JP2007164052A - Photographic printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographic printer which suppresses input of an improper parameter when parameters constituting a print channel are input. <P>SOLUTION: When a print channel setting screen 60 is displayed on a monitor and parameters are input to a plurality of setting items on the print channel setting screen 60, an evaluation means determines whether a plurality of parameters can properly be combined. If the parameters are improperly combined, a message 60M indicating the improper combination is displayed on the print channel setting screen 60, and a frame 60F enclosing the parameters in the improper combination is displayed to let an operator recognize the improper setting. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  According to the present invention, a plurality of control channels including a plurality of parameters for controlling the printing process in the printing unit are stored, and an operator selects one corresponding to the print form from the plurality of control channels, so that the control channel is assigned to the control channel. The present invention relates to a photographic printing apparatus including a print control unit that controls a print unit based on the image data and prints image data on a sheet-like print medium.

  As a technique related to the photographic printing apparatus configured as described above, there is one described in Patent Document 1. In this patent document 1, a printing processing unit for printing an image on a film on a photographic paper, a photographic paper development processing unit for developing the photographic paper, and a control unit for controlling them are provided. Are provided with input means for inputting various information.

  In this patent document 1, the control unit monitors the setting items of the print channel (control channel of the present invention) for setting the print size and print, and the print form for setting the type of index print, the number of prints, and the like. Are displayed on the same screen, and various information (parameters of the present invention) regarding the setting items are input on this screen.

JP 2001-305670 A

  As a specific example of the control channel of the present invention, a print channel is taken as an example. When performing a print process, a print channel corresponding to a dimensional value of the width of a roll-shaped photographic paper is assigned to an operator prior to the print process. Is selected, parameters such as photographic paper width, input media, print size, etc. are automatically set, eliminating the need for many settings.

  Taking a photo printing device called a minilab as an example, many print channels (control channels) can be generated and stored corresponding to the print form, but when setting parameters when generating a print channel, For example, there is a complicated aspect such as requiring an operation for inputting a printable size in units of millimeters (mm) corresponding to the dimension value of the width of the roll-shaped photographic paper. It was also considered that the dimension value of was incorrectly entered. In particular, an operator who is unfamiliar with the operation may make improper settings, and if a print channel with improper parameters is generated in this way, control by that print channel will become impossible. There is also room for improvement.

  An object of the present invention is to rationally configure a photographic printing apparatus that avoids input of inappropriate parameters when inputting parameters when generating a control channel.

A feature of the present invention is that a plurality of control channels including a plurality of parameters for controlling the printing process in the print unit are stored, and the operator selects one corresponding to the print form from the plurality of control channels, thereby controlling the control channel. In a photographic printing apparatus including a print control unit that controls a print unit based on a channel and prints image data on a sheet-like print medium.
Parameter acquisition means for acquiring the parameter by an operator input on an input screen displayed on a monitor for generating the control channel, and when the parameter is input to the input screen, the input parameter and the control channel Evaluation means for judging suitability from the combination and displaying the judgment result on the monitor is provided.

  With this configuration, when an operator inputs a parameter to the input screen displayed on the monitor, the evaluation unit determines whether the combination of the input parameter and the control channel is appropriate, and the determination result is displayed on the monitor. . As a result, even an operator who is unfamiliar with the operation can grasp the appropriateness / inappropriateness of the input parameters based on the judgment result, and can perform an appropriate input by avoiding an inappropriate input and generate an appropriate control channel. The photo printing device was reasonably constructed.

  In the present invention, after the parameter corresponding to one input item of the plurality of input items on the input screen is input, the parameter acquisition means can select corresponding to another input item based on the input parameter Various parameters may be set so that they can be displayed on the input screen.

  With this configuration, after the parameter is input, the parameter acquisition unit sets a selectable parameter as the input item among the input items, so that an operation such as selecting the set parameter is performed. , Can suppress incorrect input.

The present invention includes a roll-shaped photographic paper housed in a photographic paper magazine as the print medium, the print unit as a print unit that exposes light of three primary colors to each pixel of image data, and a photographic paper development process. A development processing unit to perform,
The evaluation unit may determine whether or not the combination of parameters is appropriate based on the width dimension of the photographic paper and the print size set as the parameter.

  With this configuration, the evaluation means determines whether or not the parameter is appropriate based on the width dimension of the roll-shaped photographic paper and the print size set as a parameter, and an appropriate print size is determined based on the width of the photographic paper. It becomes possible to set.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Photo printing device]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an operating portion A is formed outside the dark box-shaped casing 10, and image data is exposed on photographic paper P (an example of a sheet-like print medium) inside the casing 10. An exposure processing unit Ex that performs the above processing, a vertical transport unit CV that reverses the photographic paper P from the exposure processing unit Ex and transports it upside down, and a development process for the photographic paper P from the vertical transport unit CV And a drying processing unit Dr for drying the photographic paper P from the development processing unit De, and the photographic paper P dried by the drying processing unit Dr is disposed at the end of the housing 10. A photographic printing apparatus called a digital minilab is configured that includes a sorter 13 that is discharged from the discharge unit 11, is received by a conveyor belt 12, is transported in a horizontal direction, and is collected in units of one of a plurality of trays 13 </ b> A. Yes. The exposure processing unit Ex, the vertical conveyance unit CV, the development processing unit De, and the drying processing unit Dr constitute the print unit of the present invention.

[Operating Department]
The operating unit A functions as an operation terminal for an operator to acquire image data and perform operations necessary for print processing. The operating unit A is composed of a general-purpose computer installed on the table unit 20. A print control unit 21, a monitor 22 installed on the upper surface of the print control unit 21, a film scanner 23 for acquiring image data from a frame image of the photographic film F after development processing, two keyboards 24 and a mouse 25 It has. On the front surface of the print control unit 21, various semiconductor storage media (not shown) such as Compact Flash (trademark) and Memory Stick (trademark), and magnetic and optical storage such as CD-ROM, DVD, and MO. And a plurality of media drives 26 for accessing information with a medium (not shown).

  The film scanner 23 irradiates the photographic film F supported by the film carrier 23B with the light beam from the light source 23A disposed at the lower part, and guides the light beam from the photographic film F from the lens unit 23C to the upper photoelectric conversion unit 23D. In this photoelectric conversion unit 23D, a digital type color-separated into three primary colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) by performing photoelectric conversion and A / D conversion of the frame image of the photographic film F. Acquired as image data.

[Vertical transport unit, development processing unit, drying processing unit]
Although the specific structure is not shown in the drawing, the vertical conveyance unit CV receives the photographic paper P exposed by the exposure processing unit Ex by the pressure-bonding roller 15 and converts the posture of the pressure-bonding roller. The front and back sides are interchanged, and the sheet is conveyed upward along the guide rail 16 and functions to be sent out to the development processing unit De.

  The development processing unit De includes a development processing tank 30 in which a plurality of processing tanks including a color developing tank, a bleach-fixing tank, and a stabilization tank are integrally formed of a resin, and the photographic paper P supplied from the exposure processing unit Ex. Is provided with a transport mechanism 31 having a plurality of pressure-bonding type rollers. The drying processing unit Dr includes a plurality of pressure rollers 32 that convey the photographic paper P sent out from the development processing unit De, and a blower 33 that supplies dry air to the photographic paper P conveyed by the pressure roller 32. It has.

[Exposure processing section]
The exposure processing unit Ex pulls up one of the long photographic paper P (an example of a print medium) accommodated in a roll shape in the two photographic paper magazines M by using a pressure-feeding type supply conveyance roller 41. It is fed out in the horizontal direction and delivered from the discharge roller 43 of the cutter unit 42 to the chucker C. The chucker C includes a chuck member (not shown) that can be switched between a holding state in which the photographic paper P is held and an open state in which the photographic paper P is opened. To move horizontally and transfer the leading end of the photographic paper P to the exposure unit G.

  In the exposure unit G, the exposure mode is set so that the exposure head Gh performs line exposure along the main scanning direction while conveying the photographic paper P in the horizontal direction (sub-scanning direction) by the exposure conveying mechanism Gc. . The exposure transport mechanism Gc includes a first roller 45, a second roller 46, and a third roller 47, which can be switched between a crimping state and an open state, along the transport direction of the photographic paper P. Yes.

  As the exposure head Gh, a large number of dot-like phosphors are arranged in a line form in three types of vacuum cases corresponding to the three primary colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue). Instead of this, the light source from the light source is guided to the photosensitive surface of the photographic paper P from a liquid crystal type shutter or the like that controls pixel-by-pixel irradiation. The line exposure may be performed in such a manner that a laser beam of three primary colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) is scanned.

  The exposure processing unit Ex controls the cutting and conveyance of the photographic paper P in the exposure processing unit Ex, manages the development processing liquid of the photographic paper P in the development processing unit De, and performs the drying. A print management device 36 having a microprocessor for carrying the printing paper P and managing the temperature in the processing section Dr is provided. The print management device 36 carries the exposure by carrying the printing paper P as follows. .

[Exposure processing form]
When the exposure process for the photographic paper P is started, the chucker C is set at a standby position in the vicinity of the cutter unit 42, and in this state, the photographic paper P from any one of the photographic paper magazines M is supplied and transported roller 41. Then, it is fed out in the horizontal direction, passed through the part of the cutter unit 42, and delivered to the chucker C set at the standby position.

  The chucker C to which the photographic paper P has been delivered grips the vicinity of the front end of the photographic paper P and starts conveying in the horizontal direction. During the conveyance in the horizontal direction, the supply conveyance roller 41 and the discharge roller 43 are driven at a speed synchronized with the movement speed of the chucker C. When the length of the photographic paper P conveyed with reference to the cutting position of the cutter unit 42 reaches the print size, the conveyance of the photographic paper P is temporarily stopped and the photographic paper P is cut by the cutter unit 42. After cutting, the chucker C is further moved in the horizontal direction, and the photographic paper P is delivered to the exposure transport mechanism Gc.

  In the exposure transport mechanism Gc, the first roller 45 is set to an open state, accepts the photographic paper P from the chucker C, and immediately after this acceptance, the photographic paper P starts to be transported by switching to the crimping state. After this conveyance is started, the second roller 46 is set in the open state to accept the photographic paper P, and immediately after this acceptance, the printing paper P is switched to the pressure-bonding state, and the exposure conveyance of the photographic paper P is started. The first roller 45 is set in an open state. Next, the third roller 47 is set to the open state to receive the photographic paper P. Immediately after the reception, the third roller 47 is switched to the press-bonded state, and in conjunction with this, the second roller 46 is switched to the open state. The exposure transport of the photographic paper P is continued.

[Setting print conditions]
When setting the print conditions, it is necessary to set “print channel selection”, “output form setting”, “input source setting”, and “printing method setting” in this order. These settings can be made by displaying the order screen 50 shown in FIG. 4 on the monitor 22 and selecting the print channel (an example of the control channel) by the operator in the channel setting section 51 of the order screen 50. If necessary, the output setting unit 52 sets the output target (output mode setting), the input setting unit 53 sets the input source (input source setting), and the print method setting unit 54 prints. Set the method (print method setting). As described above, information such as output mode setting, input source setting, and printing method setting is a parameter constituting (associated with) a print channel.

  Note that a device information display unit 55 is formed on the order screen 50, and this device information display unit 55 includes the width dimension of the photographic paper P accommodated in the photographic paper magazine M set in the exposure processing unit Ex. Information, information on the film carrier 23B set in the film scanner 23, and the like are displayed. A plurality of print channels (an example of control channels) are stored in the hard disk HD (see FIG. 3) of the print control unit 21, and one is selected from the plurality of print channels when performing print processing. It will be.

  One print size can be set for one print channel, but multiple print sizes (aspect ratio corresponding to the width of photographic paper P) can be selected for one print channel. In addition, after the operator selects one print channel on the order screen 50, one of a plurality of types of print sizes is selected on the order screen 50, and the operator selects an output form. Yes. The order of print processing in the print channel having this structure is as follows.

  A print channel is selected based on the width of the photographic paper P stored in the photographic paper magazine M on the order screen 50 and the input source. After selecting this print channel, a print form is selected as an output target in any of the print setting unit 52A, the index setting unit 52B, and the media setting unit 52C of the output setting unit 52.

  The print setting unit 52A can set the number of prints, the print size (aspect ratio corresponding to the width of the photographic paper P), the presence / absence of a back print, the presence / absence of a border, and the like. And the print size can be set, and the media setting unit 52C can set a CD-R, a semiconductor medium, or the like as an output target.

  Next, the input setting unit 53 obtains image data as an input source from photographic film (negative film or positive film), semiconductor media, CD-R, or the like already set in the print channel. When a photographic film is selected as the input source, the film scanner 23 scans the film and obtains image data with the number of pixels suitable for the print size.

  Next, the print method setting unit 54 selects either the pre-judge mode or the automatic mode. When the pre-judge mode is selected, a pre-judge screen (not shown) is displayed on the monitor 22, and a plurality of image data are listed and displayed on the pre-judge screen. Correction is possible, and when the automatic mode is selected, each image data is automatically corrected. When print processing is performed, the image data is transmitted to the print management device 36. The print management device 36 controls the exposure processing unit Ex, the vertical conveyance unit CV, and the development processing unit De. When print processing is executed and the image data is stored on the CD-R, the image data having the set number of pixels is transmitted to the media drive 26, whereby the image data is stored on the CD-R. Is done.

  Such an exposure form is not fundamentally different from a conventional photographic printing apparatus, and the photographic printing apparatus of the present invention is characterized by a setting form of parameters constituting a print channel as a control channel, It has a control system for that purpose.

[Control structure]
As shown in FIG. 3, the control system of the photographic printing apparatus is configured. That is, the print control unit 21 includes a microprocessor CPU and an input / output interface (I / O) 70 connected to the data bus of the microprocessor CPU. Information among the monitor 22, the film scanner 23, the film carrier sensor 23S for discriminating the film carrier 23B set in the film scanner 23, the keyboard 24, the mouse 25, the media drive 26, and the hard disk HD. Is formed, and a communication system for accessing signals is formed between the input / output interface 70 and the print management device 36.

  A semiconductor memory 71 such as RAM or ROM, GUI control means 72, image data acquisition means 73, print execution means 74, and print channel setting section 75 are connected to the data bus of the microprocessor CPU. Yes. The print channel setting unit 75 includes parameter acquisition means 75A that acquires parameters when setting a print channel, and evaluation means 75B that determines whether the parameters acquired in this way are appropriate.

  The GUI control means 72 displays the order screen 50 or the like on the monitor 22, displays the information on the monitor 22 by operating a cursor corresponding to the operation of the mouse 25 on the screen or acquiring information via the keyboard 24. Realize processing to acquire information via the screen. The image data acquisition means 73 executes processing for acquiring image data from the input target (film scanner 23, media drive 26, etc.) set by the input setting unit 53. The print execution means 74 realizes print processing by transmitting image data and order data to the print management device 36. The print channel setting unit 75 realizes processing for acquiring parameters input by the operator in a state where the order screen 50 is displayed on the monitor 22 as will be described later.

  The GUI control unit 72, the image data acquisition unit 73, the print execution unit 74, and the print channel setting unit 75 are configured by software, but these may be configured by hardware, You may comprise with the combination.

  The print management device 36 controls the conveyance control unit 81 that manages the entire conveyance system from the supply conveyance roller 41 of the exposure processing unit Ex to the pressure roller 32 of the drying processing unit Dr, and the exposure head Gh. An exposure control unit 82 that manages exposure of image data to the photographic paper P, and a development / drying control unit that performs temperature management and liquid level management of the development processing liquid in the development processing tank 30 and performs temperature management of the drying processing unit Dr. The print management device 36 is configured to receive a signal from a magazine sensor MS that acquires information of ID plates (not shown) provided in the two photographic paper magazines M. ing.

[Print Channel]
The print channel is given a preset numerical value. In addition to this numerical value, an arbitrary name can be given as will be described later. As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of print channels can be listed and displayed on the channel list screen 58 for reference.

  As shown in the figure, in the print channel, a parameter indicating an input medium, a parameter indicating a print size, and the like are set. As a parameter indicating the print size, a plurality of feed lengths of the photographic paper P (feed amount of the photographic paper P until it is cut by the cutter unit 42: this determines the aspect ratio) are set in one print channel. One of the parameters can be selected on the order screen 50 described later.

  As an example of an operation mode when setting a parameter for determining the feed length of the photographic paper P, when setting a print channel, the parameter acquisition unit 75A displays a print channel setting screen 60 (an example of an input screen) shown in FIG. Is displayed on the monitor 22, and the value of the parameter input by the operator for each input item on the print channel setting screen 60 is acquired via the GUI control means 72.

  When inputting parameters, the cursor 24 is operated in the keyboard 24 or the mouse 25 is used to position the cursor in the input area of the print channel setting screen 60, and numerical values (parameters) are input from the keyboard 24. This is an operation mode for selecting a numerical value (parameter) from the above.

  The print channel setting screen 60 includes a print channel setting unit 61, a paper setting unit 62, an input media setting unit 63, and a plurality of selection setting units 64 selected by tabs. As shown in the figure, the selection setting unit 64 is in a state where the print setting sheet is selected by the tab, and has three feed lengths C, P, and H corresponding to the paper width (width of the photographic paper P). Correspondingly, length input areas 64C, 64P and 64H are formed.

  A parameter input to the print channel setting unit 61, a parameter input from the paper setting unit 62, a parameter input to the input media setting unit 63, and a length input area 64C formed in the selection setting unit 64; Parameters input to 64P and 64H are input items of the present invention. The C · P · H represents an aspect ratio, and C corresponds to 2: 3, P corresponds to 1: 3, and H corresponds to 9:16.

[Acquiring parameters]
A processing mode for acquiring parameters via the print channel setting screen 60 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. That is, the parameter acquisition unit 75A displays the print channel setting screen 60 shown in FIG. 6 on the monitor 22, and the GUI control unit 72 displays the channel value input in the print channel setting unit 61, and in the paper setting unit 62. A process of displaying the input paper width (width of the photographic paper P) and displaying the input medium selected in the input medium setting unit 63 is performed (steps # 101 to # 104).

  The print channel setting unit 61 is provided with a name input area 61B for allowing the input of the channel name in addition to the numerical value input area 61A for permitting the input of the numerical value of the print channel. In the paper setting section 62, a paper width input area 62A for inputting a numerical value of the paper width (width of the photographic paper P) and a surface quality input area 62B for inputting a numerical value of the surface quality are formed.

  The type of width of the photographic paper P accommodated in the photographic paper magazine M is determined. The photographic paper magazine M is set up in advance, and the paper accommodated in the photographic paper magazine M set in the paper width input area 62A. The parameter corresponding to the width can be selected from the drop-down list, and similarly, in the surface quality input area 62B, a numerical value set in advance using the drop-down list can be selected. The surface quality represents the surface quality of the photographic paper P such as glossy or semi-glossy, and a numerical value is assigned to each surface quality.

  In this photographic printing apparatus, a photographic paper magazine M is set, and by performing a test print of the photographic paper P accommodated in the photographic paper magazine M, the photographic paper P accommodated in the photographic paper magazine M is set up, The information on the photographic paper P is stored in association with the information on the ID plate.

  By using such a function, as shown in FIG. 7, after a numerical value is input to the paper width input area 62A on the input screen 60, a numerical value corresponding to the surface quality of the photographic paper P corresponding to the paper width. The processing mode is also set so that the surface quality input area 62B is displayed, so that erroneous input is not performed.

  In the input media setting unit 63, a plurality of input media are displayed in the form of an icon 63A. When any one is selected, the selected icon is highlighted, and the media name corresponding to the selected icon is the media. It is displayed on the name display part 63B.

  Next, based on the selected input medium and the width of the photographic paper P, a numerical value of the feed length to be input for each item of C, P, and H is input. The numerical value input to each item of H is acquired, compared with the parameters that have already been set, appropriate / inappropriate is judged, and if it is inappropriate, a message 60M including the reason for the inappropriateness is displayed. Then, the frame 60F is displayed at a position surrounding the inappropriate combination of parameters (steps # 105 and # 106).

  The print setting sheet of the selection setting unit 64 has a plurality of input items for three types of C, P, and H. Length input areas 64C, 64P that allow the input of a numerical value of the feed length are provided. 64H will be described. Each length input area 64C, 64P, 64H is formed with a spin button. It is possible to set an arbitrary numerical value by operating this spin button, but the length input areas 64C, 64P, 64H By setting the cursor, the already set parameters are displayed in a menu format, and it is also possible to select a numerical value to be set from the numerical values displayed on this menu.

  In particular, the spin button is intended to increment or decrement a numerical value. As a form of inputting a numerical value by operating the spin button, when the spin button is operated, the numerical value of the width of the photographic paper P is set. Only the numerical value corresponding to the print size inevitably determined from the input medium is displayed, or the numerical value corresponding to the print size inevitably determined only from the numerical value of the width of the photographic paper P is displayed. May be set. The list displayed when the cursor is set in the input areas 64C, 64P, and 64H displays a numerical value corresponding to the print size that is inevitably determined only by the numerical value of the width of the photographic paper P. May be set.

  The message 60M shown in the figure displays that the numerical value input to the length input area 64C is a numerical value of DSC size (a numerical value when printing image data taken with a digital camera). If the entered numerical value is correct, no message is displayed.

  After the parameters are input to each setting item, by operating the YES / registration button 65 in the screen, the parameters input to each setting item are set as parameters constituting the print channel, and are taken together with the channel values and stored on the hard disk. Stored in HD or the like. In addition, when canceling the parameter input, the processing is stopped by operating the No / Cancel button 66 in the screen (steps # 107 to # 109).

  As described above, when the print channel is generated, the print channel setting screen 60 is displayed on the monitor 22, and the length input of the print channel setting unit 61, the paper setting unit 62, the input media setting unit 63, and the selection setting unit 64 is input. When a parameter is input or selected in an item such as the area 64C, 64P, or 64H, the evaluation unit 75B determines whether or not the parameter combination is appropriate. Is displayed on the monitor 22, and the frame 60F indicating the inappropriate combination of parameters is displayed in a form surrounding the setting unit, so that the operator can easily determine the reason for the inappropriateness and the combination of the parameters. It is something that can be recognized.

  In particular, when inputting (setting) a plurality of parameters, the parameters to be input next are set as other setting items based on the parameters previously input for each setting item on the print channel setting screen 60. Therefore, when inputting parameters to the multiple input areas described above, it is only necessary to select a set parameter, avoiding the inconvenience of inputting an inappropriate parameter even for an operator unfamiliar with the operation. Appropriate parameter input is realized.

Perspective view of photo printing device Longitudinal front view of photo printing device Block diagram of control system Diagram showing the order screen Figure showing the channel list screen Figure showing the print channel setting screen Figure showing the print channel setting screen Flow chart showing processing when setting print channel

Explanation of symbols

21 Print Control Unit 22 Monitor 60 Input Screen (Print Channel Setting Screen)
75A Parameter acquisition means 75B Evaluation means Gh Print head P Print medium (printing paper)

Claims (3)

A plurality of control channels including a plurality of parameters for controlling the printing process in the print unit are stored, and the operator selects one corresponding to the print mode from the plurality of control channels, so that the print unit is selected based on the control channel. A photographic printing apparatus comprising a print control unit for controlling and performing image data print processing on a sheet-like print medium,
Parameter acquisition means for acquiring the parameter by an operator input on an input screen displayed on a monitor for generating the control channel, and when the parameter is input to the input screen, the input parameter and the control channel A photographic printing apparatus comprising evaluation means for judging suitability from a combination and displaying the judgment result on the monitor.   The parameter acquisition means, after inputting a parameter corresponding to one input item of the plurality of input items on the input screen, selectable parameters corresponding to other input items based on the input parameters The photographic printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographic printing apparatus is set to be displayable on the input screen. A roll-like photographic paper housed in a photographic paper magazine as the print medium, and a print head that exposes light of three primary colors for each pixel of image data as the print unit, and a development processing unit that develops the photographic paper And
3. The photographic printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit determines whether or not a combination of parameters is appropriate from a width dimension of the photographic paper and a print size set as the parameter.

Images