JP3583184B2 - Color copier - Google Patents

Description

【０１１８】
なお、上記の実施例で、第３メモリに記憶される画像特徴データは、必要精度を得るまでプリントコマを進めて測光し、その後に最初のプリントコマに戻してもよい。同様の技術として、特開平４−１５９５３４号公報に記載されている方法を使用することができる。また、順次プリントしながら第１のメモリに蓄積するようにする場合には、第１プリントコマでは、その原画像の測光データのセットのみを有することとなる。従って、判別量△ＲＧＢに比較値（Ｋrgb ）を乗じ、第１のメモリに記憶されたデータのセット数によりこの比較値を変更するようにすることが好ましい。比較値の演算例としては、Ｋrgb ＝０．１５−（セット数）／１００００を採用することができる。但し、この場合の比較値はＫrgb ≧０．１０とする。この比較値は、第３メモリに記憶したデータと第４メモリに記憶したデータとの差の統計的なデータから決定してもよい。例えば、第３メモリに記憶したデータと第４メモリに記憶したデータとの差のヒストグラムの標準偏差を用いて決定することができる。
【０１１９】
なお、上記各実施例では第１の方向と第２の方向が逆の場合について説明したが、特開昭５９−２２０７６１号公報に記載されているように、測光部と露光部の間が約１本のフィルムに相当する間隔のある装置の場合には、第１の方向と第２の方向とを同じ方向にしてもよい。
【０１２０】
また、本発明をネガフィルムの全面に透明磁気層を塗布し、この磁気層に磁気情報を記録する場合には、同時プリント時の第１の方向への搬送工程で磁気記録情報読み出し、同時プリント時の第２の方向への搬送工程でマニュアル修正を含む濃度補正量情報を記憶するか、または色補正量情報を追加記録してもよい。
【０１２１】
このように情報を記録した場合には、再注文の場合、第１の方向の搬送工程でフィルムに記録した補正量情報を読み取り、補正量の有無の判定を行なう。そして、補正量情報が記録されていた場合には、記録されていた補正量情報が各フレームに対応するよう補正量情報を整理すると共に測光し、第２の方向への搬送工程で基本露光量を演算して、読み取った補正量を加算して露光量を決定し、この露光量に基づいてプリントする。また、この場合には、スキャニングにより求めた測光データに基づいて露光量を演算し、演算結果と補正量とを比較し、露光量または補正量を選択してプリントしてもよい。なお、これらマニュアル修正量、又はマニュアル修正量を含む補正情報はフィルムのトップまたはラストのリーダに記憶してもよい。
【０１２２】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように本発明によれば、フィルムに記録された基準画像を測光して得たフィルム特性データ及び同一フィルム種の多数から得たフィルム特性データ、並びにフィルムに含まれる多数コマの画像特徴データ及び同一フィルム種の多数の画像特徴データの少なくとも２つのデータを用いて露光量を決定しているので、焼付けるべき原画像を含むフィルム自体または同一フィルム種で固有の色バランスの傾向を考慮することや焼付けるべき原画像を含むフィルムの画像に関する色バランスまたは同一フィルム種で標準的な色バランスの傾向を考慮してフィルム特性の変化に拘わらず常に高品質のプリントを得ることができる、という効果がある。
【０１２３】
また、更に画像特徴データ生成手段で生成された画像特徴データを用いて露光量を決定することで、プリントすべき原画像を考慮してフィルム特性の変化に拘わらず常に高品質のプリントを得ることができる、という効果がある。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施例に使用可能な写真焼付装置を示す概略図である。
【図２】本発明の第１実施例の露光量制御ルーチンを示す流れ図である。
【図３】本発明のフィルム特性導出ルーチンを示す流れ図である。
【図４】本発明の第２実施例の露光量制御ルーチンを示す流れ図である。
【図５】本発明の第３実施例の露光量制御ルーチンを示す流れ図である。
【図６】本発明の第４実施例の露光量制御ルーチンを示す流れ図である。
【図７】本発明の第５実施例の露光量制御ルーチンを示す流れ図である。
【図８】ネガフィルムに記録された基準画像を示すイメージ図である。
【図９】基準画像からフィルム特性データを抽出するための特性曲線を示す線図である。
【図１０】基準画像からフィルム特性データを抽出するための他の特性曲線を示す線図である。
【図１１】測光データを規格化するための規格化テーブルを示す線図である。
【図１２】３色規格化データを分類するための色座標を示す線図である。
【図１３】３色規格化データを分類するための他の色座標を示す線図である。
【符号の説明】
ＳＴ 基準画像
２０ フィルム
２１ ネガキャリア
２８ スキャナ[0001]
[Industrial applications]
The present invention relates to a color copying apparatus, and more particularly, to a color copying apparatus including an analog printer and a digital printer that determines an exposure amount of a color original image and creates a copied image.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When copying an original image recorded on a color negative film onto a copy material such as photographic paper, the ratio of light of three colors B (blue), G (green), and R (red) transmitted through the original image is generally determined. It is empirically known that the ratio should be substantially constant. For this reason, the photographic printing apparatus determines the exposure amount based on the following equation.
[0003]
logEj = Kj + Dj (1)
Here, logE is the logarithm of the exposure amount, K is a constant, D is the density (for example, LATD) of the original image measured by the photometric system, and j represents any of R, G, and B colors. Also, if the original image is printed by the photographic printing apparatus using the exposure amount obtained based on the above equation (1), the print from the underexposed original image due to the characteristics of the photographic printing apparatus and the copy material becomes the original image of the proper exposure. , And the density of an overexposed original image may be low. For this reason, Dj in equation (1) is corrected according to the density of the original image, and the exposure amount is determined.
[0004]
However, when the exposure amount is determined using only the photometry data obtained by photometry of the original image, the colors and densities between the prints are not uniform, and a print having a good finish may not be obtained.
[0005]
In the case of one film or a series of films in which a predetermined number of original images are continuous, the characteristics of the films are the same or similar, so that the characteristics of each original image of a frame to be printed (hereinafter referred to as a print frame) are also different. It is similar. In order to print the original image of this print frame in a good color, the average density value of the original image for a series of film frames including the print frame or for one film frame including the print frame for the image density of each original image It is known that the exposure amount is determined using the density of each original image (see JP-A-51-112345). As a result, color and density variations of one or a series of films can be suppressed.
[0006]
However, the film includes an abnormal film (hereinafter, referred to as an abnormal film) in a different state from a film in a standard state (hereinafter, referred to as a normal film). This abnormal film includes a film whose characteristics have deteriorated over time, a film containing an original image photographed by a photographing light source other than daylight, and a film which has been developed in an extremely poorly developed state which is different from the state of development at each development site. And the like. In the above-mentioned method, a good print cannot be obtained on either film unless an abnormal film or a normal film is discriminated and an exposure amount is determined for that purpose.
[0007]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 54-110829 discloses a method in which a gray step image is printed in place of the average density value of the original image of one film, and the density of the gray step image corresponding to the average density of the print frame is determined. There is disclosed a technique for controlling exposure based on the density of the image. This technique can produce high quality prints when the gray step image has the average characteristics of many films for a single film or film type, but the print quality degrades as the average characteristics deviate. I do. In addition, since the color copying apparatus cannot determine this average characteristic, the resulting print may not have a good finish.
[0008]
Further, both the normal film and the abnormal film may include a unique original image frame having different characteristics from other original images (hereinafter, referred to as an abnormal frame). When an attempt is made to obtain a print from an original image of such an abnormal frame, the exposure amount is determined based on the same characteristics as those of the other original images, so that a print having a good finish cannot be obtained.
[0009]
Generally, it is well known that good exposure can be obtained by determining the exposure amount with high color correction, but it is well known that abnormal frames can be determined. In this case, color feria occurs, and a print of an undesired color is formed. Therefore, high determination accuracy for abnormal frames is required.
[0010]
In order to detect the abnormal frame, a characteristic value for identifying an abnormal original image of one film including a print frame (the maximum density of each color in the screen, the area of a high chroma color, etc.) is obtained, and an average value of the characteristic values is used. There has been proposed a technique for finding abnormal frames by using a technique (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 57-111136). Like the abnormal film, the abnormal frame includes an original image recorded on a film that has deteriorated with time, an original image recorded on a film photographed with a photographing light source other than daylight, and a developed state that differs depending on a development site. There are original images and the like recorded on the developed film. This technique requires a lot of time and effort to develop a judgment method for finding an abnormal frame, and is not efficient. In addition, there is a disadvantage that a film on which a subject having a biased color such as a blue sky is photographed is erroneously determined.
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above facts, and includes films due to aging, films including original images obtained by photographing light sources other than daylight, and films such as films in which the developed state varies from one development site to another. An object of the present invention is to provide a color copying apparatus capable of always obtaining high-quality prints regardless of changes in characteristics.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a photometric unit that divides an original image recorded on one film or a series of films into a large number of pixels, separates the original image into at least three primary colors, and performs photometry. Extracting means for photometrically measuring a reference image recorded in a predetermined portion to extract film characteristic data; first storage means for storing the extracted film characteristic data; and a plurality of films of the same film type as the film. Second storage means for storing film characteristic data, image characteristic data generating means for generating image characteristic data representing characteristics of the original image based on photometric values of the original image, and a plurality of frames included in the film. A third storage means for storing the image characteristic data of a plurality of frames of a plurality of films of the same film type as the film. A fourth storage unit for storing the image characteristic data of the above, the film characteristic data stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit, and the film characteristic data stored in the third storage unit and the fourth storage unit. Determining means for determining an exposure arithmetic expression for determining an exposure amount using at least two pieces of the image characteristic data; and determining an exposure amount from the image characteristic data of the original image based on the determined arithmetic expression. An exposure amount calculating unit is provided, and an exposure controlling unit is configured to perform exposure control based on the exposure amount obtained by the exposure amount calculating unit.
[0013]
Further, in the color copying apparatus of the present invention, the determining means stores the film characteristic data stored in the first storage means and the second storage means and the film characteristic data stored in the third storage means and the fourth storage means. The exposure amount can be determined using at least two pieces of the image feature data and the image feature data generated by the image feature data generating means.
[0014]
Further, in the color copying apparatus of the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes a pixel selecting unit for selecting a pixel of the original image, wherein the image characteristic data generating unit performs the image processing based on a photometric value of the pixel selected from the original image. Image feature data representing the features of the original image can be generated.
[0015]
Further, in the color copying apparatus according to the present invention, the pixel selecting means can select a pixel based on the film characteristic data.
[0016]
Further, in the color copying apparatus of the present invention, the pixel selecting means can select a pixel based on the image feature data.
[0017]
[Action]
According to the present invention, a predetermined reference image is recorded on a predetermined portion of one film or a series of films. The reference image is measured, the film characteristic data is extracted by the extracting means, and the extracted film characteristic data is stored. The film characteristic data includes an average density of three colors of the film, a color balance such as each color density and color difference for this density, a density for a predetermined exposure amount, a base density of the film, each color density or average density for a monochromatic light source, and each color for a white light source. A density or an average density, a color density difference or an average density difference color for a single color light source and a white light source, a density histogram, a cumulative curve, or the like can be adopted. Also, the reference image differs for each density pattern or divided region with a fixed distribution so that color balance such as each color density and color difference with respect to the three-color average density of these films, and density and the like for a predetermined exposure amount can be extracted. What is necessary is just to form by the pattern which becomes density and becomes a predetermined density gradient. The image feature data generation means generates image feature data representing features of the original image based on photometric values obtained by metering the original image. Note that image features amount Contains image data, Image feature data This is data corresponding to the film characteristic data extracted from the original image or data enabling the data to be created. As the image feature data, photometric data, selected data (for example, data excluding high chroma data) selected from data necessary for determining the exposure amount from the photometric data, and the photometric data or the selected data are classified by density and classified. As a result of calculating the average value, the addition value, and the number of data, the average value, the addition value, and the number of data can be adopted in correspondence with film characteristic data such as a density histogram, a color density difference histogram, a density accumulation curve, and a color density difference accumulation curve. The deciding means decides an exposure calculation formula for deciding an exposure amount using the stored film characteristic data or the film characteristic data and the image characteristic data. The exposure amount is determined by the exposure amount calculating means based on the determined arithmetic expression, and exposure control is performed by the exposure control means based on the determined exposure amount.
[0018]
Generally, the three-color balance of the original image differs depending on the film type, and therefore, it is necessary to use the three colors according to the film type. For example, if an image obtained by exposing the reference image at a predetermined exposure amount for each color is used, the hue obtained by integrating the densities of the three colors becomes a gray or a gray close to gray corresponding to the type of the film. Therefore, the obtained gray or a hue close to gray indicates the tendency of the color balance inherent to the film, and the characteristics of the film including changes due to aging (three-color sensitivity balance, three-color gradation balance, three-color density balance, etc.). ) Will be reflected. If the exposure calculation formula is determined from the film characteristic data, it is possible to perform exposure with an optimal exposure amount regardless of changes in film characteristics such as films of different types and films due to aging.
[0019]
Also the image Characteristic As the data, it is preferable to adopt data relating to the concentration. Image based on photometry for the original image of the film on which the original image to be printed was recorded Characteristic The data reflects the tendency of the color balance of the original image. Therefore, film property data and image Characteristic By comparing with the data, it can be determined whether the original image to be printed is out of the tendency of the color balance inherent in the film, and if the exposure calculation formula is determined from the determination result, even if the film is deteriorated with time, The exposure amount is determined in consideration of the tendency of the color balance of the original image itself and the constant hue close to gray or gray inherent in the film, so that a high-quality print can always be obtained.
[0020]
In addition to storing the extracted film characteristic data, the image characteristic data covering a plurality of original images is stored. Therefore, from the stored image feature data, it is possible to obtain a standard gray or a constant hue close to the standard gray in which the hues obtained by integrating the densities of the three colors are standard. Therefore, by comparing the film characteristic data with the image characteristic data, it can be determined whether the film including the original image to be printed is close to a film having a standard color balance. If the exposure calculation formula is determined from this determination result so as to be close to the gray hue, it is possible to determine, for example, from a film in which color feria easily occurs, an exposure amount excluding the influence of color feria.
[0021]
Therefore, in the present invention, the extracted film property data is stored in the first storage means, the film property data over many films of the same film type as the film is stored in the second storage means, and the third storage means is stored in the third storage means. The image characteristic data for a large number of frames included in the film is stored, and the image characteristic data for a large number of frames over a large number of films of the same film type as the film is stored in a fourth storage unit. According to the film characteristic data of the second storage unit, the hue obtained by integrating the densities of the three colors of the plurality of reference images corresponds to a standard gray or a hue close to gray relating to the same film type as the film. The film characteristic data corresponds to gray or a hue close to gray inherent to the film. The image characteristic data of the fourth storage means corresponds to general film characteristics of gray or a constant hue close to gray with respect to the original image corresponding to the film type, and the image characteristic data of the third storage means is to be printed. This reflects the characteristics of the film itself including the original image. Accordingly, printing is performed by using at least two data of the film characteristic data stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit and the image characteristic data stored in the third storage unit and the fourth storage unit. Consider the inherent color balance tendency of the film containing the original image to be printed or the same film type, and the color balance of the image of the film containing the original image to be printed or the standard color balance tendency of the same film type And high quality prints can be always obtained irrespective of changes in film characteristics such as aging.
[0022]
In the determining means, at least two data of the film characteristic data stored in the first storage means and the second storage means, and the image characteristic data stored in the third storage means and the fourth storage means, and If the amount of exposure is determined using the image feature data generated by the image feature data generating means, the image feature data of the original image to be printed can be considered, and the color balance of the original image to be printed is considered. A high quality print can be obtained.
[0023]
The color copying apparatus may further include a pixel selection unit for selecting pixels of the original image. If the pixel selecting means selects a pixel based on the film characteristic data, image characteristic data reflecting the film characteristic data is generated. Further, by selecting a pixel based on the image feature data, a pixel based on standard gray can be selected.
[0024]
【Example】
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a photographic printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.
[0025]
Below the negative carrier 21, which transports the color negative film 20 in the longitudinal direction of the negative film while sandwiching the same with a pair of rollers, a lamp house 10 having a mirror box 18 and a halogen lamp is arranged. A light control filter 60 is arranged between the mirror box 18 and the lamp house 10. The dimming filter 60 includes a Y (yellow) filter, an M (magenta) filter, and a C (cyan) filter that can enter and exit the optical path as is well known.
[0026]
Above the negative carrier 21, a lens 22, a black shutter 24, and a color paper 26 are sequentially arranged. The transmission is made through the film 20 and the lens 22, and the original image of the negative film 20 is formed on the color paper 26 by the lens 22.
[0027]
At the side edge of the negative film 20, a DX code indicating the type of the negative film is recorded by a bar code, and a frame having an original image that can be printed out of frames (film frames) in which the original image is recorded. Notches are formed corresponding to each of the (print frames). In order to detect the DX code and the notch, the negative carrier 21 is provided with a detector 52 arranged so as to sandwich the side edge of the negative film 20 and composed of a light emitting element and a light receiving element.
[0028]
Further, a reference image for obtaining film characteristic data (described later) is recorded on the negative film 20. This reference image is recorded on a predetermined unexposed portion of the negative film 20 before developing the negative film 20. In the present embodiment, a portion that is not recorded at the time of shooting with the same size as the film frame, for example, a film frame region next to the last film frame is set as an unexposed portion. The unexposed portion may be at the side edge of the negative film 20 or between film frames.
[0029]
The reference image ST has, for example, as shown in FIG. 8A, a density step including a plurality of and stepwise low-density areas H1 and high-density areas H2 corresponding to a predetermined exposure amount. The peripheral portion is configured to be a region H3 having a density different from the low density and the high density or a medium density. As shown in FIG. 8B, the reference image ST is recorded with a plurality of and stepwise densities for each color, the Y color area HY, the M color area HM, the C color area HC, and the gray step. A gray area HG as an image may be recorded. Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, an area H4 having a uniform density corresponding to a predetermined exposure amount may be recorded as the reference image ST, and as shown in FIG. The image ST is divided into a plurality of regions H5, H6, H7, and H8, and the densities of the regions H5 to H8 are recorded so that the densities increase from low to high along a predetermined direction (the direction of the arrow Ar in FIG. 8). May be. From these reference images, as film characteristic data, (1) a color balance (for example, a color difference RG, BG, a color density of each of R, G, B, and a color density, for example, three-color average density), (R-3 color average density, G-3 color average density, B-3 color average density), (2) film density (H & D curve) with respect to exposure, (3) film base (mask) density, (4) 3.) Single-color exposure color density and white exposure color density and their difference can be extracted. The reference image is not limited to the above, and may be any image from which at least one of the above film characteristics data (1), (2), and (4) can be extracted. May be exposed.
[0030]
In the direction inclined with respect to the optical axis of the image forming optical system of FIG. 1 and at a position where the density of the original image of the negative film 20 can be measured, the original image of the negative film 20 is divided into a large number and R (red) ), A scanner 28 composed of a two-dimensional image sensor having a CCD for measuring light for each of G (green) and B (blue). The scanner 28 can divide the original image of the frame (print frame) to be printed positioned on the negative carrier 21 into a large number of pieces and spectrally separate the images into three wavelength bands of RGB for photometry. Note that the scanner 28 may measure photometry with a large number of spectra, and obtain R, G, and B photometry values by calculation, for example.
[0031]
The scanner 28 is connected to an exposure determining device 32 constituted by a personal computer via a photometric data memory 30 which logarithmically converts the photometric value measured by the scanner 28 and stores the logarithmically for each frame. The photometric value may be logarithmically converted by a personal computer and stored in the photometric data memory 30. As will be described in detail later, the photometric data memory 30 includes a first memory for recording first film characteristic data relating to one or a series of films including print frames, and a second memory relating to a large number of films. A second memory for storing film property data, and a first average image for one or a series of films including print frames Characteristic A third memory for storing data, and a second average image for a number of films for each film type Characteristic And a fourth memory for storing data. In these first to fourth memories, an area to be divided and used in the photometric data memory 30 in advance according to the purpose may be set and corresponded. By setting in this way, a plurality of storage functions can be possessed in one memory. Further, the first to fourth memories may be added as separate components.
[0032]
The exposure amount determination device 32 includes an input / output port 34, a central processing unit (CPU) 36, a read-only memory (ROM) 38, a random access memory (RAM) 40, and a bus including a data bus and a control bus connecting these components. And so on. The ROM 38 stores an exposure amount control routine described below.
[0033]
The input / output port 34 of the exposure amount determining device 32 is connected to the photometric data memory 30 so as to control the writing and reading timings, and is connected to the scanner 28 so as to control the photometric timing.
[0034]
The input / output port 34 is connected to a motor for driving the roller pair of the negative carrier 21 via a drive circuit 48, and a drive unit for the dimming filter 60 via a drive circuit 50 and a drive circuit 54. Each of them is connected to a drive unit of the black shutter 24. The input / output port 34 is connected to a keyboard 44, a detector 52, and a CRT 46.
[0035]
Next, the exposure control routine of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. When the negative film 20 is loaded on the negative carrier 21 and the start switch is turned on, the film characteristic data of the negative film 20 loaded on the negative carrier 21 is derived in step 100 of FIG. When the process proceeds to step 100, the film characteristic deriving routine shown in FIG. 3 is executed. In step 202, the negative film is conveyed by driving the negative carrier 21, and the number of frames determined in advance by detecting the notch by the detector. (For example, the number of shot frames + 1 or 0) is counted, and the frame of the reference image is set at the print position (printing position). In the next step 204, the reference image of the frame set at the print position is divided into a large number of pixels by the scanner 28, photometry is performed for each of the three colors R, G, B for each pixel, and photometry values for all pixels are logarithmically calculated. Convert. Using the logarithmically converted value of the photometric value, in the next step 206, film characteristic data is extracted as follows.
[0036]
Description will be made by taking the reference image shown in FIG. 8A as an example. The areas H1 and H2, which are image portions of the reference image, are determined, and the density of one density step (area of a constant density in the areas H1 and H2) is obtained. This density can be obtained from the density at the center of one density step or from the average density of a plurality of pixels near the center. The film characteristic data is extracted from the obtained densities. As shown in FIG. 9A, the film characteristic data is obtained by calculating the R and B densities with respect to the G density for each density step and connecting (interpolating) each density for each color as shown in FIG. can do. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9B, the extraction may be performed by obtaining the relationship between the density (the logarithm of the exposure amount) of each density step and the density of the three colors. Further, when the average density of the three colors of the negative film is detected, as shown in FIG. 10A, the color balance BG and RG of each step are obtained to obtain a color balance. It can be characteristic data. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10B, it may be obtained from the relationship between the color differences BG and GB.
[0037]
In the next step 208, the extracted film characteristic data is stored in the first memory of the photometric data memory 30, and is accumulated in the second memory in the next step 210.
[0038]
In the case where a plurality of reference images are present in one or a series of films in storing in the photometric data memory 30, any one of the film characteristic data may be stored in the first memory. You may make it memorize | store. Further, the second memory may store each of the film characteristic data individually without accumulating the film characteristic data.
[0039]
When the derivation of the film characteristic data is completed, in step 102 of FIG. 2, the negative film is conveyed by driving the negative carrier 21 in the first direction along the length direction of the negative film. Upon detection, in step 104, the first frame is set at the print position (printing position). When transporting the negative film in the first direction, the transport may be started from the front end of the negative film or may be started from the rear end of the negative film. Further, the frame may be set at the print position by detecting the edge of the frame.
[0040]
In step 106, the original image of the frame set at the print position is divided into a number of pixels by the scanner 28, and photometry is performed for each pixel for each of the three colors R, G, and B. In step 108, the entire set of photometric values (all The photometric value of the pixel is logarithmically converted, and the logarithmically converted value of the photometric value is stored in the photometric data memory 30 for each frame as a set of photometric data. When storing the photometric data in the photometric data memory 30, the photometric data R, G, and B of the frame are stored according to a predetermined arrangement. In this case, the photometric data of R, G, and B may be stored as it is, or may be stored after data compression to reduce the memory capacity. As a result, a set of photometric data R, G, B is stored in the photometric data memory 30 for each frame.
[0041]
In the next step 110, the number of frames subjected to photometry is counted, and in step 112, it is determined from the count value whether or not photometry of one negative film has been completed. If the photometry of one negative film has not been completed, the flow returns to step 102 to convey the negative film by one frame in the first direction as described above, and repeats photometry and storage of a set of photometry data. As a result, in the memory, all sets of photometric data for three colors of R, G, and B for one negative film are stored for each frame, that is, at least the sets of photometric data for the original image of all frames to be copied are stored. It is memorized.
[0042]
In step 114, based on the set of photometric data, a first average image of the plurality of original images including the original image of the frame to be printed. Characteristic A plurality of frames for calculating data are selected, a set of photometric data of the selected frame is read from the memory in step 116, and the first average image is read in step 118. Characteristic Operate on data. This first average image Characteristic The data is stored in the third memory. Note that the third memory may store a set of photometric data of the selected frame.
[0043]
This first average image Characteristic The data is at least data corresponding to the film characteristic data. For example, a plurality of original images including an original image of a frame to be printed for one color density (for example, G density) or three color average density ((R + G + B) / 3) Each average color density or each average color density difference (for example, RG, GB) obtained from the photometric data set described above can be adopted. Further, a function formula or a table value created from a set of photometric data may be used.
[0044]
First average image of a plurality of original images including the original image of the frame (print frame) to be printed Characteristic Data can be calculated based on a set of photometric data of a plurality of original images of one film, selecting all of the frames of one film.
[0045]
However, not necessarily the first average image from the set of photometric data for all frames on one film Characteristic There is no need to calculate the data. When the photometry and the storage of the photometry data set are completed after transported in the first direction, the total number of frames of one film can be determined. A corresponding number of frames are selected. For example, if the number of frames is 36, one of the two frames is selected and the first average image is selected. Characteristic Data may be calculated.
[0046]
Also, the first average image of one film Characteristic If it is determined that the frame is largely deviated from the data, the photometric data set of the deviated frame is used as the first average image. Characteristic Selection of a frame that is not used for data calculation, that is, selection of a set of photometric data may be performed. Furthermore, even when the frame is excluded from the copy target based on the analysis result of the photometric data of the frame, the first average image is selected according to the frame selection result. Characteristic It may be used for calculating data.
[0047]
The first average image calculated in step 118 Characteristic The data is a set of photometric data of original images of a large number of frames of a large number of films in the film type stored in the fourth memory or an image obtained from the set of photometric data. Characteristic It may be obtained from data. In this case, the color characteristics with respect to the value obtained from the set of photometric data or the density value, for example, the density of one color (for example, G density) or the average density of three colors ((R + G + B) / 3), Characteristic Can be adopted as data. As the color characteristics, each average color density or each average color density difference (for example, RGB, GB) obtained from a set of photometric data of a plurality of original images can be adopted. In addition, function expressions or table values created from the photometric data set Characteristic It may be used as data.
[0048]
In the next step 120, a normalization condition for normalizing the photometric data set is determined as described later.
[0049]
In the next step 122, the type of the negative film is determined based on the DX code detected by the detector 52. In the next step 124, the photometric data set of at least all the frames to be copied stored in the third memory is read. The data is stored in the fourth memory in association with the film type determined in step 122. Accordingly, the fourth memory stores a large number of data of a plurality of films or a series of films for each film type. In the next step 126, the film characteristic data stored in the first memory is read, and in the next step 128, an image corresponding to the film type is read. Characteristic A conversion table is generated using the data and the read film characteristic data.
[0050]
Film characteristic data stored in the second memory and an image stored in the fourth memory Characteristic As the data, a large number of corresponding data extracted from the reference image and the original image are stored, and each data can be average data. Therefore, if these data are used, film characteristic data and image Characteristic An average conversion formula or conversion table shown in the following equation (2) can be generated with respect to data.
[0051]
FTCD = f (FTPD) (2)
However, FTCD: Film characteristic data corresponding to the film type
FTPD: Image corresponding to film type Characteristic data
[0052]
Next, in step 130, the negative film is transported in the second direction opposite to the first direction without removing the negative film from the negative carrier, and the notch is detected. Set to. Note that when the last frame is positioned at the print position of the negative carrier, the conveyance in the second direction is unnecessary.
[0053]
In the next step 134, the set of photometric data of the set frame is read from the memory, and in step 136, the set of photometric data is standardized as follows according to the standardization condition determined in step 120.
[0054]
First, a set of three-color corrected photometry data is calculated by subtracting low-density portion photometry data from each of a large number of sets of three-color photometry data. As the low-density portion photometric data, photometric data of a base portion of a film including a reference negative film and a film frame can be used. Next, as shown in FIG. 11, a set of corrected photometric data of B and R is converted into a density of G by using a predetermined standardization curve (or normalization table), thereby normalizing (normalizing). Then, a set of standardized photometric data of B, R, and G is obtained. The standardization of photometric data in this way means that the film density of a negative film differs due to the difference in film type and the development process.This standardization corrects this difference in density, and corrects the film density for the same subject. The photometric data is converted so as to have a constant density and color irrespective of the type difference and the development processing difference. In addition, as a standardization method, in addition to the methods described above, methods described in JP-A-56-1039, JP-A-61-273532, and JP-A-62-144158 can be used.
[0055]
In the next step 138, a pixel is selected, and in step 140, an image feature value is calculated from the selected pixel. As the image feature amount, a maximum density, a minimum density, an average density, an average density of a face area of a person, or the like can be used for the entire surface of the original image or a specific area. The selection of this pixel depends on the image of the original image to be printed Characteristic This is equivalent to data extraction.
[0056]
In selecting a pixel, first, as shown in FIG. 12, a color coordinate having a difference RG between the normalized data R and G as a horizontal axis and a difference GB between the normalized data G and B as a vertical axis. In addition to the above, the color area A including the origin, the color area other than the color area A, the color area B within a predetermined color difference range, and the color area C other than the color areas A and B are standardized into three color areas. The three-color standardized data is classified by determining whether the data belongs, and the photometric data, that is, the pixels are classified according to the three-color standardized data.
[0057]
The set of three-color standardized data is classified into three with the boundary between the color area A and the color area B and the boundary between the color area B and the color area C. Sets of data belonging to a color area having a small color difference from the reference value (origin), data belonging to a color area having a medium color difference from the reference value, and data belonging to a color area having a large color difference from the reference value. being classified. In this embodiment, in step 138, as the photometric data to be used in the subsequent processing, the photometric data whose normalized data belongs to each of the color regions A, B, and C, that is, pixels are classified and selected. In step 140, the average density of each color (R, G, B) of the entire surface of the original image or the specific region is calculated, and the number of photometric data (pixels) belonging to each classified and selected color region is calculated. The integrated density value of the photometric data belonging to each color area is calculated.
[0058]
As a technique for calculating an image feature amount by selecting a pixel as described above, the techniques described in JP-A-61-198144 and JP-A-61-232442 can be used.
[0059]
In the next step 142, conversion data is generated by converting the image feature amount obtained in step 140 using the conversion table obtained in step 128. In the next step 144, the film characteristic data stored in the first memory is read, and in the next step 146, the converted data and the film characteristic data are used to refer to the following equation (3) to determine whether the frame is abnormal. Is determined, and it is determined whether the print frame is an abnormal frame based on whether or not the image determination amount △ RGB is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (0.10 in this embodiment).
[0060]
△ RGB = ｛(Ra-Ga) ^Two + (Ga-Ba) ^Two ｝-｛(Rm-Gm) ^Two + (Gm-Bm) ^Two ｝
Or
ΔRGB = ｛| Ra-Ga | + | Ga-Ba |｝ − ｛| Rm-Gm | + | Gm-Bm |｝
... (3)
Where Ra, Ga, and Ba are the images stored in the third memory. Characteristic data
(Conversion data of image features)
Rm, Gm, Bm: film characteristic data stored in the first memory
[0061]
Based on the determination result of step 146, in the next step 148, the exposure calculation formula is determined by determining the coefficients k1, k2, and k3 of the following exposure calculation formula (4).
[0062]
D = (k1 · SDA + k2 · SDB + k3 · SDC) / (k1 · NA + k2 · NB + k3 · NC)
... (4)
Where D: concentration
SDA: integrated density value of pixels included in area A
SDB: integrated density value of pixels included in area B
SDC: integrated density value of pixels included in area C
NA: Number of pixels included in area A
NB: Number of pixels included in area B
NC: Number of pixels included in area C
[0063]
For example, the above coefficients are determined as k1 = 10, k2 = 10, k3 = 0 when △ RGB <0.10, and k1 = 10, k2 = 10 when △ RGB ≧ 0.10. It is determined that k3 = 10.
[0064]
Then, an exposure amount is determined based on a density value obtained from an exposure operation formula based on the coefficient determined in the next step 150, and exposure is performed by controlling the light control filter 60 in accordance with the exposure amount determined in step 152 to create a print. I do. In step 154, it is determined whether the exposure for one film has been completed. If the exposure for one film has not been completed, the process returns to step 130 and the above processing is repeated. On the other hand, when the exposure for one film is completed, the first memory and the second memory stored in the photometric data memory 30 are cleared in step 156 to perform the exposure processing for the next one film.
[0065]
As described above, when the image determination amount is △ RGB <0.10, it is determined that the frame is not an abnormal frame, and the high-saturation pixels are not used for determining the exposure amount. Can be. On the other hand, when ≧ RGB ≧ 0.10, it is determined that the frame is abnormal, and the pixels having high chroma are also used for determining the exposure amount. The exposure amount can be determined so as to correct a change in the color of the original image included in the film due to a shooting light source other than daylight and a change in the color of the original image included in the film due to variation in characteristics.
[0066]
The degree of color correction can be changed by changing the values of the coefficients k1, k2, and k3 determined above.
[0067]
In the above description, a case has been described in which the color regions are classified into three types on the color coordinates when selecting the pixels. However, it goes without saying that the color regions may be further subdivided. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, on the color coordinates shown in FIG. 12, the color area is further subdivided by straight lines L1, L2, L3, and L4 with the origin as a viewpoint. That is, the color area A in FIG. 12 is set to the color areas A1, A2, A3, and A4, the color area B is set to the color areas B1, B2, B3, and B4, the color area C is set to the color areas C1, C2, C3, and C4. The color area D is subdivided into color areas D1, D2, D3, and D4. The three-color standardized data is classified by determining which color region the three-color standardized data belongs to, and the photometric data is classified (pixel classification) according to the three-color standardized data. By doing so, it becomes easy to distinguish between the vivid color of the subject causing color fear and the color bias due to the change in the color of the illuminating light source or the characteristics of the film, and when the image determination amount is ≧ RGB ≧ 0.10. Even red pixels and yellow pixels can be conditionally excluded from the pixels for determining the amount of exposure, and even if it is determined that an abnormal frame High quality prints can be obtained.
[0068]
Further, the determination of the exposure amount is not limited to the above, and for example, the following equation (5) may be used.
[0069]
Di = Dpi−Dni
Dw = (ΣDi) / 3
logEi = Si · {Ci (Di−Dw) + Dw} (5)
Where Dpi is the image density of the original image of the print frame
Dni: Image density of original image of reference film
Ci: color correction coefficient
Si: Slope control value (under-slope coefficient when Di <0, over-slope coefficient when Di ≧ 0)
Ei: Exposure amount
i: any one of R, G and B colors
[0070]
As the image density, for example, the average density of the entire screen, the maximum neutral color density in the image, and the like can be used. In the above description, when △ RGB <0.10, Ci = 0.6 (normal correction value) is determined, and when △ RGB ≧ 0.10, Ci = 1.0 (high correction value). .
[0071]
Further, the following equation (6) may be used instead of the above equation (5).
[0072]
Di = Dpi−Dni
Dpi = Ka.D0 + Kb.D1
Dw = (ΣDi) / 3
logEi = Si · {Ci (Di−Dw) + Dw} + Cb (6)
Where Dpi is the exposure density of the original image of the print frame
(Density for calculating copy exposure amount)
Dni: Image density of original image of reference film
Ci: color correction coefficient
Si: Slope control value (under-slope coefficient when Di <0, over-slope coefficient when Di ≧ 0)
Ei: Exposure amount
i: any one of R, G and B colors
Ka, Kb: coefficients (for example, 0.5 each)
D0: Image of original image of print frame Characteristic data
D1: data stored in the memory
Cb: constant
The image density is determined in the same manner as described above.
[0073]
The coefficients k1, k2, and k3 are determined based on the color characteristics in the original image. The coefficients Ka and Kb are determined as follows according to the value of the image discrimination amount.
[0074]
When RGB> 0.14, Ka = 0.9, Kb = 0.1
When 0.14 ≧ △ RGB> 0.10, Ka = 0.7, Kb = 0.3
When 0.10 ≧ △ RGB, Ka = 0.5, Kb = 0.5
[0075]
As the values of the coefficients Ka and Kb, a function may be determined in advance for the image discrimination amount △ RGB, and a value obtained from this function may be used.
[0076]
Further, the coefficients Ka and Kb may be determined based on the color characteristics (for example, the number of pixels NA, NB, and NC) in the original image. For example, when the image discrimination amount is ΔRGB> 0.14 and the number of pixels in the tungsten color area is large, it is determined that shooting is performed using a tungsten light source, and a coefficient for a tungsten light source prepared in advance can be used.
[0077]
If this coefficient is used as an exposure parameter and a common value is used for an original image of one or a series of films, the variation in color and density can be suppressed for one or a series of films, and a constant and favorable Finished prints can be obtained. This exposure parameter may use the same exposure parameter determination method. This exposure parameter determination method is that, when the exposure parameter is obtained by a functional expression, if the image determination amount △ RGB is large, a high initial value or a constant in the functional expression is set for one or a series of films. Common values may be used.
[0078]
First average image Characteristic In the above example, the data calculation is performed after the negative film is transported in the first direction, the photometric data of the original image is stored for each frame, and before the transport in the second direction is started. For example, the first average image calculated from the photometric data of the latter half frame of one negative film Characteristic First average image obtained from photometric values of the first half during transport in the second direction using data Characteristic First average image obtained from the photometric data of the second half frame Characteristic Various modifications such as adding data can be adopted.
[0079]
In the above embodiment, the photometric data set is stored for each frame. However, at the time of photometry, an image feature amount representing the characteristics of the original image with respect to the color characteristics and density described above is generated from the photometric data set. Alternatively, the generated image feature amount may be stored for each frame. Alternatively, the colors of the pixels may be determined, and the pixels classified on the color coordinates (FIG. 12 and the like) with respect to the determined colors may be selected and stored.
[0080]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the image corresponding to the film type of the negative film 20 is used. Characteristic The relationship between the data and the film characteristic data of the negative film 20 including the print frame is determined by comparing the film characteristic data in the second memory storing a large number of data that can be averaged data, and the image in the fourth memory. Characteristic Seeking from data. Therefore, the image to be compared with the film characteristic data of the negative film 20 including the print frame Characteristic Data, many images Characteristic An abnormal frame can be determined by treating it as data obtained from data, that is, data of an image captured in daylight. Since the amount of exposure is determined from this determination result, the original image can be printed as if it were photographed in daylight.
[0081]
In addition, when it is determined from the image determination amount that the frame is not abnormal, a pixel with high saturation is not used for determining the exposure amount, so that color fear can be prevented. By using the pixel of the degree to determine the amount of exposure, changes in the color of the original image contained in the film that has deteriorated over time, changes in the color of the original image contained in the film due to shooting light sources other than daylight, and characteristic variations The exposure amount can be determined so as to correct the change in color of the original image included in the film due to the change.
[0082]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to the exposure control routine of FIG. In the present embodiment, data in a first memory which is film characteristic data of one or a series of films including print frames, data in a second memory which is film characteristic data of a plurality of films of the same film type, Is used to determine the exposure calculation formula. This embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the above-described embodiment, and therefore, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0083]
In step 106, the entire set of photometric values (photometric values for all pixels) of the photometric original image is logarithmically converted in step 160, and the logarithmically converted value of photometric values (that is, density value) is calculated as a set of photometric data. I do. In the next step 162, standardization conditions for normalizing the photometric data set are determined in the same manner as in steps 114 to 120, and in the next step 164, the photometric data set is Is standardized. In this case, the image in the third memory Characteristic When the number of frames of data is small, it is preferable to detect the film type and use the data in the fourth memory corresponding to the film type. Step 164 corresponds to determining the color of each pixel. In the next step 166, a predetermined high-saturation pixel to be removed is selected and removed from the standardized photometric data set, and the density values of pixels other than the pixel removed in the next step 168, that is, The photometric data set is stored in a third memory in the photometric data memory 30. Therefore, the third memory stores the density values of the pixels excluding the high-saturation pixels.
[0084]
In the next step 170, the integrated density value and the number of pixels used in the above-described exposure calculation equation (4) are obtained, and the integrated density value and the number of pixels obtained in the next step 172 are stored in the photometric data memory 30 for each frame. . If it is determined in step 112 that the photometry of one negative film has not been completed, the process returns to step 102. As a result, the memory stores the density values of the pixels excluding the high-saturation pixels from the photometric data set of the original image contained in one negative film, and the integrated density value and the number of pixels are all set for each frame. That is, it is stored for at least all the frames to be copied.
[0085]
In step 114, the type of the negative film is determined. In the next step 174, the film characteristic data of the negative film 20 stored in the first memory is read out, and in the next step 176, a number of the same film type stored in the second memory are read. Read out the film property data for the book. Using these film characteristic data, in the next step 178, it is determined whether or not the film to be printed is an abnormal film in the same manner as in the determination of the abnormal frame in step 146.
[0086]
The film characteristics data stored in the first memory reflects the development characteristics, the film characteristics, and the film characteristics of the negative film that has changed over time. Further, since the film characteristic data stored in the second memory is an average of the film characteristic data stored in the first memory, the film characteristic data in the first memory and the film characteristic data in the second memory are compared to obtain the development characteristic. , Film characteristics, and changes due to aging can be detected. The variation in the film characteristic data can be predicted by detecting the management data of the exposure device for the reference image and the ID indicating the developer or the like that has exposed the reference image. Therefore, when a change due to development characteristics, film characteristics, and aging is detected and an abnormal film is determined, parameters may be set so as to increase color correction. Further, film characteristic data as data from the first memory and image data as data from the third memory. Characteristic Data, photometric data of the print frame, and set a weighting factor to be given to each of, when determining the exposure amount based on the value added with the weighting factor set to each of the data, Film characteristic data, which is data from the first memory, and an image, which is data from the third memory Characteristic A weighting factor may be set so as to increase the weight for at least one of the data and the photometry data of the print frame, and the exposure amount may be determined.
[0087]
In this embodiment, using the film characteristic data of the first memory read in step 174 and the film characteristic data of the second memory read in step 176, referring to the above equation (3), the image determination amount △ RGB is determined, and whether or not the film is an abnormal film is determined based on whether or not the image determination amount △ RGB is equal to or more than a predetermined value (0.10).
[0088]
Based on this determination result, in the next step 180, the coefficients k1, k2, and k3 of the above-described exposure calculation expression (4) or the coefficients k1, k2, k3, Ka, and Kb of the above-described exposure calculation expression (6) are similarly calculated in step 148. By determining, the exposure calculation formula is determined.
[0089]
Next, the negative film is transported, and the frame is set at the print position (steps 130 and 132). In the next step 182, the integrated density value and the number of pixels of the frame (print frame) are read from the memory, and the exposure calculation is performed using the determined coefficient. Exposure is performed by controlling the light control filter 60 in accordance with the exposure amount based on the density value obtained from the equation (steps 150 and 152).
[0090]
As described above, in this embodiment, an abnormal film is determined from the stable film characteristic data corresponding to the type of one or a series of films and the film characteristic data of the film to be printed. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine a negative film whose film characteristics have changed during storage of a film in an unphotographed state such as an expired film, high temperature or high humidity for a long time, and radiation fog, etc., as an abnormal film different from many film characteristics. it can. Further, a film having film characteristics different from many film characteristics such as milk number (lot number), lot variation, manufacturing variation, and development processing variation can be accurately determined as an abnormal film.
[0091]
For this reason, it is possible to prevent color fearing without using high-saturation pixels in determining the exposure amount when the film is not abnormal, and to use high-saturation pixels in determining the exposure amount when the film is abnormal. Accordingly, the exposure amount can be determined so as to correct the change in the color of the original image included in the film whose film characteristics have changed and the change in the color of the original image included in the film due to the variation in the characteristics.
[0092]
Further, even for a negative film that has weakly deteriorated with time or a film having different film characteristics from many films, an intermediate value between a normal film and an abnormal film can be adopted, and a good color correction value can be determined. . As a result, it is possible to determine a good exposure amount for all films, and to produce high quality prints.
[0093]
In addition, high quality prints can be created with uniform print quality within a single film, within a series of films, or between films.
[0094]
In this embodiment, the first average image obtained from the data in the third memory is used. Characteristic Since the data excludes pixels corresponding to high-saturation subjects, the first average image can be obtained even on a negative film including many biased subjects. Characteristic Data is required with high accuracy. As a result, the exposure amount can be determined with high accuracy, and a high-quality print can be created.
[0095]
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to the exposure control routine of FIG. In this embodiment, data in a first memory which is film characteristic data of one or a series of films including a print frame and an average image of an original image of the print frame included in the film Characteristic First average image that is data Characteristic The exposure calculation formula is determined from the data in the third memory which is the data. The exposure control routine of the present embodiment is different from the exposure control routine of FIG. Characteristic Step 186 of reading out the data in the third memory, which is data, is executed. Since the configuration is substantially the same as that of the exposure control routine of FIG. 4, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0096]
In step 186 of FIG. 5, the image of the negative film 20 stored in the third memory is stored. Characteristic Read the data, the first average image Characteristic Operate on data. In the next step 178, the film characteristic data of step 174 and the first average image of step 184 Characteristic Using the data, it is determined whether the negative film to be printed is an abnormal film.
[0097]
Image stored in third memory Characteristic First average image with data Characteristic The data is further obtained from the film characteristics based on the film characteristics data stored in the first memory, the influence of the latent image over time, the influence of the photographing light source, Characteristic It may be affected by data variability. Therefore, the film characteristic data stored in the first memory obtained from the reference image recorded on the film to be printed and the average image stored in the third memory Characteristic By comparing with data, latent image aging, shooting light source, image Characteristic Data variations can be detected.
[0098]
image Characteristic Data variation occurs when the number of frames on one film is small or when the color of the original image on one film is biased (for example, when most of one film is a subject of G color). Occurs. Whether or not the number of frames is small can be detected by detecting a DX code or a notch. Also the image Characteristic Whether the influence is due to the variation in the data or the influence of the photographing light source can be determined by analyzing the color of the photometric data set of the print frame, that is, the color of the original image. In addition, the image Characteristic Whether the influence is due to the data variation or the latent image aging is determined by comparing the film characteristic data stored in the first memory with the image data. Characteristic It can be estimated by comparing the color balance with the gradation or density of the data. As described in the above embodiment, this estimation is performed by using the film characteristic data and the image data by the conversion formula or conversion table shown in Expression (2). Characteristic It is preferable to make the data correspond. This allows latent image aging, shooting light source, image Characteristic If the data variation is detected and the film is determined to be abnormal, the parameters may be set so that the color correction becomes higher. Further, similarly to the above-described embodiment, film characteristic data as data from the first memory and image characteristics as data from the third memory are used. Characteristic A weighting factor may be set so as to increase the weight for at least one of the data and the photometry data of the print frame, and the exposure amount may be determined.
[0099]
As described above, in this embodiment, an abnormal film is determined from the film characteristic data of one or a series of films and the film characteristic data of the film to be printed. For this reason, a negative film that has deteriorated with time due to a change in film characteristics during storage of the film, such as latent image regression and radiation fog, is accurately determined as an abnormal film different from the film predicted from the film characteristic data obtained from the reference image. Can be. In addition, color temperature changes of shooting light sources other than daylight, and shooting light sources such as winter days and shades, and images Characteristic A negative film based on film characteristics such as data variation can be accurately determined as an abnormal film if a film is different from a film predicted from film characteristic data obtained from a reference image.
[0100]
For this reason, it is possible to prevent color fearing without using high-saturation pixels when determining the exposure amount when the film is not abnormal, and to use high-saturation pixels when determining the exposure amount when the film is abnormal. Changes in the color of the original image contained in the film that has deteriorated over time, changes in the color of the original image contained in the film due to shooting light sources other than daylight, and changes in the color of the original image contained in the film due to characteristic variations. The exposure amount can be determined so as to correct the change.
[0101]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the exposure control routine of FIG. In this embodiment, the data of the second memory, which is the film characteristic data of many films identical to the film type of the film to be printed, and the average image of the original image of the print frame included in the film film to be printed Characteristic First average image that is data Characteristic The exposure calculation formula is determined from the data in the third memory, which is the data. In the exposure control routine of the present embodiment, a step 184 for reading data from the second memory is executed instead of the step 174 in FIG. Since the configuration is substantially the same as that of the exposure control routine shown in FIG. 4, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description is omitted.
[0102]
In step 184 of FIG. 6, a large number of film characteristic data of the same film type stored in the second memory are read, and in the next step 186, the image of the negative film 20 stored in the third memory is read. Characteristic Read the data, the first average image Characteristic Operate on data. In the next step 178, the film characteristic data and the average image Characteristic Using the data, it is determined whether the negative film to be printed is an abnormal film.
[0103]
Since the film characteristic data stored in the second memory is film characteristic data relating to a large number of films of the same film type, the film characteristic data is average data affected by manufacturing variations and development variations inherent in the film type. . On the other hand, the average image stored in the third memory Characteristic As described above, the data may be affected by the latent image aging or the imaging light source, and may be further affected by the development processing. Therefore, the film characteristic data for a large number of films in the second memory and the average image for the print film in the third memory Characteristic By comparing the data with the data, it is possible to detect a change in film characteristics due to aging, a photographing light source, and development processing. In addition, the average image by the third memory Characteristic As described in the above embodiment, the data is obtained by converting the film characteristic data and the image using the conversion formula and the conversion table shown in Expression (2). Characteristic It is preferable to make the data correspond. Thus, when a change in film characteristics due to aging, a photographing light source, and a development process is detected and an abnormal film is determined, parameters may be set so as to increase color correction. Further, similarly to the above-described embodiment, film characteristic data as data from the first memory and image characteristics as data from the third memory are used. Characteristic A weighting factor may be set so as to increase the weight for at least one of the data and the photometry data of the print frame, and the exposure amount may be determined.
[0104]
As described above, in this embodiment, the abnormal film is determined from the film characteristic data of many films of the same film type and the film characteristic data of the film to be printed. For this reason, a negative film that has been deteriorated with time due to a change in film characteristics during film storage such as expiration, latent image regression, long-term storage at high temperature or high humidity, and radiation fog is accurately determined as an abnormal film different from many film characteristics. be able to. In addition, the film characteristics such as color temperature change, lot number (lot number), lot variation, manufacturing variation, and development process variation of the imaging light source other than daylight and the imaging light source such as winter day and shade are different from many film characteristics. Different films can be accurately determined as abnormal films.
[0105]
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the exposure control routine of FIG. In the present embodiment, data in a first memory, which is film characteristic data of a film to be printed, and an average image of an original image of a print frame included in the film to be printed. Characteristic First average image that is data Characteristic Data in the third memory, which is data, and images of print frames Characteristic The exposure calculation formula is determined from the data. Since the configuration is substantially the same as that of the exposure control routine of FIG. 5, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0106]
In step 114 of FIG. 7, the type of the negative film is determined. In the next step 174, the film characteristic data of the negative film 20 stored in the first memory is read. In the next step 186, the film characteristic data stored in the third memory is read. Image of negative film 20 Characteristic Read the data, the first average image Characteristic Operate on data. In the next step 188, the image of the print frame to be printed Characteristic The data is read from the memory, and in the next step 190, the film characteristic data of the negative film 20 stored in the first memory and the average image of the negative film 20 stored in the third memory Characteristic Data and print frame images Characteristic Using the data, it is determined whether or not the print frame is an abnormal frame.
[0107]
In the next step 148, the coefficients k1, k2, and k3 of the above-described exposure calculation equation (4) or the coefficients k1, k2, k3, Ka, and Kb of the above-described exposure calculation equation (6) are determined based on the determination result of step 190. Determine the exposure calculation formula.
[0108]
Next, the negative film is transported, and the frame is set at the print position (steps 130 and 132). In the next step 182, the integrated density value and the number of pixels of the frame (print frame) are read from the memory, and the exposure calculation is performed using the determined coefficient. Exposure is performed by controlling the light control filter 60 in accordance with the exposure amount based on the density value obtained from the equation (steps 150 and 152). In the next step 192, it is determined whether the exposure for one film has been completed. If the exposure for one film has not been completed, the process returns to step 188 to repeat the above processing. On the other hand, when the exposure for one film is completed, the first memory and the second memory stored in the photometric data memory 30 are cleared in step 156 to perform the exposure processing for the next one film.
[0109]
Image stored in third memory Characteristic First average image with data Characteristic As described above, the data is obtained from the film characteristics based on the film characteristics data stored in the first memory, as well as the influence of latent image aging, the influence of a photographic light source, Characteristic It may have been affected by data variations, the film characteristic data stored in the first memory and the average image stored in the third memory Characteristic By comparing with data, latent image aging, shooting light source, image Characteristic Data variations can be detected.
[0110]
However, a print frame may have a unique change at the time of shooting, for example, a change in a shooting light source. Therefore, the film characteristic data stored in the first memory and the average image stored in the third memory Characteristic In addition to data, images of print frames Characteristic By comparing the data, it is possible to detect a change unique to the print frame (change in the light source of the photographing) that has occurred during photographing. Thus, when the change of the film characteristic unique to the print frame due to the photographing light source is detected and it is determined that the frame is abnormal, the parameter may be set so as to increase the color correction. Further, similarly to the above-described embodiment, film characteristic data as data from the first memory and image characteristics as data from the third memory are used. Characteristic A weighting factor may be set so as to increase the weight for at least one of the data and the photometry data of the print frame, and the exposure amount may be determined.
[0111]
As described above, in this embodiment, the film characteristic data of one or a series of films, the film characteristic data of the film to be printed, and the image of the print frame Characteristic An abnormal frame is determined from the data. For this reason, color temperature changes of imaging light sources other than daylight and imaging light sources such as winter days and shades, and images Characteristic Print frames due to film characteristics such as data variation can be accurately determined as abnormal frames.
[0112]
In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the image feature amount is obtained to determine the image of the print frame. Characteristic You may ask for data.
[0113]
In the above embodiment, the pixels of the original image are selected, and the image feature amount is calculated or the density is calculated using the selected pixels. However, the present invention is not limited to the pixel selection. Is stored in a memory (third memory), and De The exposure amount may be determined from the data and the film characteristic data (first memory) obtained from the reference image. Stored in the third memory in this case. Rude Data is greatly affected by the type of subject. Therefore, the film characteristics data obtained from the reference image and the photometry of the original image are used. De Data or print frame No From the data, the degree of deviation of the characteristics of the film to be printed from the average film characteristics can be detected. Thus, if the color correction coefficient is set according to the degree of the bias, the original image can be printed without color fear, regardless of the type of the subject.
[0114]
In the above embodiment, the selection of the pixel is Characteristic Although the present invention is performed based on the data, the present invention is not limited to this. The film characteristic data (first memory) obtained from the reference image and the film characteristic data on a large number of films stored for each film type Pixels may be selected using at least one of the (second memory). This film characteristic data is based on data obtained by metering a reference image which is not recorded by a light source at the time of photographing or light transmitted through the lens system of the photographing apparatus. It is preferable to convert the data into a state in which gray is photographed with light before use. When recording the reference image, it is preferable to adjust the spectral distribution of the light to be exposed so that the daylight substantially matches the light transmitted through the lens system of the photographing apparatus.
[0115]
In the above embodiment, the image Characteristic Data stored and stored image Characteristic The case where data is used for selecting a pixel and determining an exposure amount has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Characteristic Only data may be used. As described above, the selection of the pixel is determined by the film property data, the film property data corresponding to the film type, or the image. Characteristic This can be done based on the data. If the spectral distribution of the light used to record the reference image is adjusted so that daylight substantially matches the light transmitted through the lens system of the photographing device, the photometric image Characteristic Since it is easier to specify the color corresponding to the subject color in the film characteristic data than in the data, the pixel can be selected more accurately. In addition, since the film characteristic data corresponding to the film type is also an average of the film characteristic data of the film type, an image having a high possibility of causing color bias or the like is high. Characteristic Pixels can be selected more accurately than data. Therefore, film characteristic data, film characteristic data corresponding to the film type, and image Characteristic The exposure calculation formula is determined based on at least two of the data, that is, the above-described coefficients are determined, and the film characteristic data and the image of the print frame are determined. Characteristic If the exposure amount is determined using the data, the original image can be printed without color fear, regardless of the type of the subject.
[0116]
Table 1 below shows changes in film characteristics that can be made by combining data for judging abnormal frames or abnormal films in each of the embodiments described above.
[0117]
[Table 1]

[0118]
In the above embodiment, the image stored in the third memory Characteristic The data may be measured by advancing the print frame until the required accuracy is obtained, and then returning to the first print frame. As a similar technique, a method described in JP-A-4-159534 can be used. In the case where the print data is stored in the first memory while being sequentially printed, the first print frame has only the photometric data set of the original image. Therefore, it is preferable to multiply the discrimination amount △ RGB by the comparison value (Krgb) and change the comparison value according to the number of data sets stored in the first memory. As an example of calculating the comparison value, Krgb = 0.15− (number of sets) / 10000 can be adopted. However, the comparison value in this case is Krgb ≧ 0.10. This comparison value may be determined from statistical data of the difference between the data stored in the third memory and the data stored in the fourth memory. For example, it can be determined using the standard deviation of the histogram of the difference between the data stored in the third memory and the data stored in the fourth memory.
[0119]
In each of the above embodiments, the case where the first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other has been described. However, as described in JP-A-59-220761, the distance between the photometric unit and the exposure unit is approximately equal. In the case of a device having an interval corresponding to one film, the first direction and the second direction may be the same direction.
[0120]
In the present invention, when a transparent magnetic layer is coated on the entire surface of a negative film and magnetic information is recorded on this magnetic layer, magnetic recording information reading and simultaneous printing are performed in a transport step in the first direction during simultaneous printing. The density correction amount information including the manual correction may be stored in the transport process in the second direction, or the color correction amount information may be additionally recorded.
[0121]
When the information is recorded in this manner, in the case of a reorder, the correction amount information recorded on the film in the transport process in the first direction is read, and the presence or absence of the correction amount is determined. If the correction amount information has been recorded, the correction amount information is arranged and the photometry is performed so that the recorded correction amount information corresponds to each frame, and the basic exposure amount is determined in the transport process in the second direction. Is calculated, the read correction amount is added, the exposure amount is determined, and printing is performed based on this exposure amount. In this case, the exposure amount may be calculated based on the photometric data obtained by the scanning, the calculation result may be compared with the correction amount, and the exposure amount or the correction amount may be selected and printed. The manual correction amount or the correction information including the manual correction amount may be stored in the top or last reader of the film.
[0122]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, film characteristic data obtained by photometry of a reference image recorded on a film, film characteristic data obtained from a large number of the same film type, and image characteristics of a large number of frames included in the film Since the exposure amount is determined using at least two of the data and a large number of image characteristic data of the same film type, the tendency of the color balance inherent in the film itself including the original image to be printed or the same film type is considered. In consideration of the tendency of the color balance of the film including the original image to be printed or the color balance of the film including the original image to be printed or the standard color balance of the same film type, it is possible to always obtain high quality prints regardless of changes in film characteristics. This has the effect.
[0123]
Further, by determining the exposure amount using the image feature data generated by the image feature data generating means, it is possible to always obtain high quality prints regardless of changes in film characteristics in consideration of the original image to be printed. There is an effect that can be.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a photographic printing apparatus that can be used in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an exposure amount control routine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a film characteristic deriving routine of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an exposure amount control routine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an exposure amount control routine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an exposure amount control routine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an exposure amount control routine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an image diagram showing a reference image recorded on a negative film.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a characteristic curve for extracting film characteristic data from a reference image.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another characteristic curve for extracting film characteristic data from a reference image.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a normalization table for normalizing photometric data.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing color coordinates for classifying three-color normalized data.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing other color coordinates for classifying three-color normalized data.
[Explanation of symbols]
ST reference image
20 films
21 Negative Carrier
28 Scanner

Claims (5)

Photometric means for dividing an original image recorded on one film or a series of films into a large number of pixels, color-separating at least three primary colors, and performing photometry;
Extraction means for metering a reference image recorded on a predetermined portion of the film and extracting film characteristic data,
First storage means for storing the extracted film characteristic data;
Second storage means for storing film property data over a number of films of the same film type as the film;
Image feature data generating means for generating image feature data representing features of the original image based on photometric values of the original image;
Third storage means for storing the image feature data for a large number of frames included in the film,
Fourth storage means for storing image feature data for many frames over many films of the same film type as the film;
Exposure using the film characteristic data stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit and the image characteristic data stored in the third storage unit and the fourth storage unit Determining means for determining an exposure arithmetic expression for determining
Exposure amount calculation means for obtaining an exposure amount from image feature data of the original image based on the determined operation expression,
Exposure control means for controlling exposure based on the exposure amount obtained by the exposure amount calculation means,
Color copying machine with In the determining unit, at least two data of the film characteristic data stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit and the image characteristic data stored in the third storage unit and the fourth storage unit 4. The color copying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the exposure amount is determined using the image feature data generated by the image feature data generating unit. The image feature data generating unit further includes a pixel selecting unit for selecting pixels of the original image, wherein the image feature data generating unit generates image feature data representing features of the original image based on photometric values of pixels selected from the original image. 3. The color copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color copying apparatus generates the image. 4. The color copying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said pixel selecting means selects a pixel based on said film characteristic data. 4. The color copying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the pixel selection unit selects a pixel based on the image feature data.

Images