JP2003043592A - Exposure device, photographic processing device and exposure method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an exposure device capable of exposing an image where pixel deviation and color slurring are prevented from occurring because the train of the pixels arranged in a main scanning direction is arched or meandered in a subscanning direction on photosensitive material. SOLUTION: In an LCS array 12 provided with pixel parts 14... for modulating light emitted from a light source in accordance with image data, each pixel part is divided into a plurality of blocks and counters 16... for delaying exposure timing are provided for every block. The delay amount of the exposure timing in the counter 16 is set based on the deviation in the subscanning direction of each pixel in the case of exposing a test image.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an exposure device for exposing a photosensitive material such as photographic paper, a photographic processing device equipped with this exposure device, and an exposure method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, photographic printing has been carried out by exposing a photographic film on which an original image is recorded with light and irradiating the photographic paper with the light transmitted through the photographic film to perform analog exposure. ing. In recent years,
Based on digital image data obtained by scanning an image on photographic film with a scanner or digital image data obtained by shooting with a digital camera, red, green, and blue monochromatic lights are printed on photographic paper for each pixel. Digital exposure for printing is performed by irradiation.

Various configurations have been proposed for performing this digital exposure, and one example thereof is an LCS (Liquid Crystal Shutter) that controls transmission / blocking of light from a light source according to image data. ), This L
There is a configuration in which the image is exposed by irradiating the photographic paper with the light transmitted through the CS. Such a digital exposure type printing apparatus has a configuration including a light source, an LCS array, and a rod lens plate.

As the light sources, three light sources which emit monochromatic lights of red, green and blue, respectively, are used. As a light source for emitting red and green light, for example, an LED (Light Em
A light source having an itting diode) provided on the line is used. As a light source that emits blue light, for example, F
An L tube or the like is used.

The LCS array has a structure in which one substrate is provided with a plurality of pixel portions for controlling transmission / blocking of light according to image data of red component, green component, and blue component. Each pixel portion is composed of two transparent electrodes arranged to face each other and a liquid crystal layer provided between these transparent electrodes, and changes the voltage applied from the two transparent electrodes to the liquid crystal layer. By letting
Light transmission / blocking is controlled.

These pixel portions are provided so as to be alternately arranged in two columns in the main scanning direction for each color component. In addition, the region formed of the pixel portion column corresponding to the red component, the region formed of the pixel portion column corresponding to the green component, and the region formed of the pixel portion column corresponding to the blue component are separated from each other in the sub-scanning direction. Is provided in the position,
Red light, green light, and blue light are independently irradiated to each area.

The rod lens plate is a projection means in which refractive index distribution type rod lenses, for example, SELFOC (registered trademark) lenses manufactured by Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. are bundled and arranged on the surface. This rod lens plate irradiates the photographic paper with the light of each color component that has passed through the LCS array.

In this printing apparatus, while the printing paper, the light source, the LCS array, and the rod lens plate are relatively moved, monochromatic light is emitted from each of the light sources, and light in the LCS array is emitted according to image data. By controlling the transmission state, the image is printed on the photographic paper.

[0009]

When an image is exposed on photographic paper by the printing apparatus having the above-mentioned structure, the LCS is used.
Pixels that should be arranged in a straight line in the main scanning direction may be displaced in the sub-scanning direction due to misalignment of the positions of the respective pixel parts in the array or misalignment of the lenses in the rod lens plate. FIG. 9 shows a printing paper P when a linear image parallel to the main scanning direction is printed on the printing paper P.
5 is an explanatory diagram showing an exposure state in FIG. The head 51 is the above light source,
2 shows an exposure head composed of an LCS array and a rod lens plate.

In the figure, the up-down direction indicates the main scanning direction and the left-right direction indicates the sub-scanning direction. That is, the printing paper P
Is moved from right to left, and scanning exposure is performed by irradiating the photographic printing paper P with light corresponding to image information from the head 51.

Here, when a linear image parallel to the main scanning direction is printed on the printing paper P from the head 51,
The exposure image on the photographic printing paper P is an image in which straight lines are arched. This is caused by the actual exposure position being shifted in the sub-scanning direction depending on the position of each pixel in the main scanning direction. In the example of this figure, the light emitted from the pixels near the center in the main scanning direction is irradiated to the left side of the position to be exposed in the sub scanning direction, and the light emitted from the pixels near both ends in the main scanning direction is In the sub-scanning direction, the light is emitted to the right of the position to be exposed. For example, the exposure position C of the light emitted from the central pixel in the main scanning direction is
It is displaced to the left by a distance A from the position to be exposed.

In the above example, an image in which a straight line is a bow is exposed, but an image in which the line is meandering may be exposed in some cases. Such pixel shifts are mainly caused by non-uniformity of each lens in the rod lens plate. As described above, the rod lens plate has a configuration in which a plurality of lenses are bundled on the surface. Each lens has a cylindrical shape, but the accuracy of the cylindrical surface may be relatively poor. In this way, when bundling lenses having inferior cylindrical surface accuracy, the axial directions of the respective lenses may not be perfectly parallel, and may gradually shift from the parallel state. When the rod lens plate is configured in such a state, as described above, an image in which a straight line is arched or meandering is exposed.

Further, in the case of the structure in which the light of each color component is emitted from each different position of the LCS array as in the above structure, the light of each color component is transmitted through each different position in the rod lens plate. . Therefore, when the position and the direction of each lens on the rod lens plate are different, the light of each color component corresponding to the same one pixel shifts in the sub-scanning direction and is irradiated onto the photographic paper. When exposure is performed in this state,
By developing the color components of each pixel at different positions,
A tint different from that of the original image is generated in the exposed image, which causes a phenomenon called so-called color shift.

For such color misregistration, an LCS array may be independently provided for each color component, or a rod lens plate may be provided as an independent rod lens array for each light of each color component. With such a configuration, it is possible to adjust the position of the LCS array or the rod lens array so that the light of each color component corresponding to the same one pixel is irradiated to the same position. However, such a position adjustment is a relatively complicated work, and even if it is adjusted once, it may be displaced again due to some cause, for example, an external shock or a change over time. Has the problem of being required. Further, in the above configuration, although the color misregistration can be adjusted, it is impossible to adjust the pixel misregistration that occurs when viewing only the respective color components.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a pixel in which a row of pixels arranged in the main scanning direction is arched or meandering in the sub scanning direction. An exposure device, a photographic processing device, which is capable of exposing an image having no misregistration or color misregistration onto a photosensitive material,
And to provide an exposure method.

[0016]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an exposure apparatus according to claim 1 is an exposure apparatus which performs scanning exposure by moving a photosensitive material relatively, and is provided with image information. Accordingly, a plurality of pixel units for controlling the amount of emitted light are arranged in one or more rows in the main scanning direction, and a light control unit provided with at least one or more pixel regions is provided. An exposure timing changing unit for changing the exposure timing to be emitted and an exposure timing setting unit for setting the exposure timing to be changed by the exposure timing changing unit are provided, and the plurality of pixel units provided in the light control unit are provided with a plurality of pixel units. The exposure timing changing means is divided into blocks,
The exposure timing setting means, which is provided for each block, sets the exposure timing separately for the exposure timing changing means corresponding to each block.

In the above structure, the light control means irradiates the light-sensitive material with light emitted from a plurality of pixel portions arranged side by side in one row or several rows in the main scanning direction, and the light-sensitive material is relatively moved. By moving the
A two-dimensional image is exposed on the photosensitive material. Further, the plurality of pixel units provided in the light control unit are divided into a plurality of blocks, and an exposure timing changing unit that changes the exposure timing of emitting light from the pixel unit is provided for each block. There is. The exposure timing set by the exposure timing changing means is set individually for each block by the exposure timing setting means. That is, in the light control unit, it is possible to perform exposure in a state in which the timing of emitting light from a plurality of pixel units arranged side by side in the main scanning direction is different for each block. .

This makes it possible to change the position of the pixel exposed on the printing paper in the sub-scanning direction for each block. Therefore, the position of the pixel exposed on the printing paper may be displaced in the sub-scanning direction depending on the position of the pixel in the main scanning direction due to the influence of the distortion of the optical system or the displacement of the arrangement position of each component. Even in such a case, it is possible to correct the deviation of the irradiation position in the sub-scanning direction by changing the exposure timing for each block as described above. Therefore, in a printed image, a row of pixels on the same main scanning line does not bow or meander in the sub-scanning direction, and a printed image with good image quality without image distortion is provided. Is possible.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the exposure apparatus according to the first aspect, the light emitted from the light control means is
The projection means further comprises a projection means for projecting onto the light-sensitive material, wherein the projection means does not change the relative position of the light from the pixel portion in the light control means existing on the focal length of the incidence side, and the emission side. It is characterized in that it is a plurality of rod lenses for projecting on a light-sensitive material arranged at the focal length of.

According to the above arrangement, as a means for projecting the light emitted from the light control means onto the photosensitive material, the light existing on the focal length on the incident side can be changed without changing its relative position.
A rod lens for projecting on a photosensitive material arranged on the focal length on the emission side is used. This makes it possible to irradiate the light emitted from each pixel portion onto the photosensitive material accurately, and it is possible to provide an exposed image in which image distortion or deviation due to projection does not occur.

As described above, the rod lens itself basically does not cause distortion or displacement of the image due to projection, but when a plurality of rod lenses are bundled to form the projection means, When the shape accuracy of the side surface of the rod lens is poor, the light projected on the photosensitive material may shift in the sub-scanning direction. On the other hand, according to the above configuration, since the deviation of the projection light in the sub-scanning direction by the projection unit can be corrected, an image with excellent image quality can be obtained without any problem even if the accuracy of the projection unit is somewhat poor. It can be exposed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in cost due to using a highly accurate projection unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the exposure apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the light control means includes a plurality of pixel regions, and each pixel region emits monochromatic light having a different wavelength. It is characterized by emitting.

According to the above arrangement, it is possible to irradiate the light-sensitive material with light composed of a plurality of color components. That is, a color image can be exposed on the photosensitive material. As described above, when a color image is exposed, in general, if an irradiation position shift in the sub-scanning direction occurs for each image of each color component, an unexpected tint may occur in the exposed image. Yes, the image quality is significantly degraded. On the other hand, according to the above configuration,
Since it is possible to change the exposure timing for each block of the pixel portion that constitutes the pixel region that emits light of each color component, it is possible to correct the deviation of the irradiation position in the sub-scanning direction for each color component as described above. Therefore, it is possible to expose an image of good image quality without the above-mentioned color shift.

An exposure apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the exposure apparatus according to the first aspect.
2 or 3, the exposure timing setting means changes the exposure timing corresponding to each block based on the shift amount of each pixel in the sub-scanning direction in the exposure image actually exposed on the photosensitive material. The feature is that the exposure timing is set separately for each means.

According to the above arrangement, the exposure timing in each exposure timing changing means is set based on the deviation amount of each pixel in the sub-scanning direction in the exposure image actually exposed on the photosensitive material. It is possible to set the optimum exposure timing according to the individual difference of the exposure apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to provide an exposure image in which the pixel deviation as described above does not occur in any exposure apparatus under various conditions.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the exposure apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the pixel portion in the light control means is provided with a liquid crystal layer from a pair of electrodes sandwiching the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal element is characterized in that it changes the transmission state of light incident from the outside by applying a voltage to the liquid crystal forming the layer.

According to the above arrangement, since the pixel portion is constituted by the liquid crystal element having a relatively high degree of technical perfection as the light modulating means, the transmission / cutoff of light according to the image information is performed. The control can be performed with high accuracy. Therefore,
An exposed image with excellent image quality can be provided.

An exposure apparatus according to a sixth aspect is an exposure apparatus that performs scanning exposure by moving a photosensitive material relatively, and an image data memory for temporarily storing input image data and the image data. An image data correction unit that corrects the image data stored in the data memory, and a plurality of pixel units that control the amount of emitted light according to the image data corrected by the image data correction unit are mainly included. And a light control unit provided with at least one or more pixel regions arranged side by side in one row or several rows in the scanning direction, wherein the image data correction section includes pixel data arranged in the sub scanning direction in the image data. Among the columns, all pixel data included in a specific column are corrected by shifting by a predetermined pixel in the sub-scanning direction.

In the above structure, when the image data is input, it is first stored in the image data memory and is corrected by the image data correction section. Then, based on the corrected image data, the light control unit irradiates the photosensitive material with light. At this time, the image data correction unit sets all pixel data included in a specific column among columns of pixel data arranged in the sub-scanning direction in the image data,
The correction is performed by shifting a predetermined number of pixels in the sub-scanning direction. As a result, it becomes possible to shift the timing of exposing a specific pixel among the pixels arranged in the main scanning direction in units of one pixel.

This makes it possible to change the position of the pixel exposed on the printing paper in the sub-scanning direction for each pixel. Therefore, the position of the pixel exposed on the printing paper may be displaced in the sub-scanning direction depending on the position of the pixel in the main scanning direction due to the influence of the distortion of the optical system or the displacement of the arrangement position of each component. Even in such a case, it is possible to correct the deviation of the irradiation position in the sub-scanning direction by changing the exposure timing for each pixel as described above. Therefore, in a printed image, a row of pixels on the same main scanning line does not bow or meander in the sub-scanning direction, and a printed image with good image quality without image distortion is provided. Is possible.

Since the correction of the exposure timing is performed on a pixel-by-pixel basis as described above, the pixel to be corrected cannot be completely moved on one straight line, but the pixel pitch It is possible to correct the shift amount within half of the above. That is, according to such a correction, it is possible to suppress the deviation of each pixel in the sub-scanning direction within half the pixel pitch by a relatively simple correction of shifting the position of the pixel in the image data. .

Further, since the configuration of the image data memory, the image data correction unit and the like can often be realized by the configuration already provided in the conventional apparatus,
The above-described correction can be performed without increasing the device cost.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the exposure apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the light emitted from the light control means is
The projection means further comprises a projection means for projecting onto the light-sensitive material, wherein the projection means does not change the relative position of the light from the pixel portion in the light control means existing on the focal length of the incidence side, and the emission side. It is characterized in that it is a plurality of rod lenses for projecting on a light-sensitive material arranged at the focal length of.

According to the above arrangement, as a means for projecting the light emitted from the light control means onto the photosensitive material, the light existing on the focal length on the incident side is changed without changing its relative position.
A rod lens for projecting on a photosensitive material arranged on the focal length on the emission side is used. This makes it possible to irradiate the light emitted from each pixel portion onto the photosensitive material accurately, and it is possible to provide an exposed image in which image distortion or deviation due to projection does not occur.

As described above, the rod lens itself basically does not cause distortion or displacement of the image due to projection, but when a plurality of rod lenses are bundled to form the projection means, When the shape accuracy of the side surface of the rod lens is poor, the light projected on the photosensitive material may shift in the sub-scanning direction. On the other hand, according to the above configuration, since the deviation of the projection light in the sub-scanning direction by the projection unit can be corrected, an image with excellent image quality can be obtained without any problem even if the accuracy of the projection unit is somewhat poor. It can be exposed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in cost due to using a highly accurate projection unit.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the exposure apparatus according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the light control means includes a plurality of pixel areas, and each pixel area emits monochromatic light having a different wavelength. It is characterized by emitting.

According to the above arrangement, it is possible to irradiate the light-sensitive material with light composed of a plurality of color components. That is, a color image can be exposed on the photosensitive material. As described above, when a color image is exposed, in general, if an irradiation position shift in the sub-scanning direction occurs for each image of each color component, an unexpected tint may occur in the exposed image. Yes, the image quality is significantly degraded. On the other hand, according to the above configuration,
Since the exposure timing can be changed for each pixel portion that constitutes the pixel area that emits light of each color component, it is possible to correct the deviation of the irradiation position in the sub-scanning direction for each color component as described above. It is possible to expose an image of good quality without the above-mentioned color shift.

An exposure apparatus according to a ninth aspect is the exposure apparatus according to the sixth aspect.
In the configuration described in 7 or 8, the image data correction unit may change the sub-scanning direction of the image data in the sub-scanning direction based on the shift amount of each pixel in the exposure image actually exposed on the photosensitive material. The feature is that the shift amount in the sub-scanning direction of all the pixel data included in the line of pixel data arranged side by side is set.

According to the above arrangement, all the pixels included in the row of pixel data arranged in the sub-scanning direction are based on the deviation amount of each pixel in the sub-scanning direction in the exposure image actually exposed on the photosensitive material. Since the shift amount of the pixel data in the sub-scanning direction is set, it is possible to provide an exposure image in which the pixel shift as described above does not occur in any exposure apparatus under various conditions.

An exposure apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the exposure apparatus according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, in which the pixel portion of the light control means is provided with a liquid crystal from a set of electrodes sandwiching a liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal element is characterized in that it changes the transmission state of light incident from the outside by applying a voltage to the liquid crystal forming the layer.

According to the above arrangement, the pixel portion is constituted by the liquid crystal element having a relatively high degree of technical perfection as the light modulating means, so that the transmission / blocking of light according to the image information is performed. The control can be performed with high accuracy. Therefore,
An exposed image with excellent image quality can be provided.

A photographic processing apparatus according to claim 11 uses the exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a photosensitive material which has been exposed by the exposure apparatus, using a development processing solution. It is characterized in that it is provided with a developing section for performing a developing process and a drying section for drying the photosensitive material subjected to the developing process in the developing section.

According to the above arrangement, since the exposure process, the development process and the drying process for the photosensitive material can be continuously performed under a unified control, a large amount can be processed without imposing a user's operational burden. Can be continuously printed.

In the exposure method according to the twelfth aspect, at least one pixel region in which a plurality of pixel portions for controlling the amount of emitted light according to image information are arranged in one line or several lines in the main scanning direction. With the light control means provided above,
An exposure method by an exposure device that performs scanning exposure by relatively moving a photosensitive material, the step of actually exposing a test image on the photosensitive material, and an exposure image of the test image on the photosensitive material, A step of reading with a scanner, a step of detecting a positional deviation of each pixel on the main scanning line in the sub-scanning direction based on the scanning data read by the scanner, a detected positional deviation, and a photo exposure at the time of exposure. A step of calculating an exposure timing correction amount for the corresponding pixel based on the relative speed of the material; and a step of changing the exposure timing of each pixel portion in the light control means based on the exposure timing correction amount. It is characterized by

In the above method, first, the test image is actually exposed on the photosensitive material, and the exposure image is read by the scanner to detect the positional deviation of each pixel on the main scanning line in the sub-scanning direction. It Then, an exposure timing correction amount for the corresponding pixel is calculated based on the detected positional deviation and the relative speed of the photosensitive material at the time of exposure, and based on this exposure timing correction amount, each pixel portion of the light control unit The exposure timing is changed. Therefore, the position of the pixel exposed on the printing paper may be displaced in the sub-scanning direction depending on the position of the pixel in the main scanning direction due to the influence of the distortion of the optical system or the displacement of the arrangement position of each component. Even in such a case, it is possible to correct the deviation of the irradiation position in the sub-scanning direction by changing the exposure timing for each pixel as described above. Therefore, in a printed image, a row of pixels on the same main scanning line does not bow or meander in the sub-scanning direction, and a printed image with good image quality without image distortion is provided. Is possible.

[0046]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

The photographic processing apparatus according to the present embodiment prints on a photosensitive material based on the image data of the original image,
It is a digital photographic printer that prints an original image on a light-sensitive material by developing and drying it.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the above photographic processing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 2, the photographic processing apparatus includes an exposure unit 1, a photographic paper storage unit 2, a developing unit 3, a drying unit 4, and a PC (Personal Computer) 5.

The printing paper storage unit 2 stores printing paper, which is a photosensitive material, and supplies it to the exposure unit 1 at the time of printing. The exposure unit 1 prints an image by performing scanning exposure on the printing paper supplied from the printing paper storage unit 2 according to the image data of the original image. Details of the exposure unit 1 will be described later.

The developing section 3 develops an image by conveying printing paper which has been subjected to a baking treatment while being immersed in various developing treatment liquids. The drying unit 4 is for drying the photographic printing paper that has been subjected to the development processing. PC
Reference numeral 5 has a function as a control unit for controlling various operations in the photographic processing apparatus, and has a function of storing image data of an original image and a function of performing data processing on the image data. .

Next, the structure of the exposure unit 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configurations of the exposure unit 1 and the printing paper storage unit 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the photographic paper storage unit 2 located above the exposure unit 1 includes two paper magazines 2a and 2b for storing the roll-shaped photographic paper P. The respective paper magazines 2a and 2b store photographic paper P of different sizes, and the photographic paper P to be supplied is set to be switched according to the size of the output image required by the user. Exposure unit 1
As described above, the photographic printing paper P supplied from the photographic printing paper storage unit 2 is subjected to scanning exposure, and includes the printing unit (exposure device) 6 and the transport rollers R1 to R5. .

The printing unit 6 irradiates the printing paper P conveyed by the conveying rollers R1 to R5 with light for exposure. The transport rollers R1 to R5 are for feeding the photographic paper P supplied from the photographic paper storage unit 2 to the developing unit 3 via the printing unit 6.

Next, the structure of the printing unit 6 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the printing unit 6 in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the printing unit 6 includes a light source 1
1R / 11G / 11B, LCS array (light modulator) 1
2 and a rod lens plate (projection means) 13 are provided. The light emitted from the light sources 11R, 11G, and 11B passes through the LCS array 12 and the rod lens plate 13 in this order, and is irradiated onto the printing paper P. Then, in FIG. 4, the photographic printing paper P is conveyed from the top to the bottom to perform scanning exposure. In addition, here, the head unit including the light sources 11R, 11G, and 11B, the LCS array 12, and the rod lens plate 13 is moved from the bottom to the top while the photographic printing paper P is not conveyed but is kept stationary. The scanning exposure may be performed by performing the above.

The light sources 11R, 11G and 11B are light sources for emitting monochromatic light of red, green and blue, respectively. As the light sources 11R and 11G for emitting red and green light, for example, a light source in which LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are arranged on a line in the main scanning direction, in other words, in the lateral direction of the printing paper P, is used. In addition, a light source 51 that emits blue light
As B, for example, F with the longitudinal direction arranged in the main scanning direction
An L tube or the like is used.

The members constituting the light sources 11R, 11G, and 11B are not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and any light source capable of emitting monochromatic light of red, green, and blue can be used. You may use such a thing. For example, an LED capable of emitting blue monochromatic light may be used as the light source 11B.

The LCS array 12 includes light sources 11R and 11G.
The amount of monochromatic light applied to the photographic printing paper P is controlled by transmitting or blocking monochromatic light emitted from 11B. Details of the configuration of the LCS array 12 will be described later.

The rod lens plate 13 is a projection means in which a plurality of refractive index distribution type rod lenses, for example, SELFOC (registered trademark) lenses manufactured by Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. are bundled and arranged on the surface. The rod lens is a solid lens having a cylindrical shape, and has a refractive index that increases toward the center in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylinder. The light emitted from one point at the focal length that is conjugate with the rod lens is focused on a certain point on the image plane, and its position does not change. That is, the position of the light emission point and the position of the image formation point have a one-to-one correspondence without being affected by the relative position of the light emission point and the rod lens.

With the above-mentioned structure, in the printing unit 6,
While the printing paper P, the light sources 11R, 11G, 11B, the LCS array 12, and the rod lens plate 13 are relatively moved, monochromatic light is emitted from the light sources 11R, 11G, 11B, and the LCS array is generated according to the image data. An image is printed on the photographic printing paper P by controlling the light transmission state in 12.

As shown in FIG. 5, the LCS array 12 described above controls the transmission / blocking of light on a single substrate in accordance with image data of red component, green component, and blue component.
Pixel section 14R ..., G pixel section 14G ..., and B pixel section 1
4B ... are provided. Each pixel portion is composed of two transparent electrodes arranged to face each other and a liquid crystal layer provided between these transparent electrodes, and changes the voltage applied from the two transparent electrodes to the liquid crystal layer. By doing so, transmission / blocking of light is controlled.

These R pixel portion 14R ..., G pixel portion 14
The G pixel unit 14B and the B pixel unit 14B are provided so as to be alternately arranged in two columns in the main scanning direction. Also, R
Pixel area consisting of columns of pixel portions 14R, G pixel portion 14G
The pixel area made up of columns and the pixel area made up of B pixel portions 14B are provided at positions distant from each other in the sub-scanning direction, and red light, green light, and blue light are provided for the respective areas. The light is emitted independently.

Further, the LCS array 12 is provided with driver ICs 15A and 15B for driving each pixel portion. The driver IC 15A is provided outside the region of the R pixel portion 14R ... in the sub-scanning direction, and is provided with the R pixel portion 14R.
The pixel portion of the column on the R pixel portion 14R side of G ... Is driven. In addition, the driver IC 15B is connected to the B pixel unit 14
It is provided outside the region of B ... in the sub-scanning direction, and is provided with B pixel portions 14B.
In the pixel section 14G ..., The pixel section in the column on the B pixel section 14B.

In this embodiment, as described above, L
The CS array 12 has an R pixel portion 14R on one substrate.
, G pixel portion 14G, and B pixel portion 14B are provided, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and a pixel region including pixel portions corresponding to each color component is Any configuration may be used as long as it is arranged at different positions in the sub-scanning direction.
For example, there are three LCS arrays, one for each LCS array.
A configuration in which a pixel region including a pixel portion corresponding to one color component is provided, or two LCS arrays are provided and a pixel region including a pixel portion corresponding to one color component is provided in one LCS array, and another LCS array is provided. A configuration may be adopted in which the array is provided with a pixel region including pixel portions corresponding to the remaining two color components.

Next, the pixels that should be aligned in the main scanning direction due to the displacement of the positions of the respective pixel portions in the LCS array, the unevenness of the respective lenses in the rod lens plate, etc. are exposed while being displaced in the sub scanning direction. A configuration and method for preventing the occurrence (pixel shift) will be described below. In the present embodiment, first, a test image is actually printed on photographic printing paper, and the deviation amount of each pixel in the sub-scanning direction is measured from this test image print. Then, the pixel shift in the sub-scanning direction is corrected by changing the exposure timing of each pixel based on the measured shift amount.

First, a method of actually printing a test image on photographic paper and measuring the amount of deviation of each pixel in the sub-scanning direction will be described. First, as the test image, a straight line having a width of one pixel and parallel to the main scanning direction is used. Also,
This straight line is an image composed of image data that produces black color on the photographic paper, that is, image data in which the R component, G component, and B component image data have the maximum gradation.

A print image in which such a test image is printed on a printing paper is read by, for example, a flat bed scanner, and the shift amount of each pixel in the sub-scanning direction is detected based on the read scanning data. The resolution at the time of scanning is set to such a resolution that the amount of deviation of each pixel in the sub-scanning direction can be detected with required accuracy. For example, the resolution of a printed image printed on photographic paper has a resolution of 300 dpi (do
t per inch), if it is sufficient to detect the shift amount with an accuracy of 1/2 of the pixel pitch of the burned image, the scanning resolution is set to 600 dpi, and the accuracy of 1/4 of the pixel pitch of the burned image is set. When it is necessary to detect the amount of deviation in (1), the scanning resolution is set to 1200 dpi.

As a method of detecting the deviation amount of each pixel by the scanning as described above, the dot having the highest density on each line in the main scanning direction in the image data obtained by the scanning is made to correspond to that line. There is a method of recognizing the position of the pixel to be processed and detecting the shift amount of the corresponding pixel based on this position. In the above, an example in which pixel shift is detected by a flatbed scanner has been given, but a drum scanner or Image Xp
The pixel shift may be detected using Image Xpert (trade name) manufactured by ert Inc. or the like.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view schematically showing an example of the state of the test image on the printing paper. It is assumed that the pixels P1 to P5 are printed on the printing paper in the state as shown in FIG. In the figure, it is assumed that the vertical direction is the sub-scanning direction, and the photographic printing paper is exposed by being conveyed from the bottom to the top.

As shown in the figure, the pixel P3 is located on the most upstream side with respect to the conveyance of the printing paper, and P1 and P5
Is located on the most downstream side. Here, the positions of P1 and P5 located on the most downstream side in the sub-scanning direction are set as the reference line L, and the deviation amount from this reference line L is detected. For example, it is assumed that the pixel P2 is displaced from the reference line L by 0.05 mm and the pixel P3 is displaced from the reference line L by 0.10 mm.

In such a state, when the pixels P2 and P3 and the pixel P4 which are deviated from the reference line L are exposed, the exposure timing is delayed by a predetermined amount, respectively, so that these pixels are moved on the reference line L. It becomes possible to expose.

The delay amount DT of the exposure timing is obtained by the formula DT = DS / V depending on the shift amount DS of the corresponding pixel from the reference line L and the transport speed V of the printing paper. For example, in the case of the pixel P3 described above, if the transport speed V of the printing paper is 25.4 (mm / s), the deviation amount DS from the reference line L is 0.10 (mm), so the exposure timing The delay amount DT of 0.10 (mm /
s) /25.4 (mm) = 0.003937 (s). That is, by delaying the exposure timing by 3.937 ms when exposing the pixel P3, the pixel P3 can be printed on the reference line L on the printing paper.

As described above, the shift amount of each pixel in the sub-scanning direction in the test image is detected, the delay amount of the exposure timing is calculated based on this shift amount, and exposure is performed according to this delay amount. The image can be printed on the printing paper in a state where the pixels on the main scanning line are arranged in a straight line.

As described above, as the test image, the image data that develops black on the printing paper, that is, the image data of the R component, the G component, and the B component, has the maximum gradation, respectively. When an image consisting of is used, the amount of pixel shift differs for each color component. That is, the detection of the pixel shift amount, the calculation of the exposure timing delay amount, and the exposure based on the delay amount as described above are performed for each color component. As a result, when a color image is printed, each color component of each pixel can be printed at the same position on the photographic printing paper, so that no color misregistration occurs, and the main scanning line is not distorted. Can be printed on photographic paper.

Next, the detailed structure of the LCS array 12 in this embodiment, which enables the above-mentioned control of the exposure timing, will be described. Figure 1 (a)
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of the LCS array 12. In the figure, for the sake of simplicity of description, an LCS array 12 including a pixel region including pixel portions 14 ... Corresponding to one color component and a driver IC 15 for driving these pixel portions 14 ... Although shown, the configuration described below can be applied to the LCS array 12 having the configuration shown in FIG. 5 and other various configurations of the LCS array to which the present invention can be applied. Further, in the following description, control of exposure timing for one color component will be described, but similar control is performed for each color component.

The LCS array 12 has a pixel portion 14 ...
Are arranged in the main scanning direction. Further, the driver IC 15 is provided with 16 counters (exposure timing changing means) 16 ... Each of the counters 16 divides the pixel portion 14 for 2544 dots into 16 pixel portions 14 for 159 dots. It is connected to the. FIG. 1B shows a state in which one counter 16 is connected with the pixel portions 14 ... For 159 dots.

The counter 16 has a function of delaying the exposure timing in the connected pixel portions 14 by a predetermined amount by counting the clocks of the input clock signal. Further, each counter 16 is connected to the exposure timing setting unit 17. The exposure timing setting unit 17 is a block that performs a process of setting a delay amount of the exposure timing for each counter.
It is provided in a control unit (not shown) or the like that controls the exposure process. That is, the exposure timing setting unit 17
Based on the above, the delay amounts of the exposure timings in the 16 counters 16 are set separately, so that the pixel section 14 provided in the LCS array 12 is divided into 16 blocks, and the pixel section 14 is divided into blocks. It is possible to change the exposure timing of ...

In the above description, the calculation of the delay amount of the exposure timing is performed for all the pixels on the main scanning line, but for all the pixel units 14 on the main scanning line in the LCS array 12. In order to separately control the exposure timing, one counter 16 is provided for each pixel unit 14. That is, in this case
2544 counters 16 ... Are provided in the driver IC 16, which significantly increases the device cost and complicates the control. Further, as described above, the pixel shift in the sub-scanning direction is often in a state of largely bowing or meandering in the main scanning direction, so that the pixel portion 14 on the main scanning line ...
Is divided into a certain number of blocks (16 in the above example), and the exposure timing is adjusted for each block,
It is possible to sufficiently correct the pixel shift.

The exposure timing setting section 17 sets the delay amount of the exposure timing in each counter 16 by
For example, it is performed as follows. As described above, when the shift amount of each pixel in the sub-scanning direction is detected based on the test image, this data is used as the exposure timing setting unit 1.
Sent to 7. Then, the exposure timing setting unit 17
An average value of shift amounts of pixels corresponding to the pixel units 14 connected to each counter 16 is calculated. Then, the delay amount of the exposure timing corresponding to each counter 16 is calculated based on the average value of the shift amounts, and the exposure timing of each counter 16 is set so that the exposure is performed at this exposure timing. By calculating the exposure timing delay amount in each counter 16 in this manner, each counter 1
It is possible to averagely adjust the pixel shift of the pixels exposed from the pixel units 14 ...

In the above example, the shift amount is detected for all the pixels in the main scanning direction in the test image, and the average shift amount is calculated for each block. Only the shift amount of a specific pixel in each block, for example, the pixel near the center of each block is detected, and the delay amount of the exposure timing in the corresponding block is calculated based on the shift amount of the specific pixel. You may do it. In this case, the number of pixels for detecting the deviation amount in the test image can be significantly reduced, and the process of obtaining the average value of the deviation amounts can be eliminated. However, the position of the pixel for detecting the shift amount may be extremely shifted for some reason, and in such a case, the exposure timing delay amount in the block is set to an inappropriate value. There is a problem of fear.

In the configuration shown above, the LCS array 12
1 for each of the pixel units 14 ...
By controlling the exposure timing with 6 ...
The deviation of the exposure position of each pixel is corrected.
On the other hand, according to the method described below, the counter 16
By correcting the image data input to the driver IC 15 without adding such hardware, it is possible to correct the shift in the exposure position of each pixel.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the structure of the input portion of the original image data. The input image data is temporarily stored in the image data memory 21 and then sequentially output to the driver IC. An image data correction unit 22 is provided for the image data memory 21, and the image data correction unit 22 corrects the image data stored in the image data memory 21. ing. The image data memory 21 and the image data correction unit 22 are the same as those of the PC 5 shown in FIG.
It may be configured inside or inside a control unit (not shown) provided inside the exposure unit 1 or the like.

When the image data memory 21 and the image data correction section 22 are configured in the PC 5, the image data memory 21 corresponds to a memory such as a RAM provided in the PC 5, and the image data correction section 22 is connected to the PC 5 It is realized by executing an image data correction program that operates in. In this case, the following processing can be performed by software processing without adding any hardware configuration.

Further, when the image data memory 21 and the image data correction unit 22 are configured in the control unit provided inside the exposure unit 1, etc., it is often necessary to newly add these configurations. In the case where the image processing in the PC 5 is unnecessary, it is assumed that a system for performing image processing is provided in the control unit.
It is expected that the image data memory 21 and the image data correction unit 22 can be realized by such a system.

First, similarly to the above, the test image is actually printed on the printing paper, the print is read by the flatbed scanner, and the shift amount of each pixel in the sub-scanning direction is detected based on the read scanning data. Then, of the deviation amounts of the respective pixels, those that exceed half the pixel pitch in the burned image are extracted. For example, when the burned-in image is 300 dpi, the pixel pitch is 85
Pixels having a shift amount of more than 42.5 μm are extracted.

Then, the value of J / K is calculated by setting the shift amount in the pixel in which the pixel shift has exceeded half the length of this pixel pitch as J and the pixel pitch as K. And
A value obtained by converting the value of J / K into an integer (rounding off to the first decimal place) is N. These calculations may be performed externally, or the image data correction unit 22 may include a calculation function.

Next, with respect to the image data stored in the image data memory 21, the image data correction unit 22 includes sub-scans including pixels in which a pixel shift exceeds half the pixel pitch. A process of shifting all the pixel data arranged in the direction in the sub-scanning direction by N pixels calculated corresponding to the pixel is performed. For example, in the case of a pixel for which N is calculated to be 1, all pixels including the pixel and arranged in the sub-scanning direction are shifted by one pixel in the sub-scanning direction.

As described above, the amount of deviation is set from the reference line L by setting the position in the sub-scanning direction of the pixel located on the most downstream side with respect to the conveyance of the printing paper as the reference line L. It is detected as a shift amount. Therefore, as the direction for shifting in the sub-scanning direction by N pixels,
When the exposure is performed later, for example, when the exposure is performed from the upper side of the image data, all pixels including the corresponding pixel arranged in the sub-scanning direction are shifted downward by N pixels.

Here, a specific example will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (d). Note that FIG.
In the example shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D, the pixel pitch is 8
Pixels that are hatched with diagonal lines are pixels in which a shift has occurred, and pixels on both sides thereof are adjacent pixels on the same main scanning line as the pixels in which a shift has occurred. I shall. Further, it is assumed that the adjacent pixels are located on the reference line.

FIG. 7A shows the state of the burned-in image when the pixel shift amount is 60 μm. In this case, the deviation amount J is 60 (μm), so J / K = 60
(Μm) / 85 (μm) = 0.71 and N = 1. Therefore, all pixels including this pixel arranged in the sub-scanning direction may be shifted downward by one pixel for exposure. When the exposure is performed with the correction as described above, the state shown in FIG. In this case, the corrected pixel is displaced by 25 μm from the adjacent pixel on the reference line.

FIG. 7C shows that the pixel shift amount is 100 μm.
The state of the burned-in image in the case of is shown. In this case, the deviation amount J is 100 (μm), so J / K =
100 (μm) / 85 (μm) = 1.18, and N =
It becomes 1. Therefore, all pixels including this pixel arranged in the sub-scanning direction may be shifted downward by one pixel for exposure. When the exposure is performed with the correction as described above, FIG.
The state shown in FIG. In this case, the corrected pixel is
This means that there is a deviation of 15 μm from the adjacent pixels on the reference line.

Thus, according to the above correction,
Although the pixel to be corrected cannot be completely moved to the reference line, it is possible to correct the amount of deviation within half the pixel pitch. That is, according to such a correction, it is possible to suppress the deviation of each pixel in the sub-scanning direction within half the pixel pitch by a relatively simple correction of shifting the position of the pixel in the image data. .

If the original image data is color image data consisting of R, G, and B color components, the pixel shift amount is detected for each color component, and the image data for each color component is detected. Then, the above correction is performed.

In the present embodiment, the light from the light source is modulated by the LCS array according to the image data, and the modulated light is exposed on the printing paper, but the invention is not limited to this. Instead, if the pixel unit arranged in a line emits light according to the image data to perform scanning exposure on the photographic paper,
The present invention can be applied. For example, the present invention can be applied to a configuration using PLZT.

[0093]

As described above, the exposure apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 is an exposure apparatus that performs scanning exposure by moving the photosensitive material relatively, and the amount of light emitted according to image information. And a light control unit provided with at least one pixel region in which a plurality of pixel units for controlling the above are arranged in one line or several lines in the main scanning direction, and an exposure timing for emitting light from the pixel unit is changed. And a plurality of pixel units provided in the light control unit are divided into a plurality of blocks. Further, the exposure timing changing means is provided for each block, and the exposure timing setting means is used for the exposure timing corresponding to each block. It is configured to set different exposure timings respectively timing changing means.

As a result, the position of the pixel exposed on the printing paper can be changed in the sub-scanning direction for each block. Therefore, the position of the pixel exposed on the printing paper may be displaced in the sub-scanning direction depending on the position of the pixel in the main scanning direction due to the influence of the distortion of the optical system or the displacement of the arrangement position of each component. Even in such a case, it is possible to correct the deviation of the irradiation position in the sub-scanning direction by changing the exposure timing for each block as described above. Therefore, in a printed image, a row of pixels on the same main scanning line does not bow or meander in the sub-scanning direction, and a printed image with good image quality without image distortion is provided. The effect is that it becomes possible.

The exposure apparatus according to the invention of claim 2 further comprises projection means for projecting the light emitted from the light control means onto the photosensitive material, wherein the projection means is provided on the incident side focal length. It is a configuration of a plurality of rod lenses for projecting light from the pixel portion in the existing light control means onto the photosensitive material arranged on the focal length on the emission side without changing the relative position thereof.

As a result, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, it is possible to correct the deviation of the projection light by the projection means in the sub-scanning direction, so that even if the accuracy of the projection means is somewhat poor, there is no problem in image quality. The excellent image of can be exposed. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to suppress an increase in cost due to using a highly accurate projection unit.

In the exposure apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the light control means is provided with a plurality of pixel areas, and each pixel area emits monochromatic light of a different wavelength.

As a result, in addition to the effect according to the first or second aspect, the exposure timing can be changed for each block of the pixel portion that constitutes the pixel area for emitting the light of each color component. It is possible to correct the deviation of the irradiation position in the sub-scanning direction for each color component, and it is possible to expose an image of good image quality without the above-mentioned color deviation.

In the exposure apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the exposure timing setting means assigns to each block based on the shift amount of each pixel in the sub-scanning direction in the exposure image actually exposed on the photosensitive material. In this configuration, the exposure timing is set separately for the corresponding exposure timing changing means.

As a result, in addition to the effects of the first, second, or third aspect, it is possible to provide an exposure image in which the above-mentioned pixel shift does not occur in any exposure apparatus under various conditions. It has the effect of being possible.

In the exposure apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the pixel section in the light control means applies a voltage from one set of electrodes sandwiching the liquid crystal layer to the liquid crystal forming the liquid crystal layer. , A liquid crystal element that changes the transmission state of light incident from the outside.

As a result, in addition to the effect of the structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the pixel section is composed of a liquid crystal element having a relatively high degree of technical perfection as the light modulating means. Therefore, the transmission of light according to the image information /
The cutoff can be controlled with high accuracy. Therefore, it is possible to provide an exposed image with excellent image quality.

An exposure apparatus according to the invention of claim 6 is an exposure apparatus which performs scanning exposure by moving a photosensitive material relatively, and an image data memory for temporarily storing input image data, An image data correction unit that corrects the image data stored in the image data memory, and a plurality of pixel units that controls the amount of emitted light according to the image data corrected by the image data correction unit. Is provided in the main scanning direction with at least one or more pixel regions arranged side by side in the main scanning direction, and the image data correction section is arranged in the sub scanning direction in the image data. A configuration is performed in which all pixel data included in a specific column of the pixel data columns is displaced by a predetermined number of pixels in the sub-scanning direction.

As a result, the position of the pixel exposed on the printing paper can be changed in the sub-scanning direction for each pixel. Therefore, the position of the pixel exposed on the printing paper may be displaced in the sub-scanning direction depending on the position of the pixel in the main scanning direction due to the influence of the distortion of the optical system or the displacement of the arrangement position of each component. Even in such a case, it is possible to correct the deviation of the irradiation position in the sub-scanning direction by changing the exposure timing for each pixel as described above. Therefore, in a printed image, a row of pixels on the same main scanning line does not bow or meander in the sub-scanning direction, and a printed image with good image quality without image distortion is provided. The effect is that it becomes possible.

Since the exposure timing is corrected in pixel units as described above, the pixel to be corrected cannot be moved completely on one straight line, but the pixel pitch It is possible to correct the shift amount within half of the above. That is, according to such a correction, it is possible to suppress the deviation of each pixel in the sub-scanning direction within half the pixel pitch by a relatively simple correction of shifting the position of the pixel in the image data. Has the effect.

Further, since the configuration of the image data memory, the image data correction unit and the like can be realized in many cases by the configuration already provided in the conventional apparatus,
The above-described correction can be performed without increasing the cost of the device.

The exposure apparatus according to the invention of claim 7 further comprises projection means for projecting the light emitted from the light control means onto the photosensitive material, and the projection means is provided on the incident side focal length. It is a configuration of a plurality of rod lenses for projecting light from the pixel portion in the existing light control means onto the photosensitive material arranged on the focal length on the emission side without changing the relative position thereof.

As a result, in addition to the effect of the structure of claim 6, it is possible to correct the deviation of the projection light in the sub-scanning direction by the projection means. The excellent image of can be exposed. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to suppress an increase in cost due to using a highly accurate projection unit.

In the exposure apparatus according to the invention of claim 8, the light control means is provided with a plurality of pixel regions, and each pixel region emits monochromatic light of a different wavelength.

As a result, in addition to the effect according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the exposure timing can be changed for each pixel portion forming the pixel area for emitting the light of each color component. It is possible to correct the deviation of the irradiation position in the sub-scanning direction for each color component, and it is possible to expose an image of good image quality without the above-mentioned color deviation.

In the exposure apparatus according to the invention of claim 9, the image data correction section is configured to detect the image data based on the shift amount of each pixel in the sub-scanning direction in the exposure image actually exposed on the photosensitive material. In the configuration, the shift amount in the sub-scanning direction of all the pixel data included in the pixel data column arranged in the sub-scanning direction in is set.

As a result, in addition to the effect of the sixth, seventh or eighth aspect, it is possible to provide an exposure image in which the above pixel deviation does not occur in any exposure apparatus under various conditions. It has the effect of being possible.

In the exposure apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the pixel section in the light control means applies a voltage to a liquid crystal forming the liquid crystal layer from a pair of electrodes sandwiching the liquid crystal layer. , A liquid crystal element that changes the transmission state of light incident from the outside.

As a result, in addition to the effect of the structure according to any one of claims 6 to 9, the pixel portion is constituted by a liquid crystal element having a relatively high degree of technical perfection as the light modulating means. Therefore, the transmission of light according to the image information /
The cutoff can be controlled with high accuracy. Therefore, it is possible to provide an exposed image with excellent image quality.

The photographic processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 11 is
An exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and a photosensitive material exposed by the exposure apparatus,
This is a configuration including a developing unit that performs a developing process by using a developing solution and a drying unit that dries the photosensitive material that has been subjected to the developing process in the developing unit.

Thus, the exposure process for the photosensitive material,
Since the development processing and the drying processing can be continuously performed under a unified control, a large amount of photographs can be continuously printed without imposing a burden on the user in operation.

In the exposure method according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, at least a pixel area in which a plurality of pixel portions for controlling the amount of emitted light according to image information are arranged in one line or several lines in the main scanning direction is provided. An exposure method using an exposure device, comprising one or more light control means, which performs scanning exposure by moving a photosensitive material relatively, the method comprising actually exposing a test image on the photosensitive material. A step of reading an exposure image of the test image on the photosensitive material with a scanner, and a step of detecting a positional deviation of each pixel on the main scanning line in the sub-scanning direction based on the scanning data read by the scanner. And an exposure timing correction amount for the corresponding pixel is calculated based on the detected positional deviation and the relative speed of the photosensitive material at the time of exposure. And step, based on the exposure timing correction amount, a method and a step of changing the exposure timing of each pixel portion in the light control means.

As a result, the position of the pixel exposed on the photographic paper is displaced in the sub-scanning direction depending on the position of the pixel in the main scanning direction due to the influence of distortion of the optical system or displacement of the arrangement position of each component. Even in such a case, it is possible to correct the deviation of the irradiation position in the sub-scanning direction by changing the exposure timing for each pixel as described above. Therefore, in a printed image, a row of pixels on the same main scanning line does not bow or meander in the sub-scanning direction, and a printed image with good image quality without image distortion is provided. The effect is that it becomes possible.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an LCS array included in a printing unit in a photographic processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is the above LCS.
It is an explanatory view showing each pixel part in an array, and a counter connected to it.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a photographic processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an exposure unit and a printing paper storage unit included in the photographic apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the printing unit.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an LCS array included in the printing unit.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of a state of a test image on photographic printing paper.

7A to 7D are explanatory diagrams showing examples of a state of a burned-in image in which a pixel shift has occurred and a state of a burned-in image after correction.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an input portion of original image data.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an exposure state on the printing paper and a positional relationship with the head when an image of a straight line parallel to the main scanning direction is printed on the printing paper by a conventional printing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 exposure part 2 photographic paper storage part 3 developing part 4 drying part 5 PC 6 printing part (exposure device) 11R / 11G / 11B light source 12 LCS array (light modulation means) 13 rod lens plate (projection means) 14 / 14R / 14G・ 14B pixel part ・ R pixel part ・
G pixel section / B pixel section 15, 15A, 15B Driver IC (driving means) 16 Counter (exposure timing changing means) 17 Exposure timing setting section 21 Image data memory 22 Image data correction section

Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2C162 AE12 AE13 AE23 AE28 AE47                       AE77 AF06 AF13 AF22 AF60                       FA05 FA10 FA35 FA45                 2H106 AA04 AA22 AA71                 2H110 AB09 CE11                 5C051 AA02 CA08 CA11 DA03 DB02                       DB08 DB22 DB26 DB29 DB31                       DC03 DC04 DC05 DE02 DE26                       EA01 FA04                 5C072 BA19 DA02 DA14 HA01 HB01                       QA12 QA14 QA17 RA18 VA03                       XA07

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An exposure apparatus for performing scanning exposure by moving a photosensitive material relatively, wherein a plurality of pixel portions for controlling the amount of emitted light according to image information are arranged in one or several rows in the main scanning direction. The light control means having at least one or more pixel regions arranged side by side, the exposure timing changing means for changing the exposure timing for emitting light from the pixel portion, and the exposure changing by the exposure timing changing means. Exposure timing setting means for setting timing, and the plurality of pixel portions provided in the light control means are divided into a plurality of blocks, and the exposure timing changing means is provided for each block. The exposure timing setting means separately controls the exposure timing changing means for each block. An exposure apparatus characterized by setting a ming. 2. A pixel unit in the light control means, further comprising projection means for projecting the light emitted from the light control means onto the photosensitive material, wherein the projection means is present on a focal length on the incident side. 2. The exposure apparatus according to claim 1, which is a plurality of rod lenses that project light from the light source onto a photosensitive material disposed on a focal length on the emission side without changing the relative position thereof. 3. The exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light control means includes a plurality of pixel regions, and each pixel region emits monochromatic light having a different wavelength. 4. The exposure timing setting means, with respect to the exposure timing changing means corresponding to each block, based on the shift amount of each pixel in the sub-scanning direction in the exposure image actually exposed on the photosensitive material. 4. The exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exposure timing is set separately. 5. The pixel portion in the light control means transmits a light incident from the outside by applying a voltage to a liquid crystal forming the liquid crystal layer from a set of electrodes sandwiching the liquid crystal layer. The exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exposure apparatus is a liquid crystal element that changes a state. 6. An exposure device for performing scanning exposure by moving a photosensitive material relatively, the image data memory temporarily storing input image data, and the image data memory. An image data correction unit that corrects image data, and a plurality of pixel units that control the amount of emitted light according to the image data corrected by the image data correction unit are arranged in one line or several lines in the main scanning direction. And a light control unit provided with at least one or more pixel regions arranged side by side, wherein the image data correction unit selects a specific one of the pixel data columns arranged in the sub-scanning direction in the image data. An exposure apparatus, which corrects all pixel data included in a row by shifting a predetermined number of pixels in the sub-scanning direction. 7. A pixel unit in the light control means, further comprising projection means for projecting light emitted from the light control means onto the photosensitive material, wherein the projection means is present on a focal length on the incident side. 7. The exposure apparatus according to claim 6, which is a plurality of rod lenses that project the light from the light source onto the photosensitive material disposed on the focal length on the emission side without changing the relative position thereof. 8. The exposure apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the light control means includes a plurality of pixel regions, and each pixel region emits monochromatic light having a different wavelength. 9. The pixel data arranged in the sub-scanning direction in the image data, based on the amount of deviation in the sub-scanning direction of each pixel in an exposure image in which the photosensitive material is actually exposed. 9. The exposure apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a shift amount in the sub-scanning direction of all pixel data included in the column is set. 10. The pixel portion in the light control means comprises:
A liquid crystal element that changes a transmission state of light incident from the outside by applying a voltage to a liquid crystal forming the liquid crystal layer from a pair of electrodes sandwiching the liquid crystal layer. The exposure apparatus according to any one of 6 to 9. 11. An exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and a development section for performing development processing on the photosensitive material exposed by the exposure apparatus by using a development processing solution. A photographic processing apparatus, comprising: a drying section for drying the light-sensitive material that has been developed in the developing section. 12. A light control means provided with at least one pixel region in which a plurality of pixel portions for controlling the amount of emitted light according to image information are arranged in one line or several lines in the main scanning direction. An exposure method using an exposure device that performs scanning exposure by relatively moving a photosensitive material, comprising a step of actually exposing a test image on the photosensitive material, and a step of exposing the test image on the photosensitive material. A step of reading the exposure image with a scanner; a step of detecting a positional deviation of each pixel on the main scanning line in the sub-scanning direction based on the scanning data read by the scanner; a detected positional deviation; A step of calculating an exposure timing correction amount for the relevant pixel based on the relative speed of the photosensitive material at the time of exposure; Exposure method based on the correction amount, characterized in that it has a step of changing the exposure timing of each pixel portion in the light control means.