JP2004347765A - Printing method for photographic processing device and index print forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing method for a photographic processing device to automatically perform the printing processing of one order and forming an index print without performing complicated processing such as the setting of paths regardless of the storage capacity of an image storage part. <P>SOLUTION: The printing method for the photographic processing device is provided with an image storing process where an image on film is scanned and stored in an image storage part 21, a film rewinding process where the scanning is stopped in accordance with the remaining storage capacity of the storage part 21, a scanning stop position is stored and the film is rewound, a printing process where printing for the image stored in the storage part 21 is performed, an index print forming process where the index print for the image stored in the storage part 21 is formed, and an image erasing process where the image used for forming the index print is erased from the storage part 21. After the image erasing process, the image storing process and the succeeding processes are performed again for the image at and after the scanning stop position of the film. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing method of a photo processing device and a method of creating an index print.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a lab such as a minilab, when an image formed on a photographic film (hereinafter, simply referred to as “film”) such as a negative film (long negative film or piece negative film) is subjected to print processing, the image is exposed to light. The baking process on a material is generally performed by a so-called direct exposure process (analog exposure process) in which an image of a film is projected on the photosensitive material to expose the photosensitive material.
[0003]
In recent years, there is a case where an index print is created in which a plurality of images (for example, 40 frames) formed on a film are printed in a reduced state on one sheet. With the customer. The index print is a print in which all the frame images of one film are usually stored in one print, and the customer can use the index print to quickly order additional prints.
[0004]
Even in the above-mentioned conventional labs such as mini-labs, there is a case where an index print is created, and usually, a device equipped with an image storage unit is combined with a photographic processing device that performs analog exposure processing already installed, This is addressed (for example, see Patent Document 1). That is, when an index print is created using a conventional photographic processing apparatus that performs an analog exposure process, a commonly used film (“24 shots” or “36 shots”) is frequently used. In order to cope with the film), an image storage unit capable of storing about 40 frames of images is provided, and in this image storage unit, all frame images of one film are stored to create an index print. .
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-333731
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described related art has the following problems.
[0007]
As described above, a film frequently used by customers is “24 shots” or “36 shots”, and therefore, in a general photo lab (minilab), a photographic processing apparatus that performs analog exposure processing requires 40 frames. An image storage unit capable of storing about several images is provided to cope with the creation of an index print.
[0008]
However, films actually processed in one order include a long negative film having an image area of 40 frames or more and a large number of piece negative films. When processing these films (films having an image area of 40 frames or more), the storage capacity of the image storage unit becomes full during scanning of the image, so that printing processing for one order and creation of an index print must be performed. There was a problem that it could not be performed continuously. That is, since the scanning process is interrupted when the image storage unit is full, the operator performs various input operations such as setting a path after performing print processing for the stored images and creating an index print. Thus, there is a problem that the image must be scanned again.
[0009]
For example, when a long negative film is used, when the storage capacity of the image storage unit is full, the long negative film is once rewound to perform a printing process (exposure process), and the rewound film is removed. The used print processing and creation of an index print using data (image data) stored in the image storage unit are performed. Then, after erasing the data in the image storage unit, the scanning using the long negative film is performed again. When the image is re-scanned in this manner, since the scanning is started again from the beginning of the negative film, for an image for which print processing or the like has already been completed, the operator has to manually perform complicated operations such as “pass setting”. Processing must be performed.
[0010]
Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem of the related art, and automatically performs one order of data without performing complicated processing such as path setting regardless of the storage capacity of the image storage unit. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing method of a photo processing apparatus capable of performing a printing process and creating an index print. Further, the present invention provides a method for creating an index print that can automatically create an order print for one order without performing complicated processing such as path setting, regardless of the storage capacity of the image storage unit. The task is to
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
That is, the present invention
A printing method of a photographic processing device that performs a printing process by performing a direct exposure process on a film on which an image is formed,
An image storage step of scanning an image formed on the film and storing the image in an image storage unit,
Stopping scanning according to the remaining storage capacity of the image storage unit, storing the scanning stop position of the film, and rewinding the film, a film rewinding step,
A printing step of performing a printing process on an image stored in the image storage unit on the film that has been rewound,
An index print creating step of creating an index print for the image stored in the image storage unit,
An image erasing step of erasing the image used for creating the index print from the image storage unit,
After the image erasing step, for the image after the scanning stop position of the film, the processing after the image storing step is performed again.
It is characterized by:
[0012]
According to such a configuration, a film rewinding step, a printing step, an index print creating step, and an image erasing step are automatically performed according to the remaining storage capacity of the image storage unit, and thereafter, the scanning of the film is performed. Since the image after the stop position is configured to perform the processing after the image storage step again, even in a photographic processing apparatus including the image storage unit having a small storage capacity for storing the image, the operator is troublesome. The print process and the creation of the index print can be automatically performed in parallel without performing the input process or the like.
Here, "creation of an index print" means "creation of index image processed data" when processing a piece negative film, and processing of a long negative film having a frame number exceeding 40 frames. In this case, it means “creation of index processing data of an index image” or “creation of index processing data and print processing using this data”. That is, when processing a piece negative film, the creation of the index processing data of the index image can be performed in parallel with the print exposure of the frame image. In the case of processing a long negative film, in a configuration provided with an ink jet printer or the like, index processing data is used when the storage capacity reaches a limit (when about 40 images are stored). The print processing can be performed in parallel with the print exposure of the frame image.
Therefore, according to such a configuration, even when processing a long negative film exceeding 40 frames or a large number of piece negative films, the printing process and the creation of the index print are easily and automatically performed. Thus, productivity can be improved.
The phrase "perform the processing after the image storage step again on the image after the scanning stop position of the film" means "the film is positioned in advance to the scanning stop position (fast-forwarding or the like), and from that position. In addition to the process of scanning the image formed on the film and storing the image in the image storage unit, the scanning of the image formed on the film is started from the beginning of the film and from the previous scanning stop position. This is a concept including a process of “performing scanning and storage in the image storage unit”. The same applies to the following.
[0013]
Further, in the method according to the present invention, it is preferable that a long negative film or a piece negative film is used as the film.
[0014]
Further, the present invention provides
An index print creating method for creating an index print using a film on which an image is formed,
An image storage step of scanning an image formed on the film and storing the image in an image storage unit,
An index print creation step of stopping scanning according to the remaining storage capacity of the image storage unit and creating an index print for the image stored in the image storage unit;
An image erasing step of erasing the image used for creating the index print from the image storage unit,
After the image erasing step, for the image after the scanning stop position of the film, the processing after the image storing step is performed again.
It is characterized by:
[0015]
According to such a configuration, an index print creating step and an image erasing step are automatically performed in accordance with the remaining storage capacity of the image storage unit. It is configured to perform processing after the image storage step. Therefore, even when processing a long negative film exceeding 40 frames or a large number of piece negative films using an apparatus having the image storage unit having a small storage capacity for storing images, indexing can be easily and automatically performed. A print can be created to improve productivity.
[0016]
In the method for producing an index print according to the present invention, it is preferable that a long negative film or a piece negative film is used as the film.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a printing method of a photographic processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The photographic processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is an analog photographic processing apparatus that performs direct exposure processing (analog exposure processing) on a negative film to perform printing. Has a digital index printer that only uses.
[0018]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the periphery of a control unit that performs print processing and creation of an index print of the photo processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, an image formed on a negative film is scanned by a scanning unit 10, and the scanned image is stored in an image storage unit 21 in a main control unit 20. Sent.
Here, the detailed configuration of the scanning unit 10 is omitted, but the scanning unit 10 includes, for example, a halogen lamp as a light source, a mirror, a film carrier for transporting a negative film, and a line sensor for reading image data from the negative film. And the like. Therefore, specifically, the negative film is transported by the film carrier, and the negative film during the transport is irradiated with light using a halogen lamp and a mirror, and the light passing through the negative film is read by the line sensor. The image data of each frame of the negative film is transmitted to the image storage unit 21 from the line sensor.
[0020]
The main control unit 20 includes an input unit 22 and an image processing unit 23 in addition to the image storage unit 21 described above. Although the main control unit 20 is shown here in a simplified form, the components of the main control unit 20 are not limited to the elements shown in FIG. 1, and a CPU and other storage units may be provided as necessary. Have been. In FIG. 1, only the components necessary for explaining the characteristic portions of the present invention are shown.
[0021]
The image data stored in the image storage unit 21 is displayed on an image display device (not shown) such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display at each scanning or after a predetermined number of scannings. Then, the operator performs processing such as “correction processing” and “pass setting” on each frame image while checking the image. Specifically, the input unit 22 including a keyboard, a mouse, and the like is operated to perform input processing of correction conditions such as color balance and path setting for an image other than an image required by a customer.
[0022]
The information (hereinafter, “operator input information”) regarding the correction condition and the path setting input by the input unit 22 is sent from the input unit 22 to the image processing unit 23 and the analog printer control unit 40.
[0023]
In the image processing unit 23, data necessary for creating an index print is processed based on the image data stored in the image storage unit 21 and operator input information. "Processed data for index") is sent to the index printer control unit 30. The index processing data created by the image processing unit 23 is obtained by printing image data reflecting the correction conditions for each frame image on a single print in a state where the frame image for which the path setting has been made is removed. Data processed as possible.
[0024]
As described above, after the index processing data is transmitted, the index printer control unit 30 creates an index print based on this data. Specifically, the index printer control unit 30 controls an ink jet printer or the like to create an index print based on the index processing data.
[0025]
In the analog printer control unit 40, as described above, after the operator input information is transmitted, a print process (creation of an analog print) is performed based on this information. Specifically, based on the frame image for which the pass setting on the negative film has not been performed and the correction conditions and the like included in the operator input information, a direct exposure process is performed on the photosensitive material. An analog print is created by performing development processing, drying processing, and the like on the completed photosensitive material.
[0026]
That is, in the photo processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, normal print processing and creation of an index print are performed on the frame image formed on the negative film based on the method described above.
[0027]
Next, a print processing method and an index print creation method according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a print processing method and an index print creation method performed by the photo processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0028]
FIG. 2 shows a flowchart when processing a film for one order.
Here, "order" means an order unit from a customer, and generally corresponds to one photographic film in the case of a print order using a photographic film. In addition, when one photographic film is used without cutting, one negative film (long negative film) corresponds to one order, and when the photographic film is used after cutting, A plurality of the cut films (piece negative films) (one photographic film) correspond to one order.
[0029]
In the present embodiment, the image formed on the film is scanned by the scanning 10, and the image data read here is transmitted to the main control unit 20. This image data is provided in the main control unit 20. The stored image is stored in the image storage unit 21.
The image storage unit 21 has an image storage capacity capable of storing image data of about 40 frames. Since image data for one order is almost 40 frames or less in most cases, the image storage unit 21 The capacity is rarely full. However, in the conventional apparatus, when the image storage capacity of the image storage unit becomes full, it is necessary to temporarily stop the apparatus and perform complicated processing such as “path setting” by the operator. I couldn't deny my abilities.
[0030]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if the image storage capacity of the image storage unit 21 becomes full, the processing capacity of the apparatus is not reduced. Specifically, the main control unit 20 determines whether or not the storage capacity of the image storage unit 21 is full, that is, whether or not the remaining storage capacity of the image storage unit 21 has an amount capable of storing the next image data. The CPU (not shown) makes a determination, and the apparatus is configured to automatically perform print processing and index print creation according to the result.
Hereinafter, this will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, first, a film is inserted into a film carrier constituting the scanning unit 10 (Step S201), and a scanning process for the inserted film is started. Each frame image data formed on the film scanned by the scanning unit 10 is transmitted to the image storage unit 21 of the main control unit 20 and stored in the image storage unit 21 (image storage step) (step S202). ).
[0032]
Next, the CPU determines whether or not the image storage capacity in the image storage unit 21 is full (whether or not the remaining storage capacity is sufficient to store the next image data) (step S203). If the image storage capacity is not full (No in S203), the processing from step S204 is performed, and if the image storage capacity is full (Yes in S203), the processing from step S215 is performed. . The processing after step S215 will be described later.
[0033]
If the image storage capacity is not full (No in S203), it is determined by a sensor (for example, a sensor that detects the end of the film) whether or not it is the last frame image (film end) of the inserted film. (Step S204) If it is not the film end yet (No in S204), scanning and image storing processing (S202) for the next frame image are performed, and if it is the film end (Yes in S204). In step S205, the film is rewound (step S205).
[0034]
Although omitted in the flowchart of FIG. 2, in the method according to the present embodiment, as described above, each frame image scanned and stored is scanned at the time of scanning each frame image or a predetermined number of frames. After scanning the frame images, information (operator input information) such as correction conditions and path settings for each frame image is input. Therefore, when the film is rewound in step S205, operator input information is assigned to each frame image stored in the image storage unit 21. This operator input information is sent from the input unit 22 to the image processing unit 23 and the analog printer control unit 40.
[0035]
Next, the rewinded film is sent to the analog printer, and the analog printer is controlled by the analog printer control unit 40 to which the operator input information has been transmitted. Then, an analog exposure process or the like is performed on the photosensitive material using the film (step S206).
[0036]
Each time the print processing of each frame image is completed (S206), it is determined by a sensor or the like whether or not it is the last frame image (film end) of the film (step S207). (No), the print processing (S206) for the next frame image is repeatedly performed, and if it is the film end (Yes in S207), it is determined whether or not the order ends with the film (S206). Step S208).
[0037]
If one order is a single long negative film, the end of the film is "order end", but if one piece is composed of a plurality of piece negative films, Even when the film reaches the film end, it is not "order end".
[0038]
Therefore, even when the printing process of the film is completed and the film ends (Yes in S207), if the order is not completed (No in S208), if the film constituting the order still exists, ), And the processing after the film insertion (S201) is performed again.
If the order has been completed (Yes in S208), an index print is created based on the image data currently stored in the image storage unit 21 (step S209). Specifically, based on the image data stored in the image storage unit 21 and the operator input information input at the input unit 22, index processing data is created by the image processing unit 23, and the index processing is performed. An index print is created by controlling an ink jet printer or the like using the index printer control unit 30 to which the data has been transmitted.
[0039]
In the present embodiment, the process for one order (print process and index print creation process) ends when the creation of the index print (S209) ends. After the processing for one order is completed, the image storage unit 21 is reset and the stored image data is deleted, and the processing for the next order is performed.
[0040]
By the way, since the number of frame images for one order is usually about 40 frames, the print processing and the index print creation processing are completed by performing the processing from steps S201 to S209 described above. However, in the case where one order is composed of a large number of piece negative films (when the number of frame images of one order exceeds 40 frames), the storage capacity of the image storage unit 21 becomes full during the processing of one order. become. In the prior art, as described above, when the storage capacity becomes full as described above, manual operation of an operator or the like is required after the apparatus is stopped, so that the productivity of the apparatus has been considerably reduced. .
However, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to execute the processing of step S215 and the subsequent steps, which will be described below, through the image storage capacity determination processing (S203) in the image storage unit 21, so that the conventional problems can be solved. It has become possible. The details will be described below.
[0041]
When the image storage capacity is full (Yes in S203), the position of the image that has been scanned and finally stored in the image storage unit 21 (scanning stop position) is stored in the storage unit (image) in the main control unit 20. After being stored in the storage unit or another storage unit, the film is rewound (film rewinding step) (step S215).
[0042]
Next, the rewound film is sent to an analog printer, and analog exposure processing or the like is performed on the photosensitive material using the negative film, the analog printer control unit 40 to which the operator input information has been transmitted, and the analog printer (printing). Step) (Step S216).
[0043]
Each time the print processing of each frame image is completed (S216), the determination as to whether or not the image is the last stored image on the film (whether or not it is the scanning stop position) is made based on the information in the storage unit. This is performed by the CPU (step S217), and if it is not the scanning stop position (No in S217), the printing process (S216) for the next frame image is repeated, and if it is the scanning stop position (Yes in S217). ), An index print is created based on the image data currently stored in the image storage unit 21 (index print creation step) (step S218). The method of creating the index print is the same as the case described above (see S209).
[0044]
After the creation of the index print (S218) is completed, the image storage unit 21 is reset and the stored image is deleted (image deletion step) (step S219). Then, in order to restart the scanning process and the image storage process for the image formed after the scanning stop position of the film, the film is transported again to the scanning unit 10 and the film is aligned (step S220). ), Scanning of the image after the scanning stop position and processing after image storage (S202) are performed.
[0045]
As a mode for performing the “scanning process and image storing process for an image formed after the scanning stop position”, “when the film position is adjusted by the scanning unit 10, the film is moved to the scanning stop position in advance. To fast-forward and perform a scanning process and an image storing process of an image formed on a film from that position ”, or“ the scanning unit 10 aligns the beginning of the film, and scans the image from the beginning of the film. Starting, the CPU in the main control unit 20 automatically sets a path for each image up to the scanning stop position, and substantially performs the scanning process and the image storage process for the image after the scanning stop position. " Various modes such as can be implemented.
[0046]
The photographic processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured and functions as described above, and thus can obtain the following effects.
[0047]
That is, according to the method according to the present embodiment, even if the analog photographic processing apparatus includes an image storage unit having a small storage capacity for storing images, the image is automatically printed without complicated input processing by an operator. The processing and the creation of the index print can be performed in parallel. In other words, even when processing a long negative film exceeding 40 frames or a large number of piece negative films, the printing process and the creation of an index print are easily and automatically performed to improve productivity. Becomes possible.
Also, conventionally, when creating an index print from a long negative film, separately from the printing process, the long negative film is transported (so-called “double pass” of the film), Although the index print was created, the present embodiment has the configuration and function as described above, so that the print process and the creation of the index print can be automatically performed only once through the long negative film. it can.
[0048]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes other than those described above can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[0049]
In the above embodiment, the case where the method according to the present invention is applied to a photographic processing apparatus that performs print processing and index print creation at the same time has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. It is also possible to apply when creating. That is, the present invention can be applied to a case where only an index print is created using an apparatus including an image storage unit having a small storage capacity for storing images.
Hereinafter, a specific description will be given with reference to FIG.
[0050]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an index print creating method performed by an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus according to the other embodiment has basically the same configuration as the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and hereinafter, only the components for creating an index print of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described. Will be described. Therefore, reference is made to FIG. 1 as necessary.
[0051]
As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, first, a film is inserted into a film carrier constituting the scanning unit 10 (Step S301), and a scanning process for the inserted film is started. Each frame image data formed on the film scanned by the scanning unit 10 is transmitted to the image storage unit 21 of the main control unit 20 and stored in the image storage unit 21 (image storage step) (step S302). ).
[0052]
Next, it is determined whether or not the image storage capacity of the image storage unit 21 is full (whether or not the remaining storage capacity is sufficient to store the next image data) (step S303). When the image storage capacity is not full (No in S303), the processing from step S304 is performed, and when the image storage capacity is full (Yes in S303), the processing from step S307 is performed. . The processing after step S307 will be described later.
[0053]
If the image storage capacity is not full (No in S303), it is determined whether or not it is the last frame image (film end) of the inserted film (step S304), and if it is not the film end (S304). In the case of No), scanning and image storage processing (S302) for the next frame image are performed, and when it is the film end (Yes in S304), it is determined whether or not the order ends with the film. Is performed (step S308).
[0054]
Even when the film reaches the end of the film (Yes in S304), if the order is not over (No in S305) (if the film constituting the order still exists), the film is inserted again ( The processing after S301) is performed.
If the order has been completed (Yes in S305), an index print is created based on the image data currently stored in the image storage unit 21 (step S306). Specifically, based on the image data stored in the image storage unit 21 and the operator input information input by the input unit 22, as described in the above embodiment, the image processing unit 23 processes the index processing data. Is created, and an index print is created by controlling an inkjet printer or the like using the index printer control unit 30 to which the index processing data has been transmitted.
[0055]
Also in the present embodiment, as in the above-described embodiment, the processing for one order (print processing and index print creation processing) ends when the creation of the index print (S306) ends. After the processing for one order is completed, the image storage unit 21 is reset and the stored image data is deleted, and the processing for the next order is performed.
[0056]
On the other hand, in the process of step S303, when it is determined that the image storage capacity of the image storage unit 21 is full (Yes in S303), the scanning process in the scanning unit 10 is stopped, and the current image storage unit 21 An index print is created based on the stored image data (index print creating step) (step S307). The creation of the index print is performed by the same processing as in step S306.
[0057]
After the creation of the index print (S307) is completed, the image storage unit 21 is reset and the stored image is erased (image erasing step) (step S308). Then, the scanning process and the image storage process (S302) and the subsequent processes are performed again on the image after the scanning stop position of the film.
[0058]
Since the present embodiment is configured as described above, similarly to the above-described embodiment, a long negative film exceeding 40 frames is used by using an apparatus having an image storage unit having a small storage capacity for storing images. Even when processing a large number of piece negative films or the like, index prints can be easily and automatically created to improve productivity.
[0059]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, regardless of the storage capacity of the image storage unit, print processing for one order and creation of an index print can be automatically performed without performing complicated processing such as path setting. Thus, a printing method for a photographic processing apparatus can be obtained. Further, the present invention provides an index print creating method capable of automatically creating an order print of one order without performing complicated processing such as path setting, regardless of the storage capacity of the image storage unit. be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the periphery of a control unit that performs print processing and creation of an index print of a photo processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a printing method and an index print creating method according to the embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an index print creating method according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10. Scanning part
20: Main control unit, 21: Image storage unit, 22: Input unit, 23: Image processing unit
30 ... Index printer control unit
40 ... analog printer controller

Claims (4)

A printing method of a photographic processing device that performs a printing process by performing a direct exposure process on a film on which an image is formed,
An image storage step of scanning an image formed on the film and storing the image in an image storage unit,
Stopping scanning according to the remaining storage capacity of the image storage unit, storing the scanning stop position of the film, and rewinding the film, a film rewinding step,
A printing step of performing a printing process on an image stored in the image storage unit on the film that has been rewound,
An index print creating step of creating an index print for the image stored in the image storage unit,
An image erasing step of erasing the image used for creating the index print from the image storage unit,
A printing method for a photographic processing apparatus, wherein after the image erasing step, the processing after the image storing step is performed again on the image after the scanning stop position of the film. The printing method according to claim 1, wherein a long negative film or a piece negative film is used as the film. An index print creating method for creating an index print using a film on which an image is formed,
An image storage step of scanning an image formed on the film and storing the image in an image storage unit,
An index print creation step of stopping scanning according to the remaining storage capacity of the image storage unit and creating an index print for the image stored in the image storage unit;
An image erasing step of erasing the image used for creating the index print from the image storage unit,
After the image erasing step, for the image after the scanning stop position of the film, the processing after the image storing step is performed again. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein a long negative film or a piece negative film is used as the film.

Images