JP2001117172A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a universal type image forming system capable of meeting the various requirements of users. SOLUTION: This image forming system is provided with input means 1 and 2 forming an image on a photosensitive member by superposing and heating a processing member and the photosensitive member on which a latent image is recorded by exposure, and reading the image data. The image data selected and inputted from plural input means 1, 2 and 8 are outputted from an output means 4 selected from plural output means 4. The input/output means 1, 2, 4 and 8 for various image data are utilized at one spot by one image forming system.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for inputting image data by selecting a desired input means from a variety of input means, and outputting an image based on the input image data to various output means. The present invention relates to a universal image forming system capable of selecting and outputting a desired output unit from among them.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general photographic technology, a photosensitive member (a so-called color negative film, a black-and-white negative film, etc.) is loaded into a camera and photographed, and a latent image is formed by exposing the negative film.

The negative film on which the latent image is formed is applied to a wet developing machine for the film in a developing station, immersed in a developing solution and developed, then immersed in a bleach-fixing solution and bleach-fixed. The film is washed with water to obtain a negative film on which a dye image is formed.

[0004] Then, the developed negative film is applied to a print baking / developing machine in a development shop, and the paper is irradiated with light transmitted through the dye image of the negative film, thereby printing and exposing the dye image to paper. Prints are usually obtained through similar wet development, bleaching, fixing and washing steps.

More recently, there has been known a method in which an image formed on a color negative film is photoelectrically read and then subjected to image processing to obtain image data for recording, and the image data is used to obtain an image on another image recording material. Have been. In particular, development of a digital printer which makes the above image data a digital signal and scans and exposes a photosensitive member such as a color paper with a laser beam modulated according to the digital signal to produce a finished print has been advanced. No., published in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.

Conventionally, a photo-sensitive member on which a latent image is formed by photographing is subjected to dry thermal development processing, and a photographic image formed on the photosensitive member is read by development and converted into a digital signal. A simple and short processing time image forming apparatus for outputting a print with a digital printer based on the digital signal or recording the digital signal of image data on a recording medium for storage and utilization is disclosed in
No. 0-260518.

[0007]

As described above, when a color negative film, which is a photosensitive member, is loaded into a camera and photographed, the color negative film is developed by a film wet developing machine, and the developed color negative film is developed. A print is obtained by a print baking developing machine using the film.

Further, when it is desired to record a digital signal of image data on a recording medium for utilization, an image formed on a color negative film or print is read photoelectrically by another image forming apparatus and converted into a digital signal. The image is subjected to image processing or the like, and is recorded on a recording medium and stored, or a print is output by a digital printer.

Further, when a photograph is taken using a color negative film which is a special photosensitive member provided for an image forming method which is simple and has a short processing time, an image forming apparatus for performing dry heat development dedicated to the photographing is used. After processing, a recording medium on which a digital signal of image data is recorded is obtained, or a print output is obtained by a digital printer.

[0010] As described above, the photosensitive member used is for wet development, the photosensitive member is for dry thermal development, or a recording medium on which a digital signal of image data is recorded. A developing machine or an image forming apparatus must be used.

For this reason, the user has to go to a place where an image forming apparatus or a digital printer corresponding to the type of each photosensitive member is present to perform a desired process. In particular, even when the photosensitive member for wet development, the photosensitive member for dry development, and the recording medium are to be processed at the same time, they must be separately processed by different apparatuses, which is complicated and inefficient. In addition, when an image photographed on a photosensitive member for wet development is to be printed out with a digital printer, a negative film on which an image is formed is obtained by using a wet developing machine, and then the negative film is reprocessed by a digital printer. Since a print output is obtained, the work is troublesome, and the efficiency is low, so that there is a problem that it is not possible to quickly respond to various requests of the user.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a compact, easy-to-use image forming system that is versatile, can perform processing corresponding to various processing targets, and can immediately respond to various requests from users. And

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system configured to form an image based on image data input by a plurality of image data inputting means and input image data by the inputting means. A plurality of output means for outputting,
In the image forming system having an input operation unit for selecting one of the plurality of input units to execute the input process and selecting one of the plurality of output units to execute the output process, The input unit forms an image on the photosensitive member by heating the photosensitive member and the processing member capable of recording a latent image by exposure in the developing unit in an overlapping state, and forms the image on the photosensitive member in the reading unit. It is characterized by comprising a means for reading an image and inputting image data, and an option input unit which is a means for inputting other image data.

With the above arrangement, the photosensitive member on which the latent image is recorded by exposure and the processing member are superposed and heated to form an image on the photosensitive member, and the image is formed on the photosensitive member in the reading section. In an image forming system capable of easily and quickly inputting image data by using a means for reading an image and inputting image data, the image data can be input by using other means for inputting image data in an option input unit. The range of selection of input means is widened, various image data input means can be used in one image forming system, and various image data can be input in one place, which is convenient in using the image forming system. Performance can be improved.

In the image forming system according to the present invention, an image is formed on a photosensitive member by heating a photosensitive member capable of recording a latent image by exposure and a processing member in a developing section in a superposed state. A plurality of image data input means having means for inputting image data by reading an image formed and formed on a photosensitive member by a reading unit and input means for inputting other image data; Means for processing an image based on the image data input by the means to generate image data for output, a plurality of output means for outputting based on the image data for output, and a plurality of input means. An input operation unit that performs an operation of selecting one of the plurality of output units to execute the input process and an operation of selecting one of the plurality of output units to execute the output process, and an operation for image processing. Characterized in that it has a.

With the above arrangement, the photosensitive member on which the latent image is recorded by exposure and the processing member are superposed and heated to form an image on the photosensitive member, and then the image is read to input image data. In an image forming system capable of easily and quickly inputting image data by using the means for inputting the image data, the means for inputting the image data by using other means for inputting the image data in the option input unit can be used to increase the range of selection of the means for inputting the image data. Widen, input means for various image data can be used in one image forming system, various image data can be input in one place, and image processing is performed on the image data input in this image forming system. Make it possible. Thereby, a required input means is selected and input from various input means, and further, image data inputted by the input means is subjected to image processing, and a required output means is selected from various output means. Since the output operation can be performed by one universal image forming system, the convenience in using this image forming system can be further improved.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the image forming system of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall schematic configuration of the image forming system. As shown in this block diagram, the image forming system pulls out a photographic film as a photosensitive member housed in a housing or the like in addition to a developing unit 1, a reading unit 2, an image processing unit 3, and an output unit 4. A setting unit 5 for setting the developing unit in a developable state, a user interface unit (input operation unit) 6 for transmitting various information to a user, and receiving an input of order information from the user, a processed member discharged in a processing process Waste processing unit 7, which accumulates waste
It is configured as a system device including an optional input unit 8 for processing a photosensitive member for wet development or reading from a recording medium on which a digital signal of image data is recorded or receiving from communication or transmission means to generate image data. I have.

In this embodiment, the photosensitive member for dry development is subjected to a thermal development process, and a photographic image formed on the photosensitive member by development is read and converted into a digital signal.
By using a digital printer to output a print based on the digital signal or recording and outputting the image data on a recording medium, a simple and short processing time image forming apparatus is used as a base and various devices are added. We are building an image forming system.

For this reason, in this image forming system,
The setting unit 5, the developing unit 1, and the reading unit 2 are configured to process photosensitive members for dry development. The setting unit 5 is configured to pull out a photographic film, which is a photosensitive member for dry development, from a case such as a patrone and send it to the developing unit 1.

The developing section 1 is configured to heat-process a photographic film as a photosensitive member for dry development. Further, the reading unit 2 is configured to photoelectrically convert a photographic image formed on a photographic film, which is a photosensitive member for dry development, into a read digital signal, and transmit the digital signal to the image processing unit 3. Have been.

The option input unit 8 develops a film, which is a wet type photosensitive member, by using a wet type developing machine to obtain a negative film or a slide film on which a dye image is formed, and then converts a photographic image formed on the film. Means for photoelectrically converting and converting into a read digital signal and then transmitting the digital signal to the image processing unit 3; means for reading an input document by a scanner and converting it to a digital signal and transmitting the digital signal to the image processing unit 3; Means for receiving a digital signal of image data transmitted from a personal computer or the like by communication or transmission means and transmitting a digital signal whose format has been adapted to the image processing unit 3, a PC card drive of a digital camera, an MO disk drive, Zip disk drive, FD drive, CDROM, CD-R
The digital signal read by the drive or the like is processed by the image processing unit 3
A means for transmitting to the user is provided as needed.

The image processing section 3 is configured to execute various digital image processing based on the input image data.

The output unit 4 includes a PC card, an MO disk,
Zip (registered trademark) disk, FD, CDROM, CD
It can be used as digital image data, such as outputting a file to a removable medium such as -R and providing it to a customer, or storing and storing it on a hard disk of a server computer of a photo shop and using it for a reprint order.

Further, the output unit 4 irradiates the paper with the light transmitted through the dye image of the negative film by a print printing and developing machine, prints and exposes the dye image on the paper, and performs wet development, bleaching and fixing. Means for obtaining a print through a water washing process, a digital printer for scanning and exposing a photosensitive member such as color paper with a laser beam modulated based on a digital signal of image data, and obtaining a print by a heat development transfer process, and the like, A means for transmitting a digital signal to another personal computer or the like is provided as needed.

The user interface unit 6 includes display means such as a monitor for displaying image data and operation, selection input means such as a mouse and a keyboard for instructing the central control unit, and software for controlling them. Prepare. In addition, a coin input unit, a settlement unit, and the like are provided so that payment for the output processing ordered according to the order information can be performed.

Further, the user interface unit 6 is provided with an input function selected based on a user's command from the processing in the setting unit 5, the developing unit 1 and the reading unit 2, or the various input processing in the option input unit 8. Set.

Further, the user interface section 6 executes digital image processing in the image processing section 3 based on a command from the user.

In the user interface section 6, an output function selected based on a user's command from among various output processes in the output section 4 is set.

The waste material processing section 7 is a place for performing processing for discarding the processing material used by the input means and the output means.

Next, an outline of a flow of processing by the image forming system will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

In the present image forming system, at the start of processing, the user operates the user interface unit 6 in step 500 to operate the setting unit 5, the developing unit 1, and the reading unit 2 in step 500.
, Or the input processing in the option input unit 8 is selected. Further, one of the output processes in the output unit 4 is selected.

Next, at step 501, it is determined whether or not a simple image forming process is performed. In the case of the simple image forming process, the process proceeds to steps 502, 503, 504, 505, and 506 in order, and exposure is performed by photographing means or the like. The photosensitive member containing the photosensitive silver halide particles on which the latent image is recorded
To load. Next, the photosensitive member is superimposed on the processing member and heated in the developing section 1 and then separated from the processing member, and the photosensitive member is developed by the steps of superimposing, heating and peeling. Next, the image formed on the photosensitive member by the development is read by a scanner and converted into a digital signal.
And proceeds to step 507.

If it is determined in step 501 that the image forming process is not the simple image forming process, the flow advances to step 508 to generate a digital signal of image data by the input means designated by the user, and transmit the digital signal to the image processing unit 3. Proceed to 507.

Next, in step 507, a digital signal of image data obtained by performing image processing on the image data by the image processing unit 3 based on the user's instruction is transmitted to the output unit 4, and the process proceeds to step 509.

In step 509, processing such as file output, print output, or transfer of a digital signal of image data is executed by the output means designated by the user in advance.

Hereinafter, the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be sequentially described for each item of photosensitive member, exposure method, development processing, option input, creation of digital image data, and output processing.

(1) Photosensitive Member First, three examples of preferred members as photosensitive members used in a simple image forming process for thermally developing a photographic film which is a photosensitive member for dry development in the image forming system of the present invention are shown. . However, the members described below are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition,
These photosensitive members are characterized in that they can be developed without performing bleaching and fixing processes. Therefore, in the description, in addition to the description of the photosensitive members themselves, the developing process and the processing members used in the developing process will also be described. .

(1-1) First Photosensitive Member The photothermographic member described below comprises a support having at least a photosensitive silver halide particle, a binder, and a diffusible material corresponding to or inversely compatible with silver development. A non-diffusible coloring material that emits a dye, the photosensitive wavelength ranges of which are different from each other, and the hues of the coloring material after development are different from each other;
It is a photosensitive member having a kind of photosensitive layer.

The above three types of photosensitive layers are preferably layers sensitive to any one of blue light, green light and red light. This arrangement order is generally the order of a red photosensitive layer, a green photosensitive layer, and a blue photosensitive layer in order from the support side. However,
Other arrangements may be used depending on the purpose. For example, an arrangement as described in column 162 of JP-A-7-152129 may be used. Each photosensitive layer may be divided into a plurality of silver halide emulsion layers having substantially the same color sensitivity but different sensitivities.

The relationship between the spectral sensitivity of each layer and the hue of the diffusible dye formed or released from the colorant is arbitrary, but the cyan colorant in the red photosensitive layer, the magenta colorant in the green photosensitive layer, and the blue photosensitive layer. When a yellow color material is used for the layer, it is easy to write an image on a conventional color paper or the like.

In addition to the above-described silver halide emulsion layer, various non-photosensitive layers such as a protective layer, an undercoat layer, an intermediate layer, a yellow filter layer, and an antihalation layer may be provided. Various auxiliary layers such as a back layer can be provided. Further, a magnetic recording layer may be provided.

There is no particular limitation on the silver halide emulsion that can be used in the photothermographic member, and any of silver chloride, silver iodochloride, silver chlorobromide, silver iodochlorobromide, silver iodobromide and silver bromide can be used. May be. The silver iodide content is preferably at most 10 mol%, more preferably at most 1 mol%. More preferably, 0.5
Mol% or less. The silver halide emulsion may be a surface latent image type or an internal latent image type. The internal latent image type emulsion is used as a direct reversal emulsion in combination with a nucleating agent or light fogging. Further, a multi-structure particle having a different halogen composition between the inside of the particle and the surface of the particle may be used. Further, silver halide emulsions having different compositions may be joined by epitaxial joining. The shape of silver halide grains can be a normal crystal without twin planes, a single twin with one twin plane, a parallel multiple twin with two or more parallel twin planes, or a non-parallel twin plane. Any of two or more non-parallel twins, spheres, potatoes, flat plates with a high aspect ratio and composites thereof can be used according to the purpose. The shape of the twin grains is described on page 163, edited by the Photographic Society of Japan, basics of the photo industry-silver salt photography (Corona). The silver halide grains may have any size from fine grains having an average grain size of 0.05 μm or less to large grains having a projected area diameter exceeding 10 μm. Preferably, 0.1 to 2
μm, particularly preferably 0.1 to 0.9 μm.

A monodisperse emulsion having a narrow particle size distribution or a polydisperse emulsion may be used. The monodisperse emulsion is, for example, a silver halide emulsion having a grain size distribution such that 80% or more of all grains fall within ± 30% of the average grain size in terms of the number or weight of grains. Further, as disclosed in JP-A-1-167743 and JP-A-4-223463, two or more kinds of monodispersed halogens having substantially the same color sensitivity and different particle sizes are used for adjusting the gradation. A silver halide emulsion may be used in combination. Two or more emulsions may be mixed in the same layer or may constitute separate layers. 2
More than one type of polydisperse silver halide emulsion or a combination of monodisperse and polydisperse emulsions can also be used.
The method for preparing silver halide emulsions is described in “Graduation of Physics and Chemistry of Photography”, published by Paul Montel (P. Glafkides, Chi
mie et Physique Photographique Paul Montel, 196
7) Photographic Emulsion Chemistry by GF Duffin, Photographic Emulsion Chemistry.
Focal Press, 1966), "Manufacture and Coating of Photographic Emulsions", by Zerikman et al., Published by Focal Press (VL Zelikm)
an et al. Making and Coating Photographic Emulsio
n. Focal Press, 1964).

In the course of silver halide grain formation or physical ripening, a metal salt (including a complex salt) may coexist. Examples of metal salts include salts or complex salts of noble metals or heavy metals such as cadmium, zinc, lead, thallium, iridium, platinum, palladium, osmium, rhodium, chromium, ruthenium, and rhenium. These compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The addition amount is about 10-9 to 10-3 mol per mol of silver halide.

Although the silver halide emulsion can be used without chemical sensitization, it is usually used after being chemically sensitized. The chemical sensitization method includes a chalcogen sensitization method such as a sulfur sensitization method, a selenium sensitization method, a tellurium sensitization method, a noble metal sensitization method using gold, platinum, and palladium, and a reduction sensitization method alone or in combination. (See, for example,
110555, JP-A-5-241267, etc.). These chemical sensitizations can be carried out in the presence of a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound (JP-A-62-253159). Further, an antifoggant described below can be added after the completion of chemical sensitization. Specifically, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-458
No. 33, and a method described in JP-A-62-40446 can be used.

In addition, a non-diffusible coloring material which emits a diffusible dye in correspondence with silver development or reversely is used. This compound can be represented by the following general formula [L1].

((Dye) m-Y) n-Z [L1] D
ye represents a diffusible dye group, Y represents a mere linking group, and Z emits a diffusible (Dye) m-Y corresponding to or inversely corresponding to a photosensitive silver salt having an image-like latent image. , And L
1 itself represents a non-diffusible group,
m represents an integer of 1 to 5, n represents 1 or 2, m,
When both n are not 1, a plurality of Dyes may be the same or different.

Specific examples of the coloring material represented by the general formula [L1] include the following compounds (A) to (D). The following (A) to (C) release diffusible dyes in a manner corresponding to the development of silver halide, and (D)
Is to release a diffusible dye in response to the development of silver halide.

(A) US Pat.
No. 362819, No. 3597200, No. 354454
No. 5,348,972, JP-B-3-68387, and the like, and dye developing agents in which a hydroquinone-based developing agent and a dye component are linked to each other are exemplified. This dye developer is diffusible in an alkaline environment, but becomes non-diffusible when reacted with silver halide.

(B) As described in US Pat. No. 4,503,137, a non-diffusible compound which releases a diffusible dye in an alkaline environment but loses its ability when reacted with silver halide can also be used. Examples thereof include compounds described in US Pat. No. 3,980,479, which release a diffusible dye by an intramolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction, and US Pat.
Compounds which release a diffusible dye by an intramolecular reversal reaction of an isoxazolone ring described in 199354 and the like.

(C) US Pat. No. 4,559,290, EP-A-220746, US Pat. No. 4,783,396
No., Published Technical Report No. 87-6199, JP-A-64-1354
As described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-106, a non-diffusible compound that reacts with a reducing agent remaining without being oxidized by development to release a diffusible dye can also be used.

For example, US Pat.
Nos. 9 and 4139379, JP-A-59-185333.
No. 4,232,107, compounds described in JP-A-57-84453, which release a diffusible dye by a nucleophilic substitution reaction in a molecule after reduction, US Pat.
JP-A-59-101649 and JP-A-61-88257.
And compounds which release a diffusible dye by an electron transfer reaction in a molecule after reduction, as described in JP-A No. 195, Research Disclosure No. 24025 (1984), and the like.
West German Patent No. 308588, JP-A-56-14253
0, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,434,893 and 46,198.
No. 84450, etc., which release a diffusible dye by cleavage of a single bond after reduction, US Pat.
For example, a nitro compound which releases a diffusible dye after electron reception described in US Pat. No. 223 or the like, a compound which releases a diffusible dye after electron reception described in US Pat. No. 4,609,610, or the like can be used.

Further, as more preferable ones, European Patent Publication No. 220746, Japanese Patent Publication No. 87-6199, US Pat. No. 4,783,396, and JP-A-63-201653 are preferred.
JP-A-63-201654 and JP-A-64-135
No. 46, etc., an NX bond (X
Represents an oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen atom) and a compound having an electron-withdrawing group, and a compound described in JP-A-1-26842 in which SO2-X (X is as defined above) and an electron-withdrawing group are contained in one molecule. Compounds having a PO-X bond (X is as defined above) and an electron-withdrawing group in one molecule described in JP-A-63-271344;
No. 1341 discloses a compound having a C—X ′ bond (X ′ has the same meaning as X or represents —SO 2 —) and an electron-withdrawing group in one molecule. In addition, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-1
Nos. 61237 and 1-1161342, compounds which release a diffusible dye by cleavage of a single bond after reduction by a π bond conjugated to an electron accepting group can also be used.

Of these, compounds having an NX bond (where X is oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen) and an electron-withdrawing group in one molecule are particularly preferable. Specific examples thereof include compounds (1) to (3), (7) to (10), (12), (13), and compounds (1) to (3) described in EP-A-220746 or U.S. Pat.
(15), (23)-(26), (31), (32), (35), (36), (40), (4
1), (44), (53) to (59), (64), (70), Published Technical Report 87-
Compounds (11) to (23) described in U.S. Pat.
Compounds (1) to (84) described in JP-A-13546.

(D) A compound (DRR compound) that is reducible to silver halide or an organic silver salt and releases a diffusible dye when the partner is reduced can also be used. Since this compound does not need to use another reducing agent, it is preferable because there is no problem of image contamination due to oxidized decomposition products of the reducing agent. Representative examples thereof are described in US Pat.
No. 12, No. 4055528, No. 4336322, JP-A-59-65839, JP-A-59-69839, JP-A-53-3819, JP-A-51-104343, Research Disclosure 17465, U.S. Pat. No. 372,062, No. 3,728,113, No. 3
No. 443939, JP-A-58-11637, JP-A-57-179840, U.S. Pat.
No. etc. Specific examples of the DRR compound include columns 22 to 4 of the aforementioned US Patent No. 4,500,626.
Compounds described in column 4 can be mentioned, and among them, compounds (1) to (3), (10) to (13), and (16) described in U.S. Pat.
~ (19), (28) ~ (30), (33) ~ (35), (38) ~ (40), (42) ~
(64) is preferred. Also, US Pat. No. 4,639,408 No. 3
The compounds described in columns 7 to 39 are also useful.

It is preferable to incorporate a reducing agent into the photothermographic member. In this case, as the reducing agent to be used, those known in the field of photothermographic members can be used. Further, the coloring material may also serve as the reducing agent. Further, a reducing agent precursor which does not itself have a reducing property but expresses a reducing property by the action of a nucleophilic reagent or heat during the development process can be used. Examples of the reducing agent used here include columns 49 to 50, U.S. Pat. No. 4,939,272, U.S. Pat. No. 4,330,617, and U.S. Pat.
Nos. 52, 5017454, 5139919, and JP-A-60-140335, pp. (17) to (18),
Nos. 7-40245, 56-138736,
JP-A-59-178458, JP-A-59-53831, JP-A-59-182449, and JP-A-59-18245.
Nos. 0, 60-119555 and 60-12
Nos. 8436 and 60-128439 and 60
-198540, 60-181742,
JP-A-61-259253, JP-A-62-244044, JP-A-62-131253, JP-A-62-1321.
No. 56, No. 64-13546, Nos. (40) to (57)
Page, JP-A-1-120553, European Patent Publication No. 2
No. 20746, pp. 78-96 and the like. Combinations of various reducing agents, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,039,869, can also be used.

When a diffusion-resistant reducing agent is used, an electron transfer agent and / or an electron transfer agent may be used, if necessary, in order to promote electron transfer between the diffusion-resistant reducing agent and the developable silver halide.
Alternatively, an electron transfer agent precursor can be used in combination. Particularly preferred is US Pat. No. 5,139,919.
And those described in EP-A-418743. JP-A-2-230143, JP-A-2-23
A method of stably introducing the compound into the layer as described in JP-A-5044 is preferably used.

The electron transfer agent or its precursor can be selected from the reducing agents or its precursors. It is desirable that the mobility of the electron transfer agent or its precursor is higher than that of the diffusion-resistant reducing agent (electron donor). Particularly useful electron transfer agents are 1-phenyl-3-pyrazolidones or aminophenols.

The diffusion-resistant reducing agent (electron donor) used in combination with the electron transfer agent may be any one which does not substantially move in the layer of the photosensitive member among the reducing agents, and is preferably hydroquinone. , Sulfonamidophenols, sulfonamidonaphthols, JP-A-53-110
No. 827, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,032,487, 502
Compounds described as electron donors in US Pat. Nos. 6,634, and 4,839,272 and dye-donating compounds having diffusion resistance and reducing property described below are exemplified.

An electron donor precursor as described in JP-A-3-160443 is also preferably used.

Further, the above-mentioned reducing agent can be used in the intermediate layer and the protective layer for various purposes such as prevention of color mixing and improvement of color reproduction. Specifically, European Patent Publication Nos. 524649 and 3
57040, JP-A-4-249245, and 2-
No. 46450 and JP-A-63-186240 are preferably used. In addition, 3-63
733, JP-A-1-150135 and 2-
Nos. 46450, 2-64634, 3-4
No. 3,735, EP-A-451833, a development inhibitor releasing reducing agent compound may also be used.

An organic metal salt can be used as an oxidizing agent together with the photosensitive silver halide. Among such organic metal salts, an organic silver salt is particularly preferably used. Organic compounds that can be used to form the above-mentioned organic silver salt oxidizing agents include U.S. Pat.
There are benzotriazoles, fatty acids and other compounds described in the column. The acetylene silver described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,613 is also useful. Two or more organic silver salts may be used in combination. The above organic silver salt is used in an amount of 0.01 to 10 mol, preferably 0.01 to 10 mol, per mol of the photosensitive silver halide.
１1 mol can be used in combination. The total coating amount of the photosensitive silver halide and the organic silver salt is 0.05 to 10 g / silver equivalent.
m2, preferably 0.1 to 4 g / m2.

As the binder for the constituent layers of the photosensitive member, hydrophilic binders are preferably used. Examples include Research Disclosure and JP-A-64-13546.
And those described on pages (71) to (75) of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H10-260, pp. 157-163. Specifically, transparent or translucent hydrophilic binders are preferred, for example, gelatin, proteins or cellulose derivatives such as gelatin derivatives, starch, gum arabic, dextran, natural compounds such as polysaccharides such as pullulan and polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol. Synthetic polymer compounds such as pyrrolidone and acrylamide polymer are exemplified. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 4,960,681,
No. 260, for example, a homopolymer of a vinyl monomer having -COOM or -SO3 M (M is a hydrogen atom or an alkali metal) or a copolymer of the vinyl monomers with each other or with another vinyl monomer (For example, sodium methacrylate, ammonium methacrylate, Sumikagel L- manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.)
5H) is also used. These binders can be used in combination of two or more kinds. Particularly preferred is a combination of gelatin and the above binder, and gelatin is lime-treated gelatin, acid-treated gelatin,
What is necessary is just to select from what is called demineralized gelatin which reduced the content of calcium etc., and it is also preferable to use it in combination.

The coating amount of the binder is preferably 20 g or less per 1 m 2, and particularly preferably 10 g or less.

It is preferable to use a base or a base precursor in the photothermographic member for the purpose of accelerating the silver development and the dye formation reaction. As base precursors, salts of organic acids and bases that decarboxylate by heat, intramolecular nucleophilic substitution,
There are compounds that release amines by Rossen rearrangement or Beckmann rearrangement. A specific example is described in US Pat.
No. 514493, No. 4657848 and Known Technique No. 5 (March 22, 1991, Aztec Co., Ltd.), pp. 55-86. Also,
European Patent Publication No. 210660 and US Pat.
No. 740445 describes a combination of a poorly water-soluble basic metal compound and a compound capable of forming a complex with metal ions constituting the basic metal compound using water as a medium (referred to as a complex-forming compound). A method of generating a base may be used.

A heat solvent may be added to the photothermographic member for the purpose of promoting heat development. Examples thereof include organic compounds having polarity as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,347,675 and 3,667,959. Specifically, amide derivatives (such as benzamide), urea derivatives (such as methyl urea and ethylene urea), sulfonamide derivatives (such as compounds described in JP-B-1-40974 and JP-B-4-13701), Polyol compounds (such as sorbitol), and polyethylene glycols. When the thermal solvent is insoluble in water, it is preferably used as a solid dispersion.
The layer to be added may be either a photosensitive layer or a non-photosensitive layer depending on the purpose.

As the support of the photothermographic member, a support that can withstand the processing temperature is used. In general, edited by the Photographic Society of Japan, "Basics of Photographic Engineering-Silver halide photography-", published by Corona Co., Ltd. (1979) (223)-(240)
Examples include photographic supports such as paper described on the page and synthetic polymers (films). Specifically, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate,
Examples thereof include polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyimide, and celluloses (for example, triacetyl cellulose). These can be used alone or as a support laminated on one or both sides with a synthetic polymer such as polyethylene. In addition, JP-A-62-253159 (29)-
Page (31), JP-A-1-161236, pages (14) to (17),
JP-A-63-316848, JP-A-2-2265
No. 1, 3-56955, U.S. Pat.
The support described in No. 1033 can be used.

Particularly when the requirements for heat resistance and curl characteristics are severe, a support for a photosensitive member is disclosed in JP-A-6-41281, JP-A-6-43581, JP-A-6-51426, and JP-A-6-51437. JP-A-6-51442, JP-A-6-82926, JP-A-6-82960, JP-A-6-123937, JP-A-6-266050, JP-A-6-82959, JP-A-6-67346, JP-A-6-266050, JP-A-6-202277, JP-A-6-175282, and JP-A-6-118561.
JP-A-7-219129 and JP-A-7-219914
The support described in JP-A No. 4 can be preferably used. Further, a support which is mainly a styrene polymer having a syndiotactic structure can also be preferably used.

Known photographic additives which can be used in the photothermographic member are described in Research Disclosure (RD) N
o.17643, No.18716 and No.30710
The relevant parts are listed in the table below.

Types of additives RD17643 RD187
16 RD307105 1. Chemical sensitizer page 23 648
Page 866, right column 866 2. Sensitivity increasing agent, page 648, right column Spectral sensitizer page 23-24 page 648 right column 866-868
Page Supersensitizer ~ Right column on page 649 Brightener 24 pages 6
Page 48, right column, page 868 5. Antifoggants 24 to 26 pages
Page 649, right column, pages 868 to 870 Stabilizer Light absorber
Page 25-26 Page 649 Right column Page 873 Filter dye
Page 650, left column, UV absorber Dye image stabilizer 2
Page 5, page 650, left column, page 872 8. Hardener 26 pages 65
Page 1, left column, pages 874 to 875 9. Binder 26 pages 6
Page 51, left column, pages 873-874. Plasticizer, lubricant
Page 27, page 650, right column, page 876 11. Coating aid, 26
Page 27 page 650 right column page 875-876 surfactant
12. Static page 27 page 650 right column 876-87
Page 7 Inhibitor 13. Matting Agent, pp. 878-879 Next, the processing member used in the development processing of the photothermographic member will be described. The processing member has a layer (processing layer) containing a mordant for capturing a dye diffused from the photothermographic member during thermal development. Even if the processing layer is in a form separately coated on a support separate from the photosensitive member,
It may be in the form of being coated on the same support as the photosensitive member, but is preferably provided on another support. As the mordant, those known in the field of photography can be used, and specific examples thereof include mordants described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,626, columns 58 to 59 and JP-A-61-88256, pp. 32-41. Nos. 62-244043 and 62-2
No. 44036 can be mentioned. Further, a dye-receiving polymer compound as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,079 may be used. As the binder for the processing layer, the same binder as that used for the photosensitive member can be used. It is useful to provide a protective layer on the treatment layer.

The processing layer of the processing member can contain a base or a base precursor required for development. For example, when a method is used in which a base is generated by a combination of a basic metal compound which is hardly soluble in water and a metal ion constituting the basic metal compound and a complex forming compound, a basic metal which is hardly soluble in water is used. The compound is added to the constituent layer of the photothermographic member, the complex forming compound is added to the processing layer of the processing member, and a small amount of water is supplied to the photosensitive member or the processing member during heat development to superimpose both. Thus, a base can be generated. Further, the processing layer of the processing member may contain a thermal solvent for the purpose of promoting development and removing unnecessary substances.

Next, the heat development step will be described. In this photothermographic member, the exposed silver halide is developed by overlapping and heating the photosensitive layer surface of the exposed photothermographic member and the processing member, and a diffusible dye corresponding to or opposite to this development is developed. Is released, and the diffusible dye is moved and fixed to the processing member, whereby a color image is formed on the photothermographic member by the remaining colorant. The heating temperature in the thermal development step is from about 50 ° C. to 250 ° C., and particularly preferably from 60 ° C. to 150 ° C.

In the heat development step, a small amount of a solvent may be used for the purpose of accelerating the development, facilitating the transfer of the processing material, and accelerating the diffusion of unnecessary substances. Specifically, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,704,245 and 4,470,445;
No. 2,380,56. Examples of the solvent include water, a basic aqueous solution containing an inorganic alkali metal salt or an organic base, a low-boiling solvent, or a mixed solution of a low-boiling solvent and water or a basic aqueous solution. Further, a surfactant, an antifoggant, a compound forming a complex with a hardly soluble metal salt, a fungicide, and a bactericide may be contained in the solvent. The amount of the solvent used may be not more than the weight of the solvent corresponding to the maximum swelling volume of the entire coating film. In this method, the heating temperature is preferably equal to or lower than the boiling point of the solvent used. For example, if the solvent is water,
50 ° C to 100 ° C is preferred.

As the solvent used in the heat development step, water is preferably used, but any water may be used as long as it is generally used. Specifically, distilled water, tap water, well water, mineral water and the like can be used. The water may be used up once or may be circulated and used repeatedly. Water is applied to the photothermographic member, the processing member, or both. As a method for applying water, for example, JP-A-62-253159, p.
The method described in JP-A-3-85544 is preferably used. Further, the solvent can be used by being encapsulated in a microcapsule or incorporated in the photosensitive member or the processing member or both in advance in the form of a hydrate. The temperature of the water to be applied may be 30 ° C. to 60 ° C. as described in JP-A-63-85544.

In the case of performing thermal development using water as a solvent, European Patent Publication No. 210660 and US Pat.
As described in No. 5, a combination of a basic metal compound which is hardly soluble in water and a compound capable of forming a complex with metal ions constituting the basic metal compound using water as a medium (referred to as a complex forming compound). It is effective to adopt a method of generating a base. In this case, it is desirable to add the basic metal compound which is hardly soluble in water to the photosensitive member and to add the complex forming compound to the processing member from the viewpoint of raw preservability.

(1-2) Second Photosensitive Member The photothermographic member described below contains at least a photosensitive silver halide particle, a binder, a color developing agent, and a dye-donating coupler on a support. The photosensitive layers have at least three types of photosensitive layers having different photosensitive wavelength regions and different hues of an oxidized color developing agent and a dye formed from a dye-donating coupler. It is preferable that a developing agent capable of forming a dye by reacting with the dye-donating coupler is incorporated in the photosensitive member.

The above three types of photosensitive layers are preferably layers sensitive to any of blue light, green light and red light. This arrangement order is generally the order of a red photosensitive layer, a green photosensitive layer, and a blue photosensitive layer in order from the support side. However,
Other arrangements may be used depending on the purpose. For example, an arrangement as described in column 162 of JP-A-7-152129 may be used. Each photosensitive layer may be divided into a plurality of silver halide emulsion layers having substantially the same color sensitivity but different sensitivities.

The relationship between the spectral sensitivity of each layer and the hue of the coupler is arbitrary. However, when a cyan coupler is used for a red photosensitive layer, a magenta coupler is used for a green photosensitive layer, and a yellow coupler is used for a blue photosensitive layer, a conventional color paper can be used. It is easy to write an image on the device.

In addition to the above-described silver halide emulsion layer, various non-photosensitive layers such as a protective layer, an undercoat layer, an intermediate layer, a yellow filter layer and an antihalation layer may be provided. Various auxiliary layers such as a back layer can be provided. Further, a magnetic recording layer may be provided.

The coupler usable here may be a 4-equivalent coupler or a 2-equivalent coupler. Further, the diffusion-resistant group may form a polymer chain. Specific examples of couplers are
THJames "The Theory of the Photographic Proces
s ", 4th edition, pages 291 to 334, and 354 to 361
Page, JP-A-58-123533, and JP-A-58-149.
No. 046, No. 58-149047, No. 59-
No. 11148, No. 59-124399, No. 59-174835, No. 59-231439, No. 59-231540, No. 60-2950, No. 60-2951, No. 60-14242. JP, JP-A-60-23474, JP-A-60-66249
JP-A-8-110608 and JP-A-8-14655
No. 2, JP-A-8-146578, and the like.

In this photosensitive member, for the purpose of shortening the developing time, improving the sensitivity, and improving the image density, the oxidized product formed by silver development is coupled with the above-described coupler to form a color. An embodiment in which a developing agent is incorporated is preferable.

For example, in US Pat. No. 3,531,256,
p-phenylenediamines developing agents and phenol or active methylene couplers, p.
A combination of an aminophenol-based developing agent and an active methylene coupler can be used. US Patent No. 40212
A combination of a sulfonamide phenol and a 4-equivalent coupler as described in JP-A No. 40, JP-A-60-128438 and the like is excellent in raw preservability when incorporated in a photosensitive member, and is a preferable combination. When a color developing agent is incorporated, a precursor of the color developing agent may be used. For example, indoaniline-based compounds described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,342,597, U.S. Pat. No. 3,342,599, Research Disclosure No. 14850 and No. 34850.
No. 139, No. 139.
24, the aldol compound described in US Pat.
Metal salt complexes described in No. 2 and urethane compounds described in JP-A-53-135628 can be exemplified. Further, sulfonamide phenol-based active compounds described in Japanese Patent Application Nos. 7-180568 and 7-6947 and 7-6.
The combination of a hydrazine-based drug and a coupler described in No. 3572 is also preferable for use in this photosensitive member.

The silver halide grains, the dye-donor coupler and the developing agent may be contained in the same layer, but may be added separately to another layer if they can react. For example, when a layer containing a developing agent and a layer containing silver halide grains are formed as separate layers, the raw storability of the light-sensitive material can be improved.

An organic metal salt can be used as an oxidizing agent together with the photosensitive silver halide grains. Among such organic metal salts, an organic silver salt is particularly preferably used. Organic compounds that can be used to form the above-described organic silver salt oxidizing agents include U.S. Pat.
There are benzotriazoles, fatty acids and other compounds described in Columns 53 to 53 and the like. The acetylene silver described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,613 is also useful. Two or more organic silver salts may be used in combination. The above organic silver salts can be used in an amount of 0.01 to 10 mol, preferably 0.01 to 1 mol, per 1 mol of the photosensitive silver halide. The total coating amount of the photosensitive silver halide and the organic silver salt is 0.05 to
20 g / m2, preferably 0.1 to 10 g / m2 is suitable.

As the binder for the constituent layers of the photosensitive member, hydrophilic binders are preferably used. Examples include Research Disclosure and JP-A-64-13546.
And those described on pages (71) to (75) of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H10-260, pp. 157-163. Specifically, transparent or translucent hydrophilic binders are preferred, for example, gelatin, proteins or cellulose derivatives such as gelatin derivatives, starch, gum arabic, dextran, natural compounds such as polysaccharides such as pullulan and polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol. Synthetic polymer compounds such as pyrrolidone and acrylamide polymer are exemplified. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 4,960,681,
No. 260, etc., ie, a homopolymer of a vinyl monomer having -COOM or -SO3M (M is a hydrogen atom or an alkali metal) or a copolymer of the vinyl monomers with each other or with another vinyl monomer (For example, sodium methacrylate, ammonium methacrylate, Sumikagel L- manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.)
5H) is also used. These binders can be used in combination of two or more kinds. Particularly preferred is a combination of gelatin and the above binder, and gelatin is lime-treated gelatin, acid-treated gelatin,
What is necessary is just to select from what is called demineralized gelatin which reduced the content of calcium etc., and it is also preferable to use it in combination.

The coating amount of the binder is preferably 20 g or less per 1 m 2, and particularly preferably 10 g or less.

When a diffusion-resistant developing agent is used,
If necessary, an electron transfer agent and / or an electron transfer agent precursor can be used in combination to promote electron transfer between the diffusion-resistant developing agent and the developable silver halide. Particularly preferably, US Pat.
No. 9, EP-A-418743. JP-A-2-230143, JP-A-2-230143;
A method of stably introducing the compound into the layer as described in JP 35044 A is preferably used. The electron transfer agent or its precursor can be selected from among the developing agent or its precursor. It is desirable that the mobility of the electron transfer agent or its precursor is higher than that of the diffusion-resistant developing agent (electron donor). Particularly useful electron transfer agents are 1-
Phenyl-3-pyrazolidones or aminophenols. An electron donor precursor as described in JP-A-3-160443 is also preferably used.

Further, various reducing agents can be used in the intermediate layer and the protective layer for various purposes such as preventing color mixing and improving color reproduction. Specifically, European Patent Publication Nos. 524649 and 3
57040, JP-A-4-249245, and 2-
No. 46450 and JP-A-63-186240 are preferably used. In addition, 3-63
733, JP-A-1-150135 and 2-
Nos. 46450, 2-64634, 3-4
No. 3,735, EP-A-451833, a development inhibitor releasing reducing agent compound may also be used.

It is preferable to use a base or a base precursor in the photothermographic member for the purpose of accelerating the silver development and the dye formation reaction. As base precursors, salts of organic acids and bases that are decarboxylated by heat, intramolecular nucleophilic substitution reactions,
There are compounds that release amines by Rossen rearrangement or Beckmann rearrangement. A specific example is described in US Pat.
No. 514493, No. 4657848 and Known Technique No. 5 (March 22, 1991, Aztec Co., Ltd.), pp. 55-86. Also,
European Patent Publication No. 210660 and US Pat.
No. 740445 describes a combination of a basic metal compound which is hardly soluble in water and a compound capable of forming a complex with metal ions constituting the basic metal compound using water as a medium (referred to as a complex forming compound). A method of generating a base may be used.

A heat solvent may be added to the photothermographic member for the purpose of promoting heat development. Examples thereof include organic compounds having polarity as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,347,675 and 3,667,959. Specifically, amide derivatives (such as benzamide), urea derivatives (such as methyl urea and ethylene urea), sulfonamide derivatives (such as compounds described in JP-B-1-40974 and JP-B-4-13701), Polyol compounds (such as sorbitol), and polyethylene glycols. When the thermal solvent is insoluble in water, it is preferably used as a solid dispersion.
The layer to be added may be either a photosensitive layer or a non-photosensitive layer depending on the purpose.

As the support of the photothermographic member, a support that can withstand the processing temperature is used. In general, edited by the Photographic Society of Japan, "Basics of Photographic Engineering-Silver halide photography-", published by Corona Co., Ltd. (1979) (223)-(240)
Examples include photographic supports such as page-described paper and synthetic polymers (films). Specifically, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate,
Examples include polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyimide, and celluloses (eg, triacetyl cellulose). These can be used alone or as a support laminated on one or both sides with a synthetic polymer such as polyethylene. In addition, JP-A-62-253159 (29)-
Page (31), JP-A-1-161236, pages (14) to (17),
JP-A-63-316848, JP-A-2-2265
No. 1, 3-56955, U.S. Pat.
The support described in No. 1033 can be used.

Particularly when the requirements for heat resistance and curl characteristics are severe, a support for a photosensitive member is disclosed in JP-A-6-41281, JP-A-6-43581, JP-A-6-51426, and JP-A-6-51437. JP-A-6-51442, JP-A-6-82926, JP-A-6-82960, JP-A-6-123937, JP-A-6-266050, JP-A-6-82959, JP-A-6-67346, JP-A-6-202277, JP-A-6-175282, JP-A-6-118561, and JP-A-7-219129
And the supports described in JP-A-7-219144 can be preferably used. Further, a support which is mainly a styrene polymer having a syndiotactic structure can also be preferably used.

Known photographic additives that can be used in the photothermographic member are described in Research Disclosure (RD) N
o.17643, No.18716 and No.30710
The relevant parts are listed in the table below.

Types of additives RD17643 RD187
16 RD307105 1. Chemical sensitizer page 23 648
Page 866, right column 866 2. Sensitivity increasing agent, page 648, right column Spectral sensitizer page 23-24 page 648 right column 866-868
Page Supersensitizer ~ Right column on page 649 Brightener 24 pages 6
Page 48, right column, page 868 5. Antifoggants 24 to 26 pages
Page 649, right column, pages 868 to 870 Stabilizer Light absorber
Page 25-26 Page 649 Right column Page 873 Filter dye
Page 650, left column, UV absorber Dye image stabilizer 2
Page 5, page 650, left column, page 872 8. Hardener 26 pages 65
Page 1, left column, pages 874 to 875 9. Binder 26 pages 6
Page 51, left column, pages 873-874. Plasticizer, lubricant
Page 27, page 650, right column, page 876 11. Coating aid, 26
Page 27 page 650 right column page 875-876 surfactant
12. Static page 27 page 650 right column 876-87
Page 7 Inhibitor 13. Matting Agent, pp. 878-879 Next, the processing member used in the development processing of the above-described photosensitive member will be described. In the heat development process, the processing member shuts off air during heat development, prevents volatilization of the material from the light-sensitive material, supplies the processing material to the light-sensitive member, and becomes unnecessary after the development. Material (yellow filter dye,
(Antihalation dye, etc.) or to remove unnecessary components generated during development. A processing layer is provided on a support separate from the photosensitive member. Used by heating. As the support and the binder of the processing member, the same as the photosensitive member can be used.

A mordant may be added to the treatment layer of the treatment member for the purpose of removing the dyes described above and for other purposes. As the mordant, those known in the field of photography can be used.
No. 006226, columns 58-59, and JP-A-61-882.
Examples of the mordant include the mordants described in JP-A No. 56, pages 32 to 41, JP-A-62-244043, JP-A-62-244036, and the like. Also, U.S. Pat.
No. 079 may be used.

The processing layer of the processing member can contain a base or a base precursor required for development. For example, when a method is used in which a base is generated by a combination of a basic metal compound which is hardly soluble in water and a metal ion constituting the basic metal compound and a complex forming compound, a basic metal which is hardly soluble in water is used. The compound is added to the constituent layer of the photothermographic member, the complex forming compound is added to the processing layer of the processing member, and a small amount of water is supplied to the photosensitive member or the processing member during heat development to superimpose both. Thus, a base can be generated. Further, the processing layer of the processing member may contain a thermal solvent for the purpose of promoting development and removing unnecessary substances.

Next, the heat development step will be described. In this photosensitive member, the exposed silver halide is developed by overlapping and heating the photosensitive layer surface of the exposed heat-developable photosensitive member and the processing member, and the oxidized developing agent and the dye-donating coupler that are formed undergo a color-forming reaction. And a color image is formed on the photosensitive member. The heating temperature in the thermal development process is about 50
C. to 250.degree. C., but especially 60 to 150.degree. C. is useful.

In the heat development step, a small amount of a solvent may be used for the purpose of accelerating the development, facilitating the transfer of the processing material, and accelerating the diffusion of unnecessary substances. Specifically, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,704,245 and 4,470,445;
No. 2,380,56. Examples of the solvent include water, a basic aqueous solution containing an inorganic alkali metal salt or an organic base, a low-boiling solvent, or a mixed solution of a low-boiling solvent and water or a basic aqueous solution. Further, a surfactant, an antifoggant, a compound forming a complex with a hardly soluble metal salt, a fungicide, and a bactericide may be contained in the solvent. The amount of the solvent used may be not more than the weight of the solvent corresponding to the maximum swelling volume of the entire coating film. In this method, the heating temperature is preferably equal to or lower than the boiling point of the solvent used. For example, if the solvent is water,
50 ° C to 100 ° C is preferred.

As the solvent used in the heat development step, water is preferably used, and any water may be used as long as it is generally used. Specifically, distilled water, tap water, well water, mineral water and the like can be used. The water may be used up once or may be circulated and used repeatedly. Water is applied to the photothermographic member, the processing member, or both. As a method for applying water, for example, JP-A-62-253159, p.
The method described in JP-A-3-85544 is preferably used. Further, the solvent can be used by being encapsulated in a microcapsule or incorporated in the photosensitive member or the processing member or both in advance in the form of a hydrate. The temperature of the water to be applied may be 30 ° C. to 60 ° C. as described in JP-A-63-85544.

When heat development is carried out using water as a solvent, European Patent Publication No. 210660 and US Pat.
As described in No. 5, a combination of a basic metal compound which is hardly soluble in water and a compound capable of forming a complex with metal ions constituting the basic metal compound using water as a medium (referred to as a complex forming compound). It is effective to adopt a method of generating a base. In this case, it is desirable to add the basic metal compound which is hardly soluble in water to the photosensitive member and to add the complex forming compound to the processing member from the viewpoint of raw preservability.

(1-3) Third Photosensitive Member Next, still another preferred example of the photosensitive member used in the system of the present invention will be described, and its developing process will be described. The example described below is a photosensitive member comprising a color developing agent and a coupler which is extremely stable in the absence of a base, which comprises a photosensitive member and a processing member comprising a base and / or a base precursor. When developed with heat in the presence of a small amount of water to form an image based on a non-diffusible dye on a photosensitive member, an image with excellent granularity and sharpness can be obtained. It is based on the discovery that very good color images can be obtained when output on another recording material such as a thermally developed color print material. Since the photosensitive member and the base are isolated until the development, rapid development processing is possible while satisfying the high storage stability required for the photographic material.

Further, when a colorless color developing agent and a coupler are used, the sensitivity is extremely important as a photographic material, as compared with the case where a dye releasing compound is used.

The silver halide which can be used in this photosensitive member includes silver iodobromide, silver bromide, silver chlorobromide, silver iodochloride, silver chloride,
Any of silver iodochlorobromide may be used. The size of the silver halide grains is preferably from 0.1 to 2 μm, particularly preferably from 0.2 to 1.5 μm, in terms of the diameter of a sphere having the same volume.

As the shape of silver halide grains, those having a normal crystal shape such as a cubic, octahedral or tetradecahedral, and those having a hexagonal or rectangular tabular shape can be used. Above, preferably 8
Above, more preferably 20 or more tabular grains are preferred, and such tabular grains account for 50% of the projected area of all grains.
It is preferable to use an emulsion occupying 80% or more, more preferably 90% or more.

Further, US Pat. Nos. 5,494,789, 5
No. 503970, No. 553971, No. 553663
No. 2, etc., having a smaller particle thickness than 0.07 μm and a higher aspect ratio can also be preferably used.

Further, US Pat.
High silver chloride tabular grains having a (111) plane as a main plane described in US Pat. Nos. 713323 and 5217858, and US Pat. Nos. 5,264,337 and 52926.
No. 32, No. 5,310,635 and the like (1.
High silver chloride tabular grains having the (00) plane as the main plane can also be preferably used.

Examples of actually using these silver halide grains are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Nos. 8-46822 and 8-97344.
No. 8-238672.

The emulsion is usually preferably subjected to chemical sensitization and spectral sensitization.

As the chemical sensitization, a chalcogen sensitization method using a sulfur, selenium or tellurium compound, a noble metal sensitization method using gold, platinum, iridium, or the like, or a compound having an appropriate reducing property during grain formation is used. Thus, a so-called reduction sensitization method for obtaining high sensitivity by introducing a reducing silver nucleus can be used alone or in various combinations.

As the spectral sensitization, cyanine dyes, merocyanine dyes, complex cyanine dyes, complex merocyanine dyes, holopolar dyes, hemicyanine dyes, which are adsorbed on silver halide grains and have sensitivity in the absorption wavelength range of the silver halide grains, are provided. A so-called spectral sensitizing dye such as a styryl dye or a hemioxonol dye is used alone or in combination, and is preferably used together with a supersensitizer.

Silver halide emulsions include nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds such as azaindenes, triazoles, tetrazoles and purines, mercaptotetrazole, mercapto for the purpose of preventing fog and increasing the stability during storage. It is preferable to add various stabilizers such as mercapto compounds such as triazoles, mercaptoimidazoles, and mercaptothiadiazoles.

Photographic additives for silver halide emulsions are described in Research Disclosure No. 17643 (197).
No.18716 (November 1979)
No. 307105 (November 1989), N
o. 38957 (September 1996) can be preferably used.

The photosensitive silver halide is 0.05% in terms of silver.
-20 g / m2, preferably 0.1-10 g / m2.

The binder of the photosensitive member is preferably hydrophilic, and examples thereof include those described in the preceding section, Research Disclosure, and those described on pages 71 to 75 of JP-A-64-13546. . Among them, gelatin and a combination of gelatin with another water-soluble binder such as polyvinyl alcohol, modified polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose derivative, acrylamide polymer and the like are preferable. The amount of binder applied is 1 to
20 g / m 2, preferably 2 to 15 g / m 2, more preferably 3 to 12 g / m 2 is suitable. Among them, gelatin is 50% to 100%, preferably 70% to 100%.
%.

Examples of the color developing agent include p-phenylenediamines and p-aminophenols. More preferred examples include JP-A-8-110608, JP-A-8-122994, and JP-A-8-146578.
Gazette, Japanese Patent Application Nos. Hei 7-180568 and Hei 8-25189
No. 4, etc. (the above-mentioned general formula (1)), EP-A-545491.
JP-A-8-166664 and JP-A-8-22713.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-2022002, sulfonyl hydrazines described above (general formula (2)), Japanese Patent Application No. 7-33421, carbamoyl hydrazines described above (general formula (4)) The sulfonyl hydrazone described in the gazette (the general formula (3)) and the carbamoyl hydrazone described in Japanese Patent Application No. 7-60110 (the general formula (5)) are exemplified.

The color developing agent is used singly or in combination of a plurality of types.
20 mmol / m2, preferably 0.1 to 10 mmol
/ M2 is appropriate.

For the photosensitive member, a coupler which forms a dye by a coupling reaction with an oxidized form of a color developing agent is used. Preferred examples include compounds generally referred to as active methylene, 5-pyrazolone, pyrazoloazole, phenol, naphthol, and pyrrolotriazole. A specific example is Research Disclosure No. 38957.
No. (September 1996), pages 616 to 624 can be preferably used. Particularly preferred examples include pyrazoloazole couplers described in JP-A-8-110608 and JP-A-8-12.
Examples include pyrrolotriazole couplers described in JP-A No. 2994 and Japanese Patent Application No. 8-45564.

These couplers are used for each color in the range of 0.05 to 10
mmol / m2, preferably 0.1 to 5 mmol / m2
Used.

Also, colored couplers for correcting unnecessary absorption of color-forming dyes, residues of photographically useful compounds by reacting with oxidized developing agents, such as compounds (including couplers) that release development inhibitors, etc. Can also be used.

The photosensitive member is usually composed of three or more photosensitive layers having different color sensitivity. Each photosensitive layer has at least one
Including a silver halide emulsion layer, a typical example comprises a plurality of silver halide emulsion layers having substantially the same color sensitivity but different sensitivities. The photosensitive layer is blue light,
Green light, and a unit photosensitive layer having a color sensitivity to any of red light, in a multilayer silver halide color photographic photosensitive member, generally the arrangement of the unit photosensitive layer, red color sensitivity from the support side in order Layer, a green color sensitive layer, and a blue color sensitive layer in this order. However, the order of installation may be reversed depending on the purpose, or the order of installation may be such that different photosensitive layers are sandwiched between layers of the same color sensitivity.

The total thickness of the photosensitive layer is 1 to 20 μm, preferably 3 to 15 μm.

The silver halide, the color developing agent and the coupler may be contained in the same photosensitive layer or in different layers. Also,
In addition to the photosensitive layer, a non-photosensitive layer such as a protective layer, an undercoat layer, an intermediate layer, a yellow filter layer, and an antihalation layer may be provided, and a back layer may be provided on the back side of the support. The thickness of the entire coating film on the photosensitive layer side is 3 to 25 μm, preferably 5 to 25 μm.
20μ.

For the photosensitive member, a hardener, a surfactant, a photographic stabilizer, an antistatic agent, a slipping agent, a matting agent,
Latex, formalin scavengers, dyes, UV absorbers and the like can be used. Examples of these are disclosed in Research Disclosure and Japanese Patent Application No. 8-301.
No. 03, etc. Examples of particularly preferred antistatic agents include ZnO, TiO2, SnO2, Al2O3,
Metal oxide fine particles such as n2O3, SiO2, MgO, BaO, MoO3, and V2O5.

As a support for the photosensitive member, a photographic support described in "Basics of Photographic Engineering-Silver salt photography" edited by The Photographic Society of Japan, Corona Co., Ltd. (1979), pp. 223-240 is preferable. Specific examples include polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, syndiotactic polystyrene, and celluloses (for example, triacetyl cellulose). Copolymers of naphthalenedicarboxylic acid units, ethylene glycol units, and terephthalic acid units, or polymer blends of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate are also preferred.

These supports may be subjected to heat treatment (crystallinity and orientation control), uniaxial and biaxial stretching (orientation control), blending of various polymers, surface treatment, etc. in order to improve the optical and physical properties. It can be carried out.

Further, as a support, for example, JP-A-4-
Nos. 124645, 5-40321 and 6-
It is preferable to record photographing information and the like using a support having a magnetic recording layer described in JP-A-35092 and JP-A-6-31875.

On the back surface of the support of the photosensitive member, there is disclosed a method disclosed in
It is also preferable to apply a water-resistant polymer as described in JP-A-292514.

The polyester support particularly preferably used for the above-mentioned light-sensitive material having a magnetic recording layer is described in detail in JP-A-94-6023 (Invention Association; 1994. 3.15).

The thickness of the support is 5 to 200 μm, preferably 40 to 120 μm.

This photosensitive member contains, on a support, at least photosensitive silver halide particles, a binder, and a coloring material having a function of releasing or diffusing an imagewise diffusible dye, and the photosensitive wavelength regions thereof are different from each other. A color material-containing photothermographic member having at least three types of photosensitive layers having different hues after the color material is developed, and the processing member is heated by being superposed on the color material-containing photothermographic member; A mordant-containing processing member having a layer containing at least a mordant on a support, and at least a diffusible dye released from the photothermographic member by heating. It is desirable to form at least three color images on the color material-containing photothermographic member by removing a part of the color material-containing photothermographic member.

Alternatively, the photosensitive member contains on a support at least photosensitive silver halide particles, a binder, a color developing agent, and a dye-providing coupler, the photosensitive wavelength regions of which are different from each other, and an oxidized form of the color developing agent. And a heat-developable photosensitive member having at least three types of photosensitive layers in which the hues of the dyes formed from the dye-donating couplers are also different from each other. A processing member for forming an image thereon, and at least three color images may be formed on the photothermographic member by heating.

Further, the photosensitive member contains at least photosensitive silver halide particles, a color developing agent, a coupler and a binder on a transparent support, and the photosensitive wavelength regions thereof are different from each other. A photosensitive member having at least three types of photosensitive layers in which the dyes to be formed have different absorption wavelength regions from each other, wherein the processing member has a processing layer containing at least a base and / or a base precursor on a support; The photosensitive member and the processing member are separated from the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive member in the presence of water equivalent to 0.1 to 1 times the amount required for maximally swelling the entire coating film excluding the back layer of both the photosensitive member and the processing member. The processing members of the processing member are superimposed and heated so that they face each other to form an image based on at least three non-diffusible dyes on the photosensitive member. Unishi may be.

At this time, the color developing agent is represented by the following general formula (1)
It is desirable that the compound is at least one of the compounds represented by (5) to (5).

[0135]

Embedded image

[0136]

Embedded image

[0137]

Embedded image

[0138]

Embedded image

[0139]

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In the formula, R1 to R4 are each a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkylcarbonamide group, an arylcarbonamide group, an alkylsulfonamide group, an arylsulfonamide group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, Alkylthio, arylthio, alkylcarbamoyl, arylcarbamoyl, carbamoyl, alkylsulfamoyl, arylsulfamoyl, sulfamoyl, cyano, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl And R5 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, aryl group or heterocyclic group. Z represents an atomic group forming an aromatic ring (including a heteroaromatic ring). When Z is a benzene ring, the total value of Hammett constant (σ) of the substituent is 1
That is all. R6 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group. X represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, a selenium atom or an alkyl-substituted or aryl-substituted tertiary nitrogen atom. R
7, R8 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent, and R7 and R8 may combine with each other to form a double bond or a ring.

For developing the photographed photosensitive member, a processing member different from the photosensitive member is used. The processing member includes at least a base and / or a base precursor. The most preferable one is a basic metal compound which is hardly soluble in water described in EP-A-210,660 and US Pat. No. 4,740,445, and a complex comprising a metal ion constituting the basic metal compound and water as a medium. This is a method in which a base is generated by a combination of compounds capable of forming reaction. in this case,
It is preferred that the basic compound which is hardly soluble in water is added to the photosensitive member, and the complex forming compound is added to the processing member, but the reverse is also possible. A preferred combination of the compounds is a system in which fine particles of zinc hydroxide are used for a photosensitive member and a salt of picolinic acid, for example, guanidine picolinate is used for a processing member.

A mordant may be used for the treatment member. In this case, a polymer mordant is preferable.

The processing member contains a physical development nucleus such as colloidal silver or palladium sulfide and a silver halide solvent such as hydantoin as described in Japanese Patent Application No. 7-322454. At the same time, the silver halide of the photosensitive member may be solubilized and fixed on the processing member.

The processing member may further contain a development stopping agent, a printout preventing agent, and the like.

The processing member may have a protective layer, an undercoat layer, a back layer and other auxiliary layers in addition to the processing layer.

The processing member is preferably provided with a processing layer on a continuous web, and is wound on another roll without being cut off even after being supplied from a delivery roll and used for processing. An example is described in Japanese Patent Application No. 7-240445.

The support for the processing member is not limited, and a plastic film or paper as described for the photosensitive member is used. The thickness is 4-120 μm, preferably 6-70 μm
m.

A film on which aluminum is deposited as described in Japanese Patent Application No. 8-52586 can be preferably used.

When developing the photosensitive member, the photosensitive member is processed in the presence of water equivalent to 0.1 to 1 times the amount required for maximally swelling the entire coating film excluding the back layer of both the photosensitive member and the processing member. The photosensitive member and the processing member are overlapped with the photosensitive layer and the processing layer facing each other.
It is desirable to heat for from 60 seconds to 60 seconds.

The water used here may be any water that is generally used. Specifically, distilled water, ion exchange water, tap water, mineral water, and the like can be used. A method in which a small amount of a preservative is added to these waters for the purpose of preventing generation of scale and rot, or a method of circulating and filtering the water with an activated carbon filter, an ion exchange resin filter or the like is also preferably used.

The amount of water required for the maximum swelling is determined by immersing a photosensitive member or a processing member having a coating film to be measured in water to be used and measuring the film thickness when the swelling is sufficient. After the calculation, the weight can be obtained by reducing the weight of the coating film. An example of a method for measuring the degree of swelling is described in Photographic Science Engineering, Vol.
Page (1972).

(2) Exposure Next, means for exposing the photosensitive member will be described.

The above photosensitive member can be processed into a photographic film form by cutting and perforating the same as in the case of a conventional photographic film. Therefore, similarly to 135 film and the like, for example, a single-lens reflex camera such as a Nikon F4, or Japanese Patent Publication No.
Photographic exposure can be performed using a film unit with a lens described in Japanese Patent No. 39784.

At this time, the photographic film may be housed in a film patrone (or cartridge) and loaded into a camera or a film unit with a lens.
It may be stored directly as described in JP 08489.

Here, a film unit with a lens means that an unexposed color or monochrome photographic photosensitive member is previously formed into a sheet in a manufacturing process of a unit main body having a taking lens and a shutter in, for example, an injection-molded plastic housing. Alternatively, it is loaded in a light-tight manner in a roll form directly or in a container. After the user takes a picture of this unit, the unit is sent to a photo lab for development. In the photo lab, the photographic film is taken out of the unit and developed and a photographic print is created.

The exterior of the lens-fitted film unit is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-6910 and Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-31.
As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 647, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-225454 and Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-43798, optical parts necessary for photographing such as a photographing lens unit and a finder unit, a shutter button, a winding knob and the like are further provided. The photographing operation part is exposed and is covered with a paper box or a plastic package on which a description and a design indicating the method of use are printed before use.

A film unit with a lens covered with paper or plastic is further described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-1546.
As described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) and JP-B-7-1380, moisture-impermeable materials or, for example, ASTM test method D
It is sold by being coated with a package made of a non-hygroscopic material of 0.1% or less at -570, for example, an aluminum foil laminate sheet, a transparent or moisture-impermeable plastic package on which aluminum foil or metal is deposited. In view of the storability of the photographic film incorporated in the film unit with a lens, the humidity of the film unit with a lens in the moisture-proof package is adjusted to a relative humidity of 40 to 70% at 25 ° C., preferably 50 to 70%. It is better to be 65%.
Furthermore, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-6346, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-858
As described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 9 and US Pat. No. 5,239,324, a film unit with a lens coated with paper or plastic is housed in a shutter and a transparent waterproof case that can be rolled up to add a water-proof or water-proof function. .

The photographic lens used is the Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-56.
No. 363, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-199351, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-22746, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-39784, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-38353, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-3323.
As described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7 and Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-50746, it is composed of one or two plastic lenses having a spherical or aspherical surface. It is desirable that the film receiving surface has a curved surface so as to be concave with respect to the taking lens in the running direction of the film. The finder is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-41621, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-6910.
As disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-39784 and Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-39784, a transparent finder that only defines a finder opening in the housing may be used. For example, as described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. An inverted Galilean or Albada finder provided with an objective finder lens may be used. Further, JP-A-7-64177,
JP-A-6-250282 and JP-A-7-128
As described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 732, a screen switching function is provided to the finder, and in conjunction with this, the photographing aperture is switched so that exposure of a normal size and a panorama size can be performed.
Alternatively, the photographing of the standard, panoramic or H size image may be optically or magnetically recorded on the film in conjunction with the switching of the finder. Others change the focal length of the photographing lens and specify the finder field of view to perform approaching and telephoto photographing.

As the photographic film used in the film unit with a lens, a film in the form of a sheet or a roll can be used, and the photographic film can be directly stored as described in Dutch Patent No. 6708489, or As shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-3615, it is stored in a container and loaded into a film unit with a lens.

When a roll-shaped photographic film is used for the lens-fitted film unit, it is desirable that the roll-shaped photographic film be housed in a container and then housed in the lens-fitted film unit. Containers used are described in, for example, JP-A-54-111822 and JP-A-63-112822.
-194255, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,832,275, 4,834,306, 5,226,613, and JP-A-2-2-1.
JP-A-24564, JP-A-3-155544, JP-A-2-264248, and JP-B-5-40508
Gazette, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-32615 and Japanese Patent Publication No.
13 defined by the ISO standard described in
A patrone for 5-film or a photographic film conforming to the ISO standard can be loaded, but a patrone smaller in diameter than the above-mentioned standard, or JP-A-8-21509, 8
A single-shaft cartridge or a cartridge having a spool to which one end of a film is fixed, such as an APS (Advanced Photo System) cartridge described in JP-A-262645 and JP-A-8-262639, is advantageously used. Further, a two-axis cartridge using a 110-size standard film described in Japanese Utility Model Publication Nos. 4-14748 and 3-22746 can also be used. If necessary, a photo film with a backing paper can be used.

When a one-axis cartridge or cartridge having a spool to which one end of the film is fixed is used, the cartridge or cartridge is stored in one storage chamber of the film unit with the lens, and the cartridge is stored in the other storage chamber. Alternatively, most of the photographic film is pulled out from the patrone and preliminarily loaded (factory pre-winding) in the manufacturing stage of the film unit with a lens for storing the rolled film, and the photographic film pulled out for each photographing is taken. The spool of the cartridge or patrone may be rotated by an external winding member and wound around the cartridge or patrone, or conversely, the leading end of the photographic film may be stored in one of the storage compartments of the film unit with the lens. A cartridge or patrone other than the cartridge or patrone to which the parts are connected is loaded, and a cartridge or patrone in which most of the photographic film is stored in the other storage chamber is loaded. Accordingly, the cartridge or the cartridge may be pulled out from the cartridge or the cartridge and wound on a spool different from the cartridge or the cartridge.

In the factory pre-wind system, a photographic film drawn from a cartridge or a cartridge may be wound in a spool separate from the cartridge or the cartridge, and stored in the other storage room. As described in JP-A-32615, it may be stored in the other storage chamber in a hollow state. In addition, the factory pre-wind mentioned above is
No. 6564, a photographic film is drawn in advance from a cartridge or a patrone in a dark room and wound into a roll, and the cartridge or patrone and the roll-shaped photographic film are loaded into a film unit with a lens. The back cover of the unit may be closed to shield light, or, as described in JP-B-2-32615, a cartridge or cartridge in which most of the photographic film is stored in one storage room. As well as loading
The other storage compartment is loaded with a cartridge other than the cartridge or patrone connected to the tip of the photo film,
After closing the back cover and shielding light, the other spool may be rotated from outside the film unit with the lens and wound on the spool.

The film unit with a lens is
As described in JP-A-1546 and JP-A-7-20667, a shutter mechanism that kicks shutter blades is charged by driving a driven sprocket engaged with a perforation of a film by an operation of rolling up a photographic film for each photographing. A self-cocking mechanism that prevents further winding is advantageously used. The charged shutter mechanism is released from the charged position by pressing the shutter button, kicks the shutter blades to perform exposure for photographing, and allows rewinding.

Further, a film unit with a lens is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-34688, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-41227, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
As described in Japanese Patent No. 12371, a strobe board provided with an external switch for strobe charging may be built in. In this case, a synchro switch is turned on in conjunction with the photographing exposure operation by the shutter blade. In such a case, the strobe light emission may be performed in conjunction with the photographing operation.

On the other hand, a film unit with a lens includes:
As disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-1546, a counter is provided for displaying the number of shots or the remaining number. A mechanism is provided for inhibiting winding, so that the photographic film can be continuously wound up to the final winding position by a subsequent winding operation.

As described above, a camera or a film unit with a lens as described above can be used as a means for exposing the photosensitive member in the present invention. In this case, the photosensitive member of the present invention is replaced with a conventional 135-film patrone or AP.
If the cartridge is stored in the same storage unit as the cartridge of S, it is difficult to determine the film type in the system, and there is a possibility that a cartridge containing another photosensitive member may be erroneously loaded in the system of the present invention. Therefore, as the exposure means, the function may be the same as the conventional one, but preferably, for example, in the case of a film unit with a lens, the shape of the paper or plastic to be coated is different from that of the conventional one, or the paper or the plastic is used. It is desirable to attach an identifier indicating the film type.

Furthermore, even if the main body of the film unit with a lens is characterized as described above, if the user replaces the cartridge in the film unit with a lens, the film type may not be correctly determined. There is. Therefore, in order to always make a correct judgment, as described in the above-mentioned Dutch Patent No. 6708489, the photographic film composed of the photosensitive member is directly loaded into the film unit with the lens, so that the user can easily load the film. Desirably, it cannot be replaced.

As a method of exposing the photosensitive member, a method of scanning and exposing with a laser beam, for example, is known as well as a method of photographing. Since the present invention aims to provide a developing system that can be installed in a convenience store or the like by simplifying the developing method, the description in this specification is directed to a photographic film exposed by a camera or the like. However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to this, and therefore, exposure other than photographing is also included in the present invention.

In this embodiment, the exposure is also performed on the wet photosensitive member, but the above-described method for exposing the photosensitive member can be applied as it is.

(3) Development Next, the method and system for developing the photosensitive member will be described.

(3-1) Removal of the photographic film from the container As described above, this photographic film is developed by being superimposed on a predetermined processing member and heated. When developing a photographic film that has been exposed by taking an image by means, it is necessary to first take out the photographic film from the photographic film container.

To this end, it is desirable to provide a set unit for setting a used (photographed) film cartridge or a film unit with a lens in the system. At this time, it is preferable that the user can set only the container storing the developable film so that the user does not set another type of film container by mistake as described above.

In the present specification, the term “film cartridge” is used as a generic term for any container that stores a film wound in a roll, such as a cartridge of a cartridge or an APS.

More specifically, the photographic film comprising the photosensitive member is provided in a specially-fitted film unit or lens cartridge having a special shape. The shape of the set portion is, for example, a concave shape that can hold only the film unit with the lens.

Alternatively, a film unit with a lens or a cartridge is provided with an identifier indicating the film type. Characters, symbols, bar codes, or the like are described as identifiers. As a result, when the film container is set in the set section, the identifier is optically read, and if the identifier is not assigned, or if the film is of a different type, a warning sound is issued and a system monitor is issued. It is better to output an error message on the screen. In addition, as a method of reading an identifier, a bar code reader of a POS system, an OCR, etc.
Widely known methods can be applied.

When the setting of the film container in the setting section is completed correctly, the film container is automatically taken into the system. In order to take in the film here, in order to pull out the film from the storage body, it is necessary to make the storage body not be exposed to light, so that light from outside the system does not hit the storage body, for example, This means providing something like a light-blocking shutter that closes when the setting is completed.

As a method for taking out the photographed photographic film from the storage body taken in the system, for example,
As a method of taking out a film from a film unit with a lens described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-16158 and Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-15545, a cover for taking out a photographic film is provided at the bottom of a film unit housing with a lens. A method for removing a photographic film by opening the photographic film is disclosed. Alternatively, Dutch Patent No. 6708
As described in JP-A-489, the photographic film may be taken out by opening or breaking the back cover. Also, US Pat.
As described in Japanese Patent No. 02713, an opening which is normally in a light-shielded state may be formed in a part of the film unit housing with a lens, and one end of the film may be gripped and pulled out from the opening. In addition, any method used in the conventional 135 film or APS system can be applied.

It is to be noted that, as described above, the shape of the storage body set portion may be made special, or other types of films may be eliminated by reading the identifier given to the storage body. The determination of the film type may be performed.

For example, since the light transmittance of a photographic film differs depending on the photosensitive member used, the type of the film can be determined by extracting the film and measuring the light transmittance. Similarly, the determination may be made based on other film physical properties, for example, light reflectance, spectral characteristics, surface roughness, and the like.

Alternatively, when various kinds of information can be magnetically recorded on a part of a photographic film such as an APS photographic film, the determination may be made by reading the information. Also in this case, similarly to the case where the determination is made based on the identification information of the storage body, when the setting is completed,
Alternatively, when a film of a type that cannot be developed is set, it is desirable to notify the user of the setting via a predetermined user interface.

(3-2) Development Processing The photographic film pulled out of the container by any of the above methods is then subjected to development processing. This is, for example, by installing a transport roller or a transport drum along a predetermined transport path, transporting the photographic film drawn from the container along the path, and applying a solvent to the photographic film in the process. And the processing member.

More specifically, for example, a supply reel in which a processing member is wound in a roll shape is installed, and the processing member is transported from the supply reel toward a transport roller provided in a transport path of the photographic film. So that in a predetermined portion of the film transport path, the film is heated in such a state that the film is superimposed on the processing member and conveyed, and then the processing member is wound on another reel, There is a method of performing development such that the processing member and the photographic film are separated.

Examples of the method of superposing the photosensitive member and the processing member are described in JP-A-62-253159 and JP-A-6-253159.
There is a method described in 1-1147244.

It is desirable that dust adhering to the photosensitive member be removed before the photosensitive member and the processing member are overlapped. This is because the photosensitive member is not immersed in the processing liquid, so that the adhered dust is not removed in the processing liquid as in the conventional method.

Here, when it is desirable to add a solvent such as water in the development, the method of applying water is to immerse the photosensitive member (photographic film) or the processing member in water, and remove excess water with a squeeze roller. There is a way to remove it. However, it is preferable to apply a predetermined amount of water to the photosensitive member or the processing member in a completely coated manner. In addition, Japanese Patent Application No. 8-196945
As described in No. 2, a plurality of nozzle holes for jetting water are arranged at regular intervals in a straight line along a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the photosensitive member or the processing member. A method of injecting water with a water application device having an actuator for displacing the photosensitive member or the processing member toward the photosensitive member is also preferable. Further, a method of applying water with a sponge or the like is also preferable.

Here, it is desirable to apply an image forming solvent such as water to at least one of the photosensitive member and the processing member before overlapping the photosensitive member and the processing member. The photosensitive silver halide grains are preferably tabular photosensitive silver halide grains. Further, the heating is desirably performed at a temperature of 60 to 100 degrees Celsius for 5 to 60 seconds.

As a heating method in the developing step, the film is brought into contact with a heated block or plate, or brought into contact with a hot plate, a hot presser, a heat roller, a heat drum, a halogen lamp heater, an infrared or far infrared lamp heater, or the like. Or through a high-temperature atmosphere.

Alternatively, when producing a photosensitive member or a processing member, a conductive heating element layer may be laminated as a heating means for heat development. In this case, the elements described in JP-A-61-145544 can be used as the heat generating element.

In the image forming system of the present invention, various conventional heat developing devices can be used for the superposition of the photosensitive member and the processing member and the heating process. For example, JP-A-59-75247, JP-A-59-177547 and JP-A-59-18135.
No. 3, No. 60-18951, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 62-2
5944, JP-A-6-130509, and 6
-95338, 6-95267 and 8-
Apparatuses described in JP-A-29955 and JP-A-8-29954 are preferably used.

Examples of commercially available devices include the Pictrostat 100, the Pictrostat 200, the Pictrostat 300, the Pictrostat 330, the Pictrostat 50, the Pictrograph 3000, and the Pictrograph 2000 manufactured by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Can be used.

In the present invention, another bleach-fixing step for further removing the silver halide and the developed silver remaining in the photosensitive member after the development is not essential. However, a fixing step and / or a bleaching step may be provided in order to reduce the load of reading image information and to enhance image storability. In this case, ordinary liquid treatment may be used, but it is preferable to perform a heat treatment together with another sheet coated with a treatment agent as described in Japanese Patent Application No. 8-89977.

In the conventional liquid processing machine, since the dust adhering to the photographic film was removed in the processing liquid, uneven development occurred or the dust adhering to one photographic film was subsequently processed. It could not affect the photographic film. However, in the present image forming system, unlike the conventional method and system, the photographic film is not immersed in the processing solution during the development process, so that dust attached to the photographic film directly causes uneven development, and Dust adhering to other members such as a storage body as well as the photographic film may affect the processing of the photographic film. Further, similarly to the conventional light-sensitive material, it is conceivable that the photographic film may be damaged by dust adhered to the film draw-out portion or the like.

Therefore, the setting section, the film drawing section,
It is desirable to prevent dust from adhering to the photographic film by providing a dust removing means for removing dust adhering to the storage body of the photographic film, or by providing the transport path with a dustproof structure.

As the dust removing means, various known means such as air blowing, suction, mechanical removal such as application of vibration by an adhesive roller, brush, wiper, ultrasonic wave or the like can be applied.

(3-3) Waste material treatment after development In addition, the cartridge or the film unit body with the lens from which the photographic film has been removed in the development process is collected, inspected, and reusable parts are reused. It is desirable. Therefore, as a system, after the photographic film is pulled out in the film drawer, the cartridge or the film unit body with lens is integrated, and in the case of the film unit with lens, the unit is disassembled according to a predetermined procedure. It is desirable to provide means for classifying and accumulating the components according to, for example, a lens portion and a main body portion. As a result, the collected plastic parts and the like can be periodically collected, reusable ones can be reused, and some non-reusable plastic parts can be dissolved, re-pelletized and recycled.

Alternatively, for a reusable storage body, unused photographic film may be refilled after removing the photographic film inside the system.

(4) Creation of Digital Image Data and Reading of Photographic Film Next, the processing of reading the developed photographic film by a transmission type reader (so-called film scanner) to create digital image data will be described.

Silver halide and developed silver remain on the photographic film peeled off from the processing member in the process of development. In a conventional image forming method, silver halide and developed silver on such a photographic film have been removed by desilvering. In the present image forming system, this desilvering process may or may not be performed. In other words, for example, when printing on a print material by projection exposure using a developed photographic film, it is necessary to perform desilvering processing. No desilvering is performed. This is to simplify the development processing. When the image forming system of the present invention is installed in a convenience store or the like, and there is a request for desilvering processing, a photographic film is separately collected and the service provider performs the processing.

The reading of the photographic film is performed by using a film scanner as in the conventional film reading. However,
When the developed photographic film is read without performing the desilvering process, the saturation of the image data read by the silver image is deteriorated as compared with the case where the desilvering process is performed. Regarding this, for example, the intensity of the light source at the time of reading may be adjusted, but it is desirable to perform image processing, that is, correction, on the image data obtained by reading in consideration of the silver image component. It should be noted that since the amount of developed silver generated differs depending on the color development of each color material, it is preferable to correct each of the R, G, and B signals after reading.

The photographic film after development was
Returning the photographic film to the customer without performing the desilvering process is not preferable because silver cannot be collected. Therefore, in principle, the photographic film after the reading process is to be accumulated inside the system, and it is desirable that the system is provided with a transport path and an accumulation means for that purpose.

When reading a photographic film, if the developing process is performed by adding water or the like,
There is also a method of performing it while it is still painted. This is because, depending on the photosensitive member, the transparent glass plate of the scanner is pressed against the photographic film as it is painted and reading is performed.
This is because even if there is a flaw on the surface of the photographic film, water is sealed in the flaw and the influence of the flaw does not appear on the read image data.

(5) Option input In the option input, in addition to the input means for creating digital image data using the photosensitive member for dry heat development, another input means is selected to select the present image forming system. Can be used.

The option input means can be constituted by providing, for example, the following various means.

In order to be able to use a photosensitive member color negative film or the like generally used for wet development, an exposed color negative film (a slide film may be used).
A wet developing machine to obtain a color negative film on which a dye image is formed by immersing in a developing solution to perform a developing process, subsequently immersing in a bleach-fixing solution and performing a bleach-fixing process, and finally performing a water washing process.
There is provided means having a scanner for photoelectrically converting a color negative film on which a dye image is formed and reading image data as a digital signal, and a device for transmitting the read digital signal to the image processing unit 3.

Further, there is provided means for reading an input original such as a printed matter or a three-dimensional object with a scanner, converting the read original into a digital signal, and transmitting the digital signal to the image processing unit 3.

A means for receiving a digital signal of image data transmitted through a communication or transmission means connected to another personal computer or the like, performing processing for adapting the format, and transmitting the digital signal to the image processing unit 3 Is provided.

Digital camera PC card drive, M
An O disk drive, a Zip (registered trademark) disk drive, an FD drive, a CD ROM drive, a CD-R drive, and the like are provided, and a means for transmitting a digital signal read by these drives to the image processing unit 3 is provided.

Note that the option input means is not limited to the above-described means, but various other means can be used. In addition, it is needless to say that a configuration may be adopted in which only required components in the above-described means are installed and used.

(6) Image Processing of Image Data In general, when digital image data is created and used for display, printing, etc., it is common to perform various processes to improve image quality. The forming system is no exception. Processing for improving image quality performed in the present image forming system is roughly classified into two types. One is a process for preventing or correcting image quality deterioration due to the characteristics of the photosensitive member for dry thermal development used in the present image forming system. The other is general-purpose image processing similar to image processing performed in various fields such as noise reduction processing. This general-purpose image processing
The processing can be performed not only on the photosensitive member for dry thermal development, but also on the image data input by the option input unit.

First, a process for preventing or correcting image quality deterioration due to the characteristics of the photosensitive member for dry thermal development will be described.

The photosensitive member used as a photographic film member in the present image forming system forms an image by heating as described above. At this time, the formed image is affected by a change in temperature. After the thermal development, it is in an unstable state for a while.

That is, the image quality of the image data obtained when the reading processing is immediately performed on the photographic film after the completion of the heat development is not always good, and therefore, high-quality image data with a small reading error can be obtained. Therefore, it is necessary to consider temperature conditions. Specifically, for example, there is a method in which a heat retaining means for keeping a photographic film after heating and development at a constant temperature is provided, and reading is performed in a heat retaining state. Alternatively, the conveyance may be stopped until the photographic film after development reaches room temperature (until the temperature becomes constant), left for a while, and then read. Alternatively, there is a method in which the temperature of a photographic film is measured immediately before reading, and reading is performed under reading conditions suitable for the temperature. Further, the temperature of the photographic film at the time of reading is measured, and at the stage of performing image processing on the acquired image data, conversion processing is performed based on the correspondence relationship between the color density of the photosensitive member and the temperature determined in advance. May go. The temperature of the film may not be directly measured, but may be estimated from the temperature of the environment where the film is placed.

Second, general-purpose image processing which is generally desired to be performed on image data and which can be used for image data input by the option input means will be described.

The contents of this image processing need not necessarily be the same for all photographic films or for all image data, but preferably differ according to the image data. For example, as a widely known example, there is a method of performing image recognition processing on a snapshot or the like to particularly extract a human face part, and performing image processing such that the image quality of the part is particularly high. .

Alternatively, there is also known a method in which various photographing conditions are recorded in a magnetic information recording section of a film, and the photographing conditions are read to perform image processing according to the photographing conditions.
The photographing conditions to be considered in this image processing include, for example, the type of photographing light source, and in particular, a photograph taken under a fluorescent light often cannot be obtained as a high-quality image as it is, so that correction is necessary. Become. In addition, when the background color at the time of shooting is almost one color (for example, when a gold screen, blue sky, and grass are the background), an error may occur in color tone correction of a person when normal image processing is performed. It is necessary to perform color feria correction. Note that the shooting conditions may be recorded on the film or may be separately input by the user.

Further, since there are several types of photosensitive members that can be used in the present image forming system as described above, different image processing may be performed for each photographic film.

As general-purpose image processing, first, there is correction of color, gradation, and density. In principle, it is desirable to perform the color correction so as to reproduce the color of the subject as faithfully as possible. However, the faithful color expression and the color expression preferable for the user are not always the same. For example, there are requests from users who want to avoid pale tones or lighten skin colors. For this reason, the system of the present invention displays the processed image data on which the image processing has been performed on the monitor screen, and allows the user to set the color while checking the displayed image. Preferably, image processing is performed.

To further improve the image quality, sharpness enhancement processing or dynamic range compression or expansion may be performed. The sharpness enhancement process is performed in principle to recover sharpness degradation during scanner scanning.
As in the case of the color correction, it is preferable to provide a sharpness setting user interface for reflecting the user's request in case there is a request from the user.

It is also necessary to perform noise reduction processing.
The noise to be reduced is, of course, electrical noise generated in the course of signal processing, but it is desirable to reduce the granular noise of the photosensitive member. As a method of removing or suppressing the granular noise, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 7-33
No. 7510, a method of decomposing an image signal into low, medium, and high frequency components, emphasizing high frequency components, suppressing intermediate frequency components, and then combining each frequency component to suppress graininess and enhance sharpness. Is described.

When the created digital image data is used for print production, enlargement processing or reduction processing may be performed in accordance with the print material. Further, when digital image data is output as a file or transferred via a network, it is desirable to perform processing such as compression in JPEG format, for example. That is, it is desirable to appropriately perform necessary image processing on each image data according to the purpose of digital image data creation. In addition, as these general-purpose image processing methods, any methods used in various fields can be applied.

(7) Output of Digital Image Data There are two modes of using digital image data subjected to image processing as described above. One is a form in which digital image data is used as it is as data, and the other is a form in which a print is output and used on a predetermined recording material.

(7-1) File output of digital image data In recent years, photographs taken with the spread of personal computers and the like are stored in the form of digital image data, not as photographic prints, and are displayed on a monitor and processed for use. The case is increasing. Further, as a form of a photo service, digital image data obtained by development and reading processing is stored and stored, and, for example, when a reprint print is requested, a print is immediately created from the digital image data without reading the film. Service has been proposed.

Accordingly, in the present image forming system,
Digital image data obtained by reading a photographic film composed of the photosensitive member and performing image processing is output to a removable medium such as an MO as a file and provided to a customer, or stored and stored on a hard disk of a server computer of a photo store. It is desirable that the data can be used as digital image data, such as being used for additional print orders.

That is, it is desirable that the system includes a media drive of various removable media so that the digital image data processed by the image processing means can be output as a file according to an order from a customer. Further, a communication unit may be provided so that digital image data can be transferred to an external computer. It is desirable that a variety of media drives be provided in order to meet various needs from customers. (7-2) Print Output of Digital Image Data Various digital printers can be used for print output of digital image data. The digital printer is provided in a housing of a system for performing the above-described development and image processing. Or it may be present as a separate housing and connected by a predetermined transfer means. Also, multiple types of digital printers are connected to one developing machine,
Alternatively, a plurality of types of digital printers may be built in one housing, and may be switched as needed. In particular, when the printing means is designated by the order information input from the customer, it is desirable to selectively switch the printer according to the information.

As one of digital printers that can be used in the image forming system, an image is recorded by scanning laser light modulated according to digital image data on a photosensitive member such as color paper, and the photosensitive member is scanned. There is a printer of a system that obtains a photographic print by performing a wet process such as development and fixing.

The above printer prints an image by causing a medium on which an image is formed to pass through a processing solution to cause a chemical reaction. In the case of a system installed in a convenience store or the like, A mode in which a processing solution for a chemical reaction must be handled is not so preferable, and a printer of a system that does not require immersion of an image receiving body in a processing solution is desired. As a printer of such a form,
An electrophotographic system, an inkjet system, a sublimation type thermal transfer system, and the like are known. In addition, a digital image data is formed by exposing a digital image data to a heat-developable photosensitive member by laser exposure, superposing the heat-developable photosensitive member on an image receiving body, thermally developing and transferring an image recorded by laser exposure, and forming an image on an image receiving material. Printers are also preferred. The digital printer of each system will be described below.

Various proposals have been made for a method of obtaining a full-color image by an electrophotographic method.
Some of them are already in practical use. In general, in a full-color image forming method using an electrophotographic method, an image is exposed on a uniformly charged electrophotographic photosensitive drum (photoconductor) based on a color-separated image signal of a specific color, and then statically exposed. A basic process of electrophotography, in which an electrostatic latent image is formed, the latent image is developed with a color toner corresponding to a specific color, and a specific color toner image is formed on a photosensitive drum, a required number of times for each color. A full-color image is formed by repeating the method. A method of obtaining a full-color image using only one photosensitive drum, and a method of forming a full-color image by forming toner images of different colors on a plurality of photosensitive drums, respectively. The method can be roughly divided into two.

In JP-A-59-121348, charging, exposure, and development of a photosensitive drum are repeated as many times as necessary, so that a required number of color toner images are laminated on one photosensitive body. A method is described in which the color image is formed in a state in which the color image is formed and the color image is collectively transferred to a sheet.

Another method is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H4-3377.
In the example shown in JP-A-47-47, one photosensitive drum is arranged corresponding to a transfer drum that electrostatically supports a recording paper, and a plurality of developing devices of different colors are arranged on the photosensitive drum. It is composed. Then, the original image information is color-separated to form an image corresponding to each color on the photosensitive drum,
A method is described in which each time a color toner image is formed, a plurality of color toner images are superimposedly transferred onto a recording sheet while repeating the operation of transferring the image onto the recording sheet.

Another method is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-3336.
In JP-A-62-294 and the like, a plurality of photosensitive drums are arranged along a belt device that conveys recording paper, and means for forming toner images of different colors on the plurality of photosensitive drums is arranged. A method has been proposed in which a full-color image is obtained by sequentially transferring a color toner image from each photosensitive drum to a recording sheet to be conveyed.

Each of the above methods includes a step of directly transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum onto a final support such as paper. As a general method of this transfer, corotron irradiation is performed from the back side of the final support so as to have a polarity opposite to the charge of the toner, or a reverse polarity voltage is applied from the back side to perform electrostatic force on the toner. The so-called electrostatic transfer method of transferring a toner to a final support by operating the toner is widely known. However, it is known that it is very difficult to obtain high-quality and high-gradation images due to the following disadvantages of this method.

The first disadvantage is that the toner transfer efficiency depends on the toner image density and it is very difficult to transfer 100% of the toner on the photosensitive drum to the support. In particular, the transfer efficiency in the high-density area and the low-density area is poor. Therefore, when trying to obtain a continuous tone image by this method, the highlight area may be cut off, or the gradation in the high-density area may be reduced. There are problems such as disappearing. Further, in this method, since the toner on the photoconductor is not completely transferred, the toner remains on the photoconductor and it is necessary to remove the remaining toner.
For this reason, there is a problem that the photosensitive drum is easily damaged and stripes and density unevenness are likely to occur due to the damage, so that a high quality image cannot be obtained.

A second drawback is that, when a toner image is transferred to a final support such as paper, it is necessary to keep the electrostatic force acting on the toner constant reflecting the microscopic electrical characteristics of the paper. As a result, there are problems such as uneven transfer of toner due to uneven toner transfer efficiency, and difficulty in obtaining a stable image because the electrical characteristics of the final support fluctuate due to environmental conditions.

As a method for overcoming the above problems, a method is known in which a toner image formed on a photoreceptor is temporarily transferred to an intermediate transfer member, and then the toner image is retransferred to a final support such as paper. ing. In JP-B-49-209 and JP-A-62-206567, etc.,
Primary transfer to a belt-shaped intermediate transfer member, and secondary transfer of an unfixed toner image from the intermediate transfer member to a recording medium again.Especially, when forming a color image, a toner image of each color is formed on a photoconductor. Each time the toner image is transferred to an intermediate transfer body to form a full-color image in which toner images of respective colors are superimposed on the intermediate transfer body, and the full-color image is collectively transferred to a recording medium such as paper. Have been. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-341666 also discloses a method using an intermediate transfer drum instead of a belt as an intermediate transfer member.

In each of the above examples, the toner image formed on the photoreceptor is transferred to the intermediate transfer member using electrostatic force by a method of irradiating corona ions or applying a bias. As another method,
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-38172 also discloses a method using adhesive force. There, after developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor with liquid toner, peel off the toner image by pressing an adhesive tape against the toner image, and then apply this tape to the final support. A method for bonding is presented. Further, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2-278276 and 4-81786, a toner image on a photoreceptor is placed on an intermediate transfer film having adhesiveness.
There is also disclosed a method in which a step of transferring 0% and further transferring 100% of the toner image to a support is performed for each color to obtain a full-color image.

The method of temporarily transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum to the intermediate transfer member as described above is preferable as described below as compared with the method of directly transferring the toner image of the photosensitive member onto the final support. Has features.

That is, in the conventional method of directly transferring a toner image of a photosensitive member onto a final support, the transfer efficiency is kept constant due to factors such as unevenness in thickness of the support itself and non-uniformity of electrical characteristics. Therefore, there is a problem that high-quality and high-quality images are hardly formed. On the other hand, the method of transferring a toner image to an intermediate transfer member has a disadvantage that the apparatus becomes large because a plurality of transfer steps are required, but it is difficult to uniformly optimize various characteristics of the intermediate transfer member. Since it is easy, the transfer efficiency of the toner image can be increased, and there is an advantage that stable transfer with high uniformity can be performed, which is suitable for forming higher quality and higher quality images.

This advantage is particularly important when forming a high-quality full-color image. The reason for this is that if the transfer efficiency is non-uniform, the colors finally obtained when the multi-color images are superimposed will change in color. Further, the method using the intermediate transfer member has a feature that it can be transferred to a wider range of substrates such as paper and plastic since transfer to the final support can be performed independently. As described above, the method using the intermediate transfer member is a method more suitable for forming a higher quality and higher quality full-color image, and can be suitably used in the present invention.

Next, a preferred method of transferring and fixing a toner and a toner image to a final support, characteristics of the final support, and the like will be described. In general, it is easy to reduce the average toner particle size to 1 μm or less in a liquid toner, and the granularity of a toner image obtained by such liquid development is the granularity of a toner image obtained by a dry toner having an average particle size of about 5 μm. It is well known that it is much better than silver halide photography. Generally, an image obtained by the electrophotographic method looks grainy because the toner size is basically large and therefore the graininess is poor. To express smooth gradation in a high gradation image, it is very effective to reduce the toner size, and it can be said that it is preferable that the toner size is not limited to liquid toner. In general, it is well known that the image quality of an image obtained by electrophotography largely depends not only on the characteristics of the toner, but also on the characteristics of the final support, and the transfer / fixing method to the final support.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-82939, Japanese Patent Publication No.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 82940 describes a coated paper which has been subjected to a smoothing treatment for enhancing color faithful reproduction and gloss. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-194349 discloses a color toner for obtaining an image without gloss unevenness, a heat fixing step, and the like. Further, in an electrophotographic image, since the amount of adhered toner is different between a high-density portion and a low-density portion, an uneven image (relief) is easily formed by toner even after toner fixing. JP-A-8-194394, JP-T-Hei 4-5
No. 01925 and Japanese Translation of PCT International Publication No. 5-500869 disclose methods for preventing this. Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
Japanese Patent No. 281863 discloses a method of improving the color faithful reproduction by increasing the transfer efficiency of the color toner from the intermediate transfer member to the final support by using a transparent material, and at the same time, producing a glossy finish. . As described above, improving image gloss, reducing gloss unevenness, improving color fidelity reproducibility, reducing relief, improving sharpness, etc. are indispensable for improving the quality and quality of electrophotographic images.
The present invention is not limited to the above disclosed examples, but it is desirable that similar measures are taken.

Next, a desirable image exposure method will be described. In the system of the present invention, the image data is RGB
After being separated into three colors and read by a CCD scanner, AD
The data is converted into digital image data via a converter, and preferable image processing such as shading correction, sharpness enhancement, gamma correction, and color density gradation conversion is performed as necessary. The image exposure in the image forming method described above is performed in accordance with the data after the image processing, and is usually performed by laser beam scanning exposure. As the image recording method, a so-called density gradation (continuous gradation) method in which laser beam intensity is modulated according to the original image density data and exposure recording is performed, and the image data is basically expressed by binary dots and minute A pseudo halftone method in which the apparent density is changed by changing the number of dots per unit area, and a method of reproducing a halftone image using a line screen generally known in printing technology are known. .

The former is disclosed, for example, in JP-A-63-11 / 1988.
Although it is described in Japanese Patent No. 3576 and the like, in order to obtain a high-gradation image faithful to the original image by this method, 100% transfer of the toner image on the photosensitive drum often causes a problem in electrophotography. It is important to solve the poor density reproducibility of the light portion.

The latter method is a method commonly used in electrophotography, and numerous methods are disclosed in patents and the like. In this method, it is generally difficult to enhance both high gradation and high resolution because there is a trade-off relationship between them, and noises such as textures and false contours that are not present in the original image are likely to occur. The image inherently has the disadvantage that the way dots overlap changes depending on the superposition accuracy of the multicolor image, and that the color tends to change, especially in the highlight area. Has been proposed. Preferable examples of the present invention include, for example, JP-A-6-98184 and JP-A-8-163363, but are not limited thereto.

As described above, according to the electrophotographic laser printer, high-quality and high-quality full-color images can be compared with silver halide photographs and printed images based on digital full-color image data read from photographic film. In an electrophotographic full-color laser printer desirably subjected to suitable image processing and desirably having an intermediate transfer member, a laser that is intensity-modulated or pulse-width-modulated for pseudo-gradation in accordance with a color image signal for each color is obtained. A latent image is formed by irradiating light onto the photoreceptor drum, which is developed with a liquid color toner or a dry color toner, and the obtained toner image is sequentially transferred to an intermediate transfer body for each image formation. The toner image is superimposed on the transfer member, and the resultant color toner composite image is re-transferred to a suitable final support. The image forming method for obtaining a high image quality and high-quality full-color images can be comparable to silver halide photography and printing images by fixing can be provided.

Next, an outline of an ink jet type digital printer suitably used in the present invention will be described.

Various proposals have heretofore been made with respect to a method of obtaining a full-color image by an ink-jet method, and various methods have been put to practical use. In general, a full-color image forming method using an ink jet method involves discharging a specific color ink from a recording head in the form of ink droplets or mist according to an original image signal, attaching the ink to a recording paper as a dot or an aggregate of dots, and specifying a plurality of these. A full-color image is obtained by executing each of the colors and scanning and recording the two-dimensional directions.

The following various systems are known as the basic system of the ink jet.

One method is a thermal (bubble jet) method. As described in JP-A-8-104837, thermal energy is applied to a recording head in accordance with an image signal, whereby a part of ink in the recording head is vaporized, and ink droplets are ejected from nozzles by this force. In this method, an image can be recorded on recording paper.

Another method is a piezo method. As described in JP-A-6-256696, a part of the recording head is composed of a piezoelectric element, a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element according to an image signal, and the volume of the ink chamber is reduced due to the deflection of the piezoelectric element. In this method, ink droplets are ejected from nozzles, and an image can be recorded on recording paper.

Another method is an ultrasonic method. As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-238006, this method is capable of recording an image on recording paper by focusing and applying an ultrasonic wave to the surface of an ink liquid in an ink chamber to discharge ink droplets from the ink surface. .

Another method is a charge control method.
As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-56149, a charged ink droplet continuously ejected from a nozzle by a piezo element or the like is electrostatically deflected in accordance with an image signal and printed on recording paper. This is a system that can record images.

Another method is an electrostatic method. As described in JP-A-59-225984, for example, oil-based ink is used, a high voltage is applied between a recording head and a recording sheet, ink is drawn out from a nozzle, and brought into contact with the recording sheet. This is a system that can record images.

In the present invention, any of the above methods can be adopted without being limited to the description in the cited examples.

The following types of inks are also known as inks used in the above various ink jet systems.

One of them is a water-soluble ink. This is described in JP-A-3-258870 and the like.
This is an ink obtained by dissolving a water-soluble dye in a solvent containing water.

[0256] The other is oil-based ink. This is disclosed in JP-A-2-27671 and JP-A-4-24887.
As described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-1997, the ink is obtained by dissolving a dye in an organic solvent.

Another one is a pigment ink. This is an ink obtained by dispersing a pigment in a solvent containing water, as described in JP-A-4-214781.

The other is a microcapsule ink. This is an ink containing a microencapsulated dye as described in JP-A-1-170672 and the like.

Another one is a hot melt ink. As described in JP-A-4-117468, this is an ink that is solid at normal temperature, melts at a high temperature, and is discharged by an inkjet printer.

In the present invention, any of the above types of inks can be employed without being limited to the descriptions in the cited examples.

In order to record a grayscale image using the various ink jet systems as described above, gradation expression is required.
Various types of gradation recording methods used in various ink jet methods are known as follows.

One of them is a dot diameter control method.
In this method, as described in JP-A-63-134250, a gradation is obtained by controlling the size of ink dots adhering to recording paper. Methods of controlling the dot diameter include a method of controlling the pulse signal width applied to the recording head, a method of changing the ejection ink droplet diameter by using a plurality of types of recording heads having different nozzle diameters, and a method of controlling the number of times of ink overprinting described later. (JP-B-54-21095, JP-B-7-29446).

Another method is an ink overprinting method. This is a method of obtaining a gradation by controlling the number of times of discharging relatively low-density ink dots at the same position on a recording sheet as described in JP-A-3-231859.

Another method is a method of combining multi-density inks. In this method, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-14905, a plurality of recording heads that eject inks of the same color and different densities are provided, and the density is controlled by selecting the recording head.

Another one is an ink mist method. As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-57893, this is a method in which ink is ejected in a mist form from a recording head by using ultrasonic vibration by a piezoelectric element, and by controlling the application time of ultrasonic vibration. This is to change the density of the aggregate of fine dots on the recording paper.

Another one is a matrix method. As described in JP-A-64-47553, one pixel on a recording paper is formed by arranging m × n dots in a matrix, and the average density is determined by the way of filling the dots in the matrix. This is the control method. There are various methods for filling the dots in the matrix, such as an error diffusion method, a Bayer-type systematic dither method, and a density pattern method.

Also, there is a method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-46744 or the like in which the above various gradation recording methods are appropriately combined. In the present invention, any of the above-mentioned methods is not limited to the description of the cited examples, and may be employed alone or in combination of a plurality of methods.

In order to two-dimensionally arrange the pixels recorded on the recording paper by the above-described various ink jet methods to form an image, the recording head must be two-dimensionally scanned relative to the recording paper. There are various scanning methods as described below.

One method is to mechanically scan a recording head mounted on a carriage in the main scanning direction and to feed recording paper in the sub-scanning direction, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-46744. It is a method.

As another method, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-59111, the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the above method are interchanged. That is, the recording head is moved by screw feed or the like with respect to the recording paper attached to the rotating drum.

As another method, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-57893, simultaneous printing is performed in the main scanning direction by a multi-nozzle wide recording head without mechanical scanning.
The sub-scanning direction is a method in which recording paper is fed.

In the present invention, any of the above methods can be adopted without being limited to the description in the cited examples.

There are various types of recording paper used in the above various ink jet systems as described below.

One recording paper is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 62-111782.
And pictorial sheet as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No.
This is a recording sheet having a porous particle layer on a support, and has a feature that the bleeding of the ink after recording is small.

Another recording paper is disclosed in JP-A-7-17903.
It is a polymer-coated sheet as described in JP-A No. 2 and the like. This is a recording sheet having a layer containing a hydrophilic resin on a support.

Another recording paper is disclosed in JP-A-7-17903.
No. 2, the support is made of resin-coated paper (re
sin coated paper), and in addition to those described in the above-mentioned publications, for example, a recording sheet having at least two, and preferably three, coating layers on a support coated with polyolefin. At least one of the layers contains at least one polymer represented by the following general formula (6), (7) or (8).

[0277]

Embedded image

In the formula, R 9 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and A represents a repeating unit of a copolymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer. i1, j1, and k1 represent the molar percentage ratio of each component, i1 + j1 + k1 = 100, i1 is 50 to 100, j1 is 0 to 50, and k1 is 0 to 30.

[0279]

Embedded image

In the formula, R10 is an alkyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms;
Represents a phenyl group. R9 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and A represents a repeating unit of a copolymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer. i2, j2, k2 represent the molar percentage ratio of each component, and i2 + j2 + k2 = 100,
i2 is 50-100, j2 is 0-50, k2 is 0-30
And

[0281]

Embedded image

In the formula, R11 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and A represents a repeating unit of a copolymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer. Z represents an atom group necessary for forming a pyrrolidone ring, an oxazolidone ring, or a lactam ring. L is a single bond, -CO-, -COO (CH
2) n- (where n is an integer of 1 to 5) or -CONR
12 (CH2) n- (where n is an integer of 1 to 5, R12 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms). i3,
k3 represents a molar percentage ratio of each component, i3 + k3 = 10
Assuming 0, i3 is 10 to 100 and k3 is 0 to 90.

However, the general formulas (6) and (7) shown above
In (8) and (8), A does not contain a tertiary or quaternary amino group. Further, at least one of the above layers desirably contains at least one polymer containing a polyvinyl alcohol unit at a ratio of 60 mol% or more and 95 mol% or less. Further, at least one of the above layers preferably contains a mat material having a diameter of 3 μm or more and 30 μm or less, preferably 10 μm or more and 30 μm or less.

In the present invention, any of the recording papers described above can be suitably used without being limited to the description in the cited examples.

[0285] In addition to the recording sheets described above, printing paper, copy paper, OHP sheets, postcards, and the like, which are currently widely used for printing and hard copy, plastic sheets, cloths, and the like are also available. Needless to say, it can also be used.

As described above, a high-quality and high-quality full-color image comparable to a silver halide photograph or a printed image can be obtained by the ink jet printer based on the digital full-color image data read from the photographic film. Using a suitable type of ink, performing a suitable binarized image processing by combining various gradation recording methods,
By using a suitable scanning mechanism, a high-quality and high-quality full-color image comparable to a silver halide photograph or a printed image can be obtained on a recording sheet suitable for various uses.

Next, the outline of a sublimation type thermal transfer type digital printer suitably used in the present invention will be described.

Various methods have been proposed for obtaining a full-color image by the sublimation type thermal transfer method, and various methods have been put to practical use. In general, a full-color image forming method using a sublimation type thermal transfer method is to obtain a full-color image by heating an ink sheet containing a heat transferable dye in accordance with digital image data and transferring the dye to an image receiving sheet.

The heat transfer dye is described, for example, in JP-A-6-106.
As disclosed in JP-A-861, it is desirable to have a diene group or a dienophile group, and the image receiving sheet desirably contains a dienophile compound or a diene compound.

Alternatively, the heat-migrating dye is described in JP-A-8-2
Alternatively, a dye containing a metal ion supply compound may be used as an image receiving sheet as a chelatable dye as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 24966.

Further, the heat transfer dye is disclosed in JP-A-8-27
No. 6,673, it is possible to use a polymer containing a reactive amino group. In this case, the image receiving sheet preferably contains a polymer containing an alkyl acrylamide glycolate alkyl ether group.

The support of the image receiving sheet is described in JP-A-5-15-1.
Desirably, it is a polyethylene-coated paper as described in Japanese Patent No. 62473.

Alternatively, the support of the image receiving sheet is formed by laminating a microvoided thermoplastic core layer and a thermoplastic surface layer substantially containing no void layer as described in JP-A-8-99472. It may be.

In addition, as described above, digital image data is laser-exposed on the heat-developable photosensitive member, and the heat-developable photosensitive member is superimposed on the image receiving body, and the image recorded by laser exposure is thermally developed and transferred. A digital printer of a type that forms an image on an image receiving material can also be suitably applied to the system of the present invention, but as a printer of such a type,
For example, Pictography 3 of Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
000.

As described above, many digital printers record an image on a photosensitive member serving as a final support or other photosensitive members by exposure, and the means for exposure is the laser light. The scanning is not limited to the above, and any means may be used as long as the image data can be modulated in pixel units.

For example, using an LED array as a light source,
Modulation may be performed by controlling the emission intensity of the ED. Alternatively, a spatial modulation element (mirror array) that changes the reflection direction of recording light by controlling the direction of a plurality of micromirrors arranged in a two-dimensional array for each mirror, and controls the incidence of the recording light on a photosensitive member. Device). Further, by controlling the transmittance or the reflectance of the liquid crystal cells similarly arranged in a two-dimensional array for each cell, the transmission direction or the reflection direction of the recording light is changed, and the incidence of the recording light on the photosensitive member is controlled. There is also a way to do it.
Further, the micromirrors and the like are arranged not in an array but in a line, and the photosensitive member is exposed in a line shape, and the recording light and the photosensitive member are relatively moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the exposure line to form a two-dimensional image. Can also be recorded.

Other examples of the method of generating digital exposure light include a method of generating exposure light as directly modulated light using a light emitting type image display device, and a method of spatially modulating light irradiated to a photosensitive member. There is a method using a light receiving type image display device that uses exposure light as the exposure light. As a light emitting type image display device, for example, a CRT, a plasma display (PD)
P), electroluminescent display (EL
D), fluorescent display (VFD), light emitting diode (LE)
D) and the like. Further, as a light receiving type image display device, an electro-chemical display (ECD),
There are an electrophoretic display (EPID), a dispersed particle oriented display (SPD), a colored particle rotating display (TBD), a PLZT display, and the like.

It is also possible to copy a photographic film by recording digital image data on an unused photographic film instead of a print material.

In addition, various digital printers can be applied to output image data read from a photographic film made of the photosensitive member.

(8) Print Output In the image forming system, the color input film is formed by forming the dye image by developing the photosensitive member color negative film or the like generally used for wet development with a wet developing machine in the option input means. By irradiating the paper with the light transmitted through the dye image of the developed negative film, the dye image is printed and exposed on the paper, and wet development, bleaching, fixing, and washing steps are performed. May be provided with a printing / developing machine that outputs a print through the printer. This printing / developing machine may be configured integrally with the apparatus main body of the image forming system, or may be externally attached to the apparatus main body of the image forming system using a separate printing / developing machine used in a developing facility. You may comprise.

(9) Order Processing In the present image forming system, image data is input from various input means (input from the setting unit 5, the developing unit 1 and the reading unit 2, or each input unit set in the option input unit 8). ), The user can select the desired input means and input
In order to select and output a desired output unit from a variety of output units, an image based on the input image data can be output from the customer, in order to receive order information for selecting an input unit and an output unit from a customer. An order reception user interface is required.

Specifically, a display means such as a monitor for displaying operation information and confirming a frame of a photo to be ordered;
It is preferable to include input means such as a keyboard for inputting order information and performing a confirmation response. Or you may employ | adopt a touch panel like ATM of a bank. In addition, a speaker, a microphone, or the like may be installed to prompt input of order information by voice or to accept voice input, and a user interface used not only in a photo service but also in any field may be applied. it can.

In the actual order processing, for example, digital image data read from a developed film is displayed side by side on a screen such as a monitor, and the customer selects desired digital image data from the displayed digital image data. May be selected by, for example, clicking with a mouse.

That is, in the conventional photo service, simultaneous printing or index printing is performed at the time of development, all the photographs are printed once, and additional printing of a desired frame is performed with reference to the prints, or a request for trimming processing is made. Was common, but
In the present image forming system, when the development, reading, image processing, and the like are completed as described above, the user can place an order while checking the photographic image on the monitor.

That is, it is possible to order a desired number of desired frames without creating a simultaneous print or an index print.
You don't have to make useless prints, you don't have to go to the photo shop many times if you need more than one print, and it is printed on the back of the print when processing the order. It is possible to realize an easy-to-use system for both the user and the service provider, for example, by reducing an order error that occurs when the user enters the order number on the order form.

It is desirable that the system can also perform payment for input processing or output processing ordered according to the order information. For example, when a photographic film is set and developed, and printing of only necessary frames is instructed on the screen, the total amount of the development cost and the printing cost is displayed on the monitor screen. Deposit and settlement can be realized by a structure similar to that of a vending machine.

The image forming system may be realized as a single device having all processing means from development of the photosensitive member to reading of image data, or a development device that performs only the development process, It may be realized in the form of a processing device that performs data reading and image processing. Further, the image forming system may be embodied in a form in which all means are built in the housing of one device, or may be embodied as separate devices and connected to each other to constitute the system.

[0308]

Next, a more specific first embodiment of the present image forming system will be described.

(1) Production and Exposure of Photographic Film First, an example of a method for producing a photosensitive member and a processing member for dry thermal development used in the present image forming system, and a method for producing a photographic film from the produced photosensitive member Is shown.

(1-1) Layer Configuration of Photosensitive Member and Processing Member Tables 1 to 5 show examples of the layer configuration of the photosensitive member.

[0311]

[Table 1]

[0312]

[Table 2]

[0313]

[Table 3]

[0314]

[Table 4]

[0315]

[Table 5]

Tables 6 and 7 show examples of the layer structure of the processing member.

[0317]

[Table 6]

[0318]

[Table 7]

The additive materials described in Tables 1 to 7 and the materials used for preparing the additive materials are as follows.

[0320]

Embedded image

[0321]

Embedded image

[0322]

Embedded image

[0323]

Embedded image

[0324]

Embedded image

[0325]

Embedded image

[0326]

Embedded image

[0327]

Embedded image

[0328]

Embedded image

[0329]

Embedded image

(1-2) Method for Preparing Main Additive Materials The methods for preparing the main additive materials shown in Tables 1 to 5 are described below.

Photosensitive Silver Halide Emulsion (a) A method for preparing a blue photosensitive silver halide emulsion (a) is described below.

Gelatin 0.96 having an average molecular weight of 12000
g of distilled water containing 0.9 g of potassium bromide and 0.9 g of potassium bromide
1 was placed in a reaction vessel and heated to 40 ° C. An aqueous solution (A) 1 containing 0.5 g of silver nitrate while vigorously stirring this solution.
0.5 ml and 10 ml of an aqueous solution (B) containing 0.35 g of potassium bromide were added over 150 seconds. Thirty seconds after the completion of the addition, 12 ml of a 10% aqueous solution of potassium bromide was added, and 30 seconds later, the temperature of the reaction solution was raised to 75 ° C. After adding 35.0 g of lime-processed gelatin together with 250 ml of distilled water, an aqueous solution (C) 3 containing 10.0 g of silver nitrate was added.
Aqueous solution (D) 30 containing 9 ml and 6.7 g of potassium bromide
ml was added over a period of 3 minutes and 15 seconds while accelerating the addition flow rate. Next, 302 ml of an aqueous solution (E) containing 96.7 g of silver nitrate and an aqueous solution (F) containing potassium iodide at a molar ratio of 7:93 to potassium bromide (potassium bromide concentration: 26%) were added while increasing the flow rate. The reaction solution was added for 20 minutes so that the silver potential of the reaction solution became -20 mV with respect to the saturated calomel electrode. Further, 97 ml of an aqueous solution (G) containing 24.1 g of silver nitrate and a 21.9% aqueous solution of potassium bromide (H) were added over 3 minutes so that the silver potential of the reaction solution became 25 mV with respect to the saturated calomel electrode. . After maintaining the temperature at 75 ° C. for 1 minute after the completion of the addition, the temperature of the reaction solution was lowered to 55 ° C. Then, 15 ml of 1N sodium hydroxide was added. Two minutes later, 100 ml of an aqueous solution (I) containing 5 g of silver nitrate and 200.5 ml of an aqueous solution (J) containing 4.7 g of potassium iodide were added over 5 minutes. After the addition was completed, 7.11 g of potassium bromide was added,
After maintaining at 55 ° C. for 1 minute, 248 ml of an aqueous solution (K) containing 62 g of silver nitrate and 231 ml of an aqueous solution (L) containing 48.1 g of potassium bromide were further added over 8 minutes. Thirty seconds later, an aqueous solution containing 0.03 g of sodium ethylthiosulfonate was added. The temperature was lowered, and the emulsion particles were coagulated and settled using Kao's Demol to desalinate. Dispersion was performed by adding sodium benzenethiosulfonate, phenoxyethanol, water-soluble polymer (a) and lime-processed gelatin.

The chemical sensitization was performed at 60 ° C. Sensitizing dye
(a) was added as a gelatin dispersion before chemical sensitization, then a mixed solution of potassium thiocyanate and chloroauric acid was added, and then sodium thiosulfate and selenium sensitizer were added, and the mixture was subjected to chemical sensitization. Termination was performed with the mercapto compound. The amounts of the sensitizing dye, chemical sensitizer and mercapto compound are
Optimized for fog.

In the obtained grains, tabular grains having an aspect ratio of 2 or more account for more than 99% of the total projected area of all grains, have an average equivalent sphere diameter of 1.07 μm, and an average thickness of 0.3.
The average equivalent circular diameter was 1.47 μm, and the average aspect ratio was 3.9.

Photosensitive Silver Halide Emulsion (b) A method for preparing a blue photosensitive silver halide emulsion (b) is described below.

Gelatin with an average molecular weight of 12,000 0.96
g of distilled water containing 0.9 g of potassium bromide and 0.9 g of potassium bromide
1 was placed in a reaction vessel and heated to 40 ° C. An aqueous solution (A) 3 containing 1.5 g of silver nitrate while vigorously stirring this solution.
7.5 ml and 37.5 ml of an aqueous solution (B) containing 1.051 g of potassium bromide were added over 90 seconds. Thirty seconds after the completion of the addition, 12 ml of a 10% aqueous solution of potassium bromide was added, and 30 seconds later, the temperature of the reaction solution was raised to 75 ° C. After adding 35.0 g of lime-processed gelatin together with 250 ml of distilled water, an aqueous solution (C) 1 containing 29.0 g of silver nitrate was added.
Aqueous solution (D) 91 containing 16 ml and 20 g of potassium bromide
ml was added over 11 minutes and 35 seconds while accelerating the addition flow rate. Next, 302 ml of an aqueous solution (E) containing 96.7 g of silver nitrate and an aqueous solution (F) containing potassium iodide at a molar ratio of 3.3: 96.7 to potassium bromide (potassium bromide concentration: 26%) were added. Was added for 20 minutes while accelerating the reaction so that the silver potential of the reaction solution became 2 mV with respect to the saturated calomel electrode. Further, 97 ml of an aqueous solution (G) containing 24.1 g of silver nitrate and 21.9% of potassium bromide
The aqueous solution (H) was added over 3 minutes so that the silver potential of the reaction solution became 0 mV with respect to the saturated calomel electrode. After maintaining the temperature at 75 ° C. for 1 minute after the completion of the addition, the temperature of the reaction solution was lowered to 55 ° C. Then, 15 ml of 1N sodium hydroxide was added. Two minutes later, silver nitrate 1
153 ml of an aqueous solution (I) containing 0.4 g and 414.5 ml of an aqueous solution (J) containing 9.35 g of potassium iodide were added over 5 minutes. After completion of addition, potassium bromide 7.1
1 g, and kept at 55 ° C. for 1 minute.
228 ml of an aqueous solution (K) containing 7.1 g and 201 ml of an aqueous solution (L) containing 43.9 g of potassium bromide were added over 8 minutes. Thirty seconds later, an aqueous solution containing 0.04 g of sodium ethylthiosulfonate was added. The temperature was lowered, and desalting and dispersion were performed in the same manner as in the blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion (a). Chemical sensitization was carried out in the same manner except that the blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion (a) and the selenium sensitizer were not added. The sensitizing dye and the mercapto compound whose chemical sensitization was stopped were substantially proportional to the surface area of the emulsion grains.

In the obtained grains, tabular grains having an aspect ratio of 2 or more occupy more than 99% of the total projected area of all grains, have an average equivalent sphere diameter of 0.66 μm, and have an average thickness of 0.1%.
The diameter was 7 μm, the average equivalent circular diameter was 1.05 μm, and the average aspect ratio was 6.3.

Photosensitive Silver Halide Emulsion (c) A method for preparing a blue photosensitive silver halide emulsion (c) is described below.

Lime-processed water 13 containing 17.8 g of gelatin, 6.2 g of potassium bromide and 0.46 g of potassium iodide
45 ml was put in a reaction vessel, and the temperature was raised to 45 ° C. While stirring this solution vigorously, 70 ml (A) of an aqueous solution containing 11.8 g of silver nitrate and an aqueous solution 7 containing 3.8 g of potassium bromide.
0 ml (B) was added over 45 seconds. After maintaining at 45 ° C. for 4 minutes, the temperature of the reaction solution was raised to 63 ° C. After adding 24 g of lime-processed gelatin together with 185 ml of distilled water, 208 ml of an aqueous solution containing 73 g of silver nitrate (C) and a 24.8% aqueous solution of potassium bromide (D) are added while accelerating the flow rate, and the silver potential of the reaction solution is increased. Was added over 13 minutes so as to be 0 mV with respect to the saturated calomel electrode.
After maintaining the temperature at 63 ° C. for 2 minutes after completion of the addition, the temperature of the reaction solution was increased to 4 ° C.
The temperature was lowered to 5 ° C. Then, 15 ml of 1N sodium hydroxide was added. Two minutes later, 60 ml (E) of an aqueous solution containing 8.4 g of silver nitrate and 461 ml (F) of an aqueous solution containing 8.3 g of potassium iodide were added over 5 minutes. 496 ml of an aqueous solution containing 148.8 g of silver nitrate
(G) and a 25% aqueous solution of potassium bromide (H) were added over 47 minutes so that the silver potential of the reaction solution became 90 mV with respect to the saturated calomel electrode. 30 seconds after completion of the addition, an aqueous solution containing 2 g of potassium bromide and 0.06 g of sodium ethylthiosulfonate was added. The temperature was lowered, and desalting, dispersion and chemical sensitization were carried out in the same manner as in the blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion (b). The obtained emulsion was hexagonal tabular grains having an average particle size of 0.44 μm, an average thickness of 0.2 μm, an average equivalent circular diameter of 0.53 μm, and an average aspect ratio of 2.6, expressed in terms of sphere equivalent diameter.

Photosensitive Silver Halide Emulsion (d) Next, a method for preparing a green photosensitive silver halide emulsion (d) is described below.

Gelatin 0.96 having an average molecular weight of 12000
g of distilled water containing 0.9 g of potassium bromide and 0.9 g of potassium bromide
1 was placed in a reaction vessel and heated to 40 ° C. An aqueous solution (A) 1 containing 0.7 g of silver nitrate while vigorously stirring this solution.
7.5 ml and 17.5 ml of an aqueous solution (B) containing 1.051 g of potassium bromide were added over 120 seconds. Thirty seconds after the completion of the addition, 12 ml of a 10% aqueous solution of potassium bromide was added, and 30 seconds later, the temperature of the reaction solution was raised to 75 ° C. After adding 35.0 g of lime-processed gelatin together with 250 ml of distilled water, an aqueous solution (C) 5 containing 19.0 g of silver nitrate was added.
An aqueous solution (D) 461 containing 6 ml and 10 g of potassium bromide
ml was added over a period of 7 minutes and 35 seconds while accelerating the addition flow rate. Next, 302 ml of an aqueous solution (E) containing 96.7 g of silver nitrate and an aqueous solution (F) containing potassium iodide at a molar ratio of 3.3: 96.7 to potassium bromide (potassium bromide concentration: 26%) were added. Was added for 20 minutes so that the silver potential of the reaction solution became 0 mV with respect to the saturated calomel electrode. Further, 97 ml of an aqueous solution (G) containing 24.1 g of silver nitrate and 21.9% of potassium bromide
The aqueous solution (H) was added over 3 minutes so that the silver potential of the reaction solution became 0 mV with respect to the saturated calomel electrode. After maintaining the temperature at 75 ° C. for 1 minute after the completion of the addition, the temperature of the reaction solution was lowered to 55 ° C. Next, 122 ml of an aqueous solution (I) containing 8.3 g of silver nitrate and 332 ml of an aqueous solution (J) containing 7.48 g of potassium iodide were added over 5 minutes. After the addition was completed, 7.11 g of potassium bromide was added, and 55
After maintaining at 1 ° C. for 1 minute, 228 ml of an aqueous solution (K) containing 62.8 g of silver nitrate and 201 ml of an aqueous solution (L) containing 48.3 g of potassium bromide were added over 8 minutes. The temperature was lowered, and desalting and dispersion were carried out in the same manner as in the blue light-sensitive silver halide emulsion (a). For chemical sensitization, sensitizing dye (b), sensitizing dye (c),
The procedure was carried out in the same manner as for the blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion (a), except that a gelatin dispersion of a mixture of the sensitizing dye (d) was added.

In the obtained grains, tabular grains having an aspect ratio of 2 or more account for more than 99% of the total projected area of all grains, have an average equivalent sphere diameter of 0.85 μm, and an average thickness of 0.2%.
The average equivalent circular diameter was 1.25 μm, and the average aspect ratio was 4.8.

Next, a method for preparing a green sensitive silver halide emulsion (e) will be described below.

Desalting and dispersion were carried out in the same manner as for the blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion (b) except that sodium hydroxide and sodium ethylthiosulfonate were not added during grain formation. It was the same as the photosensitive silver halide emulsion (d).

In the obtained grains, tabular grains having an aspect of 2 or more account for more than 99% of the total projected area of all grains.
The average equivalent sphere diameter is 0.66 μm and the average thickness is 0.17 μm
m, the average equivalent circular diameter was 1.05 μm, and the average aspect ratio was 6.3.

Photosensitive Silver Halide Emulsion (f) A method for preparing a green photosensitive silver halide emulsion (f) is described below.

The grain formation, desalting and dispersion were carried out in the same manner as in the blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion (c) except that sodium hydroxide was not added during grain formation and sodium ethylthiosulfonate was changed to 4 mg. Sensitization was carried out in the same manner as in the green-sensitive silver halide emulsion (d) except that no selenium sensitizer was added in the chemical sensitization.

The obtained emulsion was hexagonal tabular grains having an average grain size of 0.44 μm, an average thickness of 0.2 μm, an average equivalent circular diameter of 0.53 μm, and an average aspect ratio of 2.6, expressed in terms of sphere equivalent diameter.

Next, a method for preparing a red-sensitive silver halide emulsion (g) is described below.

A green color was used except that the sensitizing dye during chemical sensitization was added as a gelatin dispersion of the sensitizing dye (e) and a gelatin dispersion of a mixture of the sensitizing dye (f) and the sensitizing dye (g). It was prepared in the same manner as in the photosensitive silver halide emulsion (d). In the obtained grains, tabular grains having an aspect ratio of 2 or more account for more than 99% of the total projected area of all grains, have an average equivalent spherical diameter of 0.85 μm, an average thickness of 0.26 μm, and an average equivalent circular diameter of 1 .25 μm and an average aspect ratio of 4.8.

Photosensitive Silver Halide Emulsion (h) A method for preparing a red photosensitive silver halide emulsion (h) is described below.

A green color was used except that the sensitizing dye at the time of chemical sensitization was added as a gelatin dispersion of the sensitizing dye (e) and a gelatin dispersion of a mixture of the sensitizing dye (f) and the sensitizing dye (g). It was prepared in the same manner as in the sensitive silver halide emulsion (e).

In the obtained grains, tabular grains having an aspect ratio of 2 or more account for more than 99% of the total projected area of all grains, have an average equivalent sphere diameter of 0.66 μm, and have an average thickness of 0.1%.
The diameter was 7 μm, the average equivalent circular diameter was 1.05 μm, and the average aspect ratio was 6.3.

Photosensitive Silver Halide Emulsion (i) Next, a method for preparing a red photosensitive silver halide emulsion (i) will be described below.

A green color was used except that the sensitizing dye during chemical sensitization was added as a gelatin dispersion of the sensitizing dye (e) or a gelatin dispersion of a mixture of the sensitizing dye (f) and the sensitizing dye (g). It was prepared in the same manner as in the photosensitive silver halide emulsion (f).

The obtained emulsion was hexagonal tabular grains having an average grain size of 0.44 μm, an average thickness of 0.2 μm, an average equivalent circular diameter of 0.53 μm, and an average aspect ratio of 2.6, expressed in terms of sphere equivalent diameter.

Next, a method for preparing a zinc hydroxide dispersion will be described below.

31 g of zinc hydroxide powder having a primary particle size of 0.2 μm, 1.6 g of carboxymethylcellulose as a dispersant and 0.4 g of sodium polyacrylate
g, lime-treated ossein gelatin 8.5 g, water 158.5
ml, and the mixture was dispersed in a mill using glass beads for 1 hour. After the dispersion, the glass beads were separated by filtration to obtain 188 g of a dispersion of zinc hydroxide.

Emulsified Dispersion of Color Developing Agent and Coupler Next, a method for preparing an emulsified dispersion of a color developing agent and a coupler will be described.

The oil phase component and the aqueous phase component having the compositions shown in Table 8 are each dissolved to form a uniform solution at 60 ° C. Combine the oil phase component and the water phase component in a 1 liter stainless steel container,
Dispersion was performed at 10,000 rpm for 20 minutes using a dissolver with a disperser having a diameter of 5 cm. to this,
As post-water addition, the amount of warm water shown in Table 8 was added, and 2000 r
Mix for 10 minutes at pm. Thus, an emulsified dispersion of couplers of three colors of cyan, magenta and yellow was prepared.

[0361]

[Table 8]

Dye Composition for Yellow Filter and Antihalation Layer Next, a method for preparing a yellow filter and a dye composition for an antihalation layer will be described.

The dye composition was prepared and added as an emulsified dispersion as described below.

A leuco dye, a developer and, if necessary, a high-boiling organic solvent were weighed, ethyl acetate was added thereto, and the mixture was heated and dissolved at about 60 ° C. to form a uniform solution. ) And 190 cc of a 6.6% aqueous solution of lime-processed gelatin heated to about 60 ° C, and dispersed with a homogenizer at 10,000 rpm for 10 minutes.

[0364] Two kinds of dye dispersions shown in Table 9 were prepared.

[0366]

[Table 9]

(1-3) Preparation of Support Next, a support for the photosensitive member was prepared by the following method.

The polyethylene-2,6-naphthalate (P
EN) 100 weight units of polymer and Ti as UV absorber
After drying 2 parts by weight of nuvin P. 326 (manufactured by Ciba-Geigy), the mixture was melted at 300 ° C., and extruded from a T-die.
The film was longitudinally stretched 3.3 times at 140 ° C., then transversely stretched 3.3 times at 130 ° C., and heat-set at 250 ° C. for 6 seconds to obtain a 90 μm thick PEN film.

The PEN film has a blue dye,
Magenta dye, yellow dye (public technique: official technique number 94)
I-1, I-4, I-6, I-24 described in -6023,
I-26, I-27, II-5) were added in appropriate amounts. Furthermore, it is wound around a stainless steel core having a diameter of 20 cm, and
A heat history of 48 ° C. for 48 hours was given to make the support hard to curl.

Coating of Undercoat Layer The above support was subjected to corona discharge treatment, UV irradiation treatment, and glow discharge treatment on both surfaces, and then gelatin 0.1 g / m 2 and salicylic acid 0.04 g / m 2 were applied to each surface. , P-chlorophenol (C
H2 = CHSO2CH2CH2NHCO) 2CH2 0.012
g / m 2, polyamide-epichlorohydrin polymer
An undercoat solution of 02 g / m2 was applied (10 cc / m2, using a bar coater), and an undercoat layer was provided on the high temperature side during stretching. Drying was performed at 115 ° C. for 6 minutes. (All rollers and conveying devices in the drying zone were at 115 ° C.).

Coating of Back Layer An antistatic layer having the following composition, a transparent magnetic recording layer, and a sliding layer were coated as a back layer on one surface of the support after the undercoating.

Coating of antistatic layer Average particle size 0.005μ
m of tin oxide-antimony oxide composite has a specific resistance of 5Ω ·
cm fine particle powder dispersion (secondary aggregated particle size of about 0.08
μm) is 0.2 g / m 2, gelatin is 0.05 g / m 2, and (C
H2 = CHSO2CH2CH2NHCO) 2CH2 0.02g
/ m 2, 0.005 g / m 2 of poly (degree of polymerization 10) oxyethylene-p-nonylphenol and resorcin.

Coating of transparent magnetic recording layer 3-Poly (polymerization degree 1
5) Cobalt-γ-iron oxide coated with oxyethylene-propyloxytrimethoxysilane (15% by weight) (specific surface area 43 m 2 / g, major axis 0.14 μm, minor axis 0.0
3 μm, saturation magnetization 89 emu / g, Fe + 2 / Fe + 3 = 6 /
94, the surface is treated with silicon oxide aluminum oxide at 2% by weight of iron oxide) 0.06 g / m2 diacetyl cellulose 1.2 g / m2 (dispersion of iron oxide was carried out by open kneader and sand mill), curing C2H5C (C
H2CONH-C6H3 (CH3) NCO) 3 was applied by a bar coater using 0.3 g / m2 of acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone and dibutyl phthalate as a solvent to obtain a magnetic recording layer having a thickness of 1.2 .mu.m. C6H13CH (OH) C10H20COOC40H81 50mg /
m2, an abrasive aluminum oxide (0.20 .mu.m and 1.0 .mu.m) coated with silica particles (1.0 .mu.m) and 3-poly (degree of polymerization 15) oxyethylenepropyloxytrimethoxysilane (15% by weight) as a matting agent. 0 μm) were added to give 50 mg / m 2 and 10 mg / m 2, respectively. Drying was performed at 115 ° C. for 6 minutes (all rollers and transport devices in the drying zone were 115 ° C.). The increase in the color density of DB of the magnetic recording layer by X-light (blue filter) is about 0.1, and the saturation magnetization moment of the magnetic recording layer is 4.
2 emu / g, coercive force 7.3 × 10 4 A / m, and squareness ratio were 65%.

Preparation of Sliding Layer Hydroxyethylcellulose (25 mg / m2), C6H13CH (OH) C10H20CO
OC40H81 (6mg / m2), silicone oil BYK-31
0 (manufactured by BYK Japan KK) 1.5mg / m2
Was applied. This mixture was mixed with xylene / propylene glycol monomethyl ether (1/1) in 105
Propylene monomethyl ether (1 ° C)
(0-fold volume), and then dispersed in acetone (average particle size: 0.01 μm) and then added. Drying was performed at 115 ° C. for 6 minutes (all rollers and transport devices in the drying zone were 115 ° C.). The sliding layer has a dynamic friction coefficient of 0.1
0 (stainless steel ball of 5 mmφ, load 100 g, speed 6 cm / min), coefficient of static friction 0.08 (clip method),
The coefficient of kinetic friction between the emulsion surface and the sliding layer was 0.15, which was excellent.

(1-4) Other Examples of Added Materials If the above-mentioned photosensitive member is Example 1, the combination of the color developing agent and the coupler used in the photosensitive member in Example 1 is changed as shown in Table 10 below. The photosensitive members of Examples 2 to 5 were produced in exactly the same manner as described above, and were exposed and developed. As a result, good images were obtained as in Example 1. In addition, the usage amount of each material is an equimolar amount as in Example 1.

[0376]

[Table 10]

However, the developing agent and coupler in Table 10 are represented by the following chemical formulas.

[0378]

Embedded image

[0379]

Embedded image

[0380]

Embedded image

(1-5) Preparation and Exposure of Photographic Film The prepared photosensitive member was placed in APS format,
It was cut to a width of 160 mm and pierced, loaded into an APS camera, and photographed a person and a Macbeth chart. However, the following description is not limited to the case of the APS format, and it goes without saying that a 135 film format may be used.

The photographed photosensitive member was overlaid with the processing member prepared as described above by applying 15 cc / m 2 (corresponding to 45% of the maximum swelling amount) of water at 40 ° C. by an image forming system described later. The photosensitive member was heated with a heat drum at 83 ° C. for 20 seconds from the back surface of the photosensitive member. When the processing member was peeled from the photosensitive member, a negative image was obtained on the photosensitive member.

After the photosensitive member was left for 3 days in an environment of 45 ° C. and 80% humidity, the same processing was performed, and good images could be obtained in each case.

Further, two 2 mm square perforations are provided at a distance of 5.8 mm at 0.7 mm from one width direction in the length direction of the photosensitive member similarly cut, and these two sets are provided at a distance of 32 mm. The provided one was also manufactured. The cut sample was accommodated in a plastic film cartridge described in FIGS. 1 to 7 described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,887.

The sample stored in the cartridge was loaded into a lens-fitted film unit shown in FIG. 2 described in European Patent Publication No. 723180.

[0386] The thus obtained inner film was a film with a different lens without a strobe and was simultaneously photographed and evaluated for various subjects having different luminances. As a result, as in the case of photographing with an APS camera, images having good granularity and sharpness were obtained. was gotten. (2) Image Forming System Next, an embodiment of the image forming system of the present invention will be described in detail.

As described above, the configuration of the image forming system of the present invention is shown by the block diagram of FIG. In this block diagram, each block may be realized in the form of being housed in a single housing. For example, a developing machine, a film scanner, a personal computer for performing image processing, and a digital printer are independent of each other. It is also possible to construct a single system by combining these devices and combining them. Alternatively, each block may be provided as a component that can be incorporated in a dedicated housing, and necessary components may be selected according to needs and incorporated in one housing.

In particular, the setting section 5, the developing section 1, and the reading section 2
Since various types of developing machines, media drive devices, or digital printers can be applied to the input means, option input unit 8, and output unit 4, a plurality of types of developing machines and drive devices can be used as necessary. Alternatively, a printer may be incorporated in the system so that it can be automatically switched according to an order.

[0389] The housing of the integrated system including all the above-mentioned functions is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape which is one size smaller than a conventional laboratory system. However, the shape of the housing is not limited to this, and the appearance changes depending on the type of digital printer and the user interface.

In the first embodiment shown below, the developing reading section constituted by the input means of the setting section 5, the developing section 1 and the reading section 2 in the block diagram of FIG.
Further, the configuration corresponds to the image processing unit 3 and the output unit 4 in the block diagram of FIG. 2, and includes three types of digital printers (electrophotographic digital printer,
A digital printer of an ink jet system and a printer that creates a print by developing a photosensitive member after laser exposure.

The image forming system includes a monitor, some dedicated operation buttons and a keyboard, and further includes a speaker for sounding a warning sound. Hereinafter, the steps from setting of a photographed photographic film to the present image forming system to creation of a print will be described in order.

(2-1) Developing Unit As shown in FIG. 3, the developing unit 1
There is provided a set unit 5 for loading a film storage body containing therein. The set unit is provided with a concave cartridge holder 18 and a lens unit with a lens so that a cartridge and a lens unit with a lens of a special shape used exclusively for the photographic film used in the system of the present invention are tightly loaded. Unit (not shown).

The setting section 5 has a light-shielding shutter. The light-blocking shutter automatically closes when a user sets a cartridge or the like and presses a setting completion button (not shown) that notifies the system that the setting is completed.

Here, a bar code for identifying the type of film is provided on the main body of the cartridge or the film unit with lens used in the present invention.
When the setting completion button is pressed, the barcode is read by a barcode reader built in the system. As a result, if it is determined that the set film is of a type that cannot be processed by the system, a warning sound is emitted from the speaker, and an error message indicating that processing cannot be performed is displayed on the monitor. In this case, the light-blocking shutter is not closed, and the film container is returned to the user.

It is desirable that this set unit includes at least one set unit having a structure adapted to the shape of the storage body in which the photographic film was stored at the time of photographing. As the shape of the set portion, a shape adapted to the shape of the film cartridge or a shape adapted to the shape of the film unit with the lens can be considered.

It is desirable that the set section comprises a housing holding means for holding the housing, and a light shielding means for blocking light hitting the housing held by the housing holding section. Thus, the user can enjoy the development service only by setting the photographed film for each cartridge or the film unit with the lens in the set unit.

As described above, in this image forming system, dust must be prevented from adhering to the photosensitive member to be developed. Therefore, the image forming system is provided with a dust removing means for removing dust adhering to the housing or the set portion. Is desirable.

[0398] The system of the present invention desirably includes a film drawer for drawing out the photographic film from the storage body according to each type of the storage body. A film separating means for removing a photographic film from a film cartridge or an opening means for opening a case of a film unit with a lens; a unit / cartridge separating means for separating a film cartridge from an opened film unit with a lens; A cartridge / film separating means for extracting a photographic film from a cartridge, an opening means for opening a case of a film unit with a lens, a unit / film separating means for separating a photographic film from an opened film unit with a lens, and the like. Good.

In this case, it is preferable that the film drawer is provided with a film drawer dust removing means for removing dust adhering to the film drawer as in the case of the above-mentioned setting part.

[0400] Further, by providing a film type determining means for determining whether or not the photographic film stored in the storage set in the setting section 5 is a film developable by the image forming system, different types of photographic films can be set. In the case where the determination is made so that it can be eliminated, a method of recognizing the identification information of the storage body given to the storage body and making a determination based on the identification information, a method of setting in the setting unit Pull out the photographic film from the storage container, and measure the light transmittance of the pulled out photographic film, or a method of making a determination based on the measured light transmittance, or
There is a method in which a photographic film is pulled out of a storage body set in a setting section, and a determination is made based on data representing a film type recorded in an information recording section of the pulled out photographic film.

It is desirable that the image forming system includes a user interface unit for displaying the result of determination of the film type, and notifies the user that the setting has been completed correctly or that an error has occurred. In addition,
The photographic film set and pulled out in the setting section 5 is transported to the developing section of the system. At this time, at least a part of the transport path has a dustproof structure to prevent dust from adhering to the photographic film. Is desirable.

Hereinafter, a description will be given on the assumption that the user has set a cartridge in the above-described set section and the setting has been correctly completed.

When the light-shielding shutter is closed and the film container enters the light-shielding state, the film F is pulled out from the next set cartridge, and is conveyed in the direction of arrow A by a conveying roller (not shown). On the other hand, the cartridges from which the film F has been pulled out are stacked on a predetermined stacking unit by another transport path (not shown).

[0404] On the downstream side in the transport direction, a solvent application unit 290 described later as a solvent application unit is installed, and on the downstream side, a drum 291 and a transport roller 30 are installed. After the film F has passed through the solvent application device 290,
It is guided between the lower surface of the drum 291 and the upper surface of the transport roller 30.

On the other hand, the developing member 1 has a processing member K having a layer containing a mordant for developing the film F on a support.
Is provided on a supply reel 28 wound in a roll shape.
The processing member K is transported from the supply reel 28 to the transport roller 30, and is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the transport roller 30,
It is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the drum 291 (the outer peripheral surface on the left side in FIG. 3). Further, the processing member K is wound around the transport roller 32 installed near the upper end of the drum 291 and then wound around a take-up reel 34 and stored.

After the above-described film F is guided between the lower surface of the drum 291 and the upper surface of the transport roller 30, the film F
The drum 291 is transported along the outer peripheral surface of the drum 291 while being sandwiched between the processing member K wound around and transported on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 291 and the outer peripheral surface of the drum 291. Thereby, the film F and the processing member K can be conveyed in an overlapping manner. At this time, since water is applied to the film F by the solvent applying device 290, the outer peripheral portion of the drum 291 is conveyed in a state where the film F and the processing member K are in close contact with each other without any gap.

In FIG. 3, a heating section 292 for heating the film F and the processing member K in an overlapping state is provided near the outer peripheral surface on the left side of the drum 291.
The sensor monitors whether or not the leading end of the film F has reached the end (arrow J) of the heating range (that is, the range heated by the heating unit 292) in the outer peripheral portion of the drum 291. Is controlled so that the transport of the film F and the processing member K is continued until the film F reaches the heating position. When the film F reaches the heating range, the conveyance of the film F and the processing member K is temporarily stopped, and after the heating unit 292 heats the film F and the processing member K for a predetermined time, the conveyance is restarted again.

When the overlapped film F and the processing member K reach the upper end of the drum 291, the processing member K is wound around the transport roller 32 and is separated from the film F. After the film F is peeled, a plurality of transport rollers
The document is conveyed to the reading unit 2 by 36.

Since the diameter of the transport roller 32 is considerably smaller than the diameter of the drum 291, the processing member K is wound around the transport roller 32 at the upper end of the drum 291, and the curvature of the transport path of the processing member K is increased. The radius becomes smaller. This allows
The processing member K is easily separated from the film F.

It is desirable that the used member discharged in the process of development or reading can be reused as needed by the waste material processing section 7 provided in the image forming system.

[0411] For example, it is preferable to provide means for accumulating the containers, or disassembling means for disassembling the container, and accumulating means for each member for accumulating the disassembled containers for each predetermined member. In this case, the developing service provider periodically collects the collected members, performs an inspection, and then reuses those that can be reused. Alternatively, a film refilling means for taking out the photographic film stored in the storage body and refilling the unused photographic film inside the system may be provided.

In the present image forming system, since bleaching and fixing are not performed in the developing process, silver halide, developed silver and the like remain in the developed photographic film. Therefore, it is desirable to accumulate the developed photographic film and recover the remaining silver.

As described above, in the system of the present invention, since silver halide and developed silver remain in the developed photographic film, they are not returned to the user in principle. However, if there is a request from the user for return, the photosensitive member separated from the processing member by peeling is subjected to a bleaching process or a fixing process so that the silver halide remaining on the photosensitive member and the developing agent are removed. Remove silver and return. At this time, the desilvering means may be incorporated in the system, but since the processing solution needs to be managed by incorporating the desilvering means, it is desirable to separately perform desilvering by a dedicated device.

Here, the configuration of the solvent application device 290 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. In this embodiment, water is used as the image forming solvent.

As shown in FIG. 4, the solvent application device 290 is provided with an injection tank 112 for storing water to be jetted on the film F and jetting water to the film F under the control of the development reading control unit 40 described later. I have.

[0416] A water bottle 132 for storing water to be supplied to the injection tank 112 is provided diagonally below the injection tank 112.
Is disposed, and a filter 134 for filtering water is disposed above the water bottle 132. Then, a water supply pipe 142 in which a pump 136 is arranged on the way connects the water bottle 132 and the filter 134.

Further, a sub-tank 138 for storing water sent from the water bottle 132 is disposed on the side of the injection tank 112, and this sub-tank 138 is connected to a filter 134 via a water supply pipe 144.

[0418] Therefore, when the pump 136 is operated, water is sent from the water bottle 132 to the filter 134 side, and water filtered through the filter 134 is sent to the sub-tank 138. Can be stored.

[0419] Further, a water supply pipe 146 connecting the sub tank 138 and the injection tank 112 is disposed therebetween, and a water bottle 132 is pumped from the water bottle 132 through a filter 134, a sub tank 138, a water supply pipe 146, and the like. Will be filled in the injection tank 112.

[0420] A water bottle 1
A tray 140 connected by a circulation pipe 148 is arranged at 32, and the water overflowing from the injection tank 112 is collected by the tray 140 and returned to the water bottle 132 via the circulation pipe 148. The circulation pipe 148 is connected to the sub-tank 138 so as to protrude and extend into the sub-tank 138, and returns excess water accumulated in the sub-tank 138 to the water bottle 132. Further, a nozzle plate 122 formed by bending an elastically deformable rectangular thin plate is provided at the lowermost portion of the injection tank 112 (that is, a portion facing the transport path of the film F).

In the nozzle plate 122, a plurality of nozzle holes 124 (for example, several tens μm in diameter) for injecting the water filled in the injection tank 112 intersect with the transport direction of the film F at regular intervals. The film F is arranged linearly along the direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 4) over the entire width direction of the film F.

[0422] Also, the exhaust pipe 130
The exhaust pipe 130 allows communication between the inside and the outside of the injection tank 112. Further, a valve (not shown) for opening and closing the exhaust pipe 130 is provided in the middle of the exhaust pipe 130, and the opening and closing movement of the valve allows the inside of the injection tank 112 to communicate with and close to outside air. I have.

FIG. 5 is a view showing the injection tank 112.
As shown in this figure, both ends of the nozzle plate 122 are respectively connected to a pair of lever plates 120 by bonding with an adhesive or the like, and the pair of lever plates 120 are connected to a pair of side walls 112A of the injection tank 112. Narrow support parts formed at the bottom of each
They are fixed to the pair of side walls 112A via 112B.

On the other hand, a part of a pair of top walls 112C which come into contact with each other to form the top surface of the injection tank 112 is
A plurality of piezoelectric elements 126 (for example, three on each side) are bonded and arranged below the protruding top wall 112C. The outer end side of the lever plate 120 is adhered to the lower surface of the piezoelectric element 126, and the piezoelectric element 1
26 and the lever plate 120 are connected.

Therefore, the piezoelectric element 126 and the lever 1
As shown in FIG. 6, when the outer end side of the lever plate 120 is moved downward by the piezoelectric element 126, a lever mechanism is constituted by the lever 20 and the support portion 112B. The inner end side of the plate 120 will move. This displacement is transmitted to the nozzle plate 122, and the nozzle plate 122 is also displaced,
The water in the injection tank 112 is pressurized. As a result, water in the spray tank 112 is blown out from the nozzle hole 124 toward the film F.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing for the solvent application device 290, the transport rollers, and the like.

However, in addition to temporarily stopping the transport of the film F and the processing member K as described above and thermally developing the entire film F at once by the heating unit 292, for example,
At the same time as the conveyance of the film F and the processing member K is started, heating by the heating unit 292 is started, and the film F to which water is applied by the solvent application device 290 is held at a constant speed between the processing member K and the drum 291. Heat development may be performed by heating during transportation. When the film F is nipped and conveyed at a constant speed in this manner, each frame image of the film F is heated for the same time, and thermal development can be performed successfully without causing uneven development. Further, if the heat development is performed as described above, the heating range of the heating unit 292 does not need to be configured to be large enough to cover the entire film F, and the conveyance of the film F and the processing member K is temporarily stopped or restarted. It is not necessary to perform heat development while transporting the film F.

As described later, in this image forming system, the photosensitive member is read by the scanner without removing the silver halide and the developed silver remaining on the photosensitive member separated from the processing member by peeling. Can be. In this case, in the image processing, processing for correcting the contribution of silver halide and developed silver to the image data is performed.

It goes without saying that reading may be performed after the silver halide and the developed silver remaining on the photosensitive member are removed by subjecting the photosensitive member to a bleaching process or a fixing process.

Here, in the photosensitive member used in the present image forming system, the image formed thereon is affected by the temperature. Therefore, when creating digital image data, a digital image caused by the temperature characteristic of the photosensitive member is generated. It is desirable to perform stabilization processing for reducing errors in image data.

For example, the temperature of the photosensitive member after development is obtained by directly measuring or estimating from the environmental temperature at which the photosensitive member is placed, and reading conditions for reading are determined according to the obtained temperature. Alternatively, the correspondence between the color density and the temperature of the photosensitive member is obtained in advance, the temperature of the photosensitive member at the time of reading is obtained by the same method as described above, and the data obtained by the reading is used as the correspondence and the obtained temperature. Convert based on

Alternatively, the temperature of the photosensitive member after the development may be kept constant by keeping the temperature of the photosensitive member after development.
Further, the photosensitive member after the development may be left for a predetermined time before reading, and wait until the temperature becomes constant.

(2-2) Reading Unit Next, the reading unit 2 will be described. Here, the reading unit 2
Are shown as two examples, the reading units 2a and 2b.

First, the configuration of the reading unit 2a will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIG. 8A is a view of the reading unit 2a viewed from a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the film F indicated by the arrow B. The film F developed by the developing unit 1 is transported to the reading unit 2a by a transport roller (not shown).
A predetermined reading position E sandwiched by 54 is reached. The heating section
Like the transport of the film F to the 292, the reading unit also
The sensor monitors whether or not the film F has reached the reading position E, and when the film F has reached the reading position E, the conveyance is temporarily stopped.

The reading section 2a is provided with a light source 64 for emitting light toward the reading position E. A mirror box for preventing uneven light quantity is provided on the downstream side in the light emitting direction (the direction of arrow L). 58, the diffusion plate 56 is arranged in order.

Further, a lens 50 is disposed on the downstream side beyond the transport path of the film F, and further on the downstream side,
A CCD sensor 48 for reading a transmitted image by light transmitted through the film F is provided. The lens 50 has a function of forming an image of the light transmitted through the film F on the CCD sensor 48.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the CCD sensor 48 has a B color component reading section 48B composed of a line sensor for reading the B color component of the image, and a G color component composed of a line sensor for reading the G color component. A component reading unit 48G and an R color component reading unit 48R composed of a line sensor for reading the R color component
An image formed by light transmitted through the film F passing through the reading position E is read digitally for each color component line by line.

As shown in FIG. 8A, such a CCD sensor 48 is constituted by including a microcomputer and provided to the developing / reading controller 40 for controlling various processes of the developing / reading machine 10 (shown in FIG. 3). It is connected and transmits the read image data for each color component to the development reading control unit 40. The development reading control unit 40 is provided with a floppy (registered trademark) disk drive 44, and is further connected to a magnetic disk device 42. The development reading control unit 40 performs predetermined image processing on the received image data, and then performs a floppy disk drive set in the floppy disk drive 44.
Image data can be stored in 46 or the magnetic disk device 42. Further, it is also possible to read out the image data once stored.

The reading section may use a CCD area sensor 15 that reads a two-dimensional image, like the reading section 2b shown in FIG.

The reading unit 2b shown in FIG. 9 irradiates a color image recorded on a negative film F made of a photosensitive member used in the present invention with light, and detects light transmitted through the film. Thereby, a color image can be read photoelectrically, and the light source 11, the light amount adjustment unit 12 capable of adjusting the light amount of the light emitted from the light source 11, and the light source 11
Light emitted from R (red), G (green) and B
A color separation unit 13 for separating light into three colors (blue), a diffusion unit 14 for diffusing light so that light emitted from the light source 11 is uniformly applied to the film F, and transmitted through the film F. A CCD area sensor 15 for photoelectrically detecting light and an electric zoom lens 16 for forming an image of the light transmitted through the film F on the CCD area sensor 15 are provided. The reading unit 2b can read various types of films such as 135 negative film, 135 positive film, and Advanced Photo System (APS) film by exchanging a film carrier (not shown).

A light source 11 uses a halogen lamp, and the light amount adjusting unit 12 is configured such that the light amount changes exponentially with respect to the moving distance by moving two diaphragm plates. The color separation unit 13 performs color separation into three colors in a plane sequence by rotating a disk having three filters of R, G, and B. The CCD area sensor 15 has a light receiving element of 920 pixels in length and 1380 pixels in width, and can read image information on a film with high resolution. CC
When reading a color image, the D area sensor 15 sequentially reads odd-field image data consisting of odd-line image data and even-field image data consisting of even-line image data of the photoelectrically read image. It is configured to transfer.

The reading section 2b further detects the R, G, B generated photoelectrically by the CCD area sensor 15.
Amplifier 17 for amplifying the image signal, A / D converter 280 for digitizing the image signal, and correcting the variation in sensitivity for each pixel and dark current for the image signal digitized by the A / D converter 280. CCD correction means 19 and R for processing
Log converter that converts G and B image data into density data
20, and a silver contribution correction means 233 for correcting the density value of the image data to be lower by the silver contribution as a whole so as to cancel the influence of silver halide and developed silver remaining on the photographic film. . The silver contribution correcting means 233 is connected to the interface 21.

[0443] The film F is held by the carrier 22, and the film F held by the carrier 22 is sent to a predetermined position by a driving roller 24 driven by a motor 23, and is pressed and held in a stopped state. When the reading of the color image of the frame is completed, the image is fed by one frame. As an auto carrier for handling a negative film, a carrier used in a conventional minilab such as Fujifilm NC135S is used. It is possible to read an image in a range corresponding to a print mode such as a full size, a panorama size, and an H size. In addition, when a carrier used in a conventional minilab is used as a trimming carrier, the magnification can be increased by about 1.4 times around the center. Also, as a reversal carrier, Japanese Patent Application Hei 7-271
No. 048, 7-275358, 7-275359
Nos. 7-277455 and 7-285015 are used.

The screen detection sensor 25 detects the density distribution of the color image recorded on the film F, and outputs the detected density signal to the CPU 26 which controls the reading unit 2b. The CPU 26 calculates the screen position of the color image recorded on the film F, and when determining that the screen position of the color image has reached a predetermined position,
23 is configured to stop driving.

(2-3) Option Input Unit Next, the option input unit 8 shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

The option input means 8 is provided for immersing the exposed color negative film (which may be a slide film) in a developing solution for development processing, subsequently immersing it in a bleach-fixing solution for bleach-fixing processing, and finally for washing with water. Developing machine (so-called minilab) for obtaining a color negative film on which a dye image is formed, a scanner for photoelectrically converting the developed color negative film to read image data as digital signals, and an image processing unit for reading the read digital signals. 3 is provided.

Also, a scanner as a reflection type image reading means for photoelectrically reading an input document such as a photographic print, a printed matter, a three-dimensional object, etc., and converting image data read by the scanner into a digital signal, and then processing the digital signal by image processing And a device for transmitting to the unit 3.

A communication or transmission device connected to another personal computer or the like, a digital signal of image data transmitted through the communication or transmission device is received, and a process for adapting the format is performed. Then, the digital signal is transmitted to the image processing unit 3. And a device for performing the operation.

Digital camera PC card drive, M
An O disk drive, a zip (registered trademark) disk drive, an FD drive, a CDROM drive, and a CD-R drive are installed, and a device for transmitting a digital signal read by these drives to the image processing unit 3 is provided.

Each of these devices is configured to be selectively switched and used according to a command from a user. Therefore, the selection menu of each device is displayed on a monitor or the like when necessary, and the user performs an operation of designating a desired processing unit using a keyboard or the like while checking the selection menu on the monitor. The contents of the selection operation are displayed on the monitor so that the user can confirm the contents, and the processing is sequentially performed in response to an input (for example, an OK button) indicating confirmation from the user.

(2-4) Image Processing Unit Next, the image processing unit 3 shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing section 3. As shown in this figure, the image processing unit 3 includes an interface connectable to the interface of the reading unit 2 and two adjacent pixel data of the image data generated by the reading unit 2 and transmitted for each line. A first averaging means 207 for adding and averaging the values to obtain one pixel data, and a first means for alternately storing pixel data in each line of the image data sent from the averaging means 207. The line data stored in the line buffer 208a and the second line buffer 208b and the line data stored in the line buffers 208a and 208b are transferred and recorded on the film F.
A first frame memory unit 209a, a second frame memory unit 209b, and a third frame memory unit 20 for storing image data corresponding to a frame color image or a color image recorded on one color print P
9c. Here, the first line buffer 208a and the second line buffer 208b alternately store odd-numbered pixel data of each line of image data in one line buffer and even-numbered pixel data in the other line buffer. It is configured as follows.

In the present embodiment, with respect to the film F processed by the input means of the setting section 5, the developing section 1 and the reading section 2, a reading section is applied to one frame of color image recorded on the film F. 2 and a conversion of the read image into digital image data is performed. At this time, based on the image data obtained by the pre-reading, the image processing unit 3
, The second reading to be performed next (hereinafter referred to as main reading)
Image reading conditions are set. Then, based on the set reading conditions, the reading of the color image, that is, the main reading, is executed again, whereby digital image data to be subjected to image processing for reproduction is generated. The image processing unit 3 performs such processing,
The image data obtained by the pre-read is stored in the first frame memory unit 209a, and the image data obtained by the main read is stored in the second frame memory unit 209b and the third frame memory unit 209b.
In the frame memory unit 209c.

Before describing the other components shown in FIG. 10, these frame memory units will be described in detail. FIG. 11 shows the first frame memory unit.
209a is a block diagram illustrating details of a second frame memory unit 209b and a third frame memory unit 209c. As shown in FIG. 11, the image processing unit 3
The first frame memory unit 209a and the second frame memory unit 209a process the image data generated by reading the color image.
Of the frame memory unit 209b and the third frame memory unit 209c are R (red), G (green),
R data memory 220R, G data memory 220G, and B data memory 22 for storing image data corresponding to B (blue)
0B, R data memory 221R, G data memory 221G, B data memory 221B, and R data memory 222R,
A G data memory 222G and a B data memory 222B are provided. Note that, as described above, the first frame memory unit 209a stores the image data obtained by the pre-reading, and the second and third frame memory units 209a.
9b and 209c store the image data that is actually read and stored. FIG. 11 shows that the image data obtained by prefetching is input from the input bus to the first frame memory unit 209a, and the second frame memory unit 209b 2 shows a state in which the image data stored in the output bus is output to the output bus.

The configuration of the image processing section 3 will be described again with reference to FIG. The image processing unit 3 includes a CPU 201 that controls the entire image processing unit 3. CPU 201 is a reading unit
It is configured to be able to communicate with a CPU 26b via a communication line (not shown) and to communicate with a CPU controlling the output unit 4 described later via a communication line (not shown). With this configuration, the CPU 201 changes the image reading conditions for performing the main reading of the color image based on the image data obtained by the pre-reading stored in the first frame memory unit 209a, and further reads as necessary. It is possible to change image processing conditions for image processing to be performed on a subsequent image.

That is, based on the image data obtained by the pre-reading, the CPU 201 sets the image reading conditions for the main reading so that the dynamic range of the CCD area sensor 15 or the CCD line sensor 48 can be used efficiently at the time of the main reading. Is determined, and a reading control signal is output to the development reading control unit 40 of the reading unit 2a or the CPU 26 of the reading unit 2b. At this time, when the development control unit 40 of the reading unit 2a or the CPU 26 of the reading unit 2b receives the read control signal,
Light intensity and CCD adjusted by light intensity adjustment unit 12
The accumulation time of the area sensor 15 or the CCD line sensor 48 is controlled. At the same time, based on the obtained image data, the CPU 201 executes a first image processing unit and a second image processing unit, which will be described later, so that a color image having an optimum density, gradation, and color tone can be reproduced on color paper. A control signal for changing image processing conditions such as image processing parameters by the processing means is output to the first image processing means and the second image processing means as necessary. At this time, the CPU 201
The image reading conditions or image processing conditions determined by are stored in the memory 202.

When the CPU 201 performs the above control, if the image reading condition or the image processing condition is held by the instruction of the user, the CPU 201 does not determine the condition based on the pre-read image data as described above. And outputs various control signals based on the held conditions. When the user sets various conditions using an input device such as a keyboard 205 and further instructs to hold these conditions, these conditions are stored in the memory 202, and thereafter, when the user instructs to release the holding of these conditions, The condition stored in the memory 202 becomes invalid. Therefore, CPU 20
In performing the above-described control, 1 first refers to the conditions stored in the memory 202, and if the conditions are stored, the conditions are followed.If not, the pre-read image data is used. These conditions are determined based on the conditions. It is not always necessary to hold such conditions in large units such as image reading conditions or image processing conditions, and more detailed conditions such as storing or referring to the above conditions in the memory 202 when storing the above conditions are used. For example, the setting of the saturation may be maintained, and the sharpness may be set using an automatically determined condition.

Next, the image data generated by the image reading unit 2 is input to the image processing unit 3 through the interface and stored in the first to third frame memory units. The processing performed on this will be described in detail.

As described above, the image data obtained by pre-reading is used exclusively for determining image reading conditions for main reading and image processing conditions in image processing after reading. Therefore, the image data obtained by pre-reading may have a smaller data amount than image data obtained for the purpose of performing image processing for reproduction, that is, image data obtained by main reading. In the present embodiment, as described below,
Based on the image data obtained by the pre-reading, the user reproduces the color image on the CRT 204 and observes the reproduced color image so that the user can set image processing conditions,
Alternatively, it is configured such that the condition can be held so as to be applied to the subsequent reproduction. Therefore, the data amount of image data obtained by prefetching is C
It is sufficient that the data amount is sufficient to reproduce a color image on the RT 204. In the present embodiment, the data amount obtained by prefetching is reduced and stored in the first frame memory unit 209a.

[0460] For example, in the reading unit 2b,
The CCD area sensor 15 is configured to transfer only the image data of the odd field or the even field, so that the data amount of the image data to be read is reduced by half compared to the case of the main reading.

Further, the averaging means of the image processing section 3
207 adds and averages two adjacent pixel data values of the image data sent for each line to obtain one pixel data, thereby reducing the number of pixel data of each line of the image data to 1 / 2. At the time of pre-reading, only one of the pixel data of the odd-numbered line and the even-numbered line of the image data in which the number of pixel data has been reduced to 加 算 by the averaging operation
Line buffer 208a and second line buffer 208b
, The number of lines of image data is reduced to １ ／. That is, one of the pixel data of the odd line and the even line is
Line buffer 208a and second line buffer 208b
And the other is not transferred to the line buffers 208a and 208b, thereby reducing the number of lines of image data to に. At this time, the odd-numbered pixel data of each line transferred to the line buffers 208a and 208b is stored in one of the first line buffer 208a and the second line buffer 208b.
The even-numbered pixel data of each line is stored in the other of the first line buffer 208a and the second line buffer 208b. Therefore, each line buffer 208a, 208b
, The pixel data of every other odd line or even line is stored.

Further, only the image data stored in one of the first line buffer 208a and the second line buffer 208b (that is, only every other pixel data) is stored in the first frame memory unit 209a. Thus, the number of pixel data in each line is further reduced to half. As a result, finally, the number of pixel data of the image data obtained by the pre-reading is reduced to 1/16 and stored in the first frame memory unit 209a.

At the time of pre-reading, as described above,
Since the number of pixel data in the image data is reduced, the second image data for storing the image data obtained by the main reading is stored.
The frame memory unit 209b and the third frame memory unit 209c store image data obtained by reading a color image of one frame recorded on the film F or a color image recorded on one color print P. However, the first frame memory unit 209a for storing image data obtained by prefetching is much larger than the second frame memory unit 209b and the third frame memory unit 209c. The one having a small capacity is used.

Next, as described above, the image processing section for performing image processing on the image data stored in the second frame memory unit 209b and the third frame memory unit 209c as a result of the actual reading. The third component will be described.

The image processing unit 3 converts the image data stored in the second frame memory unit 209b and the third frame memory unit 209c into a color image on the final support at a desired density, gradation and color tone. Stored in the first image processing means 213a (FIG. 12) and the first frame memory unit 209a which perform image processing such as gradation correction, color conversion, density conversion, etc. by a look-up table or matrix operation so that they can be reproduced. With the desired image quality
A look-up table and a matrix operation are used so that a color image can be reproduced on a CRT screen described later.
Second to perform image processing such as gradation correction, color conversion, and density conversion
Image processing means 213b. The second frame memory unit 209b and the third frame memory unit 20
The output of 9c is connected to a selector 214, and the selector 214 selectively converts the image data stored in one of the second frame memory unit 209b and the third frame memory unit 209c into the first image processing means 213a. It is configured to be inputted to.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing details of the first image processing means 213a. As shown in FIG. 12, the first image processing unit 213a includes a color density gradation conversion unit 230 for converting density data, color data, and gradation data of image data, and a color density conversion unit 230 for converting saturation data of image data. Degree conversion means 231, gamma correction means 232, digital magnification conversion means 234 for converting the number of pixel data of image data, frequency processing means 235 for performing frequency processing on image data, dynamic range conversion for converting the dynamic range of image data Means 236 and a D / A converter 237.
Each of these conversion means is configured so that each processing means operates at the same time, and the next processing is performed after the operation is completed, as usually called a pipeline processing, so that high-speed processing is possible. I have.

The image processing means 213a shown in FIG. 12 can perform not only processing such as gradation correction, color conversion, and density conversion, but also the processing described in Japanese Patent Application No. 7-337510.
A process for simultaneously improving the sharpness while suppressing the graininess of the film can be performed. In addition, an automatic dodging process that provides good image reproduction can be applied to an image having a large contrast between light and dark as shown in Japanese Patent Application No. 7-165965.

[0468] The first image processing means 213a is connected to the data synthesizing means 216 in FIG.
The combined data memory 217 is connected. The composite data memory 217 includes an R data memory, a G data memory, and a B data memory for storing image data such as graphics and characters corresponding to R (red), G (green), and B (blue). The color image recorded on F is combined with image data obtained by reading, and the output unit 4 described later outputs
Image data such as figures and characters to be combined with the color image when the color image is reproduced is stored on the final support. The data synthesizing unit 216 is connected to an interface with the output unit 4.

In addition, the image processing unit 3 includes a first frame memory unit 209a and a second frame memory unit 209a.
A data bus is provided separately from the input bus and the output bus of the third frame memory unit 209b and the CPU which controls the entire image processing unit.
201, a memory 202 storing an operation program of the CPU 201 or data relating to image processing conditions, a hard disk 203 capable of storing and storing image data, a CRT 20
4, a keyboard 205, a communication port 206 connected to another color image reproduction system via a communication line, and a C of the reading unit 2b.
A communication line with the PU 26 or the like is connected.

Here, the flow of processing from reading to image processing is represented by a flowchart as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the image processing unit 3 accepts various inputs from the user when performing various image processing on the read image data as well as adjusting the reading conditions. For this reason, the processed image after the image processing is displayed on a monitor or the like at any time, so that the user can confirm the finish. Since the colors and gradations considered to be preferable are different for each user, the user uses the keyboard or the like to specify, for example, a slightly brighter color while checking the image on the monitor. After changing the processing conditions based on the above, the image processing is performed again and the processed image is displayed on the monitor.

[0472] The user can also select only the image to be output from the displayed processed images. Furthermore, input such as designation of trimming is also accepted, and the image processing unit 3
Is an image that has been processed at any time (such as an image that has been trimmed)
Is displayed on the monitor so that the user can confirm it, and the process is sequentially performed in response to an input (for example, an OK button) indicating the confirmation from the user.

It is desirable that the contents of the above-described image processing be different depending on the photographing conditions, the film-specific information of the photographic film, the picture pattern and the gradation of the image data, and the like.

Image processing performed in the image forming system includes, for example, noise reduction processing, image data expansion or reduction processing, image data dynamic range compression or expansion processing, sharpness enhancement processing,
Any processing that can be performed on digital image data, such as color, gradation, and density correction file output and data compression processing for transfer, can be considered.

[0474] The image processing unit 3 also accepts an input of an output destination designation, and a CPU provided in the designated output destination device.
The processed image data is transferred to. Hereinafter, the four output modes shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13 will be described in detail.

(2-5) File Output The digital image data created in the image processing section is stored on a hard disk, transferred via communication means, or written on a predetermined medium via a media drive. . Image data to be output to a file may be compressed.

As the type of the output medium, for example, Ph
autoCD, MO, ZIP (registered trademark), etc.
One system has multiple types of media drives. A plurality of media drives of the same type are provided, respectively, so that processing can be performed in parallel.

(2-6) Print Output As described above, the image forming system shown as the embodiment here is used as a means for print output as an electrophotographic laser printer, an ink jet printer, a sublimation printer, and a Fuji photographic film. An example of a system equipped with three types of digital printers, such as Pictography 3000 manufactured by Co., Ltd., which records an image on a heat-developable photosensitive member, superimposes the image on a photoreceptor, and heat-develops and transfers to create a print. is there. In such a system, it is preferable that the printer can be selectively used according to a user's instruction. Hereinafter, each printer will be specifically described.

Electrophotographic Printer First, the formation of a color image by the electrophotographic system will be described. As a method of forming a full-color continuous tone image such as a photograph by an electrophotographic method, there is a so-called intensity modulation method of forming a latent image by modulating the intensity of a laser beam applied to a photoconductor in accordance with an image density and developing the toner. There is known a so-called area modulation method in which a continuous tone image is represented by binarized dots and the dot density is changed in accordance with the image density.

In this example, these two methods were applied. FIG. 14 shows image signal processing for image output in the intensity modulation method and the area modulation method. In the case of the intensity modulation method, an image signal subjected to image processing and D / A conversion as shown by reference numeral (b) in FIG.
244 is used as an input signal to the laser
Through the M light modulator 244, the intensity is modulated according to the image density signal. The intensity-modulated laser light is applied to a polygon mirror 24.
5. The photosensitive member is irradiated through the fθ lens 246 and the reflection mirror 247 to form an electrostatic latent image having a continuous surface potential on the photosensitive member.

On the other hand, in the case of the area modulation method using a line screen implemented in the present embodiment, as shown in a specific example of the screen generator in FIG. The comparator 242 compares the triangular wave signal generated from the triangular wave generator 241 in synchronization with the signal from the clock generator 240 with the image signal subjected to the image processing and the D / A conversion. A line screen image signal having a corresponding pulse width is formed. The laser light pulse-width modulated by this signal is applied to the photoreceptor by a polygon mirror 245, an fθ lens 246, and a reflection mirror device.
Irradiated through 247, an electrostatic latent image having a discrete surface potential is formed on the photoreceptor. In the present embodiment, a triangular wave is used to form a line screen. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a signal having a sine wave or a waveform similar thereto may be generated.

In particular, in this embodiment, the screen generator for each color has a raster pitch of 400 in the sub-scanning direction.
It outputs an image signal based on a line screen equivalent to lines / inch, but the timing of line clock generation from the line clock generator 240 differs for each screen component of each color component. The screen angles are set to be different from each other while the screen pitches of the screens are substantially equal.

That is, in this embodiment, in the screen generator for the single-color image forming unit for generating the yellow image (Y), as shown in FIG. 15, when the screen angle is 45 ° when the main scanning direction is 0 °. A line screen having a screen pitch of 188 lines / inch is set, and a screen generator for a single-color image forming unit for generating a magenta image (M) has a screen angle of main scanning as shown in FIG. A line screen is set at 63.5 ° when the direction is 0 ° and the screen pitch is 224 lines / inch. A screen generator for a single-color image forming unit that generates a cyan image (C) is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, when the screen angle is 0 ° in the main scanning direction,
A line screen having a screen pitch of 224 lines / inch at 63.5 ° is set, and a screen generator for a single-color image forming unit that generates a black image (K) has a screen angle as shown in FIG. Is a line screen which is 90 ° when the main scanning direction is 0 ° and the screen pitch is 200 lines / inch.

More specifically, the line screen for the black image (K) is a commonly used 200-line screen.
It has a basic structure of 0 °.

The line screen for the yellow image (Y) is the same as the line screen in the main scanning direction, which is 133 lines.
The line screen is 90 ° (the pitch width is 1.5 times larger than the 200-line screen), and the line screen for each line is １ ／ of the 133-line 90 ° line screen pitch (in other words, the basic structure). (Corresponding to 1/2 of the 200-line line screen pitch), and raster scanning is performed. As a result, a 188 line 45 ° line screen is obtained.

[0485] Furthermore, the line screen for the magenta image (M) is a line screen which is the source in the main scanning direction.
The basic structure is 90 ° line, and the line screen for each line is shifted by １ ／ of the line screen pitch of the above basic structure and raster-scanned. As a result, 224 lines 63.5 ° As a line screen with the number of lines and the screen angle.

[0486] Furthermore, the line screen of the cyan image (C) is the same as the line screen that is the source in the main scanning direction.
It has a basic structure of 90 ° lines, and the line screen for each line is shifted by ／ of the line screen pitch of the above basic structure to perform raster scanning. As a result, 224 lines, −63. Obtained as a line screen with 5 ° lines and screen angle.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an electrophotographic color printer implemented in this embodiment. Also, FIG.
19 schematically shows an image forming process in the printer shown in FIG.

In the illustrated electrophotographic color printer, the photosensitive drum 254 having the photoconductor 250 provided on the peripheral surface is rotated by the toner image forming means disposed on the peripheral surface while being rotated in the direction of the arrow. A toner image is formed. The toner image forming unit includes a charger 251, an exposure unit 252, a developing unit 253, a drum drying unit 257, a static eliminator 298, a cleaning unit 248, along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 254.
An erase lamp 27 (eraser) is provided.

[0489] The exposure section 252 is, for example, a semiconductor laser,
A laser light source 252a such as a He-Ne laser, a light modulator 252b such as an AOM (acousto-optic light modulator) for intensity-modulating a light beam (laser beam) emitted from the laser light source, and modulated light. To reflect and deflect the beam,
The direction of rotation on the photosensitive drum 254 (the direction of the arrow)
And a scanning lens 252d composed of an fθ lens that focuses the light beam on the photosensitive drum 254 to a uniform beam diameter.

Here, the light modulator 252b is used only when outputting an image by the above-mentioned intensity modulation method, and when outputting an image by the area modulation method, the laser beam is applied to the light modulator 252b. Can be switched by a method not shown so as not to pass through.

The developing device 253 may be any developing device capable of developing the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 250 with toner. For example, the developing device 253 is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-62014 filed by the present applicant. Liquid developing device can be used.

In this embodiment, a liquid developer (liquid toner) in which fine toner particles having electric charge are dispersed in an insulating carrier liquid is used as the toner, but the present invention is not limited to this. Dry toner may be used.

Here, when forming a color image, Y
(Yellow) toner developing device 253Y, M (magenta) developing device 253M, and C (cyan) developing device 253C, or a four-color developing device including a B (black) developing device 253B. It is configured so that it can be replaced one after another.

[0494] The drying means 257 rotates at a high speed in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 254 in a non-contact manner to scrape the insulating liquid adhered to the photoconductor 250 together with the toner particles. A blade 257b for scraping off the insulating liquid scraped off by the roller, and can remove most of the insulating liquid; however, hot air for drying the toner image on the squeeze roller 257a and the photoconductor 250 or It has a dryer 257c for supplying hot air. Provide multiple dryers 257c, squeeze roller
The drying of 257a and the drying of the toner image on the photoconductor 250 may be separately used.

[0495] The static eliminator 298 is an AC corona static eliminator, which charges the photosensitive drum with an AC corona to eliminate the charge of the photosensitive drum, thereby making the surface potential of the photosensitive drum zero.

The cleaning means 248 cleans the photoconductor 250 of the photoreceptor drum after the transfer, and includes a cleaning liquid CL such as an insulating carrier liquid used for the liquid developer.
And a pressing roller for pressing the flexible substrate 248a against the surface of the photoconductor 250 of the photosensitive drum 254 and impregnating the flexible substrate 248a with the cleaning liquid CL.
248b and a first roller for unwinding an unused flexible substrate 248a
248c and a second roller 24 for winding the used flexible substrate
8d, a tension roller (not shown), a dryer 248e for drying the surface of the cleaned photoconductor 250, and known driving means (not shown). Clean outer surfaces.

[0497] The erasing lamp 27 is for irradiating the photosensitive drum with light in order to completely remove charges from the photosensitive drum.

In this embodiment, since the toner image on the photoconductor 250 of the photosensitive drum 254 is 100% completely transferred to the adhesive layer on the intermediate transfer member described later, the cleaning means
Although it is not necessary to provide 248, it is preferable to provide 248 in order to always provide a clean photoconductor surface before uniform charging.

[0499] The adhesive transfer means 256 is moved in the direction of arrow B by a known means to compress the photoconductor 250 around the photosensitive drum 254, and is moved in the direction B 'to move the photoconductor 250. Transfer roller 255, which can be separated from the belt, and strip-shaped release paper or release film (hereinafter, referred to as
Release sheet 296), and the image receiving sheet 26 having the above-mentioned adhesive layer serving as an intermediate transfer member on the opposite side.
6, and a nip roller 258 for nipping the image receiving sheet 266 adhered to the release sheet 296 sent from the image receiving sheet supply roller 263.
and a release sheet take-up roller 264 that winds up the release sheet 296 peeled off from the image receiving sheet 266 at the position sandwiched by a and 258b.

[0500] Downstream of the transfer roller 255, a support stocker 261 for storing a support having a toner receiving layer with the toner receiving layer facing upward, as means for retransfer to the support,
A support delivery roller 260 provided in the vicinity of the outlet of the support stocker 261 and the delivered support are sucked, and the toner receiving layer on the support and the toner image of the adhesive layer of the image receiving sheet face each other at the same time. A pair of thermocompression transfer rollers 259a and 259b for thermocompression transfer of the support holding belt 295 that conveys the support for superimposition and the support superimposed on the image receiving sheet, and the thermocompression-transferred support A nip roller for nipping the image receiving sheet, a nip roller for nipping and transporting a support on which only the toner image has been transferred to the toner receiving layer in the nip roller, an extraction guide 299 for taking out the support on which the toner image T is formed; rear,
Image receiving sheet 266 consisting of an adhesive layer and a substrate for reuse
And an image receiving sheet take-up roller 262 for taking up the image.

Then, the thermocompression transfer rollers 259a, 25
Each of the components 9b has a heat source therein and is heated to a predetermined temperature, and is driven to rotate in a direction indicated by an arrow by driving means (not shown).

In the example shown in FIG. 19, a release sheet 296 for protecting the adhesive layer of the image receiving sheet 266 is used.
If the back surface of the image receiving sheet 266 has a release property, the release sheet 296 may not be necessarily used. When the release sheet 296 is used during supply, the used image receiving sheet 266 is used.
A release sheet supply roller for sandwiching the release sheet 296 between the rolls may be provided.

The configuration of the rollers from supply to take-up of the image receiving sheet 266 may be, for example, an endless shape or an image receiving sheet 26 in consideration of reuse of the image receiving sheet 266.
Various configurations can be considered such as reusing the image receiving sheet 6 by reversing the image receiving sheet supply roller 263 and the image receiving sheet winding roller 262.

Here, the intermediate transfer member having an adhesive layer used in the present embodiment is provided with an adhesive layer for temporarily supporting a toner image on a substrate, and has a shape of a sheet, a tape, a tape, or the like. Either a film or a cylindrical drum may be used. The substrate used here is not particularly limited as long as it has a function as a support of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, that is, as long as the pressure-sensitive adhesive is firmly adhered to the substrate, for example, a thickness of about 10 to 300 μm. Paper sheets, polyethylene terephthalate films and the like can be used.

The adhesive layer of the intermediate transfer member used in this embodiment is particularly important. (I) The toner image formed on the photoconductor of the photosensitive drum is completely 100% intermediate. (Ii) 100% complete re-transfer of the toner image transferred on the adhesive layer onto the final support, (ii)
i) When performing the processes (i) and (ii) a plurality of times, it is preferable to have a function that the same adhesive layer is repeatedly used to perform the processes a plurality of times.

The pressure-sensitive adhesive for forming such a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is composed of a urethane (meth) acrylic resin as a main component and a non-adhesive acrylic ester copolymer of acrylic rubber or a saturated polyester resin. Or a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition obtained by blending a fluorine-based additive.

The urethane (meth) acrylic resin as the main component of the pressure-sensitive adhesive has an acrylic monomer, acrylic oligomer, methacrylic monomer or methacrylic oligomer having a (meth) acryloyl group at a terminal or a side chain of a molecule and having a polyurethane main chain. It is.

Acrylic rubber, which is a non-adhesive component used in the above-mentioned pressure-sensitive adhesive, is a polymer containing an acrylate ester as a main component, and is particularly excellent in heat resistance, aging resistance and weather resistance, and is soluble in organic solvents. Is also good. Saturated polyester resins are also excellent in weather resistance, wear resistance, adhesiveness, and the like. Further, by adding a crosslinking agent such as isocyanate to the non-adhesive component, these properties can be further improved. In addition, these non-adhesive components may optionally contain a tackifier such as rosin, terpene resin, or hydrocarbon resin.

The above pressure-sensitive adhesive may further contain a fluorine-based additive. This fluorine additive is intended to improve the releasability of the toner image transferred to the final support at the time of retransfer from the adhesive layer, and may not necessarily be contained, but is included in order to facilitate complete transfer. It is preferred to tighten. As such a fluorine-based additive, for example, 3
Examples thereof include a fluorinated ethylene polymer, a tetrafluoroethylene polymer, and a fluorinated surfactant.

In the above-mentioned pressure-sensitive adhesive, these components are used in an appropriate ratio. The compounding ratio is usually 50 to 90 parts by weight of the urethane (meth) acrylic resin per 10 to 50 parts by weight of the non-adhesive component. Parts and fluorine resin 0-40
It is good to use parts by weight. In the case of a fluorine-based resin or a fluorine-based polymer compound, the amount is preferably 0 to 40 parts by weight, and in the case of a fluorine-based surfactant or a fluorine-based low-molecular compound, it is preferably 0 to 5 parts by weight.

This pressure-sensitive adhesive composition can be obtained by uniformly mixing the respective components according to a conventional method. At this time, a crosslinking agent, a plasticizer, a filler, and the like can be appropriately blended.

The pressure-sensitive adhesive composition thus obtained was applied to a film substrate as a solid so as to have a thickness of 5 to 20 μm to form a pressure-sensitive adhesive film, pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet. Intermediate transfer member.

The intermediate transfer member having the above-mentioned pressure-sensitive adhesive layer can completely and completely transfer the toner image from the photoconductor to the final support after 100% adhesive transfer. After the transfer, it can be repeatedly used for adhesive transfer and complete retransfer.

As such a pressure-sensitive adhesive, for example, the pressure-sensitive adhesive disclosed in Examples of JP-A-4-81786 can be mentioned, but the present invention is not limited to this.

In the final support used in this example, the toner image transferred to the adhesive layer was thermocompression-bonded to the final support, and then the final support and the adhesive layer were peeled off at an appropriate temperature. Any method can be used as long as the toner image can be completely re-transferred onto the final support. These supports may be transparent or opaque.For example, if the film is a transparent film, a negative or positive print image for transmitted light can be formed.
A printed image for reflected light can be formed. As the final support used in this example, typically, Xerox
(Registered trademark) OHP sheets, lux-coated paper (Mitsubishi Paper Corp.), enamel-coated paper (Oji Paper Corp.), plain paper such as Xerox (registered trademark) paper, and the like.

Such a support has some kind of toner receiving layer for firmly fixing the toner image to the final support. Xerox (registered trademark) as the toner receiving layer
The surface of the support may be simply irregularities formed from paper fibers, such as plain paper, or a substance that improves the adhesion to toner, such as coated paper or a coated film. May be applied or layered.

In this embodiment, increasing the adhesion between the toner and the final support is an indispensable condition for retransfer. Therefore, as described above, the final support firmly places a toner image on its surface. It is more preferable to have a toner image receiving layer for fixing.

[0518] The photoconductor disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum used in this embodiment can be uniformly charged by corona discharge or the like, and can be accurately imaged by irradiation with a light beam carrying image information. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to information can be formed, and even a continuous tone image can be formed into a toner image by a liquid developer. When an adhesive layer on a substrate is pressed, toner can be easily removed. An a-Si (amorphous silicon) photoconductor whose surface is coated with SiC (silicon carbide), which is a photoconductor that can be peeled off, is preferable. In addition, an organic photoconductor (OPC), a selenium photoreceptor, a selenium alloy photoreceptor, a cadmium sulfide photoreceptor, a composite multilayer photoreceptor thereof, or the like may be used as long as the above conditions are satisfied.

The liquid developer used to form a toner image in this embodiment is composed of a pigment, a coating agent, a dispersant, a fixing agent, a charge control agent, and an insulating carrier liquid. The present invention is not limited to this without departing from the spirit of the invention.

As the pigment, many known inorganic pigments and organic pigments including carbon black can be used.

[0521] The insulating carrier liquid may have an electric resistance of 1010 to prevent leakage of the electrostatic latent image.
Any material having a dielectric constant of Ωcm or more and having a low dielectric constant and having no toxicity and which does not violate the photoreceptor may be used. For example, normal paraffinic, isoparaffinic, olefinic and naphtha-based liquid hydrocarbons or those containing aromatic hydrocarbons Any of these can be used. More preferably, there are Isobar G, Isobar H, Isobar L, Solvesso, etc., which are commercially available from Esso Standards Co., Ltd., and these may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The coating agent is used to coat the pigment particles. In this embodiment, the coating agent is compatible with the above-mentioned toner receiving layer of the final support, and is formed on the photoconductor. When an adhesive layer provided on a substrate is pressed against a toner image to perform adhesive transfer while peeling off the toner image from the photoconductor, 100% of the toner image on the photoconductor is completely transferred onto the adhesive film. Is an important factor.

Preferred coating polymers are described in
JP-A-81786 discloses a styrene-butadiene copolymer, a methyl methacrylate-stearyl methacrylate copolymer, and an ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Not something.

The dispersant may be any as long as it prevents the toner particles from aggregating and settling in the insulating carrier liquid, and a known dispersant may be used. The charge control agent is adsorbed on the toner particles in the carrier liquid,
It determines the charge polarity and charge amount of the toner particles, and may be a known charge control agent such as an organic metal salt soluble in a carrier liquid, linseed oil or a synthetic resin having an electron donating or electron accepting polar group. The fixing agent is for improving the fixability of the toner image, and basically needs to be attached to the toner particles in the developing solution. Therefore, in the present embodiment, like the coating agent, It is an important factor.

[0525] The term "coating agent" used herein refers to a coating agent including both a coating agent and a fixing agent attached to toner particles.

Next, a process of forming a print image will be described with reference to FIG. In the printer shown in FIG. 19, when an image is recorded on the photoconductor drum 254, the photoconductor 250 is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. Two
20A relative to 51, and the
As shown in FIG. Uniformly charged photoconductor
In 250, laser light modulated according to the image signal,
The light is irradiated through an optical deflector and an fθ lens.

In FIG. 20 (b), in order to clarify the state of exposure, a portion to be irradiated with a light beam has no mask, and a portion to which no light beam is irradiated has a mask. Is shown.

The light beam is deflected by the above-mentioned deflection to make the photoconductor 25.
0 is scanned one-dimensionally (main scanning) and the photosensitive drum 2
The sub-scanning of the light beam is made by rotating 54,
Eventually, the photoconductor 250 is two-dimensionally scanned by the light beam. As described above, this light beam is modulated based on the image signal, and therefore, an electrostatic latent image of the image carried by the image signal is formed on the photoconductor 250 irradiated with the light beam as shown in FIG. It is formed as shown in FIG.

This electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 253 in FIG.
The toner image is developed as shown in FIG. This developer
A liquid developer 253 is formed by dispersing charged fine toner particles 265 in an insulating carrier liquid.
The electrostatic latent image is developed with toner by causing toner particles 265 to adhere to photoconductor 250 by electrostatic attraction.

The toner image thus formed on the photosensitive drum 254 further rotates in the direction of the arrow, and the drum drying means 25
Dried by 7.

[0531] On the other hand, the image receiving sheet 266 is
The sheet 63 is fed out from 63 in a state of being adhered to the strip-shaped release sheet 296, peeled off from the release sheet 296 at a position sandwiched by the nip rollers 258 a and 258 b, and the peeled release sheet 296 is released from the release sheet take-up roller 264. Is wound up. Then, the image receiving sheet 266 from which the release sheet 296 has been peeled is suspended around the transfer roller 255 with the adhesive layer as the outer periphery.

If it is detected or determined by a known means that the toner-developed portion on the photoconductor 250 has been sent to a position immediately before the position facing the transfer roller 255, the photosensitive member has been detected. The transfer roller 255 separated from the drum 254 moves in the direction B so as to press against the photosensitive drum 254. When the transfer roller 255 moves as described above, the transfer roller 255 is driven to rotate by the photosensitive drum 254, and the image receiving sheet 266 suspended there is moved to the position shown in FIG.
The adhesive layer 267 side is pressed against the photoconductor 250 as shown in FIG.

At this time, toner particles 26 forming a toner image
5 and the photoconductor 250, the adhesive layer 267 and the toner particles 2
If the adhesive force between the toner particles 265 and the toner particles 265 is smaller than the adhesive force between the toner particles 265 and the toner particles 265, the adhesive layer 267 of the image receiving sheet 266 can be easily and completely peeled off by lightly pressing the adhesive layer 267. Adhesive layer 26 of image receiving sheet 266
It is transferred to 7. Thus, 100% of the toner image on the photoconductor 250 is adhesively transferred to the adhesive layer 267 of the image receiving sheet 266 as shown in FIG.

Then, the transfer roller 255 moves in the direction B 'and separates from the photosensitive drum 254. The image receiving sheet 266 on which the toner image on the photoconductor 250 is adhesively transferred is fed between the heated thermocompression rollers 259a and 259b, and as shown in FIG. The support 269 having the toner receiving layer 268 sent out at the same time is bonded so that the adhesive layer 267 and the toner receiving layer 268 face each other. The image receiving sheet 266 and the support 269 which are in a state of being adhered to each other,
259b, and then conveyed while being cooled.

During this time, the toner 265 is melted by thermocompression bonding to fuse the toner particles with each other, and at the same time, for example, enters the unevenness and is firmly fixed in the toner receiving layer 268 of the support 269. The cohesive force increases, and the adhesive force between the fixed toner 265 and the support 269 increases. When the toner receiving layer 268 of the support 269 has a substance that increases the toner adhesion by thermocompression bonding or the like, the adhesion further increases.

The heating temperature and pressure may be appropriately determined according to the toner, the adhesive layer, the final support, and the like. The heating temperature must be at least the softening point of the coating polymer of the toner. The temperature is preferably from 120 to 150 ° C., and the pressure is from 0.05 kg / cm 2 to 0.8 kg / cm.
2 is preferred.

[0537] Thereafter, the image receiving sheets 266 adhered to each other.
And the final support 269 are peeled off. At this time, the adhesive force between the toner 265 and the adhesive layer 267 needs to be smaller than the cohesive force between the toners and the adhesive force between the toner 265 and the final support 269. Subsequent cooling or cooling by the nip roller needs to be suitably determined. The temperature for cooling by the nip roller may be appropriately determined according to the toner, the adhesive layer, the final support, and the like, and is preferably from 80 ° C to 120 ° C.

After the heat fixing and cooling, as shown in FIG. 20 (g), the toner image on the adhesive layer 267 of the image receiving sheet 266 becomes 100%.
% Is completely peeled off to the image receiving sheet 266 having the adhesive layer 267 transferred to the toner receiving layer 268 of the support 269, and to the final support 269 having the transferred toner image fixed on the toner receiving layer 268. The image receiving sheet 266 is wound around the winding roller 262 for reuse.

On the other hand, the support 269 having the toner image is transported to a predetermined position while being held on the support carrying belt, and waits until the transfer of the second color toner image.
After the second color toner image is formed on the photoreceptor in the same manner as described above, the toner image is adhesively transferred onto an image receiving sheet as an intermediate transfer body.
It is conveyed toward the heat roller for the second transfer to the support. The support 269 is conveyed and sent at a timing so that the second color toner image on the image receiving sheet 266 overlaps the first color toner image, and is nipped by being superimposed on the image receiving sheet 266 by a heat roller. As a result, the second color toner image is transferred onto the first color toner image on the support 269 in an overlapping manner. The support having the toner image of the second color is conveyed to a predetermined position while being held on the support carrying belt in the same manner as described above, and waits for the next transfer of the toner image. In the case of a color image consisting of three or four colors, a full-color image is formed by repeating the above operation three or four times.

In the example shown in FIG. 19, the adhesive layer 267
The image receiving sheet 266 having the following structure is configured to be wound up after use and provided for reuse, but is not limited thereto.After using the image receiving sheet 266, the image receiving sheet supply roller 263 is wound up, and the image receiving sheet is removed. The used image receiving sheet may be returned to a predetermined position and immediately reused, and may be used a required number of times, for example, until it cannot be reused.

In any of the above-described image forming methods, after the toner image is transferred by adhesion, the photoconductor 250 is neutralized by the neutralizer 298 and, if necessary, is cleaned by the cleaning means 248 to form the next toner image. It can be used for

As described above, a color image corresponding to the image signal is formed on the support 269. The image created by the method of the present embodiment was of high image quality comparable to a conventional silver halide photograph.

In the above embodiment, an image receiving sheet having an adhesive layer on the surface was used as the intermediate transfer member. However, as shown in FIG. 21 (shown in JP-A-5-341666), a conductive film was used. 270 wound around the intermediate transfer drum
Is disposed opposite to the photosensitive drum having the toner image, and the toner image on the photosensitive member is electrostatically transferred onto the conductive film by applying a potential of the opposite polarity of the toner charge to the conductive film. And a method of transferring it to a support again can be cited as a preferred example of the present invention. Also,
As shown in FIG. 22 (JP-B-49-209, JP-A-62-209)
206567), the toner image on the photoreceptor is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 271.
A method of retransferring the unfixed toner image to the support again can be mentioned as a preferred example of the present invention. Further, as shown in FIG. 23 (disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-179545), toner images corresponding to each color separated into three or four colors are formed on a plurality of photosensitive drums, respectively. The present invention also provides a method of electrostatically transferring the toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 271 so that the toner images of each color overlap well, and further retransfers the full-color toner image onto the support so as to overlap well. Can be cited as a preferable example.

In the embodiments described above, the latent image on the photoreceptor is visualized using liquid toner. However, the present invention is not limited to liquid toner, and dry toner may be used as a preferable toner. .

Next, an ink jet printer which is also used as a means for print output will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0546] The ink jet printer includes a control unit (gradation recording control unit), a recording unit including a recording head and a drive signal generating unit, and a paper feeding and conveying unit.

As shown in FIG. 24, this ink jet printer receives the image data sent from the image processing unit 3 in the control unit 272, performs image processing on the density information in the image data, and performs gradation recording. The driving signal generator 273 generates a signal for driving the recording head 274.

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the recording section 2 of an ink jet printer having a plurality of recording heads 274. For example, if the ink colors used are four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and the respective color densities are two levels of shading, the number of ink tanks and recording heads is eight.

[0549] Inks are supplied from the ink tanks 275 containing the respective density inks to the respective density recording heads 274 via the ink pipes 276. Density recording heads 274 of each color are fixed on a carriage 277 that slides on a shaft 278 fixed in parallel with the recording paper, parallel, equidistant, at the same height, perpendicular to the recording paper surface, and equidistant.

When the carriage 277 on which the recording head 274 is mounted slides (main scans) on the shaft 278, a driving signal corresponding to the recording information is sent to each density recording head 274 via a driving signal cable. In response to the drive signal, ink droplets are ejected from the recording head 274, and a dot pattern is recorded on the recording paper conveyed from the paper supply unit onto the platen roller 279. Each density recording head 274
Since the drive signal is sent with a delay corresponding to the interval, the ink droplets from each density recording head 274 can be attached to the same position on the recording paper.

By performing the overlay recording by changing the combination of the density level and the number of times of ink ejection by the density recording head 274 for each color, the dots recorded at the same position on the recording paper are recorded in full-color and multi-tone. It is possible,
The recording head 274 is slid (main scanning) to record one line, and the recording paper is conveyed one line at a time by the platen roller 279 (sub-scanning) to form a full-color multi-tone image on the recording paper. Can be recorded.

In the above case, it is also possible to obtain multiple gradations by changing the density level of each color ink to one type and changing only the number of times of ink superposition.

In the above case, the size of one pixel is assumed to be approximately one dot. However, the size of one pixel is made into a matrix of m × n dots by controlling the ink droplet ejection timing. Can be obtained depending on the dot arrangement method. Further, according to the combination of the arrangement of the dots in the matrix and the ink density, more gradations can be obtained. However, when a matrix is used, the resolution of the image is reduced by the size of the matrix as compared with the case of the above example. Therefore, it is preferable to reduce the dot size and increase the dot density in order to prevent a reduction in resolution.

[0555] The recorded sheet obtained as described above is output to the discharge section via the transport system.

Printer for Making Print by Thermal Development Transfer Next, the photosensitive member is scanned and exposed by a laser beam modulated based on the image data sent from the image processing section 3, and then the photosensitive member is finally supported. A printer that creates a photographic print by performing thermal development transfer by superimposing it on an image receiving body will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 26, a photosensitive material magazine 314 containing a photosensitive member 316 is provided in a machine base 312 of the digital printer.
The photosensitive member 316 is wound around the photosensitive material magazine 314 in a roll shape such that the photosensitive (exposure) surface of the photosensitive member 316 pulled out from the photosensitive material magazine 314 faces leftward.

A nip roller 318 and a cutter 320 are arranged in the vicinity of the photosensitive member outlet of the photosensitive material magazine 314, so that the photosensitive member 316 can be cut out after the photosensitive member 316 is pulled out from the photosensitive material magazine 314 by a predetermined length. The cutter 320 is, for example, a rotary type cutter including a fixed blade and a movable blade. The movable blade can be moved up and down by a rotary cam or the like to cut the photosensitive member 316 into engagement with the fixed blade.

[0558] Above the cutter 320, a plurality of transport rollers 3 are provided.
24, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334 are arranged in order,
A guide plate (not shown) is provided between the transport rollers. Note that the nip roller 318 and the transport roller 3 for transporting the photosensitive member 316 to a heat development transfer section 420 described later are used.
24, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334, for convenience, transport roller R
Collectively. The photosensitive member 316 cut to a predetermined length is first conveyed to an exposure unit 322 provided between the conveying rollers 324 and 326.

At the left side of the exposure section 322, the laser beam irradiation section 1
00 is provided. Here, the configuration and function of the laser beam irradiation unit 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 27 is a functional block diagram of the laser beam irradiation unit 100. As shown in FIG. 27, the laser beam irradiation unit 10
In 0, the input image data 72 is temporarily stored in the frame memory 7.
Remember in 4. Here, the image data may be data directly transferred from the image processing unit 3 or may be data read from a floppy disk or the like in which the image data is stored.

The image data stored in the frame memory 74 is read out by the image processing means 78,
In, image processing such as correction according to the spectral absorption characteristics of the recording paper is performed. The image processing means 78 is connected to a recording paper spectral absorption characteristic data storage unit 79 in which spectral absorption characteristic data of various recording papers is stored in advance, and the spectral absorption characteristic data is read out before the image processing. .

[0562] The image processing means 78 has a function of displaying an image based on the image data on which the image processing has been completed on the display unit 204 constituted by a monitor display or the like. Thus, the user can visually confirm the result of the image processing. In addition, the user can modify desired setting values related to image processing by using the setting input unit 205 including a keyboard and setting switches when necessary.

The image processing means 78 stores the image data on which the image processing has been completed in the frame memory 81.

As shown in FIG. 28, a red semiconductor laser 84A, 84B, 84C is installed in the laser light irradiation section 100. The laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 84B is converted into a green laser by the wavelength conversion means 85. The laser light that has been converted into light and emitted by the semiconductor laser 84C is converted by the wavelength conversion means 86 into blue laser light.

The red laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 84A, the green laser light whose wavelength has been converted by the wavelength conversion means 85, and the blue laser light whose wavelength has been converted by the wavelength conversion means 86 are each an acousto-optic modulator ( The optical modulators 87R, 87G, and 87B are configured to be input with a modulation signal from a modulator driving unit 83, and the modulation signals are input to the optical modulators 87R, 87G, and 87B. The configuration is such that the intensity of each laser beam is modulated accordingly.

[0566] The red laser light whose intensity has been modulated by the light modulator 87R is reflected by the reflection mirror 88R and enters the polygon mirror 89. The green laser light whose intensity is modulated by the light modulator 87G is reflected by the reflection mirror 88G and enters the polygon mirror 89. Further, the blue laser light whose intensity is modulated by the light modulator 87B is
The light is reflected by the reflection mirror 88B and enters the polygon mirror 89.

Since the polygon mirror 89 rotates at a predetermined angular velocity in the direction of arrow Q, each laser beam incident on the polygon mirror 89 is scanned by the polygon mirror 89 in the main scanning direction indicated by arrow M, and the fθ lens 93 26, the photosensitive member 316 is exposed in the exposure unit 322 in FIG. Fig. 27, Fig. 2
As shown in FIG. 8, the digital printer 70 is provided with an exposure control unit 82 that includes a microcomputer and controls the exposure and heat development processing in the digital printer 70. The exposure control unit 82 reads the image-processed image data from the frame memory 81, and exposes the semiconductor lasers 84A, 84B, and 84C to the photosensitive member 316 based on the image data. Polygon drive unit that rotates and drives the polygon mirror 89
90, a recording paper transport drive unit 94 that transports and drives the photosensitive member 316,
And the operation of each of the modulator driving means 83 is controlled.

As shown in FIG. 26, the light beam C is sent from the laser beam irradiation unit 100 described above to the exposure unit 322,
316 is to be exposed.

Further, above the exposure section 322, the photosensitive member 3
A U-turn unit 340 for transporting the U-shaped 16 in a U-shape and a water application unit 350 for applying an image forming solvent are provided.

The photosensitive member 316 that has risen from the photosensitive material magazine 314 and has been exposed at the exposure unit 322 is nipped and transported by the transport rollers 328 and 330, and passes through the transport path W closer to the upper side of the U-turn unit 340, and It is sent to the application section 350.

The structure of the water application unit 350 is the same as the structure of the solvent application device 290 in FIG. An injection tank 313 is disposed at a position facing the conveyance path W of the photosensitive member 316 in the water application section 350, and water is injected from the injection tank 313 toward the photosensitive member 316 at a position indicated by an arrow Z. You.

On the other hand, the image receiving material 4
Receiving material magazine 406 for storing 08 is arranged. A dye fixing material having a mordant is applied to the image forming surface of the image receiving material 408, and the image receiving material 408 is placed such that the image forming surface of the image receiving material 408 pulled out from the material receiving magazine 406 faces downward. 406 is wound in a roll.

A nip roller 410 is disposed near the image receiving material take-out port of the material receiving magazine 406, and can pull out the image receiving material 408 from the material receiving magazine 406 and release the nip.

[0574] A cutter 412 is arranged on the side of the nip roller 410. The cutter 412 is the cutter 3 for the photosensitive member described above.
Similar to 20, for example, it is a rotary type cutter composed of a fixed blade and a moving blade, and is pulled out from the receiving material magazine 406 by moving the moving blade up and down by a rotating cam and engaging the fixed blade. The image receiving material 408 is cut to a length shorter than the photosensitive member 316.

[0575] Beside the cutter 412, the transport rollers 432, 43
4, 436, 438 and a guide plate (not shown) are arranged, and the image receiving material 408 cut to a predetermined length is transferred to the heat development transfer unit 4.
It can be transported to the 20 side.

The thermal development transfer section 420 is wound around a plurality of winding rollers 440, respectively, and is a pair of endless belts 42 each formed into a loop with the longitudinal direction being the longitudinal direction.
It has 2,424. Therefore, when one of these winding rollers 440 is driven and rotated, a pair of endless belts 422 wound around these winding rollers 440,
424 are each rotated.

[0577] In the loop of the endless belt 422, a heating plate 426 formed in a flat plate with the vertical direction as the longitudinal direction is disposed facing the inner peripheral portion on the left side of the endless belt 422. Inside the heating plate 426, a linear heater (not shown) is arranged, and the heating plate 426 is
Can be heated to a predetermined temperature by increasing the surface temperature.

Therefore, the photosensitive member 316 is fed between the pair of endless belts 422 and 424 of the thermal development transfer section 420 by the last transport roller 334 in the transport path. Also, the image receiving material 40
8 is conveyed in synchronization with the conveyance of the photosensitive member 316, and the photosensitive member 31 is conveyed.
6 is advanced by a predetermined length, a pair of endless belts 42 of the heat development transfer section 420 are moved by the last conveying roller 438 of the conveying path.
It is fed between 2,424 and superimposed on the photosensitive member 316.

In this case, since the width of the image receiving material 408 and the length in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive member 316 are both smaller than the photosensitive member 316, the periphery of the photosensitive member 316 protrudes from the periphery of the image receiving material 408 on all four sides. It will be superimposed in the state where it was done.

As described above, the photosensitive member 316 and the image receiving material 408 superposed by the pair of endless belts 422 and 424
A pair of endless belts 422, 4
By 24, it is pinched and conveyed. Further, when the superposed photosensitive member 316 and the image receiving material 408 are completely settled between the pair of endless belts 422 and 424, the pair of endless belts 422 and 424 stop rotating once, and the sandwiched photosensitive member 316.
Then, the image receiving material 408 is heated by the heating plate 426. Photosensitive member 316
The endless belt 42 is
Heating is carried out by the heating plate 426 through 2 and, with the heating, a movable dye is released, and at the same time, this dye is transferred to the dye fixing layer of the image receiving material 408, and an image is formed on the image receiving material 408. Will be done.

Further, a peeling claw 428 is disposed downstream of the pair of endless belts 422 and 424 in the material supply direction, and the peeling claw 428 is nipped and conveyed between the pair of endless belts 422 and 424. Of the photosensitive member 316 and the image receiving material 408, only the leading end of the photosensitive member 316 is engaged, and a pair of endless belts 422, 42
The tip of the photosensitive member 316 protruding from the space between the four
8 can be peeled off.

A photosensitive material discharge roller 448 is disposed on the left side of the peeling claw 428, and the photosensitive member 316, which is moved leftward while being guided by the peeling claw 428, is further conveyed to the waste photosensitive member accommodating section 450 side. It is possible to do.

[0583] The waste photosensitive member accommodating section 450 accommodates the photosensitive member 3
The drum 452 has a drum 452 around which the drum 16 is wound, and a belt 454 partially wound around the drum 452. Further, the belt 454 is wound around a plurality of rollers 456, and the rotation of the rollers 456 causes the belt 454 to rotate, and accordingly, the drum 452 rotates.

Therefore, when the photosensitive member 316 is fed in a state where the belt 454 is rotated by the rotation of the roller 456, the photosensitive member 316 can be accumulated around the drum 452.

On the other hand, in FIG. 26, a pair of endless belts 42
Receiving material discharge rollers 462, 464, 466, 468, and 470 are arranged in order so that the image receiving material 408 can be conveyed leftward from below 2, 424, and discharged from a pair of endless belts 422, 424. The image receiving material 408 is supplied to these material receiving rollers 462 and 46.
4, 466, 468, and 470, and are discharged to the tray 472.

In the case where a digital printer using a large amount of processing liquid is used.

When the image forming system of the present invention is implemented as an integrated device including a printer, the size of the device can be reduced by using a printer that does not require wet processing as described above. However, it is also possible to set up a system in which only the development reader is placed in various places such as a convenience store, and the digitized image data is sent to a photo service store by transfer via a telephone line, for example, to perform print processing. is there.

In this case, a printer processor 70S using a large amount of processing liquid as shown in FIG. 29 can be used.

Hereinafter, the printer processor 70 will be described with reference to FIG.
The schematic configuration of S and the processing outline will be described.

As shown in FIG. 29, the printer processor 70
S is an exposure unit 70A that exposes an image by irradiating a laser beam based on image data to the color paper P, and a development processing unit 70B that performs processing such as development and fixing on the color paper P exposed by the exposure unit 70A. , Is composed of.

[0591] The exposure unit 70A is provided with a magazine 101 in which color paper P is stored in a roll shape, and the color paper P is transported by a plurality of transport rollers 96 along a predetermined transport path. The exposure unit 70A is provided with a laser light irradiation unit 100 having the same configuration as that described above, and the laser light irradiation unit 100 irradiates a laser beam based on image data to the color paper P being transported.

Here, the laser light is scanned in the main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the color paper P. The scanning of the laser light and the conveyance of the color paper P are performed by the laser light irradiation unit 10.
Synchronization is performed by the exposure control unit 82 (see FIG. 28) within 0, whereby an image based on the image data is exposed on the color paper P.

[0593] The color paper P to which the image has been exposed is sent to the developing section 70B, where the color developing tank 104 in which the color developing solution is stored and the bleach-fixing tank 10 in which the bleach-fix processing solution is stored.
5. The washing treatment liquid is sequentially transported through the washing tank 106 in which the washing liquid is stored. During this transport, the color developing process in the color developing tank 104, the bleach-fixing process in the bleach-fixing tank 105, and the washing tank 1
At 06, a water washing process is executed.

The color paper P which has been subjected to the color development processing, the bleach-fixing processing and the rinsing processing is conveyed to the drying section 107 and dried, and then, in the cutting section 108, each frame image recorded on the color paper P is added to the image. Cut to the corresponding length,
In the sorter unit 109, the number of sheets corresponding to one film or each customer is accumulated.

In the image forming system of the present invention, a printer processor (print printing / developing machine such as a minilab) that uses a large amount of a processing liquid, which is generally used, can be added to a part of the configuration.

When this printer processor (printing and developing machine for a minilab or the like) is added to a part of the configuration,
A color negative film (slide film) which has been exposed by the optional input means 8 is immersed in a developing solution for development processing, and subsequently immersed in a bleach-fixing solution to perform bleach-fixing processing.
Finally, when a color negative film or the like on which a dye image is formed by washing with water is obtained, the light is transmitted through the dye image of the negative film to a paper, and the dye image is printed on paper. A print can be obtained through the same wet development, bleaching, fixing and washing steps as described above. (2-7) Order Processing Next, an example of the order processing is a case where processing is performed using the setting unit 5, the developing unit 1, the reading unit 2, the image processing unit 3, and the output unit 4, and the option input unit 8, the image The processing will be described separately for the case where processing is performed using the processing unit 3 and the output unit 4.

First, the user performed an operation of selecting processing using the setting unit 5, the developing unit 1, the reading unit 2, the image processing unit 3, and the output unit 4 in the image forming system of this embodiment. In this case, as described in the description of the image processing unit, the image data can be confirmed on the monitor at the time when the development, reading, and image processing of the set photographic film are completed. A plurality of image data are arranged on the monitor screen. If the user designates one of them with a mouse or the like, the designated image data is displayed on the entire screen and details can be confirmed. . In this embodiment, the user can specify the following for the confirmed photographic image data. Here, "designation" or "selection" is performed by a known method and means such as inputting a number displayed on the screen from a keyboard or directly clicking the screen with a mouse. An output form such as output or print output, or transfer in the case of a system having communication means can be designated. At this time, the type of printer or medium is also designated. This may be specified in units of development (for example, photographic film units) or in frame units. The image processing unit 3 determines a transfer destination of the processed image data based on the designation input.

Further, in the case of print output, the number of sheets is designated for each frame. If the number of frames determined to be unnecessary is designated as 0, no print is created. The information input here is input to each printer together with the image data.

It is also possible to perform gradation correction and trimming before output. Since image processing such as gradation correction which is automatically performed by the system is image processing for obtaining image quality which is normally preferable, it is fully conceivable that a user desires different image processing. Therefore,
In the present embodiment, it is possible to make a specification such as sharper and brighter, and when this specification input is performed, the system performs image processing again based on the specification and redisplays the processed image data. I do. The user can obtain a satisfactory image quality by repeating this process.

Similarly, for trimming, when a trimming range is specified on the screen, the range is displayed as a frame line, so that the repetition range can be specified again. This allows the user to trim one favorite frame out of frames recorded on developed photographic film, and transfer the processed image data to a dedicated lab to create a postcard. Also becomes possible. In such a case, it is preferable that the selection of the postcard design and the like can be performed on the screen.

In the case of a system installed in a convenience store or the like, the service charge is displayed on the monitor screen when the user presses an OK button or the like indicating completion of all order processing. The output process is not performed unless the amount is inserted from a predetermined bill or coin insertion unit. Alternatively, a cartridge or the like may be set after first inputting an amount corresponding to the development fee, and a print fee may be additionally input later.

Next, a case will be described in which order processing is performed using the option input unit 8, the image processing unit 3, and the output unit 4 in the order processing.

First, when the user performs an operation of selecting processing using the option input unit 8, the image processing unit 3, and the output unit 4 in the image forming system of the present embodiment, the option input unit 8 designates one of the input means and one of the output means.

If the image data is obtained by one of the input means selected by the option input unit 8,
This image data is sent to the image processing unit 3 to execute image processing, and the image-processed image data is sent to the output unit 4 for output processing in the same manner as the above-described order processing.

The contents of the order processing other than the selection of one of the input means in the option input section 8 are described in the setting section 5, the developing section 1, the reading section 2, the image processing section 3, and the output section 4 described above. Since this is the same as the case where an order is processed by using, the description thereof is omitted.

When a color negative film or the like on which a dye image has been formed is obtained by the option input unit 8, this is processed by a printer processor to obtain a print.

Next, a second embodiment relating to a more specific apparatus of the image forming system of the present invention will be described with reference to a schematic exploded perspective view of FIG.

In FIG. 30, reference numeral 510 denotes an input unit, and 512
Is an output unit, and 514 is an input operation unit also serving as an option input unit.

This image forming system apparatus has an input
10, the output unit 512 and the input operation unit 514 are integrally combined to form an apparatus main body. This input unit 510
Are mainly a setting unit 5, a developing unit 1 and a reading unit 2 shown in FIG.
It consists of.

At the lower part inside the main body of the input unit 510, a collection box 518 as a waste material processing unit 7 for collecting a film 516 of the film with lens 526 extracted, an uninterruptible power supply 520 and a water bottle 522 are arranged. I have.

At a predetermined position on the side surface of the housing of the input unit 510, an input port 5 for loading the film with the lens 526, for which photographing has been completed, into the set section inside the apparatus.
24 are provided.

A setting section for loading a film with lens 526 is provided inside the apparatus following the input port 524. Further, although not shown, the exposed film 516 is pulled out from the inside of the film with lens 526 loaded in the set portion, and the water application unit 528 is moved on a predetermined transport route.
There is provided a transport means for sending to the storage device.

The water application unit 528 includes the film 516
A predetermined amount of water as a processing liquid can be applied by a so-called doughing method. A heating drum 530 as the developing unit 1 is mounted downstream of the water application unit 528 in the film transport direction. The heating drum 530 is configured to be able to heat the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical drum to a required temperature, and is configured to be rotationally driven.

The first processing sheet 532 is provided in two predetermined ranges on the outer peripheral surface of the heating drum 530.
Then, the second processing sheet 534 is wound. The first processing sheet 532 and the second processing sheet 534 are arranged so as to be drawn out from their own pull-out rollers 536, wound around the heating drum 530, and wound up on their own winding rollers 538.

[0615] The first processing sheet 532 and the second processing sheet 534 are conveyed so as to be taken up by their own take-up rollers 538 from their draw-out rollers 536 in accordance with the rotation of the heating drum 530, respectively.

[0616] In the heating and developing means as the developing unit 1 thus configured, when the film 516 coated with water is sent onto the outer peripheral surface of the heating drum 530, the film 5
The first processing sheet 532 is superimposed on the heating sheet 16 and is heated while being conveyed with the rotation of the heating drum 530. Then, the developing process is performed while moving to a position where the first processing sheet 532 is peeled off from the film 516 on the heating drum 530.

Next, the second processing sheet 534 is superposed on the film 516 on the outer peripheral surface of the heating drum 530, and is heated while being conveyed with the rotation of the heating drum 530. Then, the film 5 on the heating drum 530
The fixing process is completed while moving from 16 to the position where the second processing sheet 534 is peeled off.

[0618] The film 516 that has completed the fixing process is peeled off from the heating drum 530 and is conveyed to a drying unit 540 disposed downstream in the conveying direction. The drying unit 540 has a hollow box shape and is configured to send warm air to the internal space. The transport path of the film 516 is set in the drying unit 540 so as to pass through the hollow interior.

[0619] The film 516 is dried while passing through the drying unit 540 on the transport path, and is sent to the place where the CCD sensor 542 as the reading unit 2 is arranged. The reading unit 2 includes a reading light source 544 disposed on one side of the film 516 and a CC light source 544 on the other side of the film 516.
A D sensor 542 is arranged, and a light beam emitted from the reading light source 544 is transmitted through the film 516 and received by the CCD sensor 542.

The CCD sensor 542 is connected to the film 51
CCD for reading transmitted image by light transmitted through 6
It is a sensor. The CCD sensor 542 reads, for example, a B color component reading unit configured with a line sensor that reads a B color component of an image, a G color component reading unit configured with a line sensor that reads a G color component, and reads an R color component. An R color component reading unit constituted by a line sensor is used to digitally read an image by light transmitted through the film 516 passing a predetermined reading position for each color component in line units.

[0621] The image data for each color component read by the CCD sensor 542 is transmitted to the image processing unit 3 arranged in the input operation unit 514.

The film 516 from which the image data has been read by the reading section 2 moves on the transport path to the film collection box 546.
It is configured to be sent to and collected and silver is also collected.

In this image forming system apparatus, if the reading unit 2 is configured to be usable as a reading unit for a general negative film, slide, or the like and the components are shared, the configuration of the apparatus main body can be simplified.

Next, the input unit 5 constructed as described above is used.
The operation and operation of No. 10 will be described.

The input unit 510 uses the lens-equipped film 526
Is processed, first, the film with lens 526 is loaded into the set portion in the apparatus main body from the input port 524. Then, the film 516 is automatically pulled out from the lens-attached film 526 by the conveying means, and the water application unit 528 is
Transported to

[0626] The film 516 is
The processing liquid is applied to the heating drum 530. The film 516 is placed on the heating drum 530 on the first processing sheet 5.
The film 516 is developed by being conveyed while being heated while being bonded to the heating drum 5.
The sheet 30 is adhered to the second processing sheet 534 and is conveyed while being heated, so that a fixing process is performed, and the sheet 30 is carried out from the heating drum 530.

Next, the film 516 is placed in the drying unit 54.
0, dried and conveyed to the position of the reading unit 2.
At the position of the reading unit 2, the CCD sensor 542 reads a transmitted image obtained when the light beam of the reading light source 544 is transmitted through the film 516, and generates digital image data.
Then, the digital image data is transmitted to the image processing unit 3.

[0628] The unnecessary film 516 after the image data has been read is sent to the film collection box 546 and collected. The empty film with lens 526 from which the film 516 has been extracted is sent to the collection box 518 and collected.

The input operation unit 514 includes a central control device for controlling the entire apparatus and performing image processing, a monitor 548, an operation board 550 for performing operations such as ordering the image forming system, and a CD-ROM as an optional input unit. R device 55
2 and a bill collection unit 554 for bills or coins.

The user of the image forming system operates the operation board 550 of the input operation unit 514 to prepare the input unit 510 prepared in advance, the CD-R device 552 as an option input unit, or the option input unit. And a desired input unit such as an image data input device (not shown) or a unit for receiving and inputting an image data signal transmitted through a communication line.

[0631] The image data signal from the input means selected in this way is taken into the image processing section of the central control unit and displayed on the monitor 548. Then, the user operates the operation board 550 to perform processing for preventing or correcting image quality deterioration due to characteristics of the photosensitive member for dry thermal development used in the image forming system, or noise reduction processing. Of the general-purpose image processing performed in step (1) to generate an image data signal for output.

Next, the user operates the operation board 550 to output by the output unit 512 prepared in advance in the image forming system, and to output by the CD-R device 552.
Alternatively, the user selects a desired output unit such as transmitting an image data signal to another image forming apparatus or the like through a communication line.

The output image data signal is transmitted to the output means selected by the user in this way, and the output processing is executed.

The central control unit of the input operation unit 514 calculates the charge for processing by the input means and the output means selected by the user and the charge for image processing, and monitors the monitor 548.
To be displayed. The user pays the fee of the amount displayed on the monitor 548 to the fee collection unit 554 and makes a payment.

The output unit 512, which receives an output image data signal generated by the image processing unit of the input operation unit 514 and performs output processing, laser-exposes digital image data to the photothermographic member and heats it. The image forming apparatus is configured as a digital printer of a system in which an image recorded by laser exposure is superposed on a developing photosensitive member on an image receiving member, and the image is thermally developed and transferred to form an image on an image receiving material.

[0636] In this output unit 512, a roll of image-receiving paper 556 is loaded in the lower part of the apparatus main body. The image receiving paper 556 is pulled out from the image receiving paper roll, cut by a cutter 558 into a predetermined size,
The upper part 60 is transported to the processing liquid application unit 562.

The processing liquid application unit 562 stores the processing liquid (in this embodiment, water is used) in a container, and immerses the received image receiving paper 556 in the processing liquid. The processing liquid is applied to the image receiving paper 556. This processing liquid application unit 562
The image receiving paper 556 coated with the processing liquid is sent to the flat plate developing unit 564.

[0638] In the output unit 512, a photosensitive member 566 wound in a roll is loaded in an intermediate portion inside the apparatus main body. The photosensitive member 566 is pulled out from the photosensitive member roll, cut by the cutter 568 into the same size as the corresponding image receiving paper 556, and then is exposed on the transport path 570 to the exposure unit 57.
Conveyed to 2.

The exposure section (recording optical system) 572 is composed of a laser light source of a semiconductor laser unit, drives the laser light source of the semiconductor laser unit based on an output image data signal, and moves the laser beam to a predetermined position on a transport path 570. It is configured to expose a certain photosensitive member 566 to form a latent image. The photosensitive member 566 exposed by the exposure unit 572 is sent to the flat plate developing unit 564.

In the flat plate developing unit 564, the substantially same image receiving paper 556 sent to the bonding roller 574 at the entrance thereof and the photosensitive member 566 are overlapped and pressed against each other, and then the inside of the main body of the flat plate developing unit 564 is pressed. Send to

In the flat plate developing unit 564, the image receiving paper 556 and the photosensitive member 566 are integrally superposed and sandwiched between a pair of opposing endless transport belts (not shown) to be heated while being conveyed to the photosensitive member 566. The formed image is thermally developed and transferred to an image receiving paper 556.

The image receiving paper 556 on which the image is formed by the thermal development transfer in the flat plate developing unit 564 is
The sheet is peeled off from the photosensitive members 566 that are integrally superposed by the peeling roller 576 at the exit 64, and is sequentially carried out to the stacking section 578 of the completed prints and stacked.

The used photosensitive member 566 is configured to be peeled off by the peeling roller 576, and then conveyed to the collecting section 580 to be collected.

Next, the output unit 5 configured as described above is used.
The operation and operation of No. 12 will be described.

In the case of performing print output by the output unit 512, the image receiving paper 556 is converted into a size designated by the user with the cutter 558 based on a processing command input by the user operating the operation board 550 of the output unit 512. The water is applied to the processing path application unit 562 through the transport path 560 and water is applied to the processing liquid application unit 562 and then sent to the bonding roller 574. At the same time, the photosensitive member 566 is also cut into a size designated by the user, and is sent on the transport path 570 to the position of the exposure unit 572.

[0646] The exposing section 572 drives the laser light source of the semiconductor laser unit based on the output image data signal processed by the image processing section 3 to expose the photosensitive member 566 conveyed on the conveying path 570. To form a latent image. The photosensitive member 566 exposed by the exposure unit 572 is
The sheet is sent to the bonding roller 574.

[0647] The image receiving paper 556 and the photosensitive member 566 sent to the bonding roller 574 are separated from each other by the bonding roller 57.
4 and transferred to the flat plate developing unit 564, subjected to thermal development transfer processing, and the image formed by exposing the photosensitive member 566 is transferred to the image receiving paper 556. Thereby, the image receiving paper 556 becomes a print on which an image is formed, and
It is carried out to the stacking unit 578, and the processing operation for each print is completed.

[0648] In the image forming system apparatus of this embodiment, the output unit 512 selects an image to be formed on the image receiving paper 556 based on the output image data signal generated by the image processing unit of the input operation unit 514. Besides, the CD-R device 55
2 is provided as a file to a removable medium and provided to a user, or is provided with a function of transmitting digital image data to another image forming apparatus, and further having a function of outputting an index print. I have.

Next, a description will be given of a method of use and operation of the image forming system configured as described above.

[0650] When using this image forming system apparatus, the user first operates the operation board 550 of the input operation unit 514 while watching the display on the monitor 548. One of the output means is selected.

At this time, the input means of the image forming system apparatus can use the input unit 510, use the CD-R apparatus 552, or use image data transmitted using a communication line (not shown). Therefore, input can be performed by using these plural input means at one place.

In the present image forming system, the image data input from the input unit 510 is output to the output unit 512 to obtain a print, and the image data input from the input unit 510 is transferred to the CD-R device 552. A CD on which data is recorded by outputting the data is obtained, or image data input from the input unit 510 is transmitted to another image forming apparatus or a personal computer using a communication line.

Further, image data input from the CD-R device 552 can be output to the output unit 512 or transmitted to another image forming apparatus or personal computer using a communication line.

At the same time, the image data transmitted using the communication line is output to the output unit 512 to obtain a print, and is output to the CD-R unit 552 to obtain a CD on which the data is recorded. Alternatively, the image data can be retransmitted to another image forming apparatus or a personal computer using a communication line.

As described above, the present image forming system apparatus
Since it is a universal system, various functions can be realized by selecting and combining one of various input means and one of various output means, and image processing can also be performed by the image processing unit 3. Therefore, various needs of the user can be answered by the image forming system device placed at one place.

[0656] Further, the image forming system apparatus is provided with a charge collecting unit 554, which displays the usage charge on the monitor 548, and allows the user to input money into the charge collecting unit 554 and settle the account. Because it can be used, it is suitable for installation in convenience stores.

[0657] In the image forming system, among the components for realizing various functions, those which can be duplicated and shared are configured as a common member, mechanism or device, so that the number of parts is reduced and the entire device is reduced. The configuration is simplified, and an inexpensive product can be provided.

[0658]

As described above in detail, according to the image forming system of the present invention, the photosensitive member is heated in a state where the photosensitive member capable of recording a latent image by exposure in the developing section and the processing member are superposed. Forming an image on the photosensitive member, a plurality of input means having an option input unit which is a means for inputting image data by reading the image formed on the photosensitive member with a reading unit and other image data, A plurality of output means for forming an image based on the image data input by the input means or outputting the image data; and a plurality of output means for selecting one of the plurality of input means for executing the input processing and providing a plurality of output means And an input operation unit for selecting one to execute the output processing from among them.

Thus, there is an effect that image data can be input using a photosensitive member for thermal development, which is developed by superposing an image recorded by exposure on a processing member and heating it, and other input sources. is there.

The output based on the image data obtained by thermally developing the photosensitive member for thermal development and then reading the developed image by the reading unit is operated by operating the input operation unit to select an output selected from a plurality of output means. And a function of outputting an output based on image data from other input means by a desired output means selected from a plurality of output means by operating an input operation unit. One image forming system to meet the diverse needs of users,
There is an effect that various input processing and output processing can be executed in a place where this one image forming system is placed.

That is, the present image forming system can respond to the needs of various users and can immediately receive the desired service, in other words, Ondema
It is not only technically superior, but also has a great commercial effect.

Furthermore, if the reading section for reading the image data of the thermally developed photosensitive member can be used also as a scanner for another negative film or slide, the components can be shared and the configuration can be simplified. There is.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of an image forming method of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a developing reader according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a solvent application device.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an injection tank provided in the solvent application device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a state of the injection tank of FIG. 5 at the time of solvent injection.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control routine executed by a control unit of the developing reader of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8A illustrates an example of a configuration of a reading unit.
(B) is a diagram schematically showing a CCD sensor.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the reading unit.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing details of a frame memory unit provided in the image processing unit.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a first image processing unit included in the image processing unit.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing from reading to output.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing image signal processing for image output in an intensity modulation system and an area modulation system of an electrophotographic digital printer.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a line screen for a yellow image.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a line screen for a magenta image.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a line screen for a cyan image.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a line screen for a black image.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a configuration of an electrophotographic digital printer.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a print creation process in an electrophotographic digital printer.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an electrophotographic digital printer including an intermediate transfer drum.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an electrophotographic digital printer including an intermediate transfer belt.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an electrophotographic digital printer including a plurality of photosensitive drums.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an inkjet printer.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an outline of the structure of an ink jet printer.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a digital printer that performs thermal development transfer

FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the digital printer in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an exposure control unit of the digital printer.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a digital printer that performs wet development processing.

FIG. 30 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of an image forming system apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 developing unit 2 reading unit 3 image processing unit 4 output unit 5 setting unit 6 user interface unit (input operation unit) 7 waste material processing unit 8 option input unit 510 input unit 512 output unit 514 input operation unit 516 film 530 heating drum 532 Processing sheet 534 Processing sheet 548 Monitor 550 Operation board 552 CD-R unit 554 Charge collection unit 556 Image receiving paper 564 Plate developing unit 566 Photosensitive member 572 Exposure unit

Claims (2)

[Claims] An input unit for inputting a plurality of image data; a plurality of output units for forming an image based on the image data input by the input unit or outputting the image data; An image forming system comprising: an input operation unit for selecting one of the plurality of output units to execute the input process and selecting one of the plurality of output units to execute the output process. The image forming unit forms an image on the photosensitive member by heating in a state where a photosensitive member capable of recording a latent image by exposure and a processing member are overlapped with each other, and reads the image formed on the photosensitive member in a reading unit. An image forming system comprising: means for inputting image data by means of an external device; and an option input unit serving as means for inputting other image data. 2. An image is formed on the photosensitive member by heating a photosensitive member capable of recording a latent image by exposure and a processing member in a developing section in a state where the photosensitive member and the processing member are superimposed on each other, and formed on the photosensitive member. A plurality of image data input units having an option input unit that is a unit that reads an image with a reading unit to input image data and a unit that inputs other image data; and an image based on the image data input by the input unit. An image processing unit that generates image data for output by performing the following processing; a plurality of output units that output based on the image data for output; and one that executes input processing from among the plurality of input units. And an input operation unit for performing an operation of selecting one of the plurality of output units to execute the output processing, and an operation for performing image processing, Image forming system.