JP2001235802A - Print system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stably and easily reproduce the images similar in the colors and density of the images of previous images in reprinting. SOLUTION: The print system for subjecting the inputted images to image processing and reproducing these images as visible images has an image processing condition recording means for recording the image processing conditions when forming the prints reproducing the inputted images of respective frames in the prescribed areas of the prints and an image processing condition reading means for reading the image processing conditions recorded on these prints. The print system forms the reprints by the image processing conditions read from the prints when forming the reprints of the prints described above.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing system for outputting a photographic print reproducing an input image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a lab, an image of the same frame is printed a plurality of times. In the lab, reorder processing (printing)
When performing the above, usually, the film of the corresponding frame is scanned and printed. At this time, the previous print (usually the print output during simultaneous printing)
It is required that the colors and densities of the images reproduced in the prints match those of the prints (reprints) output by additional printing. As a method of creating a reprint, for example, as in the case of the first print (the previous print, usually simultaneous print), image processing conditions are determined from image data obtained by scanning the film again, and further a positive test is performed. And printing.

However, in such a reprinting method,
Since there is no information on the image processing conditions and the correction key in the positive test at the time of the previous print, the print may not be the same as the previous print. In particular, in the case of a system that uses the image data of one film as the image processing conditions, when reprinting, only the corresponding frame is processed in pieces, so the color may change from the previous print, It is likely that they do not match. Therefore, in response to this, the image processing conditions of the previous print and the information of the correction key in the positive test are stored in the system, and at the time of reprinting, information such as the image processing conditions corresponding to the corresponding frame is called, There is a method of printing using this.

[0004]

However, in the method of storing the information of the image processing conditions and the correction key, calling the same at the time of reprinting, and using it for reprinting, the same finish as the previous print is obtained. Although a print can be obtained, it is necessary to store information on image processing conditions and correction keys. Therefore, there is a problem that an enormous capacity of memory is required in consideration of a processing amount, a storage period, and the like. Further, there is a problem that a method of linking the image (frame) of the film with the stored information must be considered in order to recall the stored information at the time of reprinting. At this time, in the case of APS (New Photo System), information can be magnetically recorded on the film.
Since there is no D, it is troublesome to take the above link.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and in a print system for outputting a print reproducing an input image, a reprint which is output in response to a request for additional printing or the like is required. The image of the print and
An object of the present invention is to provide a printing system capable of stably and easily reproducing images having similar colors and densities.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided a print system for performing image processing on an input image and outputting a print of the image as a visible image. Image processing condition recording means for recording an image processing condition when creating a print reproducing the input image of the input image in a predetermined portion of the print; image processing condition reading means for reading the image processing condition recorded in the print; , And when reprinting the print, a reprint is generated based on image processing conditions read from the print.

Preferably, the recording of the image processing conditions on the print and the reading of the image processing conditions from the print are performed by bar codes.

Preferably, the print for recording the image processing conditions is an index print.

It is preferable that the index print also serves as a reorder sheet.

It is preferable that the predetermined portion of the print for recording the image processing conditions is at least one of the back and front of the print.

Further, the image processing conditions include density correction,
It is preferable to include a parameter for determining at least one of color tone balance correction and contrast correction.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a printing system according to the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a digital photo printer according to the printing system of the present invention. A digital photo printer 10 (hereinafter, referred to as a photo printer 10) shown in FIG. 1 is basically a scanner (an image) that photoelectrically reads an image photographed on a photographic film F (hereinafter, referred to as a film F). Reading device) 12
And an image processing device 14 for selecting, setting, and changing image processing and image processing conditions of image data read by the scanner 12, operating and controlling the entire photo printer 10, and the like. A printer (image recording device) 16 that exposes the photosensitive material with a light beam modulated in accordance with image data and outputs it as a developed (finished) print. The image processing apparatus 14 has an operation system 18 having a keyboard and the like for inputting (setting) various conditions, selecting and instructing processing, and instructions for color / density correction, and the like. A monitor (display) 20 that displays the received image, various operation instructions, a setting / registration screen for various conditions, and the like is connected.

At this time, in addition to the normal printing, an index print in which the plurality of images are exposed and developed on photographic paper so that the plurality of images are arranged in a matrix on one sheet is output. By referring to the index print, the user can check each image recorded on the photographic film at a glance, and can easily specify the image when requesting a reprint, and easily arrange the photographic film. Can be. Therefore, in this embodiment, this index print is also used as a reorder sheet for ordering additional prints (reprints), and the image processing conditions when the original print was created are converted into barcodes and recorded on the back. I do. As a result, it becomes easier for the user to order reprints, and the lab reads the barcode-recorded image processing conditions on the back side of the index print that was also used as the reorder sheet, and By performing the reprinting process, it is possible to easily reproduce an image similar to the original print.

The scanner 12 is a device that photoelectrically reads an image photographed on a film F or the like one frame at a time. In the example shown in the figure, the scanner 12 emits projection light transmitted through the film F and carrying an image. The CCD 24 reads photoelectrically. The printer 16 includes an image recording unit 78,
A bar code writer 80 is included. Image recording unit 78
Is for exposing a photosensitive material to record a latent image. The barcode writer 80 is one of the features of the present invention, and converts an image processing condition into a barcode and records it on the back surface (non-emulsifier surface) of the index print. Further, a bar code reader 82 is connected to the image processing apparatus 14. This barcode reader 82 is also a feature of the present invention, and reads a barcode representing the image processing conditions recorded on the back surface of the index print P.

In the photo printer 10, usually,
Prior to image reading (main scanning) for outputting a print, a pre-scan for reading an image at a low resolution is performed to determine image processing conditions and the like. The photo printer 10 of the present embodiment photoelectrically reads an image photographed on a film such as a negative or a reversal by the scanner 12,
A print reproduced from this is created, but in the print system of the present invention, in addition to this, an image reading device for reading an image of a reflection original, an imaging device such as a digital camera or a digital camera, a LAN (Local Area Network)
rk), communication means such as a computer communication network, various types of image reading means, photographing means, storage means for image data, such as a memory card, a medium (recording medium) such as an MO (magneto-optical recording medium), and a photo CD. Alternatively, image data carrying an image may be received from various image data sources, and a print of the reproduced image may be created. Scanner 12
Is output to the image processing device 14.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image processing apparatus 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 14 includes a data conversion unit 38, a data processing unit 54, a pre-scan (frame) memory 40, and a main scan (frame) memory 4.
2. It has a pre-scan image processing section 44, a main scan image processing section 46, and a condition setting section 48. FIG. 2 mainly shows parts related to image processing. The image processing apparatus 14 also includes a CPU for controlling and managing the entire photo printer 10 including the image processing apparatus 14, A memory for storing information necessary for the operation of the printer 10 and the like, means for determining the aperture value of the variable aperture and the accumulation time of the CCD 24, and the like are arranged. The operation system 18 and the monitor 20 are provided by the CPU (CPU bus). Is connected to each part via.

The R, G, and B output signals output from the scanner 12 are first sent to a data conversion unit 38.
A / D (analog / digital) conversion and Log conversion are performed to obtain digital image data (input image data).
Next, in the data processing section 54, predetermined processing such as DC offset correction, dark time correction, shading correction and the like is performed.
0, the main scan image data is stored in the main scan memory 42.
Are respectively stored (stored). The pre-scan (image) data and the main scan (image) data are basically the same data except that the pixel density and the signal level are different.

The pre-scan data stored in the pre-scan memory 40 is processed in a pre-scan image processing section 44, and the main scan data stored in the main scan memory 42 is processed in a main scan image processing section 46. The pre-scan image processing unit 44 includes the image processing unit 5
0 and a signal processing unit 52. On the other hand, the main scan image processing unit 46 includes an image processing unit 60 and a signal processing unit 62.

An image processing unit 50 (hereinafter, referred to as a processing unit 50) of the pre-scan image processing unit 44 and an image processing unit 60 (hereinafter, referred to as a processing unit 60) of the main scan image processing unit 46 are both provided. This is a part that performs predetermined image processing on an image (image data) read by the scanner 12 according to an image processing condition set by a condition setting unit 48 described later in detail. Both perform basically the same processing except that the pixel densities of the image data to be processed are different.

The image processing in the processing section 50 and the processing section 60 includes basic processing such as gray balance adjustment (color balance adjustment), contrast correction (gradation processing), and brightness correction, as well as image state ( Image data read by the scanner 12), geometric distortion correction, density unevenness correction (peripheral light amount correction), sharpness (sharpening) processing, dodging processing, special Finishing (cloth filter processing, soft focus finishing, black and white finishing, sepia finishing, etc.), emphasis / blur processing, face area processing (density, skin color, emphasis / blur, etc.), red eye correction, eyes, hair, lips Processing and correction of partial shapes and colors, scratch correction on film,
One or more of an aspect ratio change (magnification) process such as a person thinning process, an electronic magnification process in combining (trimming) images (different images and characters) and characters, and the like are exemplified.

Each of these corrections may be performed by a known method, and is performed by appropriately combining image processing operation, processing using an LUT (lookup table), matrix operation, processing using a filter, and the like. For example, gray balance adjustment (color gradation balance correction), brightness correction, and contrast correction are all highlighted (lowest density).
A method using a correction (adjustment) table created according to image feature amounts such as image density, shadow (maximum density), average density, and the like. In addition, these correction staples are usually R,
It is created for each color of G and B. Further, the gray balance adjustment LUT and the gradation correction LUT may be created by accumulating image data of one film F. The sharpness process is an unsharp mask process, that is, an image obtained by averaging the original image (a first averaged image) and an image obtained by further averaging the first averaged image, and a sharpness correction is performed on the difference between the two. A method of multiplying a coefficient and adding a first averaged image to an obtained image is exemplified. In addition, a graininess suppression sharpness process is also exemplified.

In the dodging process, a blurred image (data) is generated by a luminance signal obtained by converting image data or a filtering process using an IIR filter, and an LUT or an arithmetic expression is created using the blurred image. Using the image data processed by the LUT, etc., compresses or expands the high-density area and low-density area, thereby compressing / expanding the dynamic range of the original image while preserving the intermediate gradation, and giving a dodging effect. (Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 7-16596)
No. 5, 7-337509 and 9-207941).

The geometric distortion correction and the peripheral light amount correction are mainly for correcting the image distortion and the decrease in the light amount at the peripheral portion of the image when photographing with an inexpensive camera such as a film with a lens. Since the displacement of the pixel position and the decrease in the amount of light due to this distortion can be expressed by a functional expression, a method of creating this functional expression and correcting the pixel position so that each pixel is at an appropriate position using the functional expression, and A method of performing density correction for the peripheral light amount reduction is exemplified. Further, this function formula is usually created for each of R, G and B colors. Further, as a method of correcting the scratch on the film, a method of designating an unnecessary area such as a scratch by a monitor test and replacing the image data of the unnecessary area with the background image data around the unnecessary area is exemplified. (See Japanese Patent Application No. 9-69366).

The signal processing unit 52 of the prescan image processing unit 44 converts the image data processed by the processing unit 50 into
This is a part that is converted by using an LUT or the like to make image data corresponding to display on the monitor 20. On the other hand, the signal processing unit 62 of the main scan image processing unit 46 converts the image data (output image data) processed by the processing unit 60 into image data corresponding to image recording by the printer 16,
This is a part to be supplied to the printer 16. As will be described in detail later, the printer 16 scans and exposes a photosensitive material (photographic paper) with a light beam modulated in accordance with the image data to form a latent image, performs a predetermined developing process, and outputs a printed image. I do.

Processing unit 5 of prescanned image processing unit 44
0 and image processing conditions of image processing performed by the processing unit 60 of the main scan image processing unit 46 are set by the condition setting unit 48. The condition setting unit 48 includes an image processing condition setting unit 64, a key correction unit 70, and a parameter integration unit 72. The parameter integration unit 72 includes
The printer 16 is connected, converts the image processing conditions for the image of the film F, which has been previously printed (usually at the time of simultaneous printing), into bar codes, and prints (records) the back of the index print P for one film F. ).
The index print P also serves as a reorder sheet.

An image processing condition setting unit 64 (hereinafter, setting unit 6)
4 is assumed. ) Is a pre-scan image, or even
According to the main part (area) extracted from the pre-scan image, the instruction from the operator, etc., and at the time of reprinting, it is recorded as a bar code on the back surface of the index print P also serving as the reorder sheet. Image processing conditions
The data read by the barcode reader 82 is set as image processing conditions for display and output images in the processing units 50 and 60, and is supplied to the parameter integration unit 72. More specifically, the setting unit 64 generates a density histogram from the pre-scan data, calculates an average density, highlights and shadows, LATD (large area transmission density), and a maximum value and a minimum value density of the histogram. Calculation or, if necessary, extraction of a main part (area) such as a person's face, etc., is performed according to the obtained image feature amount and main part, furthermore, an operator's instruction, image processing conditions, and the like. From the image processing described above, determine the image processing to be executed and the execution order, further determine the image processing conditions,
It is supplied to the parameter integration unit 72.

The key correction unit 70 calculates an adjustment amount of image processing conditions in accordance with instructions such as color adjustment, density adjustment, and contrast (tone) adjustment input from a keyboard or the like of the operation system 18 and integrates parameters. This is supplied to the unit 72. For example, when a color adjustment is input from the operation system 18, a correction amount according to the input is calculated by the key correction unit 70, and a gray balance adjustment table is calculated by the parameter integration unit 72 in accordance with the correction amount. Is corrected, and if there is an input of density adjustment, the brightness correction table is similarly adjusted, and if there is an input of contrast adjustment,
Similarly, the contrast correction table is adjusted.

The parameter integrating section 72 receives the image processing conditions set by the setting section 64 and sends the supplied image processing conditions to the processing section 50 of the prescan image processing section 44 and the processing section 60 of the main scan image processing section 46. The image processing conditions set for each part are adjusted according to the adjustment amount calculated by the key correction unit 70 and the like. In addition, the parameter integrating unit 72 transmits a barcode of the image processing conditions of the image of each frame to the printer 16 at the time of simultaneous printing (or when there is no instruction for reprinting). The bar code is printed (recorded) on the back side of the index print P, which also serves as a reorder sheet.
Then, at the time of reprinting, the barcode representing the image processing conditions of the image of each frame printed on the back surface of the index print P is read by the barcode reader 82 and input to the parameter integration section 72.

The image processing conditions include, for example, various types of information capable of reproducing the preceding image processing (conditions) according to the type and intensity or level of the image processing to be performed, specifically, information prepared for image processing. Examples include an LUT, a processing equation, a coefficient applied to a predetermined image processing equation, information on an area subjected to image processing, a synthesized image or character data file, and the like.

More specifically, for example, in the case of density correction, color gradation balance correction, and contrast correction, an LUT for correcting these is created, and correction and adjustment are performed using parameters determined by the LUT. . When these LUTs are created from image data of one film, these LUTs may be used as common conditions for all frames of the target film F. In the sharpness processing, the image data is processed by setting the LUT and the processing operation, and in the dodging processing, the image data is processed by the sharpness correction coefficient and various masks and mask sizes. Since the range is compressed / processed, image processing conditions are determined by this LUT or processing operation.

In the geometric distortion correction and the peripheral light amount correction, correction is performed by creating a function expression indicating a pixel position shift or a decrease in light amount, and the image processing conditions are determined by this function expression. In addition,
When a function formula is created for each color, each function formula becomes an image processing condition. In addition, this function formula may be used as information on the film F, since one film F is the same for all frames. Alternatively, instead of these functional expressions, a correction (two-dimensional) table indicating a pixel position shift or a decrease in light amount may be created and used. When the scratch on the film is corrected, the position of the designated scratch and the background pixel data (a part thereof) replaced with the scratch are stored. further,
When images and characters such as characters and other images are combined, the file name and combined position of the combined characters and images, and when the face area is processed or partially corrected, the corrected area is used. Color / density and shape correction data, vertical and horizontal scaling when performing aspect ratio change processing, scaling when performing trimming, and parameters according to each processing when performing special processing. is there. Further, the image processing apparatus 14 extracts a main area such as a face area as necessary and sets image processing conditions. Therefore, for example, when correction of only the face area is performed, the face area Since information is also required, such information may be used.

When such image processing conditions are converted into bar codes and printed on the back surface of the index print P, the bar code to be printed becomes longer, and there is a possibility that a problem that all of the bar codes cannot be printed may occur. On the other hand, for example, since the normal LUT is linear, the LUT can be reproduced by recording only the inclination and offset of the linear type.
In the case of non-linear type, the LUT is assigned a number
It is sufficient to have the lab machine itself and record only that number.

The image data processed by the image processing device 14 is sent to the printer 16. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the printer 16. The printer 16 is a photosensitive material A (photographic paper)
Is a so-called printer processor that exposes an image to a predetermined development process and outputs the print as a print. The printer processor includes an exposure unit 142, a development unit 144, a drying unit 146, and a discharge unit 148. You.

FIG. 4 schematically shows the exposure section 142. The exposure unit 142 pulls out the long photosensitive material A wound in a roll form from the magazine 150, cuts the photosensitive material A into a predetermined length corresponding to a print to be created, and cuts the cut sheet. In particular, for the index print P, the image processing conditions of each frame are printed on the back surface, the photosensitive material A is exposed (printed) by digital scanning exposure, and supplied to the developing unit 144. A photosensitive material supply unit 152, back printing means 154 for recording a back print, a bar code writer 80, an image recording unit 78, a distribution unit 158, and image recording of the photosensitive material A as a cut sheet. First transport section 160 transporting to section 78
And a second transport section 162. In addition, in the exposure section 142, various members such as a conveying unit, a conveying guide, and a sensor of the photosensitive material A are arranged as necessary, in addition to the members illustrated.

In the exposure section 142, the photosensitive material supply section 1
52 (hereinafter, referred to as a supply unit 152) includes loading units 164 and 166, and a pair of extraction rollers 168 and 170.
And cutters 172 and 174.
The loading portions 164 and 166 are portions where a magazine 150 in which a photosensitive material roll Ar formed by winding a long photosensitive material A into a roll and stored in a light-shielding housing is loaded. The magazine 150 loaded in the loading units 164 and 166 usually has a width (size), a surface type (silk, mat, or the like),
A photosensitive material roll Ar in which photosensitive materials A of different types such as specifications (thickness, base type, etc.) are wound is stored.

The pull-out roller pairs 168 and 170
Magazine 150 loaded in loading units 164 and 166
The photosensitive material A stored in the container is pulled out and transported. This conveyance stops when the photosensitive material A conveyed downstream from the corresponding cutters 172 and 174 has a length corresponding to the print (recorded image) created by the photosensitive material A.
2 and 174 cut the photosensitive material A into cut sheets of a predetermined length.

The photosensitive material A pulled out of the magazine 150 of the loading section 166 and cut to a predetermined length by the cutter 174 is supplied to the first transport section 1 composed of a number of transport roller pairs.
60 and the second transport unit 162,
The photosensitive material A pulled out from the magazine 150 and cut by the cutter 172 is transported upward by the second transport unit 162, and then transported rightward.
With the recording surface facing up, the image recording unit 78 (the scanning transport unit 15
It is transported to 7).

In the middle of the second transport section 162, a back printing means 154 and a bar code writer 80 are arranged. The back printing unit 154 records various information such as a photographing date, a print printing date, a frame number, and a film ID number, so-called back print, on the non-recording surface (non-emulsion surface = back surface) of the photosensitive material A (back printing). The photosensitive material A is back-printed by the back printing unit 154 while being transported by the second transport unit 162. In addition, back printing means 1
There is no particular limitation on 54, a dot impact printer,
Ink ribbon printer, inkjet printer, etc.
Various back printing means used in photographic printers are all available.

The bar code writer 80 prints, on the back surface of the index print P, a bar code of the image processing conditions supplied from the parameter integration section 72. FIG. 5 shows an example of the index print P. FIG.
The index print 200 shown in (a) is formed by arranging a plurality of index images 210 in a matrix. Since the index print 200 of the present embodiment also serves as a reorder sheet, a column 212 for entering the number of ordered images is provided below each index image 210. FIG. 5B shows the back surface of the index print 200. The barcode 220 representing the image processing condition for each index image 210 is, as shown in FIG.
On the back surface of the index print 200, each index image 210 is recorded corresponding to each index image 210. The barcode 220 recorded on the back surface of the index print 200 has, in addition to the image processing conditions, an image size = resolution (pixel density (number of pixels), gradation resolution), and a name of a recording medium on which the image file is recorded ( ID
Etc.), the name (type) of the applied image processing, the name of the store (or a store ID or the like), or the like may be recorded as a back print.

The bar code writer 80 of the second transport section 162
Roller pair 162a and transport roller pair 16 downstream of
Between 2b, a loop forming part 176 is formed. That is, the transport speed of the photosensitive material A in the second transport unit 162 is the same as the scanning transport speed in the image recording unit 78 (scanning transport unit 157) after the pair of transport rollers 162a downstream of the loop forming unit 176, and the loop forming unit Before the pair of conveying rollers 162b upstream of 176, the speed is set higher than that, and the photosensitive material A conveyed in the second conveying section 162 is indicated by a dotted line in the drawing due to the difference in conveying speed between the upstream and downstream in the loop forming section 176. As shown, a loop is formed according to its size. In the illustrated example, this allows the bar code writer 80 and the image recording unit 78 to be separated with a short path length, thereby achieving highly accurate scanning and transport of the photosensitive material A.

The photosensitive material A is supplied from the second transport section 162 to the image recording section 78. The image recording unit 78 includes an exposure unit 156 and a scanning / conveying unit 157. The image recording unit 78 modulates according to a recording image, that is, image data supplied from the processing device 14, and deflects light in the main scanning direction. The beam L is emitted from the exposure unit 156, enters the predetermined exposure position X, and scans and conveys the photosensitive material A in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction while positioning the photosensitive material A at the exposure position X while scanning and conveying means 157. Thereby, the photosensitive material A is two-dimensionally scanned and exposed by the light beam L to record a latent image.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the exposure unit 156. The exposure unit 156 is a three-laser-beam azimuthal incidence optical system (three-light source non-multiplexing optical system) that scans and exposes the photosensitive material A using three primary color light beams, and includes a recording control unit 159 and a laser light source 84 (84R). , 84G, 84B), a collimator lens 86R, and a condenser lens 88 (88R, 8R) along the traveling direction of the light beam L emitted from the laser light source 84.
8G, 88B) and AOM90 (90R, 90G, 90
B) and the reflection mirror 92 (92R, 92G, 92B)
And a cylindrical lens 94 (94R, 94G, 94
B), a polygon mirror 96, an fθ lens 98, a cylindrical mirror 100, and reflection mirrors 102 and 104.

The three-light-source non-multiplexing optical system shown in the drawing emits light beams of a predetermined wavelength corresponding to red (R) exposure, green (G) exposure, and blue (B) exposure of the photosensitive material A, respectively. 3
Using two laser light sources, light beams L emitted from the respective laser light sources are incident on one point of the reflection surface 96a of the polygon mirror 96 at a slightly different angle (for example, about 4 °), and are deflected in the main scanning direction to be exposed. The optical system forms an image on the same main scanning line on the material A at a different angle, and scans the same main scanning line at a time interval. In addition, in the present invention, a multiplexing optical system that converts the modulated light beam into one light beam using a dichroic mirror or the like can also be used. For example, the laser light source 84R is a semiconductor laser (LD) that emits a light beam Lr having a wavelength of 662 nm for R exposure, and the laser light source 84G has a wavelength of 5 for G exposure.
The laser light source 84B is a wavelength conversion laser that uses an SHG element that emits a light beam having a wavelength of 473 nm for B exposure and emits a light beam having a wavelength of 473 nm.

The collimator lens 86R includes the laser light source 8
Each of the light beams Lr emitted from the 4R is shaped into parallel light, and the condensing lens 88 condenses the corresponding light beam L on the AOM 90. The AOM (acoustic optical modulator) 90 modulates each light beam L according to image data (that is, a recorded image). The modulation method is not particularly limited, and may be intensity modulation or pulse (width or number) modulation. In addition to the AOM, various modulators such as an EOM (Electrical Engineering Modulator) may be used. Is available. Further, when the light source of the light beam is capable of recording by direct modulation, the light source may be modulated.

AOM 90 includes image memories 82A and 82A.
It is driven by the recording control unit 159 having the OM driving unit 82B. The image data for output output from the main scan processing unit 46 of the processing device 14 is sent to the recording control unit 159, and is temporarily stored in the image memory 159A. Together
The data is read by the AOM drive unit 159B. AOM drive unit 1
59B performs a predetermined process such as a process using a correction table by calibration on the read image data,
Each AOM 90 is driven according to the obtained image data to modulate the light beam L.

The light beam L modulated by the AOM 90 then enters the reflection mirror 92. The reflection mirror 92 is for causing the light to be incident on the same point on the reflection surface 96a of the polygon mirror 96, which is an optical deflector, and the light beam L is emitted by the polygon mirror 96 in the main scanning direction (the direction of arrow a in FIG. 6). Be deflected. The cylindrical lens 94, the fθ lens 98, and the cylindrical mirror 100 constitute a surface tilt correction optical system, and corrects the surface tilt of the polygon mirror 96. The fθ lens 98 is for properly forming each light beam L at any position on the main scanning line. The cylindrical mirror 100 constitutes a surface tilt correction optical system, and also bends each light beam L and makes it incident on the reflection mirror 102. The reflection mirror 102 bends each light beam again and makes it incident on the reflection mirror 104. The light beam L reflected by the light 104
Exposure position X on photosensitive material A conveyed in the sub-scanning direction by X
(Scanning line).

On the other hand, the scanning and conveying means 157
And a pair of transport rollers 157a and 157b disposed therebetween, and an exposure guide (not shown) for more suitably holding the photosensitive material A at the exposure position X, and exposing the photosensitive material A by the exposure guide. While holding the photosensitive material A at the position X, the photosensitive material A is transported by the transport roller pairs 157a and 157b in the sub-scanning direction (the direction of the arrow b in FIG. 6) orthogonal to the main scanning direction. As described above, since the light beam L is deflected in the main scanning direction, the photosensitive material A is two-dimensionally scanned and exposed by the light beam L modulated according to an image to be recorded, and a latent image is recorded. Is done.

The photosensitive material A on which the latent image has been recorded by the image recording section 78 is conveyed to a distribution section 158 disposed downstream (see FIG. 4). The distributing unit 158 divides the exposed photosensitive material A in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction according to a sequence appropriately determined according to the size and the like, and forms the developing unit 144 as a plurality of rows overlapping in the transport direction. By transporting the photosensitive material A to the transport roller pair 106 that supplies the photosensitive material A, the processing capacity of the developing unit 144 is improved. For example, if it is two rows, it will be about twice and if it is three rows, it will be about three times.

The distributing section 158 in the illustrated example includes a belt conveyor 108 for placing and transporting the photosensitive material A, and a distributing device 110 disposed thereon. Sorting device 11
Reference numeral 0 denotes a unit having two suction units 112 arranged orthogonally to the direction of conveyance by the belt conveyor 108. The suction unit 112 sucks and holds the photosensitive material A and lifts it. The photosensitive material A is conveyed diagonally downstream in the right direction, and the other is conveyed diagonally downstream in the left direction.

The photosensitive material A transported by the distribution unit 158 is developed by the downstream transport roller pair 106 into the developing unit 144.
Supplied to The developing unit 144 includes a color developing tank 114, a bleach-fix tank 116, and washing tanks 118a, 118b, and 118c.
The photosensitive material A having the latent image recorded thereon is conveyed while being sequentially immersed in each tank, and subjected to a predetermined wet developing process (see FIG. 3). Developing unit 144
The photosensitive material A developed in is dried by hot air in a drying unit 146 to form a print, and sorted by a sorter 120 of a discharge unit 148 into a predetermined unit such as a single film and accumulated.

Hereinafter, the operation of the photo printer 10 will be described, and the printing system of the present invention will be described in more detail.

First, an example of so-called simultaneous printing will be described. In the case of simultaneous printing, after the photographed film F is developed, the carrier corresponding to the film F is transferred to the scanner 1.
2 and the film F is set at a predetermined position of the carrier, the first frame of the film F, usually the frame of frame number 1 is conveyed to a predetermined reading position by the carrier.

Thereafter, when it is confirmed that the scanner 12 is in a predetermined state, such as the light amount of the light source 22, the open value of the variable aperture, the rising of the CCD 24, etc., reading is started. That is, the reading light emitted from the light source 22, light-controlled by the variable aperture and the color filter plate, and diffused by the diffusion box enters the first frame at the reading position and is transmitted, and carries the image captured in this frame. The projected projection light is imaged on the CCD 24 by the imaging lens unit, photoelectrically converted, amplified by the amplifier, and sent to the processing device 14.

As described above, in the scanner 12,
By performing such image reading three times by sequentially inserting the respective color filters of the color filter plate 26, the film F
Are sequentially decomposed into three primary colors of R, G and B. Further, prior to the main scan for obtaining an output image, a pre-scan for reading the image at a low pixel density is performed, and thus a total of six readings are performed for one frame, as described above. .

When the image reading of the first frame is completed, the carrier conveys the film F by one frame, the second frame is conveyed to the reading position, and the pre-scan and the main scan are performed similarly to read the image. Then, the image data is sent to the processing device 14, and then the third frame is conveyed and read in the same manner. Thereafter, similarly, the image of each frame is sequentially read, and the image data is sent to the processing device 14. Can be In addition to the image data, information on the frame number of the read image, that is, the frame number of the read image (image data) is also sent to the processing device 14. The frame number may be determined by the read count from the first frame, or may be determined by reading a barcode recorded on the film F. When the film F is a new photographic system, It can also be determined from magnetic information.

The image data output from the scanner 12 is converted into digital image data by A / D conversion and Log conversion by the data conversion unit 38, and then subjected to predetermined processing such as offset correction in the data processing unit 54. The pre-scan data of R, G and B are sequentially transferred and stored in the pre-scan memory 40, and similarly, the main scan data is transferred and stored in the main scan memory 42.

When the pre-scan data is stored in the pre-scan memory 40, the setting section 64 reads out the pre-scan data, creates a histogram and calculates an image feature amount, as described above, or further performs a main portion such as a face. Perform the extraction, set the main scan reading conditions such as the aperture value of the variable aperture from the result, select the image processing to be executed, determine the order, and set the image processing conditions for each image processing I do. The set image processing conditions are transmitted to the parameter integration unit 7.
2, the processing unit 50 of the pre-scan image processing unit 44
And it is set in the processing unit 60 of the main scan image processing unit 46. Note that the main scan is performed after the reading conditions are set, and the R, G, and B main scan data are sequentially output.
The data is transferred and stored in the main scan memory 42.

When the image processing conditions are set in the processing unit 50, prescan data is read from the prescan memory 40, and the processing unit 50 performs image processing in accordance with the set image processing conditions. This image data is then supplied to the signal processing unit 52 and converted into image data according to the display on the monitor 20, and the prescan image is displayed on the monitor 20.

The operator looks at the display on the monitor 20 and
The image, that is, the processing result is checked (verified), and if necessary, the color / density,
Processing such as adjustment of gradation and the like, synthesis processing and partial correction is performed. The adjustment signal is sent to the key correction unit 70, which calculates the correction amount of the image processing condition according to the input, and sends it to the parameter integration unit 72. The parameter integration unit 72 corrects the image processing conditions set in the processing unit 50 and the processing unit 60 as described above, according to the correction amount sent. Therefore, the image displayed on the monitor 20 changes according to the input by the operator.

When the operator determines that the image displayed on the monitor 20 is appropriate (OK), the operator instructs the start of printing using the operation system 18 such as a keyboard. Thus, the image processing conditions are determined, and the main scan memory 42
The main scan data is read out from the main scan image processor, processed in the processing section 60 of the main scan image processing section 46 under the determined conditions, and converted into image data corresponding to the image recording by the printer 16 in the signal processing section 62. Is sent to the recording control unit 159. At the same time, the parameter integration section 72 sends the bar code coded image processing conditions to the bar code writer 80 and sends the information of each frame image to the back printing means 154 (FIG. 4). The barcode writer 80 prints a barcode of the image processing conditions on the back surface of the index print 200 which also serves as a reorder sheet.

In this example, although the test is performed by the operator, the test is not performed, and the image processing conditions set by the setting unit 64 are processed by the parameter integration unit 72 by the processing unit 60.
The image processing conditions may be determined at the time when the image processing conditions are set, and similarly, the printing may be started, and the image processing conditions may be converted into a bar code and transferred to the bar code writer 80. It is preferable that the presence or absence of such a test can be selected as a mode.

The image data is stored in the recording control unit 1 of the printer 16.
When the light beam is sent to the optical scanner 59, the light beam modulated by the driving of the AOM 90 by the recording control unit 159 and deflected in the main scanning direction by the polygon mirror 96 is cut into a predetermined length corresponding to the print as described above. Means 157
The photosensitive material A conveyed in the sub-scanning direction is two-dimensionally scanned and exposed to form a latent image, and the exposed photosensitive material A is subjected to processing such as color development, bleach-fixing, washing, and drying in the developing unit 144. And output as a print P.

Hereinafter, reprinting will be described assuming that simultaneous printing is the preceding printing. In the photo printer 10, reprinting is basically performed as follows. First, when requesting a reprint, the customer brings the film F and the index print 200 also serving as a corresponding reorder sheet to the laboratory. The operator inputs an instruction indicating reprinting to the printing system, loads a carrier corresponding to the requested film F into the scanner 12, mounts the film F on the carrier,
A frame to be reprinted is designated by using an operation system 18 such as a keyboard. Thereby, the carrier transports the film F, and the frame to be reprinted is transported to the reading position.

At this point, the operator puts the index print 200 also serving as the reorder form brought by the customer on the barcode reader 82 and reads the index print 200.
, The barcode 220 recorded on the back side is read, and image processing conditions for each frame are input. FIG. 7 shows an example of the barcode reader 82. The barcode 220 printed on the back surface of the index print 200 is read by the barcode reader 82. Bar code reader
However, the present invention is not limited to this.
May be read. In any case, it is not necessary for the operator to input the image processing conditions from the operation system 18, and the image processing conditions are automatically input by reading the barcode. The image processing conditions read by the barcode reader 82 are sent to the parameter integration unit 72. At this time, for example, when a number corresponding to a non-linear LUT is input, the LUT corresponding to the number is read from a storage unit (not shown) of the printing system.

Next, as in the case of simultaneous printing, after the scanner 12 is confirmed to be in the predetermined state, reading is started, pre-scanning and main scanning are performed, and image data is sequentially stored in the pre-scan memory. And sent to the main scan memory and stored. On the other hand, the parameter integration unit 72 sends the image processing conditions input from the barcode reader 82 to the setting unit 64. The setting unit 64 determines the reading conditions of the main scan in the same manner as described above,
Using the image processing conditions input from the bar code reader 82, the image processing to be performed and the order of the image processing are determined in the same manner as in the case of simultaneous printing. The parameter integration unit 7 reproduces the image processing conditions of the image processing performed at the time of printing.
Set to 2. Further, when there is related data such as a combination of characters and images, the parameter integration unit 72 accesses the corresponding image data file and acquires necessary data.

The parameter integration section 72 sets the image processing conditions in the processing section 60 of the main scan image processing section 46. In the case of reprinting, the image processing conditions are determined, main scan data is read from the main scan memory 42, processed in the processing unit 60 under the determined conditions, and converted in the signal processing unit 62, The print is sent to the recording control unit 159 of the printer 16, and the print is output in the same manner. In this case, it is not always necessary to display the pre-scanned image on the monitor 20. here,
The image reproduced by the reprint is an image that has been subjected to the same image processing and the same image processing conditions as in the simultaneous printing, and is therefore an image whose color and density suitably match the image of the simultaneous printing. In addition, since the image processing conditions are set using the information of the image processing of the previous print, the image processing conditions can be quickly set at the time of reprinting.
In particular, when an LUT for color gradation balance correction (gray balance adjustment) or contrast correction is created using the accumulated image data of one film F during simultaneous printing,
In the conventional method, it is necessary to read an image of one film F again, and in particular, since the film is cut off in the case of a normal 135 film, the operation is extremely time-consuming and time-consuming. According to the present invention, this can be omitted, and the working time and labor can be greatly reduced. Further, at the time of reprinting, extraction of a main part such as a face can be omitted, which is also advantageous in this respect.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the index print and the reorder sheet are used together, and the image processing conditions are also recorded therein. When doing
When the lab performs processing, it is very convenient, and it is possible to easily and reliably obtain a reprint of the same finish as the original image. In the above embodiment, the bar code of the image processing conditions is recorded on the back surface of the index print. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Various information or a bar code thereof may be printed together with the bar code of the image processing conditions, and the image processing may be performed using the bar code. This makes it possible to more reliably create a reprint in which an image of the same color and density as the image of the simultaneous (previous) print is reproduced.

The information of the simultaneous printing includes an image output from the scanner 12, an image after Log conversion (image feature amount, image data, reduced image data of spatial or density resolution, compressed image data, etc.), image processing, and the like. Apparatus 1
4, processed image (same as above), print image (same as before),
The difference between the image data input to the image processing device 14 and the image data output from the image processing device 14, the reference data of the image position, the reading conditions of the scanner 12, and the like are exemplified. These pieces of information are used to reduce the difference between the images (image data) of the simultaneous printing and the reprinting due to the temporal change of the scanner 12 and the printer 16. For example, the information of the simultaneous printing is used. The image data may be processed by creating an overall density shift condition for reducing the difference, an LUT for processing the image data, or the like. Thereby, it is possible to more reliably create a reprint in which an image of the same color and density as the image of the simultaneous printing is reproduced. This point is described in detail in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-107432.

In the above example, prescanning is performed and conditions are set using prescanned data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the scanner 12 performs only main scanning. Alternatively, the main scan data may be thinned out to obtain low-pixel-density image data, and image processing conditions may be set using this data.

Further, as described above, the print system of the present invention not only outputs a print reproducing the image photographed on the film F, but also obtains an image pickup device such as a digital camera or a digital video camera, a floppy disk, or the like. Image data may be received from an image data supply source such as a recording medium such as a photo CD, and a print reproduction of the image may be output. According to the present invention, such print production can be performed at the same time as simultaneous printing. At the time of reprinting, it is possible to output a print in which the color and density of the reproduced image match. In this case, the image processing information is the same as the image output of the film F.

In the example described above, the bar code writer 8
Although the barcode of the image processing condition using 0 is recorded on the back surface of the index print, the barcode of the image processing condition may be recorded on the front surface (or both front and back surfaces) of the index print. At this time,
When a barcode representing the image processing condition is recorded on the surface of the index print, the image processing condition may be optically recorded by the image recording unit 78 (exposure unit 156) together with the image data. When the barcode is optically recorded on the surface of the index print in this manner, the parameter integration unit 72 supplies the barcode of the image processing condition to the AOM drive unit 159B. A
The OM driving unit 159B drives each AOM 90 so as to expose (record) together with the image in a form in which the bar code of the image processing condition is embedded in the image data read from the image memory 159A. The recording position of the bar code image processing conditions on the index print is not particularly limited as long as it can be read by the bar code reader 82.

The means for recording bar code image processing conditions by exposure (burning) is not limited to this. For example, image processing information or image processing information can be bar coded on a liquid crystal display. A method of displaying image processing information and printing bar code of image processing information or image processing information with the transmitted light, or bar code conversion of image processing information or image processing information on a display such as a CRT. It is also possible to use a method of displaying the object and printing the image processing information or the image processing information into a bar code using the light, and further, the image processing information or the image processing information into a bar code. A light beam scanning device for recording may be separately provided.

Further, when recording the image processing conditions in the index print, instead of recording the image processing conditions in a bar code, a character, symbol, numeral, or the like is directly recorded and recorded in an OCR (optical character recognition device). ) May be read. When characters and the like are recorded on the surface of the index print, optical exposure may be performed in the image recording unit. Further, in addition to the index print, the image processing conditions may be similarly recorded (in the form of barcodes or characters) on the back or front of each print. In this case, the customer may bring a print requiring reprinting and tell the number of prints. If the operator specifies only the number of images, the image processing conditions are automatically input from the print by a barcode reader or OCR or other input means, and the same image processing conditions as in the simultaneous printing are set. .

Further, the printing system of the present invention is similar to the printing system shown in FIG.
Not only the digital photo printer as shown in
The present invention can also be suitably used for a conventional direct exposure (analog exposure) photo printer. As is well known, a direct exposure photo printer forms a latent image by forming a projection image of an image photographed on a film on a photosensitive material and exposing (burning) the photosensitive material with the projection light to form a latent image. To obtain a print reproducing the image photographed on the film. Here, when exposing the photosensitive material with the projection light of the film, C (cyan), M (magenta) and Y (yellow) are included in the optical path in order to reproduce an image suitable for printing.
The color adjustment of the image is performed by inserting an appropriate amount of the color filter described above, and the density of the image is adjusted by adjusting the projection light amount by the aperture. The insertion amount of each filter and the adjustment amount of the aperture are
For example, an image captured on a film is photoelectrically read to obtain image data (input image data), and LATD of the image is obtained.
And image features such as highlights and shadows are calculated and determined using this.

When the printing system of the present invention is used in a direct exposure photo printer, the amount of insertion of each filter and the amount of adjustment of the aperture at the time of simultaneous printing are determined by converting the image processing conditions into bar codes. It is recorded on the back and front of the index print, and at the time of reprint, the image processing conditions are converted into a barcode and input from a barcode reader in the same way as in the above example, so that it is the same as simultaneous print , The projection exposure for reprinting can be performed.

Although the print system of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and various improvements and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Of course.

[0078]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily and surely create a reprint in which an image of the same color and density as the image of the previous print is reproduced. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a digital photo printer according to a print system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the printer shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an exposure unit of the printer shown in FIG.

FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram showing a front surface of an index print also serving as a reorder sheet, and FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram showing a rear surface of the index print.

6 is a configuration diagram schematically showing an exposure unit of the exposure unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of a barcode reader according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 (Digital) photo printer 12 Scanner 14 Image processing device 16 Printer 18 Operation system 20 Monitor 22 Light source 24 CCD 38 Data conversion unit 40 Prescan (frame) memory 42 Main scan (frame) memory 44 (Prescan image) processing unit 46 (Main scan image) processing unit 48 condition setting unit 50, 60 image processing unit 52, 62 signal processing unit 54 data processing unit 64 (image processing condition) setting unit 70 key correction unit 72 parameter integration unit 78 image recording unit 80 barcode Writer 82 Bar code reader 142 Exposure unit 144 Developing unit 146 Drying unit 148 Ejection unit 150 Magazine 152 (photosensitive material) supply unit 154 Back printing unit 156 Exposure unit 157 Scanning / conveying unit 158 Distributing unit 159 Recording control unit 200 Index pre DOO 210 index image 212 ordered prints entry column 220 barcodes

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A print system for performing image processing on an input image and outputting a print in which the image is reproduced as a visible image, wherein image processing conditions for creating a print in which the input image of each frame is reproduced are defined. An image processing condition recording unit that records at a predetermined portion of the print, and an image processing condition reading unit that reads the image processing condition recorded in the print, and when reprinting the print, A print system, wherein a reprint is created based on image processing conditions read from the print. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the recording of the image processing conditions on the print and the reading of the image processing conditions from the print are performed by bar codes. 3. The print system according to claim 1, wherein the print for recording the image processing conditions is an index print. 4. The print system according to claim 3, wherein said index print further serves as a reorder sheet. 5. The print system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined portion of the print for recording the image processing conditions is at least one of the back and front of the print. 6. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein said image processing condition includes a parameter for determining at least one of density correction, color tone balance correction, and contrast correction.