 
on the rear side of the clamps, and the shuttle is conveyed to each 
pasting head while the piece of tape is clamped by the clamps, thereby 
supplying a piece of tape to each head. Therefore, each tap pasting unit 
has a simple arrangement. 
Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled 
in the art. Therefore, the present invention in its broader aspects is not 
limited to the specific details, representative devices, and illustrated 
examples shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications 
may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general 
inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
For example, a base film need not be set in a tray but can be directly 
placed on the lower table. In addition, a negative film is used as a color 
separation film. However, a positive film may be used. Furthermore, color 
photographs for a newspaper and the like are exemplified as objects to be 
subjected to a photomechanical process. However, the present invention is 
not limited to them but can be applied to any color photographs as long as 
they are subjected to a photomechanical process. The angle defined by two 
line segments constituting each registration mark for detecting a 
positional shift is not limited to 90.degree. but can be set to be any 
predetermined angle. Moreover, the shape of each registration mark is not 
limited to an L shape having two line segments connected each other, but 
any shape, e.g., a cross having two line segments crossing each other, may 
be employed as long as the corresponding line segments are parallel to 
each other. 
As has been described above, according to the present invention, there is 
provided a film pasting apparatus wherein by only setting films on a film 
tray, each film can be automatically positioned, and a tape pasting 
operation can be automatically performed, thereby reducing the degree of 
fatigue felt by an operator, performing a high-precision film pasting 
operation in a short period of time, and efficiently forming a 
high-quality original plate film.