JP2003234915A - Method and system for instant processing of photographic film - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an instant processing technique for a photographic film in which bleaching processing and fixing processing are omitted without using a special scanner. <P>SOLUTION: The system comprises a pattern image exposing section 3 for exposing a pattern image on an unexposed portion of a photographic film, on which a photographed image is exposed by a combination of different optical intensity by using B, G, R lights, a color development processing section 20a for applying color development processing to the film, a three-dimensional table-creating section 72 for creating a three-dimensional table for deriving values related to color elements, corresponding to the color element amount in the film on the basis of scanning data formed by each of the B, G, R lights with respect to the pattern image, and a pixel density calculating section 73 for calculating B, G, R density values in each pixel, by applying scanning data formed by each of the B, G, R lights with respect to each of the pixels in the photographed image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rapid photographic film processing method for obtaining photographed image information from scanning data for a color photographic film containing a silver component after color development processing, and a rapid photographic film processing for implementing this method. Regarding the system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A general color photographic film has a blue photosensitive layer which forms a yellow dye by blue exposure, a green photosensitive layer which forms a magenta dye by green light exposure, and a red photosensitive layer which forms a cyan dye by red exposure. I have it. When processing the color negative film that shot the subject,
The developer is oxidized in the process of reducing the latent image-containing halogenated grains to metallic silver, and the oxidized developer is used to form a corresponding dye by coupling with a color coupler. The metallic silver is returned to silver halide by the bleaching treatment, and the silver halide is removed by the fixing treatment.

In order to realize rapid processing in place of the photographic film processing by the conventional method, the bleaching processing for returning metallic silver to silver halide and the fixing processing for removing silver halide are omitted, and the color development processing is carried out. For the latter film, blue (B) -magenta dye affected by yellow dye and silver particles, green (G) affected by silver particles, red (R) light affected by cyan dye and silver particles, and Scanning using infrared (IE) light that is affected only by silver particles, BG
Attempts have been made to obtain the B, G, and R densities (image data) contained in the film by subtracting the scanning result by the IE light from the scanning result by the R light.

[0004]

However, in such a rapid photographic film processing technique in which the bleaching process and the fixing process are omitted, an IE light source is added to the B, G, and R light sources in the scanner section, and a photoelectric light dedicated to the IE light is added. It is necessary to prepare a converter. Scanners for B, G, and R lights are very well distributed, and high-performance scanners are available at relatively low prices.
・ The scanner for GR light + IE light is a special type,
There is a problem that it becomes expensive and the configuration of the entire scanner section becomes complicated. In view of the above situation, an object of the present invention is to provide a rapid photographic film processing technique in which bleaching processing and fixing processing are omitted without using a special scanner.

[0005]

In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention, there is provided a rapid photographic film processing method for obtaining photographed image information from scanning data for a color photographic film containing a silver component after color development processing. A pattern image exposure step of exposing a pattern image with a combination of different light intensities by using B, G, and R lights as basic three colors on the unexposed portion of the photographic film exposed with the photographed image, and coloring the photographic film. Based on the development processing step and the scanning data by the respective B, G, and R lights for the pattern image,
A three-dimensional table creating step for creating a three-dimensional table for deriving a dye-related value corresponding to the coloring dye amount in the photographic film from the respective light characteristic values of the R light, and each of the B, G, R lights for each pixel of the photographed image. Pixel density calculation step of calculating the B, G, R density values at each pixel by applying the light characteristic values obtained from the scanning data according to the above-mentioned three-dimensional table.

In this method, a pattern image is formed on the film after color development processing by an appropriate combination of B, G, and R lights, and the yellow dye and silver particles are affected on the pattern image. Blue (B) -magenta dye and silver particles are affected by green (G) -cyan dye and silver particles are affected by red (R) light, that is, visible light alone is used to affect each color dye and silver particles The obtained light characteristic value, for example, the amount of transmission or the amount of reflection, or both, is acquired, and the amount of the coloring pigment in the pattern image, as a result, B and G, is obtained from those light characteristic values and the B, G and R densities of the pattern image.・
A three-dimensional table is created in which the R density value is calculated and a dye-related value corresponding to the amount of the coloring dye in the photographic film is derived from the light characteristic values of the B, G, and R lights by these calculations. By using this three-dimensional table, the B.G.R.R light with respect to the frame image can be used to calculate the B.G.R.
GR density values, that is, frame image data are calculated. As a result, a rapid photographic film processing method for acquiring image data based on scanning data of a photographic film using only B, G, and R lights can be realized.

In one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the pattern image is composed of eight patterns obtained from all combinations of exposures by B, G and R lights at two different light intensities. There is. This is because a scanning result obtained from a pattern image formed by exposing with two light intensities for each color light, results with other light intensities are obtained by linear approximation, and almost practically satisfactory results are obtained. It is based on the recognition that

Particularly preferable as the two light intensities are:
The three-dimensional table is created based on these extreme pattern images, which are the light intensities for producing the images of maximum density and minimum density. Here, the light characteristic value corresponding to the intermediate density image is determined by proportional distribution. This is because the light characteristic values affected by the maximum and minimum densities of the dyes formed on the film, especially when the transmission amount is obtained, the light characteristic values affected by the intermediate density are proportionally distributed with sufficient accuracy. It is based on the recognition that it can be obtained. From the viewpoint of ease of scanning measurement and the like, it is especially recommended to use the light transmittance as the light characteristic value.

The present invention provides a rapid photographic film processing system for carrying out the rapid photographic film processing method.
A pattern image exposure unit that exposes a pattern image with a combination of different light intensities using B, G, and R light as the three basic colors to the unexposed portion of the photographic film that has been exposed to the photographed image, and color development of the photographic film. Based on the color development processing section to be processed and the scanning data by the B, G, and R lights for the pattern image, the dye-related value corresponding to the coloring dye amount in the photographic film from the light characteristic values of the B, G, and R lights respectively. A three-dimensional table creating unit that creates a three-dimensional table for deriving values, and light characteristic values obtained from scanning data by B, G, and R lights for each pixel of the captured image are applied to the three-dimensional table. A pixel density calculating unit for calculating B, G, and R density values in pixels is proposed. Also in this rapid photographic film processing system, the above-described operational effects can be applied as they are, and various features described as the preferred embodiments can be applied. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, the principle of the rapid photographic film processing technique according to the present invention will be described. A general color photographic film (hereinafter, simply referred to as a film) includes a blue photosensitive layer which is arranged in order from the top and which produces a yellow dye upon exposure to blue (B), and a green photosensitive layer which produces a magenta dye upon exposure to green light (G). Layer and a red light-sensitive layer that produces a cyan dye upon exposure to red (R) light. Each light-sensitive layer comprises a silver halide and a color coupler having a property of being exposed to light. The exposed silver halide is converted into metallic silver by color development processing, and the color coupler develops color with this chemical reaction to become a specific dye. Here, in order to focus on the light-shielding factor in the film, in this specification, the dye (yellow dye) and the color coupler in the blue photosensitive layer are the B light absorbing layer, the silver halide in the blue photosensitive layer is the y layer Ag, and the blue photosensitive layer. In the same manner, the metallic silver in Y is represented as Y layer Ag, similarly, the dye (magenta dye) and the color coupler in the green photosensitive layer are the G light absorbing layer, the silver halide in the green photosensitive layer is the m layer Ag, and the metallic silver in the blue photosensitive layer is the same. The M layer Ag is represented by a dye (cyan dye) and a color coupler in the red photosensitive layer are represented by an R light absorbing layer, the silver halide in the red photosensitive layer is represented by a c layer Ag, and the metallic silver in the red photosensitive layer is represented by a C layer Ag. However, an example of expressing the state of the film after color development by this method is shown in FIG.

An important feature of the present invention is that the unexposed portion of the film is exposed by using each of B, G, and R lights and with a combination of different light intensities to form a pattern image. A suitable example of the exposure pattern is shown in FIG. Pattern% 1 is blue exposure (B light exposure) with the intensity at which the blue photosensitive layer of the film is exposed at maximum density.
And the green light sensitive layer of the film is not exposed to green (G light) or green due to the intensity of exposure to the minimum density.
This is the case where the red light-sensitive layer of the film is not exposed to red light (R light exposure), that is, red light, due to the intensity of light exposure at the lowest density. In FIG. 2, when the photosensitive layer is exposed with the intensity of being exposed at the maximum density, it is referred to as maximum density exposure, and with the intensity of being exposed at the minimum density, that is, when it is not exposed, it is referred to as unexposed. As is clear from FIG. 2, the pattern% 2 is G
Exposure is maximum density exposure, B exposure and R exposure are unexposed,
The pattern% 3 has the maximum exposure for the R exposure and the non-exposure of the B exposure and the G exposure, the pattern% 4 has the maximum exposure for all the B exposure, the G exposure and the R exposure, and the pattern% 5 has the exposure for the B exposure. G exposure and R exposure are all unexposed, pattern% 6 is G exposure and R exposure with maximum density exposure, and B exposure is unexposed, and pattern% 7 is B exposure and R exposure with maximum density exposure. The exposure is unexposed, and the pattern% 8 has the B and G exposures at maximum density exposure and the R exposure is unexposed.

The transmittance of each of the B light, G light, and R light is measured using a scanner for the film on which each of the above eight pattern images is formed. As schematically shown in FIG. 3, the film exposed by the pattern% 1 and color-developed has a blue light-sensitive layer including a B light absorbing layer which is a yellow dye and a Y layer Ag which is metallic silver. The green photosensitive layer is silver halide m layer Ag, and the red photosensitive layer is silver halide c.
There will be a layer Ag. The transmittance of the B light in the pattern% 1 can be obtained by measuring the transmitted light obtained by irradiating this with the B light, but the B light absorption layer, the Y layer Ag, the m layer Ag, and the c layer Ag are the B light. It becomes a shading factor for
In particular, the Y layer Ag, which is metallic silver, has a high degree of absorption. Similarly G
By measuring the transmitted light obtained by irradiating the light or the R light, the transmittance of the B light or the R light in the pattern% 1 can be obtained, but in this case, the B light absorbing layer does not act as a light shielding factor and the Y layer Ag
Since only the silver components such as m layer Ag and c layer Ag serve as a light shielding factor, their transmittances are somewhat larger than the transmittance of B light. Further, considering that the B light absorption layer is a factor that blocks only B light, the transmittance for the B light absorption layer is determined from the transmittance of B light and the transmittance of G light or R light: εB absorption layer, and Y It is possible to obtain the transmittance εB for the silver component, which is composed of the layer Ag, the m layer Ag, and the c layer Ag.

In the film which has been exposed with the pattern% 2 and color-developed, as shown schematically in FIG. 4, the y layer Ag which is silver halide is formed in the blue photosensitive layer and the green photosensitive layer is formed in the green photosensitive layer. G light absorbing layer which is magenta dye and M layer Ag which is metallic silver
However, the c layer Ag, which is silver halide, is present in the red photosensitive layer. Here, the G light absorption layer, the y layer Ag, the M layer Ag, and the c layer Ag serve as a light shielding factor for G light, and the y layer A
Only the silver components such as g, M layer Ag, and c layer Ag are B light and R
It becomes a factor that blocks light. From the transmittance of B light, G light, and R light for this pattern% 2, the transmittance for the G light absorption layer:
It is possible to obtain the εG absorption layer and the transmittance: εG for the silver component composed of the y layer Ag, the M layer Ag, and the c layer Ag.

In the film which was exposed with the pattern% 3 and color-developed, as shown schematically in FIG. 5, the y layer Ag, which is silver halide, was formed in the blue photosensitive layer and the green photosensitive layer was formed in the green photosensitive layer. The m layer Ag which is silver halide, and the R light absorption layer which is a cyan dye and the C layer Ag which is metallic silver are present in the red photosensitive layer. Here, the R light absorption layer and the y layer Ag and m
The layers Ag and C layer Ag act as a light blocking factor for R light, and only the silver components such as the y layer Ag, m layer Ag, and C layer Ag become a light blocking factor for B light and G light. From the transmittance of B light, G light, and R light for this pattern% 3, the transmittance for the R light absorption layer: εR absorption layer, and the transmittance for the silver component consisting of the y layer Ag, the m layer Ag, and the C layer Ag: εR can be obtained.

In the film which has been exposed with the pattern% 4 and color-developed, as shown in FIG. 6, the blue light-sensitive layer has a B light absorbing layer which is a yellow dye and a Y layer which is metallic silver. The green photosensitive layer has a G light absorbing layer which is a magenta dye and an M layer Ag which is metallic silver, and the red photosensitive layer has an R light absorbing layer which is a cyan dye and a C layer Ag which is metallic silver. Will exist. Here, the B light absorption layer, the Y layer Ag, the M layer Ag, and the C layer Ag are the light blocking factors for the B light, and the G light absorption layer, the Y layer Ag, the M layer Ag, and the C layer Ag are the light blocking factors for the G light. , The R light absorption layer, the Y layer Ag, the M layer Ag, and the C layer Ag serve as a light blocking factor for R light. This pattern% 4
From the B light, G light, and R light transmissivities with respect to the above, and the transmissivities of the color light absorption layers previously obtained, the transmissivity for the silver component composed of the Y layer Ag, the M layer Ag, and the C layer Ag: εB G / R can be obtained.

Since no light of any color is exposed in the pattern% 5, the color-developed film has a y layer which is silver halide in the blue photosensitive layer, as schematically shown in FIG. Ag is silver halide in the green photosensitive layer.
As for the layer Ag, the c layer Ag which is silver halide is present in the red photosensitive layer. Here, only the silver components such as the y-layer Ag, the m-layer Ag, and the c-layer Ag act as a blocking factor for B light, G light, and R light. B light, G light, and R for this pattern% 5
From the light transmittance, it is possible to obtain the transmittance: εNON for the silver component composed of the y-layer Ag, the m-layer Ag, and the c-layer Ag, that is, the film portion where no dye is generated.

In the film which was exposed with the pattern% 6 and color-developed, as shown schematically in FIG. 8, the y layer Ag, which is silver halide, was formed in the blue photosensitive layer and the green photosensitive layer was formed in the green photosensitive layer. G light absorbing layer which is magenta dye and M layer Ag which is metallic silver
However, in the red photosensitive layer, the R light absorbing layer which is a cyan dye and the C layer Ag which is metallic silver are present. Here, only the silver components such as the y layer Ag, the M layer Ag, and the C layer Ag act as a light blocking factor for B light, and the G light absorption layer, the y layer Ag, and the M layer A are included.
The g and C layers Ag serve as a shielding factor for G light, and the R light absorption layer, the y layer Ag, the M layer Ag, and the C layer Ag serve as a shielding factor for R light. From the transmittance of the B light with respect to this pattern% 6, the y layer Ag and the M layer A
It is possible to obtain a transmittance for a silver component consisting of g and C layer Ag: εG · R.

In the film which has been exposed with the pattern% 7 and color-developed, as shown schematically in FIG. 9, the blue light-sensitive layer has a B light absorbing layer which is a yellow dye and a Y layer which is metallic silver. Ag is m layer Ag which is silver halide in the green photosensitive layer.
However, in the red photosensitive layer, the R light absorbing layer which is a cyan dye and the C layer Ag which is metallic silver are present. Here, only the silver components such as the Y layer Ag, the m layer Ag, and the C layer Ag act as a light shielding factor for the G light, and the B light absorption layer, the y layer Ag, and the M layer A.
The g and C layers Ag serve as a blocking factor for B light, and the R light absorption layer, the Y layer Ag, the m layer Ag, and the C layer Ag block R light. From the transmittance of G light with respect to this pattern% 7, from the Y layer Ag and the m layer A
It is possible to obtain the transmittance: εB · R for the silver component composed of g and the C layer Ag.

In the film which has been exposed with the pattern% 8 and color-developed, as shown schematically in FIG. 10, the blue photosensitive layer has a B light absorbing layer which is a yellow dye and a Y layer which is metallic silver. This means that Ag is present in the green light-sensitive layer as a G light absorbing layer which is a magenta dye and M layer Ag which is a metallic silver, and in the red light-sensitive layer as a silver halide c layer Ag. here,
Only the silver components such as Y layer Ag, M layer Ag, and c layer Ag are R
It becomes a factor that blocks light, and the B light absorption layer and the Y layer Ag and M
Layer Ag and c layer Ag are for B light, and G light absorption layer and Y layer A
The g, the M layer Ag, and the c layer Ag serve as a factor for blocking the G light. From the transmittance of the R light for this pattern% 8, the Y layers Ag and M are
Transmittance of silver component consisting of layer Ag and layer c: εB
・ You can get G.

As described above, it is formed by the combination of the maximum density exposure and the non-exposure of each of the B, G and R lights.
A three-dimensional vector space of light transmittance as shown in FIG. 11 can be created from the measurement results of the B, G, and R light transmittances for the various pattern images. The three coordinates are B light transmittance, G light transmittance, and R light transmittance for the film to be processed. Since each transmittance is a function of the transmittance of the silver component and the transmittance of each light absorption layer, the points of the above three-dimensional vector space determined by the B light transmittance, G light transmittance, and R light transmittance are Can be assigned the transmittance of the silver component and the transmittance of the R, G, B light absorbing layer, and consequently the amount (concentration) of the R, G, B dyes. At that time, patterns% 1 to% 8
Values other than the vertices of the hexahedron corresponding to are calculated by proportional distribution. Thereby, the B, G, and R density values of the pixel can be calculated from the B light transmittance, the G light transmittance, and the R light transmittance of each pixel of the photographing screen.

Here, a simplified example is taken for ease of explanation. FIG. 12 shows the transmittance in the entire film thickness direction obtained by calculation from the B light scanning, G light scanning, R light scanning, and scanning results for the film area having eight pattern images of% 1 to% 8. 3 is a list of (total transmittance), silver transmittance, and absorption layer transmittance.

FIG. 13 shows the surface of the hexahedron of the three-dimensional vector space created based on this list in which at least the B light absorption layer is always present. here,
The vertices P1 to P4 correspond to pattern% 1, pattern% 8, pattern% 4, and pattern% 7. For example, P1
The coordinates of are (0.35,0.50,0.50). This point is B
Since only the light is exposed to the maximum density (the yellow dye that reacts with the B light occurs at the maximum density on the film), the maximum gradation value "255" is given as the B density assigned to this point. However, in this example, the density is represented by an integer of 0 to 255. However, since the G light and the R light are not exposed, the G density and the R density assigned to this point are the lowest gradation values. A certain "0" will be given. The coordinates of P2 are (0.28, 0.28, 0.40), the assigned B density is "255", the G density is "255", and the R density is "0". Similarly, as shown in FIG.
B, G, and R concentrations are also assigned to 3 and P4.

Further, the B, G, R densities can be assigned by proportional distribution to the points having the coordinates of the B, G, R light transmittance values in the area defined by these points P1 to P4. For example, P5, which is the midpoint between P1 and P2, has coordinates (0.32, 0.39, 0.45), the assigned B concentration is “255”, the G concentration is “127”, and R is R.
The density is "0". P6, which is the midpoint between P2 and P3,
The coordinates of P7, which is the midpoint between P3 and P4, and P8, which is the midpoint between P4 and P1, (the value of the BGR light transmittance) and the BGR concentration assigned to that point are shown in FIG. It is shown. By the way, the center point P of the plane shown in FIG.
The coordinates of 9 (value of B, G, R light transmittance) are (0.29,0.39,0.
35), and the assigned B concentration is "255", the G concentration is "127", and the R concentration is "127".

Since the same thing is repeated, a description thereof is omitted here, but FIG. 14 shows a surface in which at least only the B light absorption layer does not exist in the hexahedron of the above-mentioned three-dimensional vector space. And each vertex Q1 to Q there
4 corresponds to pattern% 5, pattern% 2, pattern% 6, and pattern% 3. Here again, it is important to note that B in the area defined by these points Q1 to Q4
The B, G, and R densities can be assigned by proportional distribution to the points having the G and R light transmittance values as coordinate values.

In this way, eight exposure patterns% 1 to% 8
From the B, G, and R light transmittances obtained by the above, the B light transmittance, the G light transmittance, and the R light transmittance for the film to be processed are coordinated to each point of the three-dimensional vector space of the light transmittance.
・ G / R concentration can be assigned. The B, G, and R densities as a function of the B light transmittance, the G light transmittance, and the R light transmittance obtained in this manner are made into a three-dimensional table to obtain the B light transmittance and the G light at a predetermined pixel. From the transmittance and the R light transmittance, the B, G, and R densities of the pixel, that is, color image data can be obtained. By digitally exposing the photographic printing paper based on the obtained color image data, a photographic print based on the film photographed image can be created.

A photographic processing system based on the principle of the above-described rapid photographic film processing technique according to the present invention will be described below. FIG. 15 shows a photo processing system 1 according to the present invention.
One embodiment is shown schematically. Such a photographic processing system includes a film processing station 6 which develops an undeveloped film 1 and digitizes a frame image included in the developed film 1 to obtain it as frame image data, and an acquired frame. A frame image is printed on the photographic paper 2 using the image data, and the photograph print 2
(Here, the same drawing number is given to the photographic paper and the photographic print). The film processing station 6 includes a pattern exposure unit 3 that exposes the above-described eight pattern images in an unexposed area of the film 1 that has been photographed, a film development unit 20 that develops the film 1 that has undergone pattern exposure, and a film development unit 20. A scanner unit 30 for reading the included frame images and the like is included. The pattern exposure unit 3 is a blue LED
And a green LED and a red LED as a light source and a light guide means for guiding a light beam from this light source onto the film 1. Each color LED can be independently driven and controlled.
.A light beam of any combination of R, that is, 8 described above
Street patterns% 1-% 8 can be formed on the film 1. At the print processing station 7, the photographic paper 2
A digital print unit 50 that prints a frame image on a sheet, a photographic paper developing unit 60 that develops the printed photographic paper 2 into a photographic print 2, and a controller 70 that performs control processing of each component and data processing such as image data. It is included.

What is important here is the film developing section 20.
Is not configured to continuously perform different process treatments such as a color developing tank, a bleaching processing tank, a fixing processing tank, and a stabilizing processing tank as in the related art, and includes only the color developing unit 20a. The film 1 that has been color-developed by passing through the color-developing unit 20a is then subjected to eight pattern images and each by the scanner unit 30 before or after being dried without performing processing such as bleaching and fixing. The B, G, R transmission amount of the frame image is measured.

BG acquired by the scanner unit 30
・ R amount is controller 7 of print processing station 7
0, and the B, G, and R transmittances are calculated based on the principle of the above-mentioned rapid photographic film processing technology, and the B as a function of the B light transmittance, the G light transmittance, and the R light transmittance described above.
A three-dimensional table in which the G and R densities are derived is created, and frame image data corresponding to each frame image of the film 1 is created using this three-dimensional table. Further, the controller 70 performs predetermined image processing on the obtained frame image data to finally create print data, and exposes the photographic printing paper 2 using this print data.
After that, the printing paper 2 developed in the printing paper developing unit 60
Is discharged as a finished photo print.

Next, the scanner unit 30 for reading the frame image contained in the film 1 and the pattern image formed by the pattern image exposure unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The scanner unit 30 includes an illumination optical system 31, an image pickup optical system 32, and a photoelectric conversion system 33 using a CCD sensor as a visible light sensor 33a as main components. The illumination optical system 31 includes a halogen lamp 3 as a light source.
1a, a reflecting mirror 31b that reflects the light of the halogen lamp 31a into substantially parallel light, and an infrared cut filter 31
c, a dimming filter 31d for adjusting the emitted light of the halogen lamp 31a to a desired color balance, and a mirror tunnel 31e for making the color distribution and the intensity distribution of the light uniform. .

The image pickup optical system 32 comprises a zoom lens unit 32a and a mirror 32b for bending the traveling direction of the light beam. The mirror 32b is configured by a so-called cold mirror, the visible light is reflected by the reflecting surface of the mirror 32b, the path of the light beam is bent by 90 degrees, and the visible light sensor 3 is used.
It is irradiated toward 3a.

The visible light sensor 33a, which is a main element of the photoelectric conversion system 33, photoelectrically converts visible light in the light beam guided by the imaging optical system 32 into red (R), green (G), CCD line sensors provided corresponding to each color of blue (B) are integrated on one chip, and a large number (eg, 5000) of CCD line sensors are arranged in the main scanning direction, that is, the width direction of the film 1. Arranged light receiving elements are provided, and R, G, and B color filters are formed on the light receiving surfaces of these light receiving elements, respectively.
The detection signal of the visible light sensor 33a is subjected to processing such as amplification and A / D conversion by the visible light signal processing circuit 33b and output to the scanner controller 35, and the communication control unit 3
It is transferred to the controller 70 via 5a.

When the film 1 is conveyed to the scanner unit 30, first, the eight pattern images formed on the film 1 are sequentially read by the visible light sensor 33a, and the read data are transferred to the controller 70. After that, when the frame image of the film 1 is positioned at a predetermined scan position, the frame image reading process is started. The film image is read by the visible light sensor 33a sequentially in a form of being divided into a plurality of slit images by a feed operation of the film 1 in the sub-scanning direction by the film transport mechanism, and is read as a light transmission amount signal by the controller 70. Transferred to.

Next, the print processing station 7 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The printing unit 50 includes a paper magazine 51 that stores the roll-shaped printing paper 2.
And a paper cutter 5 that cuts the photographic paper 2 drawn from the paper magazine 51 according to the print size.
2, a back-printing printer 53 for printing an order number or the like on the back surface of the cut photographic paper 2, and a digital light for printing a frame image on the front surface of the photographic paper 2 based on print data generated by the exposure area controller 70. The photographic paper developing section 60 is provided with a print head 54.
Is a development processing tank 61 for developing the exposed photographic printing paper 2, a lateral feed conveyor 62 for receiving the photographic printing paper 2 discharged from the development processing tank 61, that is, a photographic print 2,
It is provided with a sorter 63 for sorting the photographic prints 2 sent from the conveyor 62 in order units. A printing paper transport mechanism 64 for transporting the printing paper 2 from the printing unit 50 to the developing unit 60 is also provided.

The controller 70 includes a CPU, ROM, R
Although a microcomputer system including an AM and an I / O interface circuit is used as a core member, only the functional elements particularly related to the present invention are shown in FIG.
8, the communication control unit 35b as an input unit of data transferred from the communication control unit 35a of the scanner controller 35, and the B, G, and R of the pattern image exposure unit 3 are described.
The pattern image exposure control unit 71 for controlling the light source to form a pattern image with a predetermined light beam intensity (exposure gradation) on the film 1, and the scanning result (BG) for the pattern image transferred from the scanner unit 30. A three-dimensional table for calculating the R light transmission amount) and creating data for the three-dimensional table from which the B, G, and R concentrations are derived as a function of the B light transmittance, the G light transmittance, and the R light transmittance. Creating unit 72,
The three-dimensional table 72a that stores the created three-dimensional table data in an extractable manner, and the scanning result (B) for the frame image transferred from the scanner unit 30.
.B / G / R light transmittance obtained from (G / R light transmission amount) is applied to the three-dimensional table 72a to calculate B / G / R density values of each pixel forming a frame image, and frame image data is calculated. Frame image data creation unit 7 as a pixel density calculation unit for creating
3. An image processing unit 74 that performs various image processings such as level correction and color correction on the created frame image data to improve the finish, print data is generated and printed based on the image processed image data. A print control unit 75 that controls the head 54, a back print control unit 76 that controls the back print printer 53 so as to print an order number and the like on the back surface of the printing paper 2, and an image of frame image data and other images as necessary. An example is a video control unit 77 that captures an image of a display item in a video memory, converts the display image into a video signal by a video controller, and sends the video signal to the monitor 55.

[Other Embodiments] 1) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the amount of transmitted B, G, and R light is measured when the film image information is read by the scanner unit 30 is adopted. It is also possible to employ a configuration for measuring the amount of reflection of the beam or a configuration for measuring both the amount of transmission and the amount of reflection. The important point in the present invention is to form a pattern image capable of distinguishing the change in the optical characteristic value of the B, G, R light due to the dye component and the change in the optical characteristic value of the B, G, R light due to the silver component. Then, through the measurement on this pattern image, a three-dimensional table is derived in which the B, G, and R densities as a function of the B light transmittance, the G light transmittance, and the R light transmittance are derived. 2) In the above embodiment, the measurement data for the pattern image formed on the film to be processed is used as the basic point and the data at the other intermediate points are linearly proportionally distributed. Based on the approach, curvilinear or stepwise distribution may be employed instead of necessarily linear proportional distribution. 3) In the above embodiment, the example in which only the color developing process is performed on the exposed film and the bleaching process, the fixing process and the stabilizing process are omitted is described, but the bleaching process, the stabilizing process or the fixing process and the stabilizing process are performed. It is also within the scope of the rapid photographic film processing technology according to the present invention to omit only the chemical processing.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of dye components and silver components after color development of an exposed photographic film consisting of blue, green and red photosensitive layers.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a combination of B, G, and R light exposures for producing pattern images of patterns% 1 to% 8.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of dye components and silver components and the transmission of B, G, and R light after color development in pattern% 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of dye components and silver components and the transmission of B, G, and R light after color development in pattern% 2.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of dye components and silver components and the transmission of B, G, and R light after color development in pattern% 3.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of dye components and silver components and the transmission of B, G, and R light after color development in pattern% 4.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of dye components and silver components and the transmission of B, G, and R light after color development in pattern% 5.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of dye components and silver components and the transmission of B, G, and R light after color development in pattern% 6.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of dye components and silver components and the transmission of B, G, and R light after color development in pattern% 7.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of dye components and silver components and the transmission of B, G, and R light after color development in pattern% 8.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a three-dimensional vector space created from the transmittance of B, G, and R light with respect to a pattern image.

FIG. 12 is a table showing an example of total transmittance, silver transmittance, and absorption layer transmittance obtained by calculation from B light scanning, G light scanning, R light scanning, and scanning results for patterns% 1 to% 8.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing one surface on one end side of a three-dimensional table in which B, G, and R densities are assigned to coordinate positions indicated by B light transmittance, G light transmittance, and R light transmittance.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing one surface of the other end side of the three-dimensional table in which the B, G, and R densities are assigned to the coordinate positions indicated by B light transmittance, G light transmittance, and R light transmittance.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a rapid photographic film processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing details of the scanner section of the rapid photographic film processing system.

FIG. 17 is a block section showing details of a printing section of the rapid photographic film processing system.

FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the controller of the quick photographic film processing system.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 photographic film 2 photographic paper 2 photo print 3 pattern exposure section 6 Film processing station 7 Print processing station 20 Film development department 20a color development section 30 Scanner 50 Digital Print Department 60 photographic paper development section 70 controller 71 pattern image exposure controller 72 3D table creation section 72a three-dimensional table 73 Frame image data creation unit (pixel density calculation unit) 74 Image processing section 75 Print control unit

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A rapid photographic film processing method for obtaining photographed image information from scanning data for a color photographic film containing a silver component after color development processing, wherein a basic image is formed on an unexposed portion of the photographic film exposed with the photographed image. A pattern image exposure step of exposing a pattern image with a combination of different light intensities using B, G, and R lights as colors; a step of performing color development processing on the photographic film; A three-dimensional table creating step of creating a three-dimensional table for deriving a dye-related value corresponding to the coloring dye amount in the photographic film from the light characteristic values of each of the B, G, and R lights based on the scanning data by each light; It is obtained from the scanning data by each of B, G, and R light for each pixel of the captured image. By applying the light characteristic value according to the three-dimensional table,
A rapid photographic film processing method comprising: a pixel density calculating step for calculating GR density values; 2. The pattern image is composed of eight patterns obtained from all combinations of exposures by B, G, and R lights at two different light intensities, respectively. The described rapid photographic film processing method. 3. The two different light intensities produce images of maximum density and minimum density, and the light characteristic value corresponding to the intermediate density image is determined by proportional distribution based on the three-dimensional table. A rapid photographic film processing method according to claim 2 characterized in that 4. The rapid photographic film processing method according to claim 1, wherein a light transmittance is used as the light characteristic value. 5. A quick photographic film processing system for obtaining photographed image information from scanning data for a photographic film containing a silver component after color development processing, wherein a basic three colors are applied to an unexposed portion of the photographic film exposed with the photographed image. Pattern exposure unit that exposes a pattern image with a combination of different light intensities using B, G, and R lights as a background, a color development processing unit that performs color development processing on the photographic film, and B and G for the pattern image. A three-dimensional table creation unit that creates a three-dimensional table that derives a dye-related value corresponding to the amount of coloring dye in the photographic film from the light characteristic values of each of B, G, and R lights, based on the scanning data by each of the R lights. , Optical characteristics obtained from scanning data of B, G, and R lights for each pixel of the captured image By applying the values to the three-dimensional table, B.
A rapid photographic film processing system comprising: a pixel density calculating unit for calculating GR density values;