JP2001133900A - Photographic processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographic processing device which can make processing with one pass when the same image frame is subjected to exposure of plural print sizes. SOLUTION: This photographic processing device has a channel setting means for setting the print channel for selecting the kinds of the print sizes to be exposed when exposing the image frames of a developed negative film to paper at the prescribed print sizes in such a manner that the plural print channels can be set with respect to the same image frame of the negative film.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention sets a print channel for selecting the type of print size to be exposed when exposing an image frame of a developed photographic film to a photosensitive material at a predetermined print size. The present invention relates to a photographic processing apparatus provided with a channel setting means for performing the above operation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When exposing an image frame of a developed negative film (corresponding to a photographic film) to paper (corresponding to a photosensitive material), the image frame is converted to paper of any print size. In order to determine whether to perform exposure, a print channel is set for each image frame. Here, the print channel may be considered almost synonymous with the print size. For example, when an L size print is desired for a certain image frame of one negative film, a print channel for performing the L size print is set for the image frame, and when a 2L size print is desired, a 2L size print channel is set. The print channel for printing the size is set.

Here, when a print is made for one (which may be considered as one order) negative film, not only one print channel but also a plurality of print channels can be set. For example, APS
In a new photographic system called C (classical), H (high definition), and P (panorama), three print sizes are prepared as standard, and in FIG. If printing is to be performed, a print channel for C size printing is set for (A). If the image frame (B) is to be printed in H size, a print channel is set for H size printing in (B). If the image frame (C) is to be printed in P size, a print channel for P size printing is set for (C).

[0004] When performing the exposure processing of the negative film, the negative film is inserted into a negative carrier (film transport unit), and is placed at a predetermined position (opening for exposure).
The image frames are positioned in order. When the image frame (A) is positioned at a predetermined position, the print channel is switched to the C-size print channel, and the C-size print is exposed. Next, the image frame (B) is positioned at a predetermined position, switched to a print channel for H-size printing, and H-size printing is exposed. Hereinafter, the same processing is performed. Of course, if printing of the same size is performed for all image frames, the processing is performed without switching the print channel at all.

In any case, regardless of whether the above-described print channel is switched or not, exposure processing for all image frames can be performed only by passing the negative film through the negative carrier only once. In this specification, the completion of the exposure processing by passing the negative film only once may be referred to as "one pass".

[0006]

However, different print sizes may be required for the same image frame depending on the customer's request. For example, in the example of FIG. 5, for the image frame (A), both the C size and the H size may be requested, or both the L size and the 2L size may be requested. In this case, in the conventional photo processing device, different print channels can be set for different image frames, but a plurality of print channels cannot be set for the same image frame.

In such a case, the processing procedure is as follows. First, the negative film is passed once through the negative carrier, and the image frame (A) is exposed through one selected print channel. After a series of processing steps are completed, pass through the negative carrier again,
Regarding the image frame (A), the exposure processing is performed in another different print channel. Therefore, a negative film cannot be processed in one pass, resulting in a decrease in work efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a photographic processing apparatus capable of processing in one pass when exposing the same image frame to a plurality of print sizes. It is.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, a photographic processing apparatus according to the present invention provides a method for exposing an image frame of a developed photographic film to a photosensitive material at a predetermined print size. A channel setting means for setting a print channel for selecting a type of print size is provided, and a plurality of print channels can be set for the same image frame of the photographic film.

According to this configuration, a plurality of print channels can be set for the same image frame.
Therefore, when exposing each image frame of the photographic film, for the image frame in which a plurality of print channels are set, the exposure may be performed on the photosensitive material by sequentially switching the print channels. As a result, it was possible to provide a photographic processing apparatus capable of processing in one pass when exposing a plurality of print sizes to the same image frame.

As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a scanner for scanning the image frame, a monitor for displaying the image frame read by the scanner as a simulated image frame, and a simulating device on the monitor. An input unit for inputting correction information relating to an image frame, wherein the setting of the print channel is enabled when performing the input operation of the correction information.

In a photographic processing apparatus, before actually exposing image frames of a photographic film, each image frame is scanned by a scanner and displayed on a monitor as a simulated image frame. The operator determines whether or not to obtain an appropriate print by looking at the simulated image frame displayed on the monitor, and corrects the color / density information (performs a correction value input operation) as necessary. This is sometimes called pre-test processing. By setting a print channel in the pre-verification process, the efficiency of the photographic process can be increased.

As another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a display device for displaying, when the setting of the print channel is inappropriate, a message to that effect. For example,
In the case where a print channel is set for a type of photosensitive material that is not mounted on the photographic processing apparatus main body, an error in the setting can be notified to the operator by displaying it on the display means. As the display means, an arbitrary form such as a monitor, a lamp display such as an LED, an alarm display by a buzzer or the like can be selected.

In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
The display by the display means may be performed in the step of inputting the correction information. According to this configuration, since the correction information is input in the process of inputting the correction information, when the input such as the setting change of the print channel is performed again, the input can be performed together with the input of the correction information. Can do well.

[0015] In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
The display by the display means may be performed in a step of exposing the image frame to the photosensitive material. For example, channels 1 and 2 are set for a certain image frame, and if the setting of channel 1 is appropriate, exposure processing is performed for the print channel, and display is performed for channel 2 in this exposure processing. As a result, the operator notices that the print channel setting is inappropriate, so that the photographic processing can be continued by taking measures such as changing the mounting of the magazine containing the photosensitive material. Thus, the photographic processing operation can be performed in one pass.

[0016]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a photographic processing apparatus. <Overall Configuration of Photographic Processing Apparatus> This photographic processing apparatus includes a projection exposure section 10 for projecting and exposing an image frame of a negative film 1 as an example of a photographic film onto a paper 2 drawn from a paper magazine 3, and an index print. A digital exposure head 20 (corresponding to a digital exposure section) for mainly exposing, a development processing section 11 for developing the exposed paper 2 and a drying section 12 for drying, and a controller 13 for controlling the operation of each section of the apparatus. And The dried paper 2 is discharged from the print discharge unit 23 in a state where it is cut into individual prints 2a. Two (three or more) paper magazines 3 can be mounted on the photo processing apparatus main body, and either one is selected. It should be noted that the negative film 1 handled by this photographic processing apparatus is long before cutting in the case of simultaneous printing, and is a piece negative cut in every four or six frames in the case of additional printing.

The controller 13 (control section) includes a keyboard 14 for inputting various control instructions and a scanner 15 (for example, a one-dimensional CCD line sensor) functioning as image frame reading means. And a monitor 16 for displaying image frame information read by the scanner 15.

In the projection exposure section 10, a negative carrier 17 functioning as a transport unit for the negative film 1, a light source 4 for exposure, and a filter of each color of yellow, cyan, and magenta entering and exiting the exposure optical path are exposed. Light source 4
Filter 5 for adjusting the color balance of the light emitted from the camera
A mirror tunnel 6 for uniformly mixing the light whose color balance has been adjusted by the light control filter 5, an exposure lens 7 for forming an image frame of the negative film 1 on the paper 2, and an image frame of the negative film 1. A reflection mirror 8 for guiding in the direction of the scanner 15, a shutter 9, a transport roller 18 for transporting the paper 2, and a motor 19 for driving the transport roller 18
And

The exposure lens 7 and the reflection mirror 8 form a single unit 21, and the entire unit 21 is configured to be movable in the direction of arrow A. When reading an image frame by the scanner 15, the unit 21 is used.
May be moved to the right side of FIG. 1 so that the reflection mirror 8 faces the optical path. As the digital exposure head 20, for example, a configuration in which PLZT shutters are arranged in a line along the width direction of the paper 2, a CRT printer, or a fluorescent printer may be used. The operation of the digital exposure head 20 is controlled by the controller 13, and the digital exposure head 20 can expose a digital image to the paper 2 line by line by moving in the direction of arrow B in FIG.

The light control filter 5 and the shutter 9 are controlled by a controller 13, and based on the exposure conditions finally determined by the controller 13, the position of each filter of the light control filter 5, the opening time of the shutter 9, ie, the exposure time, Time is controlled. The motor 19
Transports the paper 2 in a frame-feed state under the control of the controller 13.

When the negative film 1 to be processed is inserted into the negative carrier 17 set in the projection exposure unit 10, the image frames of the negative film 1 are read by the scanner 15 in order for each frame, and the information is read. Controller 1
3 is sent to the memory and stored. Controller 13
Can display the read image frame of the negative film 1 on the monitor 16 as a simulated image frame.

The operator of the photographic processing apparatus operates the monitor 1
If it is determined that an appropriate image cannot be obtained by looking at the display of No. 6, an instruction to correct the color or density can be input from the keyboard 14. That is, the keyboard 14 is provided with an input unit 14a for inputting correction information on the simulated image frame
(See FIG. 2).

<Control Block Diagram> Next, a control block diagram will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the controller 13 is configured with a CPU as a core, and has a function of controlling the operation of each unit of the photographic processing apparatus. The keyboard 14 includes the input unit 14a as described above, and also includes a print channel setting unit 14b. The print channel is set to select the type of paper 2 to be exposed to a certain image frame of the negative film 1. For example, a menu screen for setting the print channel is displayed on the monitor 16. Thus, it can be set by a specific key input on the keyboard 14. If the type, size and surface quality of the paper to be exposed are different, the setting of the print channel is different.
By setting a certain print channel, it is possible to set the zoom value of the exposure lens 7, to carry the paper 2, to select the paper magazine 3, etc. when actually printing so that exposure corresponding to the print size can be performed. Is made.

<Operation Flowchart (First Embodiment)>
FIG. 3 is a flowchart according to the first embodiment.
First, the negative film 1 is inserted into the negative carrier 17 (# 01). At this time, the unit 21 is set at a position where the reflection mirror 8 faces the optical path, and the scanner 15 reads information of all image frames of the negative film 1 for one order (# 02). The read image data is displayed on the monitor 16 as a simulated image frame (#
03).

The operator looks at the screen displayed on the monitor 16 and determines whether or not an appropriate print can be obtained.
It is determined whether correction is necessary (# 04). If correction is necessary, a color / density correction value or the number of exposures is keyed in from the keyboard 14 (# 05). Next, a print channel is set to input the print size of each image frame to be exposed (# 0).
6). Here, a feature is that a plurality of print channels can be set for one image frame. This is because some customers are required to print a plurality of print sizes for the same image frame. For example, at a school event (cultural festival, graduation ceremony), etc., if five people are photographed and there is an image frame, one person requests an L size print and another person requests a 2L size print. The case is considered.

The setting of the print channel is performed as described above. Since the setting is not always appropriate, it is determined whether the setting is appropriate (# 07). Examples of improper settings include a case where the paper magazine 3 of the set size width is not mounted, a case where the range exceeds the settable zoom value of the exposure lens 7, and the like. .

If the setting is not appropriate, a warning is displayed, and the effect is displayed to the operator (# 08). As a form of the warning display, it is displayed on the monitor 16,
The display may be visually displayed on a lamp, LCD, or LED (shown in FIG. 2 by reference numeral 24) other than the monitor 16, may be displayed audibly by a buzzer, or may be some display. Means may be used in combination. If the setting is inappropriate, the system may be configured to automatically pass (ignore) and proceed to the next step.

When the setting of the print channel for a certain image frame is completed, it is determined whether or not processing such as correction for all image frames has been completed (# 09). If all image frames have not been completed, step # 04 is performed. Return to If completed, it means that the pre-verification process before the exposure process has been completed (# 10), and the exposure process of the image frame to the paper 2 is sequentially performed by inputting the print key of the keyboard 14.

In the exposure processing, each image frame is printed on a preset print channel.
When a plurality of print channels are set for the same image frame, prints of a plurality of print sizes are exposed and formed by switching the print channels.
The exposed paper 2 is subjected to predetermined development processing and drying processing, and is discharged from the print discharge unit 23.

As described above, exposure of all image frames can be performed only by passing the negative film 1 through the negative carrier 17 once. In addition, even when exposing prints of a plurality of print sizes for the same image frame, processing can be performed in one pass, so that efficient photographic processing can be performed.

<Operation Flowchart (Second Embodiment)>
A flowchart according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Only parts different from the first embodiment will be described. Steps # 21 to # 26 are the same as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, in the pre-verification process, the appropriateness of the print channel setting is not determined.

When the pre-verification process is completed (# 28), the process proceeds to the exposure process. Before actually exposing the image frame, it is determined whether or not the print channel setting is appropriate (# 28).
29). If it is appropriate, normal exposure processing is performed (# 3
2). If the setting is not appropriate, a warning is displayed at this point (# 30). Various forms of display can be considered as described above. The operator performs a setting change process based on the warning display (# 31). For example, the paper magazine 3 is mounted again on a correct one. If multiple print channels are set for a certain image frame, and some of them are appropriate, perform the exposure processing as usual for the correct one, and expose it for the incorrect setting. A warning may be displayed before the processing is performed.

Finally, it is determined whether or not the exposure processing has been completed for the image frame (# 33). If the exposure processing has not been completed, the flow returns to step # 29 and the same procedure is repeated.

<Other Embodiments> (1) The photographic film may be a positive film instead of a negative film. (2) The photographic film to be processed may be a long film before cutting, or a piece film cut in units of 6 frames or 4 frames. (3) The photographic processing apparatus may be of a type that scans and exposes a digital image instead of a type that projects and exposes an image on a negative film. (4) As a scanner, use CC instead of line sensor
A D area sensor may be used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a photographic processing apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a negative film.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Negative film 2 Paper 14a Input means 14b Print channel setting means 15 Scanner 16 Monitor 24 Alarm means

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A channel setting means for setting a print channel for selecting a type of the print size to be exposed when exposing an image frame of the developed photographic film to a photosensitive material at a predetermined print size. A plurality of print channels can be set for the same image frame of the photographic film. 2. A scanner for scanning the image frame, a monitor for displaying the image frame read by the scanner as a simulated image frame, and inputting correction information on the simulated image frame on the monitor. 2. The photograph processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit configured to set the print channel when inputting the correction information. 3. The photographic processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit for displaying an inappropriate setting of the print channel when the setting is inappropriate. 4. The photographic processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display by the display means is performed in a step of inputting the correction information. 5. The photographic processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display by said display means is performed in a step of exposing said image frame to said photosensitive material.