Image forming apparatus that copies both two-dimensional images faced downward and three-dimensional objects faced upward

An image forming apparatus for producing a copy image by scanning and exposing an image, including a three-dimensional object onto a photosensitive surface, of a photosensitive material. The apparatus includes an original placing table on which an original with a planar image recorded thereon is placed, with the planar image facing the original placing table; a first scanning exposure device for scanning and exposing the original placed on the original placing table; a three-dimensional object placing table for placing a three-dimensional object thereon; a second scanning exposure device for scanning the three-dimensional object from above; and an optical device for guiding the images scanned by the first scanning exposure device and the second scanning exposure device onto the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive material. The first scanning exposure device exposes and scans a planar image, the second scanning exposure device exposes and scans a three-dimensional object, and the optical device guides light from different optical paths (optical paths from the first scanning exposure device and the second scanning exposure device) onto the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive material. Accordingly, it is possible to copy both a two-dimensional image whose surface to be copied may be faced downward and a liquid-containing three-dimensional object (foods, beverages, and water tanks) whose surface to be copied must be faced upward.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming a 
reproduced image by scanning and exposing an image, including a 
three-dimensional object, and forming an image directly on a 
photosensitive surface of a photosensitive material. The image is then 
transferred onto an image receiving material. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
Image forming apparatuses are known in which the processing of image 
recording is effected by using two types of image recording material, 
including a photosensitive material and an image receiving material. 
The photosensitive material and the image receiving material are 
respectively taken up in roll form and are accommodated in magazines 
having their interiors shielded from light, and are used by being 
consecutively pulled out each time the processing of image recording is 
effected. In addition, a water application section is disposed in the 
image recording apparatus for applying an image-forming solvent onto the 
photosensitive material after exposure. Further, a heat development 
transfer section, which is comprised of a heat drum and an endless 
pressure-contact belt for pressure contacting an outer periphery of the 
heat drum and rotating together with the heat drum, is also disposed in 
the image recording apparatus. 
Further, with the image recording apparatus of this type, a placing table 
for placing an original thereon is provided on the upper surface of the 
apparatus. The placing table is formed of a transparent glass plate, and a 
holding cover which is superposed on the transparent glass plate. 
The holding cover can be opened. After an original is placed on the 
transparent glass plate with the holding cover set in an open state, the 
holding cover is closed. Consequently, the original can be held in a 
predetermined position. 
The photosensitive material is pulled out from the magazine by a 
predetermined length and cut. While the photosensitive material is being 
nipped and transported by transport rollers, an image of the original 
placed on the transparent glass plate is exposed by an optical system. 
After water serving, as an image-forming solvent, is applied to the 
photosensitive material in the water application section, the 
photosensitive material is sent to the heat development transfer section. 
Meanwhile, the image receiving material is pulled out by a predetermined 
length from the magazine and is cut in the same way as the photosensitive 
material. The image receiving material is also sent to the heat 
development transfer section by transport rollers in synchrony with the 
photosensitive material. In the heat development transfer section, the 
photosensitive materials, to which water has been applied, are superposed 
on the image receiving material. These superposed materials are wound 
around the outer periphery of the heat drum in close contact therewith. 
Further, while these two materials are being nipped and transported by the 
heat drum and the endless pressure-contact belt, the photosensitive 
material undergoes heat development, and an image is transferred onto the 
image receiving material, thereby allowing a predetermined image to be 
formed (recorded) on the image receiving material. 
However, the above structure and process suffice if the image to be copied 
is a two-dimensional image recorded on paper. However, in a case where 
there arises a need to copy a three-dimensional object, special conditions 
are required in that the three-dimensional object must be placed upside 
down, the focusing plane must be raised, and the background must be 
whitened by means of back light. 
In addition, with the above-described structure, since it is essential to 
cause the copying surface to face downward, it is impossible to copy a 
three-dimensional object containing a liquid, in particular. Namely, the 
structure is such that it is impossible to copy planar images of such 
items as foods, beverages, and water tanks. 
Although an apparatus for copying a three-dimensional object by 
photographing the three-dimensional object from above is available, and it 
is possible to copy a three-dimensional object containing a liquid by 
using such an apparatus, since the apparatus is an exclusive-use 
apparatus, the arrangement of the apparatus is complicated, and lacks 
versatility. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, in view of the above-described circumstances, it is an object 
of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus which has a 
simple structure, is highly versatile, and is capable of copying 
two-dimensional images and three-dimensional objects containing a liquid 
irrespective of the type of the object to be copied. 
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is 
provided an image forming apparatus for producing a copy image by scanning 
and exposing an image, including a three-dimensional object, onto a 
photosensitive surface of a photosensitive material. The apparatus 
comprises: an original placing table on which an original with a planar 
image recorded thereon is placed with the planar image facing the original 
placing table; a first scanning exposure device for scanning and exposing 
the original placed on the original placing table; a three-dimensional 
object placing table for placing a three-dimensional object thereon; a 
second scanning exposure device for scanning the three-dimensional object 
from above; and an optical device for guiding the images scanned by the 
first scanning exposure device and the second scanning exposure device 
onto the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive material. 
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, in the image 
forming apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the present 
invention, the second scanning exposure device is provided in such a 
manner as to be selectively movable to a position at which the 
three-dimensional object placed on the three-dimensional object placing 
table and outside the apparatus can be scanned. 
In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is 
provided an image forming apparatus for producing a copy image by scanning 
and exposing an image, including a three-dimensional object, onto a 
photosensitive surface of a photosensitive material. The apparatus 
comprises: a placing table having a transparent plate-like first placing 
portion on which an original with a planar image recorded thereon is 
placed with the planar image facing the first placing portion, and a 
second placing portion for placing a three-dimensional object thereon; a 
first scanning exposure device for scanning and exposing the original 
placed on the placing table; a second scanning exposure device for 
scanning the three-dimensional object from above; and an optical device 
for guiding the images scanned by the first scanning exposure device and 
the second scanning exposure device onto the photosensitive surface of the 
photosensitive material. 
In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, the image 
forming apparatus in accordance with the third aspect of the present 
invention further comprises: a support member for supporting the second 
scanning exposure device such that the second scanning exposure device is 
capable of approaching and moving away from the second placing portion; a 
positioning device for positioning the second scanning exposure device to 
a focusing position of the three-dimensional object placed on the second 
placing portion; and a driving device for changing a position where the 
second scanning exposure device is supported. 
In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the image 
forming apparatus in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present 
invention further comprises: an indicator portion which is moved in 
correspondence with the position where the second scanning exposure device 
is supported by the positioning device, and which indicates the focusing 
position located in a space between the second scanning exposure device 
and the second placing portion. 
In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, in the case 
of a planar image (a two-dimensional image recorded on paper or the like), 
the original is placed on the original placing table with the image 
surface facing the original placing table, the image scanned by the first 
scanning exposure device, and the image is guided onto the photosensitive 
surface of the photosensitive material by the optical device. 
Consequently, an image is formed on the photosensitive surface of the 
photosensitive material, and after the image is subsequently transferred 
onto the image receiving material, a copied image can be obtained. 
Meanwhile, in a case where a three-dimensional object, particularly a 
three-dimensional object containing a liquid, is copied, the 
three-dimensional object is placed on the three-dimensional object placing 
table with the surface to be copied facing upward. The image is scanned by 
the second scanning exposure device, and the image is guided onto the 
photosensitive surface of the photosensitive material by the optical 
device. 
The optical device is capable of guiding light from different optical paths 
(optical paths from the first scanning exposure device and the second 
scanning exposure device) onto the photosensitive surface of the 
photosensitive material. Accordingly, it is possible to copy both a 
two-dimensional image whose surface to be copied may be faced downward and 
a liquid-containing three-dimensional object (foods, beverages, and water 
tanks) whose surface to be copied must be faced upward. 
It is possible to use a movable mirror as the optical device. Namely, as 
the image scanned and exposed by the first scanning exposure device, or 
the second scanning exposure device, is selectively guided by the movable 
mirror onto the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive material, the 
optical paths of the optical device (and leading therefrom) can be used in 
common, so that it is possible to obtain a highly versatile image forming 
apparatus. 
In addition, it is possible to use a half mirror as the optical device. 
Namely, if one of the images scanned and exposed by the first scanning 
exposure device and the second scanning exposure device is reflected by 
the half mirror, and the other one of the images is transmitted 
therethrough, the moving operation of the mirror becomes unnecessary. 
In accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, the second 
scanning exposure device is provided in such a manner as to be selectively 
movable to a position at which the three-dimensional object placed on the 
three-dimensional object placing table and outside the apparatus can be 
scanned. Where a large-sized three-dimensional object which cannot be 
placed on the three-dimensional object placing table is scanned, the 
large-sized three-dimensional object is placed outside the apparatus 
(e.g., on the side of the apparatus), and the position of the second 
scanning exposure device is moved from above the three-dimensional object 
placing table in such a manner as to permit scanning at that position. 
Thus, since the position of the second scanning exposure device can be 
selected, it is possible to reliably effect scanning and obtain a copied 
image irrespective of the type of three-dimensional object (size, weight, 
fluid objects, etc.). 
In accordance with the third aspect of the present invention, for instance, 
an original with a planar image recorded thereon is placed on the first 
placing portion formed by a transparent plate (e.g., a glass plate). 
Meanwhile, a three-dimensional object is placed on the second placing 
portion, and this second placing portion has a portion in common with the 
first placing portion. Namely, when a planar image is scanned, since the 
surface of the first placing portion is a focusing position, scanning is 
effected from below via the transparent plate. When a three-dimensional 
object is scanned, the second placing portion is used merely as a placing 
surface, and the focusing position is present in a spatial position above 
the second placing portion. 
Thus, by jointly using the placing positions of a planar image and a 
three-dimensional object, it is possible to make the apparatus compact. 
It should be noted that, in order to prevent the transparent plate from 
becoming damaged, a cover surface for holding the planar image together 
with the transparent plate may be used as the second placing portion. 
In accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention, the second 
scanning exposure device is supported by a support member, and the second 
scanning exposure device is made capable of approaching and moving away 
from (e.g., moving vertically with respect to) the second placing portion. 
The change in the position (distance from the second placing portion) of 
the second scanning exposure device is proportional to the change in the 
focusing position, so that the interval between the second scanning 
exposure device and the second placing portion can be widened or shortened 
by the positioning device, and the focusing position can be thereby 
altered, in correspondence with the change in the height of the 
three-dimensional object. 
Accordingly, it is easily possible to adjust the focusing position to an 
uppermost portion of the three-dimensional object, and to set the focusing 
position not only to the uppermost portion but also to a desired 
heightwise position. 
In accordance with the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the 
position where the second scanning exposure device is supported is altered 
by the positioning device, since the focusing position is present in the 
space between the second scanning exposure device and the second placing 
portion, it is difficult to ascertain the focusing position accurately. 
Accordingly, it becomes easy to ascertain the focusing position if the 
indicator portion is always made to indicate the focusing position by 
moving the indicator portion in correspondence with a change in the 
position where the second scanning exposure device is supported. 
As the indicator portion, the focusing position may be indicated by an 
arrow, with a scale inscribed in advance, and with a pointer moved on the 
scale. Alternatively, a light beam may be illuminated onto a side surface 
of the apparatus which corresponds to the focusing position, or a shadow 
may be projected onto the side surface to indicate the focusing position. 
Furthermore, the focusing position may be displayed in terms of a distance 
from a predetermined position on the second placing portion or the second 
scanning exposure device. In this case, if the aforementioned scale is 
jointly used, it suffices to read the scale on the basis of the reading on 
the display so as to ascertain the focusing position. 
As described above, the image forming apparatus in accordance with the 
present invention offers an outstanding advantage in that the apparatus 
has a simple structure, is highly versatile, and is capable of copying 
two-dimensional images and three-dimensional objects containing a liquid, 
irrespective of the type of object to be copied.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
In all the embodiments of the present invention which are described 
hereafter, the term UP in the drawings indicates the upward direction, and 
the term DOWN indicates the downward direction. 
FIG. 1 shows an overall schematic diagram of an image recording apparatus 
10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 
shows an external view of the image recording apparatus 10. 
The image recording apparatus 10 as a whole is structured in the shape of a 
box, and has a machine stand 12, provided with a front door 13, and a side 
door 15. As each door is opened, the interior of the machine stand 12 can 
be exposed. 
In addition, a placing table 12A for placing an original 42 (see FIG. 3) 
thereon is provided on an upper surface of the machine stand 12 of the 
image recording apparatus 10. A holding cover 12B, which may be opened to 
about the farther side of the apparatus, is provided on the placing table 
12A. An operation panel 44 is disposed on the upper surface of the machine 
stand 12. 
A transparent glass plate 12C (see FIG. 3) is attached to the placing table 
12A, and the original 42 is placed on the transparent glass plate 12C. 
After the original 42 is positioned, if the holding cover 12B is closed, 
the original will be held in a predetermined position. Namely, this 
original 42 has a planar image (two-dimensional image) recorded on paper 
or the like, and the placing table 12A is used when a planar image is 
copied. 
As shown in FIG. 1, a photosensitive material magazine 14 is disposed 
within the machine stand 12 of the image recording apparatus 10, and a 
photosensitive material 16 is accommodated therein after being taken up in 
the form of a roll. This photosensitive material 16 is taken up with its 
photosensitive (exposure) surface facing the shaft for taking up the 
photosensitive material 16. 
A pair of nip rollers 18 and a cutter 20 are disposed in the vicinity of a 
photosensitive material paying-out port of the photosensitive material 
magazine 14 so that the photosensitive material 16 can be cut after a 
predetermined length thereof has been paid out from the photosensitive 
material magazine 14. 
A plurality of transport rollers 19, 21, 23, 24, and 26 and a guide plate 
27 are disposed downstream of the cutter 20 along a transport passage, so 
that the photosensitive material 16, cut to a predetermined length, can be 
transported to an exposure section 22. 
The exposure section 22 is located between the transport rollers 23 and the 
transport rollers 24 so as to form an exposure portion (exposure point) 
which is between these transport rollers and through which the 
photosensitive material 16 passes. 
As shown in FIG. 3, a first exposure device 38 for exposing a planar image 
is provided in a space above the exposure section 22 and below the 
transparent glass plate 12C. Disposed in the first exposure device 38 are 
halogen lamps 38A, a mirror unit 38B, and a lens unit 38C which are moved 
horizontally below the transparent glass plate 12C, a mirror unit 39 for 
guiding the scanned/exposed light to the exposure section 22, and a filter 
and a diaphragm which are not shown. 
As shown in FIG. 3, in this first embodiment, the mirror unit 39 is 
comprised of two total reflection mirrors 39A, 39B and one half mirror 
39C. An optical path (in a horizontal direction) from the mirror unit 38B 
is bent substantially orthogonally (in a vertically downward direction) by 
the total reflection mirror 39A, is reflected and bent substantially 
perpendicularly (in a horizontal direction) by the half mirror 39C, and is 
bent substantially perpendicularly (in a vertically downward direction) by 
the total reflection mirror 39B, so as to guide the light to the exposure 
section 22. 
As shown in FIG. 1, a sub-casing 202, in which a second exposure device 200 
for copying a three-dimensional object is incorporated, is disposed above 
the placing table 12A. The sub-casing 202, when seen from the front side 
of the apparatus, is formed in a substantially L-shaped configuration, and 
a proximal portion of an upright section 202A is detachably mounted on a 
right-hand end portion of the placing table 12A shown in FIG. 1. In 
addition, a distal end portion of a horizontal section 202B is supported 
on the placing table 12A by means of a guide rod 204. A clearance is 
formed between the placing table 12A and the underside of the horizontal 
section 202B by the portion of the length of the guide rod 204, and this 
clearance provides a space for placing a three-dimensional object 206. 
The underside of the horizontal section 202B has a rectangular opening 
where a transparent glass plate 208 is attached. The transparent glass 
plate 208 is opposed to the the placing table 12A and the holding cover 
12B in an area ranging from a position on the surface of the placing table 
12A corresponding to one end of the transparent glass plate 208 to a 
position on the surface of the holding cover 12B corresponding to another 
end thereof. Namely, the surface of the placing table 12A (including the 
holding cover 12B) is used as a supporting base for the three-dimensional 
object 206. 
The second exposure device 200 in the sub-casing 202 is comprised of 
halogen lamps 210 and a mirror unit 212 which are moved horizontally above 
the transparent glass plate 208, a mirror 214 for bending the light 
scanned and exposed by the mirror unit 212 in a vertically downward 
direction along the upright section 202A, a lens unit 216, a mirror 218 
for bending the light passing through the lens unit 216 toward the half 
mirror 39C of the mirror unit 39, and the like. 
By means of this second exposure device 200, the three-dimensional object 
206 placed on the placing table 12A is scanned and exposed from above, and 
its light is transmitted through the half mirror 39C and is guided to the 
exposure section 22. That is, it is possible to copy the three-dimensional 
object 206 containing a liquid. 
The sub-casing 202 can be selectively attached at a first position (the 
state in FIG. 1) where the sub-casing 202 is positioned above the placing 
table 12A and at a second position (see the solid lines in FIG. 4) where 
the sub-casing 202 is rotated 180.degree. with respect to the first 
position. In the second position, it is possible to copy a 
three-dimensional object 222 placed on a receiving table 220 prepared on 
the side of the machine stand 12. Namely, it is possible to copy a 
large-sized three-dimensional object 222 which cannot be accommodated in 
the clearance between the placing table 12A and the underside of the 
sub-casing 202. 
Thus, the image recording apparatus 10 in accordance with this first 
embodiment is provided with the first exposure device 38 for copying a 
planar image and the second exposure device 200 for copying the 
three-dimensional object 206 (222). A selecting switch (not shown) for 
selecting either one of the exposure devices to be used is provided on the 
operation panel 44, so that either exposure device can be selected at the 
discretion of the operator. 
A switch back section 40 is provided on the side of the exposure section 
22, and a water application section 62 is provided below the exposure 
section 22. The photosensitive material 16, which has been transported in 
such a manner as to rise upward in the vicinity of the side of the 
photosensitive material magazine 14 and has been exposed in the exposure 
section 22, is temporarily sent to the switch back section 40, and is then 
transported along a transport passage provided below the exposure section 
22 and is sent to the water application section 62 as the transport 
rollers 26 are rotated reversely. 
A plurality of pipes are connected to the water application section 62 so 
as to supply water. 
A heat development transfer section 104 is disposed on the side of the 
water application section 62, to which the photosensitive material 16 with 
water applied thereto is sent. 
Meanwhile, an image receiving material magazine 106 is disposed on the side 
of the photosensitive material magazine 14 within the machine stand 12, 
and an image receiving material 108 is accommodated therein after being 
taken up in the form of a roll. A pigment fixing material having a mordant 
has been applied to an image-forming surface of the image receiving 
material 108, and the image receiving material 108 has been taken up with 
the image-forming surface thereof facing a shaft for taking up the image 
receiving material 108. 
The image receiving material magazine 106, like the photosensitive material 
magazine 14, is comprised of a trunk portion and a pair of side frame 
portions fixed to both ends of the trunk portion. The image receiving 
material magazine 106 can be pulled out toward a front surface side of the 
machine stand 12 (toward this side in FIG. 1, i.e., in the transverse 
direction of the taken-up image receiving material 108). 
A pair of nip rollers 110 are disposed in the vicinity of an image 
receiving material paying-out port of the image receiving material 
magazine 106. The nip rollers 110 are capable of pulling out the image 
receiving material 108 from the image receiving material magazine 106 and 
of cancelling their nip. A cutter 112 is disposed on the side of the nip 
rollers 110. 
An image receiving material transporting section 180 is provided on the 
side of the photosensitive material magazine 14. Transport rollers 186, 
190, and 114 and guide plates 182 are disposed in the image receiving 
material transporting section 180, and the image receiving material 108 
cut to a predetermined length can be transported to the heat development 
transfer section 104. 
The photosensitive material 16 which is transported to the heat development 
transfer section 104 is fed into a nip between a laminating roller 120 and 
a heat drum 116. Meanwhile, the image receiving material 108 is also fed 
into the nip between the laminating roller 120 and the heat drum 116 in 
synchronism with the transport of the photosensitive material 16 in a 
state in which the image receiving material 108 is preceded by the 
photosensitive material 16 by a predetermined length, and is superposed on 
top of the photosensitive material 16. 
A pair of halogen lamps 132A and 132B are disposed within the heat drum 116 
and are capable of raising the temperature of the surface of the heat drum 
116. 
An endless pressure-contact belt 118 is trained around five training 
rollers 134, 135, 136, 138, and 140. The outer side of the endless 
pressure-contact belt 118 located between the training roller 134 and the 
training roller 140 is brought into pressure contact with the outer 
periphery of the heat drum 116. 
A bending/guiding roller 142 is disposed downstream of the endless 
pressure-contact belt 118 in the transporting direction of the materials 
and on the lower side of the heat drum 116. A peeling claw 154 is disposed 
downstream of the bending/guiding roller 142 in the transporting direction 
of the materials and on the lower side of the heat drum 116, and is 
rotatably supported by a shaft. 
The photosensitive material 16 peeled off by the peeling claw 154 is wound 
around the bending/guiding roller 142, and is accumulated in a waste 
photosensitive material accommodating box 178 by photosensitive material 
discharge rollers 160. 
A peeling roller 174 and a peeling claw 176 are disposed in the vicinity of 
the heat drum 116 on the side of the bending/guiding roller 142. Disposed 
below the peeling roller 174 and the peeling claw 176 are an image 
receiving material guide 170, as well as image receiving material 
discharge rollers 172, 173, and 175, so that the image receiving material 
108 peeled off the heat drum 116 by means of the peeling roller 174 and 
the peeling claw 176 can be guided and transported. 
The image receiving material 108 peeled off from the outer periphery of the 
heat drum 116 by the peeling claw 176 is transported by the image 
receiving material guide 170 and the image receiving material discharge 
rollers 172, 173, and 175 and is discharged to a tray 177. 
Next, a description will be given of the operation of the first embodiment. 
In a case where the copying of a planar image is selected by the selecting 
switch on the operation panel 44, a sheet of paper with the planar image 
recorded thereon is placed on the transparent glass plate 12C with the 
image facing downward. After the holding cover 12B is closed, the 
magnification, the number of sheets to be processed, and the like are 
designated by operating switches on the operation panel 44. When an 
instruction of starting is given, image processing is commenced. 
Namely, the nip rollers 18 are operated in a state in which the 
photosensitive material 16 is set in the photosensitive material magazine 
14, and the photosensitive material 16 is pulled out by the nip rollers 
18. When a predetermined length of the photosensitive material 16 is 
pulled out, the cutter 20 is actuated to cut the photosensitive material 
16 to a predetermined length. 
After the actuation of the cutter 20, the direction of travel of the 
photosensitive material 16 is inverted as the photosensitive material 16 
is transported along the transport passage, and the photosensitive 
material 16 is transported to the exposure section 22 in a state in which 
its photosensitive (exposure) surface is faced upward. At the same time as 
the photosensitive material 16 is transported, the first exposure device 
38 is operated so that the photosensitive material 16 positioned in the 
exposure section 22 is scanned and exposed. That is, the light from the 
first exposure device 38 is reflected by the half mirror 39C of the mirror 
unit 39, and is guided to the exposure section 22 by the total reflection 
mirror 39B. 
After the exposure is started, the exposed photosensitive material 16 is 
temporarily sent to the switch back section 40, and is then sent to the 
water application section 62 by the reverse rotation of the transport 
rollers 26. 
In the water application section 62, water is applied to the photosensitive 
material 16, and the photosensitive material 16 passes through the water 
application section 62 while excess water is being removed by a pair of 
squeeze rollers 68. 
The photosensitive material 16, to which water serving as an image-forming 
solvent is applied in the water application section 62, is sent to the 
heat development transfer section 104 by the squeeze rollers 68. 
Meanwhile, as the scanning and exposure of the photosensitive material 16 
is started, the image receiving material 108 is pulled out from the image 
receiving material magazine 106 by the nip rollers 110 and is transported. 
When a predetermined length of the image receiving material 108 is pulled 
out, the cutter 112 is actuated to cut the image receiving material 108 to 
a predetermined length. 
After the actuation of the cutter 112, the image receiving material 108 is 
transported by the transport rollers 190, 186, and 114 while being guided 
by the guide plate 182, and is set on standby immediately before the heat 
development transfer section 104. 
In the heat development transfer section 104, when it is detected that the 
photosensitive material 16 has been fed into a nip between the outer 
periphery of the heat drum 116 and the laminating roller 120 by the 
squeeze rollers 68, the transport of the image receiving material 108 is 
resumed and the image receiving material 108 is fed into the nip between 
the outer periphery of the heat drum 116 and the laminating roller 120. At 
the same time, the heat drum 116 is operated. 
In this case, a guide plate 122 is disposed between the laminating roller 
120 and the squeeze rollers 68 of the water application section 62, so 
that the photosensitive material 16 sent from the squeeze rollers 68 is 
guided reliably into the nip between the outer periphery of the heat drum 
116 and the laminating roller 120. 
The photosensitive material 16 and the image receiving material 108, which 
are superposed one on top of the other by the laminating roller 120, are 
nipped in the superposed state by the outer periphery of the heat drum 116 
and the endless pressure-contact belt 118, and are transported 
substantially by two-thirds of the circumference (between the training 
roller 134 and the training roller 140) of the heat drum 116. As a result, 
the photosensitive material 16 and the image receiving material 108 are 
heated, so that mobile pigments are released, and the pigments are 
simultaneously transferred onto a pigment fixing layer of the image 
receiving material 108, thereby obtaining an image. 
Subsequently, when the photosensitive material 16 and the image receiving 
material 108 are nipped and transported, and reach a lower portion of the 
heat drum 116, the peeling claw 154 is moved by a cam 130 into engagement 
with a leading end of the photosensitive material 16 which is being 
transported by preceding the image receiving material 108 by a 
predetermined length. Consequently, the leading end portion of the 
photosensitive material 16 is peeled off the outer periphery of the heat 
drum 116. Further, as the peeling claw 154 is returned, the photosensitive 
material 16 is pressed by a pinch roller 157. As a result, the 
photosensitive material 16 is wound around the bending/guiding roller 142 
while being pressed by the pinch roller 157, is then moved downward, and 
is accumulated in the waste photosensitive material accommodating box 178. 
Meanwhile, the image receiving material 108, which is separated from the 
photosensitive material 16 and moves in close contact with the heat drum 
116, is fed into a nip between the outer periphery of the heat drum 116 
and the peeling roller 174 so as to be peeled off the outer periphery of 
the heat drum 116. 
The image receiving material 108, which is peeled off the outer periphery 
of the heat drum 116 by the peeling claw 176, is moved downward while 
being wound around the peeling roller 174, is transported by the image 
receiving material discharge rollers 172, 173, and 175 while being guided 
by the image receiving material guide 170, and is discharged to the tray 
177. 
In the case of a planar image (an image recorded on a sheet of paper), as 
described above, it is readily possible to copy the image by placing the 
image on the transparent glass plate 12C with the image facing downward. 
With the first exposure device 38, however, it is impossible to copy a 
three-dimensional object, particularly a three-dimensional object 
containing a liquid. Accordingly, to copy such a three-dimensional object, 
this apparatus is provided with the sub-casing 202 which incorporates the 
second exposure device 200. 
When a three-dimensional object is copied, the operator selects the copying 
of a three-dimensional object by operating the selecting switch on the 
operation panel 44. 
Next, in a case where the three-dimensional object to be copied is 
relatively small (the three-dimensional object 206 shown in FIG. 1), the 
three-dimensional object is placed on the placing table 12A. Incidentally, 
in the case of an elongated three-dimensional object, the object may be 
placed by extending it over the holding cover 12B. 
Next, the magnification, the number of sheets to be processed, and the like 
are designated by operating the switches on the operation panel 44. When a 
start instruction is given, image processing is commenced, and the 
operation in the apparatus body is started in the same way as in the 
above-described copying of a planar image (the transport of the 
photosensitive material 16 and the like). 
At the same time as the photosensitive material 16 is transported, the 
second exposure device 200 is operated, and the photosensitive material 16 
positioned in the exposure section 22 is scanned and exposed. Namely, the 
light from the second exposure device 200 is transmitted through the half 
mirror 39C of the mirror unit 39, and is guided to the exposure section 22 
by means of the total reflection mirror 39B. 
Thereafter, since the exposure of the photosensitive material 16, the 
transfer of the image onto the image receiving material 108 and the like 
are similar to those in the case of the above-described copying of a 
planar image, a description thereof will be omitted. 
Thus, due to the joint use of the first exposure device 38 and the second 
exposure device 200, it is possible to copy not only three-dimensional 
objects, but also various other images, so that the image recording 
apparatus 10 is a highly versatile image recording apparatus. 
Particularly, in the case of a three-dimensional object containing a 
liquid, an exclusive-use copying apparatus has been conventionally 
required. But since the second exposure device 200 is arranged in such a 
manner as to effect copying with the image facing upward, such a 
three-dimensional object containing a liquid can be copied easily. For 
instance, in cases where plan-view images of foods and beverages are to be 
incorporated in menus of restaurants and the like, it is unnecessary to 
attach photographic paper, photographed separately with a camera, to paper 
on which prices and the like are printed. Since the copied images, 
together with characters and symbols, can be recorded directly on the 
paper, the final product improves in terms of appearance as well. In 
addition, this image recording apparatus can be used effectively in the 
presentation of new merchandise and the like. 
It should be noted that the sub-casing 202 incorporating the second 
exposure device 200, which is used in the first embodiment, is detachable 
with respect to the apparatus body. For instance, where a large-size 
three-dimensional object 222 (see FIG. 4) which cannot be placed on the 
placing table 12A is to be copied, the sub-casing 202 is mounted in a 
state in which the horizontal section 202B is rotated 180.degree. from the 
state shown in FIG. 1 (see the solid lines in FIG. 4). In this state, if 
the large-size three-dimensional object 222 is placed on the receiving 
table 220 (or directly on the apparatus-mounting floor) which is disposed 
on the side of the machine stand 12, the three-dimensional object 222 can 
be copied by the second exposure device 200. 
Although, in the first embodiment, optical axes of the light from the first 
exposure device 38 and the light from the second exposure device 200 
leading to the exposure section 22 are aligned with each other by means of 
the half mirror 39C, an arrangement may be provided as shown in FIG. 5. 
Namely, instead of the half mirror, a total reflection mirror 224 fixed to 
a bracket 226 is disposed in such a manner as to be rotatable 
approximately 45.degree. about a shaft 228, so that the total reflection 
mirror 224 is movable between a position (solid-line position) in which 
the light from the first exposure device 38 is deflected 90.degree. and a 
position (phantom-line position) in which the total reflection mirror 224 
does not interfere with the light from the second exposure device 200. 
Incidentally, the movement of the total reflection mirror 224 may be 
interlocked with the selecting switch on the operation panel 44. 
Hereafter, a description will be given of a second embodiment of the 
present invention. In this second embodiment, the component parts which 
are identical to those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same 
reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted. 
The characteristic feature of this second embodiment lies in that a 
mechanism is added for causing the second exposure device 200, which is a 
second scanning exposure means, to approach and move away from the placing 
table 12A when the second exposure device 200 is located above the placing 
table 12A. 
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a support casing 300 is disposed at a position 
where the sub-casing 202 is mounted on the apparatus body. The support 
casing 300 is shaped like a frame whose inward upper and lower surfaces 
are open. A first flange 302 is formed at upper edges thereof and is 
located at peripheral edges of a rectangular hole provided in the placing 
table 12A, so as to prevent the support casing 300 from falling down. In 
addition, a second flange 304 having a size larger than the first flange 
302 is formed at a lower end of the support casing 300. 
A rib 306 is formed on inner peripheral surfaces of the support casing 300 
on four sides thereof, and a lower end of the sub-casing 202 is supported 
on an upper surface of the rib 306. 
Circular holes 308 are provided in vicinities of four corners of the second 
flange 304 (only three circular holes 308 are shown in FIG. 6), and 
internal threads are formed on the inner peripheries of the circular holes 
308 located on one diagonal line. An externally threaded shaft 310 is 
threadedly engaged in each of the circular holes 308 having the internal 
threads formed therein, and shafts 312 are inserted in the other circular 
holes 308, respectively. Upper and lower end portions of the externally 
threaded shafts 310 and the shafts 312 are axially supported by L-shaped 
brackets 313 (see FIG. 7), respectively, and are fixed to the apparatus 
body by means of the L-shaped brackets 313. 
A flanged pulley 314 is attached to a lower end portion of each of the 
externally threaded shafts 310. 
An endless belt 320 is trained around these pulleys 314 and a pulley 318 is 
attached to a rotating shaft of a motor 316. Tension rollers 322 for 
adjusting the tension of the belt 320 are provided at two positions on the 
belt 320, and are moved in a direction orthogonal to the axis thereof, as 
necessary, so as to adjust the tension. 
Here, when the motor 316 is driven, the externally threaded shafts 310 are 
rotated by a rotating force of the motor 316 by means of the belt 320, so 
that the support casing 300 is moved while being guided by the shafts 312. 
Consequently, the sub-casing 202 supported on the support casing 300 is 
moved vertically. 
Due to this vertical movement, the interval between the transparent glass 
plate 208 of the sub-casing 202 and the placing table 12A is widened or 
shortened, and can be varied in accordance with the height of the 
three-dimensional object 206 placed on the placing table 12A. 
At this time, since the focusing position becomes twice the amount of 
vertical movement of the sub-casing 202, the adjustment of the focusing 
position becomes possible in a wide range. 
As shown in FIG. 7, the wiring of a harness 324, in which signal lines for 
scanning and exposing are bundled, needs to be provided in the sub-casing 
202 from the apparatus body side. In this second embodiment, the harness 
324 is formed by a flexible member, so that even if the heightwise 
position of the sub-casing 202 is changed, the change can be coped with by 
the deformation of the harness 324 itself, as shown in FIG. 7. 
FIG. 8 shows an indicator section 350 for indicating a focusing position. 
The indicator section 350 is comprised of three pulleys 352, 354, and 356 
provided in the sub-casing 202, two wires 358 and 360 wound around these 
pulleys 352, 354, and 356, and pointers 362 attached to ends of the wires 
358 and 360, respectively. 
The pulleys 352 and 354 are disposed at an extreme projecting end of the 
horizontal section 202B of the sub-casing 202 and a proximal portion of 
the horizontal section 202B for connection with the upright section 202A, 
respectively. The pulley 356 is disposed on an extension of a line 
connecting the pulleys 352 and 354 in the upright section 202A of the 
sub-casing 202. 
One end of the two wires 358 and 360 are respectively passed through the 
support casing 300, and are retained at a vertically nonmovable portion 
within the apparatus body. The two wires 358 and 360 are wound by 
approximately 90.degree. around the pulley 356 disposed in the upright 
section 202A. One wire 358 extends to the pulley 352 disposed in the 
extreme projecting end in the horizontal section 202B of the sub-casing 
202, is wound by approximately 90.degree. around the pulley 352, and is 
suspended therefrom. The other wire 360 extends to the pulley 354 disposed 
in the proximal portion of the horizontal section 202B of the sub-casing 
202, is wound by approximately 90.degree. around the pulley 354, and is 
suspended therefrom. 
The pointers 362 shaped in the form of arrows whose directions are opposed 
to each other are attached to the lower ends of the suspended wires 358 
and 360, respectively. The pointers 362 are arranged such that their 
heights can always be maintained at the same level. 
When the support casing 300 is moved vertically by the driving force of the 
motor 316, and the sub-casing 202 is thereby moved vertically, the wires 
358 and 360 are respectively moved in their axial directions by means of 
the pulleys 352, 354, and 356, so that the pointers 362 are moved 
vertically. 
Since these wires 358 and 360 respectively have two portions where they 
move axially in the vertical direction, the amount of vertical movement of 
the wires 358 and 360 becomes twice the amount of vertical movement of the 
sub-casing 202, and becomes equivalent to the amount of movement of the 
focusing position. For this reason, once the position of the pointer 362 
is set to the focusing position with the sub-casing 202 set to a certain 
heightwise position, the pointers 362 are subsequently capable of 
indicating the focusing position at all times. 
Hereafter, a description will be given of the operation of the second 
embodiment. 
In a case where the three-dimensional object 206 placed on the placing 
table 12A is scanned and exposed, although there is a certain degree of 
focal depth, a three-dimensional object having a very small thickness and 
a three-dimensional object whose upper surface reaches up to a close 
vicinity of the transparent glass plate 208 of the sub-casing 202 cannot 
be focused. In this case, therefore, in the apparatus of the first 
embodiment, it is necessary to detach the sub-casing 202 and move it to 
the second position, and it is necessary to adjust the focusing position 
after the receiving table 220 having an appropriate height is placed on 
the side of the machine stand 12. 
In this second embodiment, however, a three-dimensional object which can be 
placed in the space between the placing table 12A and the transparent 
glass plate 208 of the sub-casing 202 is placed on the placing table 12A. 
Here, if the motor 316 is driven, the rotating force of the motor 316 is 
transmitted to the externally threaded shafts 310 by means of the belt 
320, so that the externally threaded shafts 310 are axially rotated. 
The rotation of the externally threaded shafts 310 causes the support 
casing 300 to move vertically, with the result that the sub-casing 202 is 
also moved vertically. 
Next, after the scanning height (e.g., an uppermost end) of the 
three-dimensional object is determined, the heightwise position of the 
sub-casing 202 is adjusted until the pointers 362 come to be positioned at 
that scanning height. At this time, since the amount of movement of the 
pointers 362 becomes twice the amount of heightwise adjustment of the 
sub-casing 202, the focusing position can be varied in a relatively large 
range. 
At a point of time when the position of the pointers 362 is aligned with 
the scanning height of the three-dimensional object, the driving of the 
motor 316 is stopped, and scanning and exposure is started. Since the 
procedure during and after the scanning and exposure is identical to that 
of the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted. 
Thus, in accordance with the second embodiment, since the sub-casing 202 is 
made vertically movable, the types (shape, height, etc.) of 
three-dimensional objects which can be scanned and exposed on the placing 
table 12A widen. In particular, three-dimensional objects having very 
small thicknesses (a liquid such as soup contained in a dish, solids such 
as beads whose positions are not fixed) and three-dimensional objects 
whose upper surfaces reach up to a close vicinity of the transparent glass 
plate 208 of the sub-casing 202 (flowers arranged in a vase or the like) 
can be scanned and exposed simply. In addition, since the focusing 
position can be altered freely, and the focusing position can be visually 
confirmed, heightwise varied portions of the same three-dimensional object 
can be scanned and exposed without moving the three-dimensional object. 
Although, in this embodiment, the sub-casing 202 is arranged to be 
vertically movable, three-dimensional objects which cannot be scanned 
above the placing table 12A can be scanned by setting the horizontal 
section 202B in a 180.degree. rotated state in the same way as in the 
first embodiment. 
Although, in this embodiment, the driving force of the motor 316 is used as 
the means for vertically moving the support casing 300, and the externally 
threaded shafts. 310 are rotated by means of the belt 320 (i.e., a ball 
screw system), the support casing may be moved vertically by the rotation 
of an eccentric cam. Alternatively, the support casing 300 may be attached 
to extending/retracting rods of air cylinders (hydraulic cylinders). 
Further, an arrangement may be provided such that a plurality of grooves 
are provided in the machine stand 12 or the support casing 300 as in the 
adjustment of the height of a shelf board, so as to manually change the 
heightwise position of the support casing 300 selectively. 
In addition, although, in this embodiment, the indicator section 350 is 
comprised of the pulleys 352, 354, and 356, the wires 358 and 360, and the 
pointers 362, an arrangement may be provided as follows. The heightwise 
position of the sub-casing 202 is detected by a sensor or the like, the 
focusing position is calculated on the basis of the result of detection by 
the sensor, and a light beam is illuminated onto a scale inscribed in 
advance on a side surface of the upright section 202A of the sub-casing 
202. Further, a shadow, instead of the light beam, may be projected onto 
the scale. Moreover, the result of calculation may be displayed as a 
numerical value on a display panel, and the operator may read the scale by 
using the numerical value as a reference.