JP2008246823A - Exposure system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a color bleeding from arising due to the difference of a modulation characteristic in two or more colors. <P>SOLUTION: If a user establishes the favorite quality of image of a photography print, constant x1 concerning the interpolation data of a blue color B and red color R is determined. Then, the interpolation data are determined from the constant x1. After that, the image data of the blue color B and red color R after setting the quality of image is made out from the former image data and interpolation data. At this time, apparent diameters of the blue color B and red color R are derived. Next, preliminary data used at the time of making out the image data after setting the quality of image concerning a green color G is made out. Then, the constant x2 is determined so that the apparent dot diameter of the green color G formed on a photographic paper may become the same as the apparent dot diameter of the blue color B and red color R, and the image data of the green color G after setting the quality of image is made out. After that, an exposure processing is performed from the image data after setting the quality of image made out concerning the blue color B, green color G and red color. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an exposure apparatus that exposes a photosensitive medium based on image data including a plurality of pixels.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a photographic processing apparatus that employs a system (so-called digital exposure system) that forms an image by exposing photographic paper with light modulated based on digital image data has become the mainstream. When a scanning exposure method in which exposure is performed by scanning a laser beam with a polygon mirror or the like is employed in a digital exposure type photographic processing apparatus, the laser beam is intermittent (discontinuous) in the sub-scanning direction. Therefore, the light amount fluctuation between the plurality of pixels arranged in the sub-scanning direction becomes abrupt. As a result, there arises a problem that the density difference between two dots (exposure areas) corresponding to two pixels adjacent in the sub-scanning direction becomes large and the image quality deteriorates.

Therefore, the present applicant performs exposure between the dots corresponding to the two adjacent pixels according to a pixel level intermediate between the pixel levels of the two pixels adjacent to each other in the sub-scanning direction. It has been proposed to reduce the density difference between two dots corresponding to pixels to prevent image quality degradation (see Patent Document 1). Here, it is conceivable to use an average value of the pixel levels as an intermediate pixel level of the two adjacent pixels.
JP 2005-1136 A

  Here, when interpolating between dots corresponding to two pixels adjacent in the sub-scanning direction using the average value of the pixel level (average printing), the output between the dots is output from the modulation element (modulation output). In some cases, the exposure is performed based on the average value of the input to the modulation element (modulation input) instead of the exposure based on the average value of the density corresponding to. This is because the modulation input and the modulation output have a one-to-one correspondence, and when exposure is performed based on the average value of the modulation input and when exposure is performed based on the average value of the density corresponding to the modulation output. Based on the idea that the images formed on the photographic paper are substantially the same. When all of the laser beams corresponding to blue B, green G, and red R are modulated by an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) having the same modulation characteristic (relation between modulation input and modulation output). There is no particular problem.

  However, in the exposure apparatus, the laser beam corresponding to blue B and red R may be directly modulated, and green G may be subjected to AOM modulation. Here, the modulation characteristic in direct modulation and the modulation characteristic in AOM modulation are often different. When exposure between two adjacent pixels is performed based on an average value of modulation inputs in an exposure apparatus having a difference in modulation characteristics with respect to a plurality of colors, a dot for interpolating between two adjacent pixels is used. The density is not the same between blue B and red R with direct modulation and green G with AOM modulation.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of modulation characteristics in direct modulation and modulation characteristics in AOM modulation. In direct modulation, modulation input and modulation output have a proportional relationship, whereas in AOM modulation, Does not have a proportional relationship between the modulation input and the modulation output. Here, let us consider a case where the dots corresponding to two pixels adjacent in the sub-scanning direction are interpolated by averaging. The dots corresponding to the two adjacent pixels have a density corresponding to the modulation outputs 0 and 100, respectively, and the modulation input when the dots having the density corresponding to the modulation output 100 are exposed is The input value X is used for blue B and red R where direct modulation is performed, and the input value Y is used for green G where AOM modulation is performed.

  If the adjacent two dots are exposed based on the average value of the modulation input, the blue B and the red R that are directly modulated are input values that are the average value of the input value 0 and the input value X. In green G in which exposure is performed with the value X / 2 and AOM modulation is performed, exposure is performed with the input value Y / 2, which is an average value of the input value 0 and the input value Y. Here, in blue B and red R in which direct modulation is performed, the input value X / 2 has a density corresponding to the modulation output 50, whereas in green G in which AOM modulation is performed, the input value Y / 2 is modulated. The density corresponds to the output 30. Therefore, the dots formed between the dots corresponding to the two adjacent pixels are overlapped with dots having different densities in blue B and red R in which direct modulation is performed and green G in which AOM modulation is performed. When dots having different densities for each color overlap, there is a problem in that blue B, green G, and red R cause color blur due to different apparent sizes of dots formed on photographic paper. .

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an exposure apparatus that can prevent color blur due to a difference in modulation characteristics of a plurality of colors.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  The exposure apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of light sources that respectively emit light corresponding to a plurality of different colors, a plurality of modulation units that respectively modulate light emitted from the plurality of light sources, and the plurality of modulation units. A scanning mechanism that scans the modulated light on the photosensitive medium, and two corresponding to two adjacent pixels included in the original image data including a plurality of pixels with respect to any predetermined color of the plurality of colors Interpolation data creation means for creating interpolation data used when exposing between the center positions of the exposure area, and the predetermined color, based on the original image data and interpolation data, emitted from the light source corresponding to that color Deriving means for deriving an apparent size of an exposure area formed on the photosensitive medium by being exposed to light, and a color other than the predetermined color among the plurality of colors; Image data generating means for generating image data based on the apparent size of the exposure area derived by the deriving means, and for the predetermined color, the predetermined color according to the original image data and interpolation data When the photosensitive medium is exposed to light emitted from a light source corresponding to the above, an exposure area is formed on the photosensitive medium, and for the colors other than the predetermined color, the image created by the image data creating means Control means for controlling the modulation means and the scanning mechanism so that an exposure area is formed on the photosensitive medium by exposing the photosensitive medium with light emitted from a light source corresponding to the color according to data. It is characterized by having.

  According to this configuration, regarding the colors other than the predetermined color among the plurality of colors, the apparent size of the exposure area formed on the photosensitive medium derived from the original image data and the interpolation data is related to the predetermined color. Based on this, image data is created. Therefore, the modulation characteristic for a predetermined color (the characteristic of the modulation means for modulating the light emitted from the light source corresponding to the predetermined color) and the modulation characteristic for a color other than the predetermined color (corresponding to a color other than the predetermined color) When the characteristics of the modulation means for modulating the light emitted from the light source are different, the apparent sizes of the exposure areas formed on the photosensitive medium can be made the same for all of the plurality of colors. . Therefore, it is formed on the photosensitive medium due to the difference in the apparent size of the exposure area formed on the photosensitive medium by being exposed by the light emitted from the light sources corresponding to a plurality of colors. It is possible to prevent color bleeding from occurring in an image. In the present specification, the apparent size of the exposure area refers to a dot corresponding to a pixel included in the original image data and one or a plurality of dots formed around the dot (there may be a dot based on interpolation data). ), For example, based on the size of two dots based on the dots corresponding to the pixels included in the original image data and the interpolation data formed on both sides thereof. There is a case.

  In the exposure apparatus of the present invention, the image data creating means is an exposure region formed on the photosensitive medium by being exposed with light emitted from a light source corresponding to the color other than the predetermined color. The image data may be created so that the apparent size of the exposure area corresponding to the predetermined color derived by the deriving means is the same as the apparent size of the exposure area.

  According to this configuration, for colors other than a predetermined color among a plurality of colors, an apparent size of an exposure area formed on the photosensitive medium by being exposed by light emitted from a light source corresponding to the color. The image data is created so that the exposure area is the same as the apparent size of the exposure area formed on the photosensitive medium when exposed to light emitted from a light source corresponding to a predetermined color. Therefore, when the modulation characteristics in a predetermined color and the modulation characteristics in a color other than the predetermined color are different, the light is emitted from light sources corresponding to a plurality of colors and formed on the photosensitive medium. It is possible to prevent color blurring from occurring in an image formed on a photosensitive medium due to the difference in the apparent size of the exposed area.

  In the exposure apparatus according to the present invention, the interpolation data creating means has a pixel level when exposing between the center positions of the two exposure areas corresponding to the two adjacent pixels, respectively. Interpolation data may be created based on a constant indicating which of the pixel levels is close to.

  According to this configuration, since the interpolation data is created based on the constant indicating which of the pixel levels of the two adjacent pixels is close to, the user can easily assume the image quality in the photographic print.

  The exposure apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of light sources that respectively emit light corresponding to a plurality of different colors, a plurality of modulation units that respectively modulate light emitted from the plurality of light sources, and the plurality of modulation units. A scanning mechanism that scans the modulated light on the photosensitive medium, and two corresponding to two adjacent pixels included in the original image data including a plurality of pixels with respect to any predetermined color of the plurality of colors A storage means for storing a first constant used for determining a pixel level when exposing between the center positions of the exposure areas, and two adjacent pixels included in the original image data including a plurality of pixels with respect to the predetermined color. First determining means for determining a pixel level at the time of exposure between the center positions of two exposure areas corresponding to one pixel based on a first constant stored in the storage means; The first image data creating means for creating image data relating to the predetermined color based on the pixel level of each pixel included in the original image data and the pixel level determined by the first determining means; Deriving means for deriving an apparent size of an exposure area formed on a photosensitive medium by being exposed to light emitted from a light source corresponding to the predetermined color, and among the plurality of colors For the color other than the predetermined color, the apparent size of the exposure area formed on the photosensitive medium by being exposed by the light emitted from the light source corresponding to the color is derived by the deriving unit. Second image data creating means for creating image data relating to the color so that the exposure area corresponding to the predetermined color has the same apparent size; The photosensitive medium is exposed by light emitted from the light source corresponding to the predetermined color according to the image data created by the first image data creating means, thereby forming an exposure area on the photosensitive medium. With respect to colors other than the predetermined color, the photosensitive medium is exposed by light emitted from a light source corresponding to the color according to the image data created by the second image data creating means. And a control means for controlling the scanning mechanism so as to form an exposure area.

  According to this configuration, for colors other than a predetermined color among a plurality of colors, an apparent size of an exposure area formed on the photosensitive medium by being exposed by light emitted from a light source corresponding to the color. The image after setting the image quality for that color so that the exposure area is the same as the apparent size of the exposure area formed on the photosensitive medium by being exposed to light emitted from the light source corresponding to the predetermined color. Data is created. Therefore, the modulation characteristic for a predetermined color (the characteristic of the modulation means for modulating the light emitted from the light source corresponding to the predetermined color) and the modulation characteristic for a color other than the predetermined color (corresponding to a color other than the predetermined color) When the characteristic of the modulation means for modulating the light emitted from the light source is different, exposure is performed between the center positions of two exposure regions corresponding to two adjacent pixels included in the original image data including a plurality of pixels. Even if the pixel level at that time is determined not based on the modulation output (output from the modulation means) but based on the modulation input (input to the modulation means), it is sensitive to all of the plurality of colors. The apparent size of the exposure area formed on the medium is the same. Therefore, it is formed on the photosensitive medium due to the difference in the apparent size of the exposure area formed on the photosensitive medium by being exposed by the light emitted from the light sources corresponding to a plurality of colors. It is possible to prevent color bleeding from occurring in an image.

  In the exposure apparatus according to the present invention, the second image data creating means may include two exposure areas corresponding to two adjacent pixels included in the original image data including a plurality of pixels for colors other than the predetermined color. A second determination means for determining a pixel level at the time of exposure between the central positions of the two to one of the pixel levels of the two adjacent pixels; and for the colors other than the predetermined color, the original image data A third image for creating preliminary data used when creating image data relating to a color other than the predetermined color based on the pixel level of each pixel included and the pixel level determined by the second determining means The apparent size of the exposure area formed on the photosensitive medium when exposed to light emitted from a light source corresponding to the color of the data creating means and the color other than the predetermined color And a third determining means for determining a second constant so that the apparent size of the exposure area corresponding to the predetermined color derived by the deriving means is the same as that of the predetermined color. Regarding the color, a plurality of pixels included in the image data created by the third image data creation means, and a plurality of pixels corresponding to each of a plurality of exposure areas formed along one direction on the photosensitive medium. When the pixel level of a pixel satisfies the relational expression: a ≧ b of the pixel levels a and b of the two pixels A and B adjacent in the one direction and the second constant x determined by the third determining unit , A × x + b × (1−x), a <b, the image data relating to the color may be created by changing based on a × (1−x) + b × x.

  According to this configuration, a color other than the predetermined color among the plurality of colors is formed on the photosensitive medium by being exposed by light emitted from a light source corresponding to the color other than the predetermined color among the plurality of colors. The apparent size of the exposure area can be easily changed. That is, for a color other than a predetermined color among a plurality of colors, image data corresponding to the image quality desired by the user can be easily created by using a predetermined relational expression and changing the second constant.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photographic processing apparatus including an exposure apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  A photographic processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a photographic processing apparatus that employs a digital scanning exposure method using a laser beam, and includes an image input unit 20, a printer unit 30, a processor unit 40, and a finishing processing unit 50. It has. Further, the photo processing apparatus 1 is loaded with paper magazines 31 and 32, and the photographic paper 2 which is a long photosensitive medium housed in the magazines is in a path 18 indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. Then, it is conveyed to a cutter 34 described later. The photographic paper 2 cut to a predetermined length along the width direction by the cutter 34 is conveyed along the path 18 from the printer unit 30 to the finishing processing unit 50 via the processor unit 40.

  In the image input unit 20, an analog image reading process recorded on each frame of the film and a digital conversion process on the read image data, or a digital image data reading process recorded on an image recording medium such as a flash memory, etc. Various processes are performed. In the printer unit 30, exposure processing based on digital image data is mainly performed on the photographic paper 2. In the processor unit 40, the exposed photographic paper 2 is subjected to processing such as development, bleach-fixing, and stabilization. In the finishing processing unit 50, the photographic paper 2 on which the image discharged from the processor unit 40 has been exposed is subjected to a drying process, and the photographic paper 2 that has been dried and discharged from the discharge port 19 is sorted for each order. .

  The image input unit 20 has a film mounting unit 21 on which a film is mounted, a scanner light source unit 22 in which a light source for irradiating the film during scanning is stored, and a digital image input from an image storage device such as a flash memory. And a terminal (not shown). An imaging element (not shown) such as a CCD for taking a film image is disposed below the film mounting unit 21. An image signal output from the image sensor is digitally converted by an A / D converter (not shown), and then supplied to an image control apparatus 100 described later.

  The printer unit 30 accommodates each of the wound long photographic papers 2 and selectively uses two paper magazines 31 and 32, and an advance unit that pulls out the photographic paper 2 from the paper magazines 31 and 32. 33, a cutter 34 for cutting the photographic paper 2 having a predetermined width drawn from the paper magazines 31 and 32 into a desired length according to the print size along the width direction, and a photosensitive emulsion layer of the photographic paper 2 are formed. A printing unit 35 for printing a desired character on an unfinished surface (back surface), and a chucker 36 for conveying the photographic paper 2 cut to a desired length in parallel in two to three rows up to the front stage of the exposure position; , An exposure unit 3 for performing exposure processing on the photographic paper 2, a plurality of roller pairs 37 for conveying the photographic paper 2, and a motor 38 for driving the roller pairs 37.The plurality of roller pairs 37 are arranged at intervals shorter than the shortest length at which the photographic paper 2 may be cut so that the cut photographic paper 2 does not fall off.

  The processor unit 40 includes processing tanks 41a to 41f for performing development, bleach-fixing, and stabilization processes on the photographic paper 2 supplied from the printer unit 30, and processing liquids stored in the processing tanks 41a to 41f. Waste liquid and replenisher tanks 42 a to 42 d, a plurality of roller pairs 43 for conveying the photographic paper 2, and a motor (not shown) for driving the roller pairs 43.

  The finishing processing unit 50 has a heater 51 for quickly drying the photographic paper 2 discharged from the processor unit 40 and a belt for conveying the photographic paper 2 discharged from the discharge port 19 in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. A conveyor 52, a plurality of roller pairs 53 for conveying the photographic paper 2 and a motor (not shown) for driving the roller pairs 53 are provided. Note that, like the plurality of roller pairs 37, the plurality of roller pairs 43 and 53 are spaced at intervals shorter than the shortest length at which the photographic paper 2 may be cut so that the cut photographic paper 2 does not fall off. Is arranged in.

  Further, the photo processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a control unit 10 that controls the operation of each unit, a display 23 that displays various information about the photo processing apparatus 1 and notifies the operator, and an input operation to the photo processing apparatus 1. And a personal computer (personal computer) 25 including a keyboard 24 for performing the above. As will be described in detail later, the control unit 10 includes an image control apparatus 100 (see FIG. 3) that mainly controls image data corresponding to an image exposed by the exposure unit 3. .

  Next, a detailed configuration of the exposure unit 3 included in the photographic processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a view showing a schematic configuration of an exposure unit included in the photographic processing apparatus shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the exposure unit 3 includes a blue LD (Laser Diode) 71B, a green SHG (Second Harmonic Generation) laser unit 71G, and a red LD 71R in a housing 70. The blue LD 71B, the green SHG laser unit 71G, and the red LD 71R can emit laser beams of minute diameter light beams having wavelengths of the blue component, the green component, and the red component, respectively.

  The blue LD 71B and the red LD 71R are emitted after modulating the laser beam of the blue component and the red component according to the image data, respectively, and the light intensity of the laser beam is adjusted by the light control units 74B and 74R. Therefore, the LD driver 83B and the LD driver 83R are connected to the blue LD 71B and the red LD 71R, respectively, and a modulation input corresponding to the image data is supplied from the LD driver 83B and the LD driver 83R. Accordingly, the blue LD 71B and the red LD 71R have a light source function and a modulation means function.

  Instead of the blue LD 71B and the red LD 71R, a blue SHG laser unit and a red SHG laser unit configured in the same manner as the green SHG laser unit 71G can be used. Further, instead of emitting the modulated laser beam from the blue LD 71B and the red LD 71R (direct modulation), an AOM is disposed on the emission side of the laser beam of the blue LD 71B and the red LD 71R, and emitted without being modulated from the blue LD 71B and the red LD 71R. The modulated laser beam may be modulated by AOM.

  Further, the laser beam emitted from the green SHG laser unit 71G is guided to the light entrance of the AOM 73G and modulated according to the image data, and then the light amount of the laser beam is adjusted by the light control unit 74G. The green SHG laser unit 71G has a second harmonic that is not shown, but extracts a second harmonic corresponding to the laser beam of the green component from a solid-state laser such as a YAG laser and a laser beam emitted from the solid-state laser. A wavelength variable unit composed of a second harmonic generation unit and the like is provided, and a laser beam of the second harmonic component is emitted. In the configuration of the present embodiment, a solid-state laser is used as a means for emitting a basic laser beam. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an LD can be used, for example.

  The AOM 73G is a light modulation element using a so-called acousto-optic diffraction, which is a diffraction phenomenon in which a refractive index distribution created in a transparent medium by sound waves acts as a phase diffraction grating, and changes the intensity of applied ultrasonic waves. The intensity of the light diffracted by the light is modulated. Accordingly, the AOM driver 83G (see FIG. 3) is connected to the AOM 73G, and a modulation input corresponding to the image data (a high-frequency signal whose amplitude is modulated according to the image data) is input from the AOM driver 83G. . Then, an ultrasonic wave corresponding to the high-frequency signal is propagated in the acousto-optic medium, and when the laser beam is transmitted through the acousto-optic medium, diffraction occurs due to the acousto-optic effect, and it corresponds to the amplitude of the high-frequency signal. An intense laser beam is emitted from the AOM 73G as diffracted light.

  The dimmers 74B, 74G, and 74R are configured by, for example, an ND filter or a rotating plate provided with a plurality of openings having different sizes. Since the range of the amount of light that can be emitted in a stable state is determined in a light emitting element such as a semiconductor laser or a solid state laser, the color adjustment characteristics of the photographic paper can be achieved by adjusting the amount of light by the light control units 74B, 74G, and 74R Accordingly, exposure can be performed in a light amount range that provides a wide dynamic range.

  The laser beams emitted from the light control units 74B, 74G, and 74R are reflected in the direction toward the reflection mirror 76 by the dichroic mirrors 75B and 75G or the mirror 75R. Here, each of the dichroic mirrors 75B and 75G has a property of reflecting only a laser beam having a wavelength of a blue component or a green component and transmitting light having a wavelength other than that. On the other hand, the mirror 75R may be any mirror that reflects the red component of the incident light. In the present embodiment, since a red laser beam consisting of only the wavelength of the red component is incident on the mirror 75R, a mirror that totally reflects the incident light is used as the mirror 75R.

  Accordingly, the red laser beam reflected by the mirror 75R and transmitted through the dichroic mirrors 75G and 75B and the green laser beam reflected by the dichroic mirror 75G are transmitted through the dichroic mirror 75B and reach the reflecting mirror 76. That is, the blue laser beam traveling from the dichroic mirror 75B toward the reflection mirror 76 becomes a combined laser beam composed of laser beams of red, green, and blue components modulated according to image data.

  The combined laser beam is reflected by the reflection mirror 76, passes through the cylindrical lens 77, and then reaches the polygon mirror 78. Here, the cylindrical lens 77 is a lens that condenses the combined laser beam reflected by the reflection mirror 76 on the reflection surface of the polygon mirror 78. The cylindrical lens 77 is used to perform correction (surface tilt correction) when a surface tilt error (an error in which the normal direction of the reflective surface deviates from the normal main scanning surface) occurs on the reflection surface of the polygon mirror 78. is there.

  The polygon mirror 78 is a rotating body provided such that a plurality of reflecting surfaces form a regular polygon, and is rotated by a polygon driver 78a. The combined laser beam irradiated from the reflecting mirror 76 through the cylindrical lens 77 is reflected by one reflecting surface of the polygon mirror 78 and travels in the direction of the photographic paper 2. The reflection direction of the combined laser beam on the polygon mirror 78 moves in the main scanning direction according to the rotation of the polygon mirror 78. When the reflection of the combined laser beam on one reflecting surface is finished by the rotation of the polygon mirror 78, the irradiation of the combined laser beam is transferred to the reflecting surface adjacent to the reflecting surface, and the laser beam is reflected in the main scanning direction within the same range. The direction moves. In this way, one scanning line is scanned by one reflecting surface, and the next scanning line is scanned by the adjacent reflecting surface. Therefore, the time lag between the adjacent scanning lines in the sub-scanning direction is extremely reduced. It can be made smaller.

  An fθ lens 79 is disposed on the optical path from the polygon mirror 78 toward the photographic paper 2. The fθ lens 79 is an optical system for correcting image distortion in the vicinity of both ends of the scanning surface due to the combined laser beam irradiated to the photographic paper 2 from the polygon mirror 78, and includes a plurality of lenses. The distortion of the image in the vicinity of both ends of the scanning surface is caused by the difference in the length of the optical path from the polygon mirror 78 to the photographic paper 2.

  Further, a mirror 80 and a synchronization sensor 81 are provided outside the main scanning range of the combined laser beam from the polygon mirror 78 to the photographic paper 2. The mirror 80 is disposed at a position just outside the direction of the main scanning start point when viewed from the polygon mirror 78. In other words, the combined laser beam reflected from one reflecting surface of the polygon mirror 78 first strikes the mirror 80, and immediately after that, exposure on the photographic paper 2 is performed in the main scanning direction.

  Here, the direction of the reflection surface of the mirror 80 is such that the combined laser beam from the polygon mirror 78 is reflected in the direction toward the synchronization sensor 81. The length of the optical path from the polygon mirror 78 to the synchronization sensor 81 via the mirror 80 is substantially equal to the length of the optical path from the polygon mirror 78 to the main scanning start point on the photographic paper 2.

  The synchronous sensor 81 is a sensor that can detect light, and modulates the laser beam emitted from the blue LD 71B, the green SHG laser unit 71G, and the red LD 71R by the laser beam received from the polygon mirror 78 through the mirror 80. Used to adjust timing. Note that the synchronization sensor 81 is connected to the image control apparatus 100 (see FIG. 3).

  Next, a schematic configuration of the image control apparatus 100 of the photographic processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of the main part of the image control apparatus included in the photo processing apparatus shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image control apparatus 100 includes a personal computer 25 having a display 23 and a keyboard 24, LD drivers 83B and 83R connected to the blue LD 71B and the red LD 71R, and an AOM driver 83G connected to the AOM 73G. The synchronization sensor 81 is connected to each other. Accordingly, image data can be supplied from the personal computer 25 to the large-capacity image memory 104, and control signals can be transmitted and received (control communication) between the personal computer 25 and the CPU 101. In addition, a synchronization sensor signal is supplied from the synchronization sensor 81 to the data processing units 105B, 105G, and 105R of the image control apparatus 100. Further, the DACs 106B, 106G, and 106R can supply analog signals corresponding to image data to the LD drivers 83B and 83R and the AOM driver 83G. Then, analog signals are supplied from the DACs 106B, 106G, and 106R to the LD drivers 83B and 83R and the AOM driver 83G, so that the photographic paper 2 is exposed according to the pixel level of each pixel included in the image data. A dot (exposure area) is formed corresponding to each pixel.

  In addition, the image control apparatus 100 stores a CPU 101 that executes various calculations to generate signals for controlling the operations of the respective units of the photo processing apparatus 1, and control programs and data for various operations related to the photo processing apparatus 1. ROM 102, RAM 103 for temporarily storing data such as calculation results in CPU 101, large-capacity image memory 104, and data processing units 105 B, 105 G, and 105 R, which are connected via CPU bus 108. Data can be sent and received. Further, the image control apparatus 100 includes D / A converters (DACs) 106B, 106G, and 106R.

  The large-capacity image memory 104 is for storing image data (original image data) supplied from the personal computer 25. That is, the large-capacity image memory 104 stores original image data for a plurality of lines for forming a desired image on the photographic paper 2. Here, the original image data includes a plurality of pixels, and each pixel has a predetermined pixel level. The data processing units 105B, 105G, and 105R appropriately read out the original image data from the large-capacity image memory 104, and create image data relating to each color of R, G, and B. The DACs 106B, 106G, and 106R convert digital signals corresponding to the image data supplied from the data processing units 105B, 105G, and 105R into analog signals.

  Next, the configuration of the data processing units 105B, 105G, and 105R will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of the data processing unit shown in FIG.

  The data processing units 105B and 105R include image quality setting storage units 110B and 110R, image data creation units 111B and 111R, and apparent dot diameter deriving units 113B and 113R, respectively. On the other hand, the data processing unit 105G has an image data creation unit 114G.

  The image quality setting storage units 110B and 110R of the data processing units 105B and 105R store a constant x1 regarding the desired image quality of the photo print set by the user.

  The image data creation units 111B and 111R have interpolation data determination units 112B and 112R, respectively. The interpolation data determination units 112B and 112R use pixel levels (when used to form corresponding dots between two adjacent pixels in the sub-scanning direction based on the constant x1 stored in the image quality setting storage units 111B and 111R. Interpolation data) is determined. Then, the image data creation units 111B and 111R relate to blue B and red R based on the pixel level of each pixel included in the original image data and the pixel level of the interpolation data determined by the interpolation data determination units 112B and 112R. Image data after interpolation, that is, image data after image quality setting is created.

  The apparent dot diameter deriving units 112B and 112R are exposed based on the image data created by the image data creation units 111B and 111R, so that the apparent size of dots formed on the photographic paper (apparent dot diameter) Is derived.

  On the other hand, the image data creation unit 114G of the data processing unit 105G includes a preliminary data creation unit 115G and a constant determination unit 117G. The preliminary data creation unit 115G includes an interpolation data determination unit 116G. The interpolation data determination unit 116G sets a pixel level (interpolation data) used when forming a corresponding dot between two pixels adjacent in the sub-scanning direction to the pixel level of any of the two adjacent pixels. To decide. In the present embodiment, the interpolation data is determined at the pixel level of the upstream pixel in the sub-scanning direction of two adjacent pixels. Then, the preliminary data creation unit 115G creates preliminary data after interpolation for green G based on the pixel level of each pixel included in the original image data and the pixel level of the interpolation data determined by the interpolation data determination unit 116G. To do.

  The constant determining unit 117G determines a constant x2 related to the apparent dot diameter related to the green G on the photographic paper based on the apparent dot diameter derived by the apparent dot diameter deriving units 113B and 113R of the data processing units 105B and 105R. To do. Here, in the constant determining unit 117G, the apparent dot diameter of the green G on the photographic paper is the same as the apparent dot diameters of the blue B and red R on the photographic paper derived by the apparent dot diameter deriving units 113B and 113R. , Constant x2 is determined.

Then, the image data creation unit 114G creates image data after the image quality setting for the green G based on the constant x2 determined by the constant determination unit 117G. Here, in the image data creation unit 114G, for green G, a plurality of pixels included in the preliminary data created by the preliminary data creation unit 115G, and a plurality of dots formed along the sub-scanning direction on the photographic paper. By changing the pixel levels of a plurality of pixels corresponding to each of the pixel values based on the following relational expression of the pixel levels a and b of two pixels adjacent in the sub-scanning direction and the constant x2, the image quality setting for green G Later image data is created.
When relational expression: a ≧ b holds, a × x2 + b × (1−x2)
When a <b holds, a × (1−x2) + b × x2

  Next, an operation procedure when exposure processing is performed in the photographic processing apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of dots formed on the photographic paper when the two adjacent dots in the sub-scanning direction are interpolated in the photographic processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when exposure processing is performed in the photographic processing apparatus shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a plurality of dots formed on the photographic paper. The dots formed based on the original image data are indicated by solid lines, and the dots formed based on the interpolation data are indicated by broken lines. Yes. In the photographic processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 5, five dots arranged in the main scanning direction formed by one main scanning and the main scanning formed by the next main scanning. With respect to five dots arranged in the direction, two adjacent dots in the sub-scanning direction are exposed based on the interpolation data, so that corresponding dots are formed between the two pixels adjacent in the sub-scanning direction. .

  First, the user sets a desired image quality for photo printing (step S101). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing setting buttons for setting the image quality of a photographic print. In other words, the user sets an arbitrary image quality setting from soft to sharp by moving the setting button 60 in the range from soft to sharp as shown in FIG. be able to. Here, when the apparent dot diameter on the photographic paper is large, the image quality becomes soft, and when the apparent dot diameter on the photographic paper is small, the image quality becomes sharp. When the image quality is set by the user, a constant x1 (however, the constant x1 is a value between 0 and 1) is determined. That is, image quality setting in the range from soft to sharp by the user is equivalent to determining the constant x1 to a value between 0 and 1.

  Next, based on the constant x1, a pixel level (interpolation data) used when forming corresponding dots between two adjacent pixels in the sub-scanning direction is determined (step S102).

Here, the constant x1 means that the pixel level when exposing between two dots corresponding to two pixels adjacent in the sub-scanning direction included in the original image data is the pixel level of each of the two adjacent pixels. It is a constant that indicates which of these is close. Therefore, when the pixel level of the pixel on the upstream side in the sub-scanning direction of two adjacent pixels is a and the pixel level of the pixel on the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction is b, the constant x1 is set based on the image quality setting by the user. If it is determined, the pixel level at the time of exposing between two dots corresponding to two pixels adjacent in the sub-scanning direction is calculated by the following equation.
When a ≧ b holds, a × (1−x1) + b × x1
When a <b holds, a × x1 + b × (1−x1)
That is, the pixel level when exposing between two adjacent dots in the sub-scanning direction is the same as the pixel level a of the pixel on the upstream side in the sub-scanning direction when a ≧ b holds and the constant x1 is 0. When the constant x1 is 1, it is the same as the pixel level b of the pixel on the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction. On the other hand, when a <b holds, when the constant x1 is 0, it is the same as the pixel level b of the pixel on the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction, and when the constant x1 is 1, the pixel level on the upstream side in the sub-scanning direction is the same. It becomes the same as the pixel level a.

  Thus, when the constant x1 is 0, interpolation is performed based on the larger pixel level of the two adjacent dots, and a photographic print with a softer image quality than the standard is created. On the other hand, when the constant x1 is 1, interpolation is performed based on the smaller pixel level of two adjacent dots, and a photographic print with sharper image quality than the standard is created. By setting the constant x1 between 0 and 1, the image quality of the photographic print can be changed from a soft image quality to a sharp image quality range.

  Next, with respect to blue B and red R, image data after interpolation, that is, image data after image quality setting, is created based on the pixel level of each pixel and the pixel level of the interpolation data included in the original image data (step S103). ).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the creation of image data after image quality setting for blue B and red R. FIG. Here, for blue B and red R, the pixel levels of the six pixels included in the original image data and corresponding to the dots D1 to D6 formed along the sub-scanning direction on the photographic paper. Is changed as shown in FIG. 8A, that is, the pixel levels of the six pixels corresponding to the dots D1 to D6 formed along the sub-scanning direction are the pixel levels 100, 0, 100, respectively. , 0, 100, 0. Also, in the following description, the image quality setting set by the user is standard, and when the constant x1 is determined to be 0.5, that is, between two adjacent dots in the sub-scanning direction is interpolated with an average pattern. The case will be described as an example.

  At this time, based on the constant x1 (= 0.5), the pixel levels used when forming the corresponding dots D1 ′ to D5 ′ between two adjacent pixels in the sub-scanning direction are the dots D1 to D6. In any case, the pixel level 50 is an average value of the pixel level 0 and the pixel level 100. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating modulation characteristics in blue B and red R. In FIG. Here, the description will be made on the assumption that the modulation characteristic in blue B where direct modulation is performed and the modulation characteristic in red R are the same. That is, in FIG. 9, assuming that two adjacent dots in the sub-scanning direction are exposed based on the average value of the modulation input, blue B and red R, which are directly modulated, correspond to pixel level 0. Exposure is performed with an input value X / 2, which is an average value of the input value 0 and the input value x corresponding to the pixel level 100, and the pixel level of the interpolation data becomes the pixel level 50. Therefore, for blue B and red R, image data is created in which the pixel level of the dots arranged along the sub-scanning direction changes as shown in FIG. 8B.

  Next, with regard to blue B and red R, exposure is performed based on the image data after interpolation, whereby an apparent size (apparent dot diameter) of dots formed on the photographic paper is derived (step S104). . The relationship between the pixel level of each pixel of the image data relating to blue B and red R and the apparent dot diameter will be described later with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 for each pixel of the image data relating to green G. The relationship between the pixel level and the apparent dot diameter can be considered.

  Next, for green G, preliminary data that is used when creating image data after image quality setting is created (step S105).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the creation of preliminary data for green G. FIG. Here, as with the blue B and the red R, the green G also corresponds to each of the six pixels included in the original image data and the dots D1 to D6 formed along the sub-scanning direction on the photographic paper. Consider the case where the pixel levels of these six pixels are pixel levels 100, 0, 100, 0, 100, 0 as shown in FIG. Here, when the preliminary data is created, the interpolation data is determined at the pixel level of the upstream pixel in the sub-scanning direction of two pixels adjacent in the sub-scanning direction. Accordingly, for green G, preliminary data is created in which the pixel level of dots arranged along the sub-scanning direction changes as shown in FIG.

  Next, for green G, a constant x2 related to the apparent dot diameter of green G on the photographic paper is determined based on the apparent dot diameter derived based on the image data after setting the image quality for blue B and red R. (Step 106). The constant x2 is determined so that the apparent dot diameter of green G on the photographic paper is the same as the apparent dot diameters of blue B and red R. Based on the constant x2 and the preliminary data, the image data after the image quality setting is created for green G (step S107).

  Here, a method for determining the constant x2 related to the apparent dot diameter of green G and a method for creating image data after setting the image quality for green G will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the constant x2 and the image data after image quality setting for green G. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the constant x2 and the apparent dot diameter for green G.

As described above, for green G, the image data after the image quality setting is a plurality of pixels included in the preliminary data, and a plurality of pixels corresponding to each of the plurality of dots formed along the sub-scanning direction on the photographic paper. Is created by changing the pixel levels a and b of two pixels adjacent in the sub-scanning direction and the constant x2 based on the following relational expression.
When the relational expression: a ≧ b holds, a × x2 + b × (1−x2) (Formula 1)
When a <b holds, a × (1−x2) + b × x2 (Formula 2)

  Here, in the preliminary data, the pixel level of the dots arranged along the sub-scanning direction changes as shown in FIG. When the constant x2 is changed to 0, 0.2, 0.8, and 1, the pixel level of the dots arranged along the sub-scanning direction changes based on the above relational expression.

  For example, when the constant x2 is 0.2, the pixel level of the dot D1 'is a = 100 and b = 100.

  Since the pixel level of the dot D2 when the constant x2 is 0.2 is a = 100 and b = 0, the pixel level is set to 20 using Equation 1.

  Since the pixel level of the dot D2 'when the constant x2 is 0.2 is a = 0 and b = 0, the pixel level is 0 using Equation 1.

  Since the pixel level of the dot D3 when the constant x2 is 0.2 is a = 0 and b = 100, the pixel level is 20 using Equation 2.

  Note that the pixel level of the dot D1 when the constant x2 is 0.2 is assumed that there is a dot of pixel level 0 before the dot D1, and it is assumed that a = 0 and b = 100, and Expression 2 is used. The pixel level becomes 20.

Similarly, when the constant x2 is changed to 0, 0.2, 0.8, and 1, the change in the change in the pixel level of the dots arranged along the sub-scanning direction is calculated as follows. become.

  FIG. 11 shows the change in the pixel level of each dot shown in Table 1. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a change in the pixel level of each dot when the value of the constant x2 is changed. FIGS. 11A to 11D correspond to cases where the constant x2 is 0, 0.2, 0.8, and 1, respectively.

  Next, the relationship between the change in the pixel level of each dot arranged along the sub-scanning direction and the apparent dot diameter on the photographic paper will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the change in the pixel level of each dot arranged along the sub-scanning direction and the apparent dot diameter on the photographic paper. 12A to 12D correspond to cases where the constant x2 is 0, 0.2, 0.8, and 1, respectively.

  FIG. 12 shows the light intensity distribution based on the pixel levels of the dots D1, D1 ′, and D2 when the constant x2 is changed to 0, 0.2, 0.8, and 1. For example, when the constant x2 is 0, the pixel levels of the dots D1, D1 ′, and D2 are 0, 100, and 0. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12A, only the distribution of the dots D1 ′ is present. It is shown in the figure. Therefore, when exposure is performed on photographic paper that develops color when the light intensity is greater than or equal to the threshold value N, the apparent dot diameter is considered to be Da. Similarly, when the constant x2 is 0.2, the pixel levels of the dots D1, D1 ′, and D2 are 20, 100, and 20, so that as shown in FIG. The distribution of D1 ′ and D2 is shown. Therefore, when exposure is performed on photographic paper that develops color when the light intensity is greater than or equal to the threshold value N, the apparent dot diameter is considered to be Db.

  Therefore, as can be seen from FIGS. 12A to 12D, the apparent dot diameter is minimized when the value of the constant x2 is 0, and the apparent dot diameter increases as the value of the constant x2 increases. When the value of x2 is 1, the apparent dot diameter becomes the maximum. That is, the apparent dot diameter can be changed by changing the value of the constant x2 between 0 and 1.

  Accordingly, when the constant x2 is determined in step S6, the apparent dot diameter of green G on the photographic paper is determined to be the same as the apparent dot diameters of blue B and red R. Then, by determining the constant x2, the image data after the image quality setting for green G is created.

  As described above, when image data after image quality setting is created for blue B, green G, and red R, exposure processing for photographic paper is performed according to the pixel level of each pixel included in the image data ( Step S108).

  As described above, in the photographic processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the apparent size of the dots formed on the photographic paper by being exposed by the light emitted from the green SHG laser unit 71G corresponding to the green G. For green G, the same as the apparent size of the dots formed on the photographic paper by being exposed by the light emitted from blue LD 71B and red LD 71R corresponding to blue B and red R, Image data after image quality setting is created. Therefore, when the modulation characteristics in blue B and red R are different from the modulation characteristics in green G, the pixel level when exposing between two dots corresponding to two pixels adjacent in the sub-scanning direction is modulated output. Even if it is determined not based on (output from the modulation means) but based on the modulation input (input to the modulation means), all of blue B, green G and red R are formed on the photographic paper. The apparent size of the dots is the same. Therefore, the dots formed on the photographic paper are exposed to light emitted from the light sources corresponding to the blue B, green G, and red R, and the apparent size of the dots formed on the photographic paper is different. It is possible to prevent color blur from occurring in the formed image.

  Next, a photographic processing apparatus including an exposure apparatus in the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The configuration of the photographic processing apparatus of the present embodiment is greatly different from the configuration of the photographic processing apparatus of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the two pixels adjacent in the sub-scanning direction are interpolated. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, two pixels adjacent in the main scanning direction are interpolated. Therefore, since the above configuration is different, the configuration of the data processing unit of the present embodiment is different from the configuration of the data processing unit of the first embodiment. The other configuration of the photographic processing apparatus according to this embodiment is the same as that of the photographic processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The configuration of the data processing units 205B, 205G, and 205R according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a simplified block diagram of a data processing unit included in the photo processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The data processing units 205B and 205R have image data creation 214B and 214R, respectively. On the other hand, the data processing unit 205G includes an image quality setting storage unit 210G, an image data creation unit 211G, and an apparent dot diameter deriving unit 213G.

  The image quality setting storage unit 210G of the data processing unit 205G stores a constant x3 relating to the desired image quality of the photo print set by the user.

  The image data creation unit 211G has an interpolation data determination unit 212G. Based on the constant x3 stored in the image quality setting storage unit 211G, the interpolation data determination unit 212G determines the pixel level (interpolation data) used when forming corresponding dots between two adjacent pixels in the main scanning direction. decide. Then, the image data creation unit 211G performs post-interpolation image data on the green G, that is, image quality based on the pixel level of each pixel included in the original image data and the pixel level of the interpolation data determined by the interpolation data determination unit 212G. Create the set image data.

  The apparent dot diameter deriving unit 213G derives the apparent size (apparent dot diameter) of the dots formed on the photographic paper by being exposed based on the image data created by the image data creating unit 211G.

  On the other hand, the image data creation 214B and 214R of the data processing units 205B and 205R include preliminary data creation units 215B and 215R and constant determination units 217B and 217R. The preliminary data creation units 215B and 215R include interpolation data determination units 216B and 216R. The interpolation data determination units 216B and 216R determine the pixel level (interpolation data) used when forming a corresponding dot between two adjacent pixels in the main scanning direction as one of the two adjacent pixels. Decide on the pixel level. In the present embodiment, the interpolation data is determined at the pixel level of the upstream pixel in the main scanning direction of two adjacent pixels. Then, the preliminary data creation units 215B and 215R relate to blue B and red R based on the pixel level of each pixel included in the original image data and the pixel level of the interpolation data determined by the interpolation data determination units 216B and 216R. Create preliminary data after interpolation.

  The constant determination units 217B and 217R determine a constant x4 related to the apparent dot diameters of blue B and red R on the photographic paper based on the apparent dot diameter derived by the apparent dot diameter deriving unit 213G of the data processing unit 205G. . Here, in the constant determining units 217B and 217R, the apparent dot diameters of blue B and red R on the photographic paper are the same as the apparent dot diameters of green G on the photographic paper derived by the apparent dot diameter deriving unit 213G. A constant x4 is determined.

  Then, the image data creation units 214B and 214R create image data after setting the image quality for blue B and red R based on the constant x4 determined by the constant determination units 217B and 217R. Here, in the image data creation units 214B and 214R, the image data after the image quality setting is created for the green G in the image data creation unit 114G of the first embodiment, and for the blue B and the red R. Create image data after setting the image quality.

  Next, an operation procedure when exposure processing is performed in the photographic processing apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of dots formed on a photographic paper when interpolation is performed between two adjacent dots in the main scanning direction in the photographic processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when exposure processing is performed in the photographic processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of a plurality of dots formed on the photographic paper. The dots formed based on the original image data are indicated by solid lines, and the dots formed based on the interpolation data are indicated by broken lines. Yes. In the photographic processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 14, with respect to five dots arranged in the main scanning direction formed by one main scanning, an interpolation is made between two dots adjacent in the main scanning direction. By performing exposure based on the data, corresponding dots are formed between two adjacent pixels in the main scanning direction.

  First, the user sets a desired image quality for photo printing (step S201). When the image quality is set by the user, a constant x3 (however, the constant x3 is a value between 0 and 1) is determined.

  Next, based on the constant x3, a pixel level (interpolation data) used when forming corresponding dots between two adjacent pixels in the main scanning direction is determined (step S202).

  Next, for green G, based on the pixel level of each pixel and the pixel level of the interpolation data included in the original image data, image data after interpolation, that is, image data after image quality setting is created (step S203).

  Next, the green G is exposed based on the interpolated image data, whereby the apparent size (apparent dot diameter) of the dots formed on the photographic paper is derived (step S204).

  Next, for blue B and red R, preliminary data used when creating image data after image quality setting is created (step S205).

  Next, for blue B and red R, based on the apparent dot diameter derived based on the image data after image quality setting in green G, a constant x4 related to the apparent dot diameter for blue B and red R on the photographic paper is obtained. It is determined (step S206). Here, the constant x4 is determined so that the apparent dot diameters of blue B and red R on the photographic paper are the same as the apparent dot diameter of green G. Based on the constant x4 and the preliminary data, the image data after the image quality setting is created for blue B and red R (step S207).

  As described above, when image data after image quality setting is created for blue B, green G, and red R, exposure processing for photographic paper is performed according to the pixel level of each pixel included in the image data ( Step S208).

  As described above, in the photographic processing apparatus of the present embodiment, the appearance of dots formed on photographic paper by being exposed by light emitted from blue LD 71B and red LD 71R corresponding to blue B and red R The blue B and the red R so that the size of the dots is the same as the apparent size of the dots formed on the photographic paper by being exposed by the light emitted from the green SHG laser unit 71G corresponding to the green G. With respect to, image data after image quality setting is created. Therefore, when the modulation characteristics in blue B and red R are different from the modulation characteristics in green G, the pixel level when exposing between two dots corresponding to two pixels adjacent in the main scanning direction is modulated output. Even if it is determined not based on (output value from the modulation means) but based on the modulation input (input value to the modulation means), all of blue B, green G and red R are displayed on the photographic paper. The apparent size of the dots formed is the same. Therefore, the dots formed on the photographic paper are exposed to light emitted from the light sources corresponding to the blue B, green G, and red R, and the apparent size of the dots formed on the photographic paper is different. It is possible to prevent color blur from occurring in the formed image.

  In the photographic processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, as described above, interpolation is performed between two pixels adjacent in the main scanning direction. Here, when blue B and red R are directly modulated and green G is AOM modulated, the dots corresponding to blue B and red R in the main scanning direction are more than dots corresponding to green G. become longer. This is due to the fact that the response in direct modulation is lower than that in AOM modulation. Therefore, regarding the main scanning direction, the apparent size of the dots formed on the photographic paper differs not only due to the difference in modulation characteristics (relationship between input value and output value) but also due to the difference in response. It will be. In this embodiment, since the dots corresponding to blue B and red R of direct modulation with low responsiveness in the main scanning direction are longer than the dots corresponding to green G, the appearance of blue B and red R is apparent. The image data after the image quality setting is created for blue B and red R so that the size of the upper dot is the same as the apparent size of the green G dot. Therefore, due to the difference in the responsiveness between the direct modulation blue B and red R and the AOM modulation green G, the apparent dot sizes of the blue B, green G and red R are different. Color blur can be prevented from occurring in an image formed on paper.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design changes can be made as long as they are described in the claims. For example, in the first embodiment, only two pixels adjacent in the sub-scanning direction are interpolated, and in the second embodiment, only two pixels adjacent in the main scanning direction are interpolated. Both the two pixels adjacent in the sub-scanning direction and the two pixels adjacent in the main scanning direction may be interpolated simultaneously. At this time, if the user sets the desired image quality of the photographic print, the interpolation data corresponding to the user's favorite image quality at the same time between the two pixels adjacent in the sub-scanning direction and between the two pixels adjacent in the main scanning direction. May be interpolated. In this case, the user can set the image quality in both the sub-scanning direction and the main scanning direction by setting the image quality of the photo print only once.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, since blue B and red R perform direct modulation and green G performs AOM modulation, the modulation characteristics of blue B, green and red R are different. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied when the modulation characteristics of blue B, green, and red R are different. Here, when direct modulation is performed, for example, there are a case where modulation is performed by changing a current value and a case where modulation is performed by changing a pulse width. When modulation is performed by the modulation element, for example, an electro-optic modulation element (EOM), a magneto-optic modulation element (MOM), or the like can be used in addition to the acousto-optic modulation element (AOM). Therefore, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that blue B and red R are directly modulated and the modulation characteristics thereof are the same. However, even when direct modulation is performed for a plurality of colors, those modulations are performed. There may be cases where the characteristics are different. Similarly, even when modulation elements are used for a plurality of colors, the modulation characteristics are different when the types of modulation elements are different, and even when the same type of modulation elements (for example, AOM) are used, the modulation characteristics are different. Cases are also conceivable.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, when the desired image quality of the photographic print is set by the user, the apparent dot diameter related to the image data after the image quality setting is derived for blue B and red R, and the green G Although the image data is created so that the apparent dot diameter is the same as the apparent dot diameters of blue B and red R, the reference apparent dot diameter can be any color. Therefore, the apparent dot diameter of blue B and red R can be the same as the apparent dot of green G. Similarly, in the above-described second embodiment, the blue B and red R image data is created so that the apparent dot diameter of blue B and red R is the same as the apparent dot diameter of green G. It is also possible to create green G image data so that the apparent dot diameter of G is the same as the apparent dot diameter of blue B and red R.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the modulation input and the modulation output have a proportional relationship in direct modulation, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, in direct modulation, the modulation input and the modulation output may not have a proportional relationship. Therefore, regarding direct modulation, a graph indicating the relationship between the modulation output and the modulation input is not necessarily a straight line, and may be a curve depending on, for example, the coloring characteristics of photographic paper.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the photographic processing apparatus containing the exposure apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the exposure unit contained in the photographic processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a simple block diagram of the principal part of the image control apparatus contained in the photographic processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of the data processing unit shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of dots formed on photographic paper when interpolation is performed between two dots adjacent in the sub-scanning direction in the photographic processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when exposure processing is performed in the photographic processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the setting button for performing the image quality setting of photograph printing. It is a figure explaining preparation of the image data after image quality setting about blue B and red. It is a figure which shows the modulation characteristic regarding blue B and red R. FIG. It is a figure explaining preparation of preliminary data regarding green G. FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the constant x2 regarding green G, and the image data after image quality setting. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the constant x2 and the apparent dot diameter regarding green G. It is a simple block diagram of the data processing part contained in the photograph processing apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of dots formed on a photographic paper when interpolation is performed between two dots adjacent in the main scanning direction in the photographic processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the operation | movement procedure at the time of an exposure process being performed in the photographic processing apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the modulation characteristic in direct modulation, and the modulation characteristic in AOM modulation.

Explanation of symbols

1 Photo processing device 2 Photo paper (photosensitive medium)
3 Exposure unit (exposure device)
10 Control unit (control means)
71R Red LD (light source, modulation means)
71B Blue LD (light source, modulation means)
71G Green SHG laser unit (light source)
73G Acousto-optic modulation element (modulation means)
78 Polygon mirror (scanning mechanism)
83R Red LD driver 83G AOM driver 83B Blue LD driver 100 Image controller 110B, 110R, 210G Image quality setting storage unit (storage means)
111B, 111R, 211G Image data creation unit (first image data creation means)
112B, 112R, 212G Interpolation data determination unit (first determination means)
113B, 113R, 213G Apparent dot diameter derivation unit (derivation means)
114G, 214B, 214R Image data creation unit (second image data creation means)
115G, 215B, 215R Preliminary data creation unit (third image data creation means)
116G, 216B, 216R Interpolation data determination unit (second determination means)
117G, 217B, 217R Constant determining unit (third determining unit)

Claims (5)

A plurality of light sources each emitting light corresponding to a plurality of different colors;
A plurality of modulation means for respectively modulating the light emitted from the plurality of light sources;
A scanning mechanism for scanning light modulated by the plurality of modulation means on a photosensitive medium;
Interpolation data used when exposing between the center positions of two exposure areas corresponding to two adjacent pixels included in the original image data including a plurality of pixels with respect to any one of the plurality of colors. Interpolation data creation means for creating
With respect to the predetermined color, based on the original image data and interpolation data, an apparent size of an exposure area formed on the photosensitive medium is derived by being exposed by light emitted from a light source corresponding to the color. Derivation means to
Image data creating means for creating image data based on the apparent size of the exposure area derived by the deriving means for colors other than the predetermined color of the plurality of colors;
With respect to the predetermined color, an exposure area is formed on the photosensitive medium by exposing the photosensitive medium with light emitted from a light source corresponding to the predetermined color according to the original image data and the interpolation data, and For colors other than a predetermined color, an exposure area is formed on the photosensitive medium by exposing the photosensitive medium with light emitted from a light source corresponding to the color according to the image data created by the image data creating means. As described above, an exposure apparatus comprising the modulation means and a control means for controlling the scanning mechanism.   The image data creating means has an apparent size of an exposure area formed on a photosensitive medium by being exposed by light emitted from a light source corresponding to the color other than the predetermined color, 2. The exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data is created so that the apparent size of the exposure area corresponding to the predetermined color derived by the deriving unit is the same.   The interpolation data creating means determines which of the pixel levels that the adjacent two pixels each has when the pixel level when exposing between the center positions of the two exposure regions corresponding to the two adjacent pixels is closer to each other. The exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interpolation data is created based on the indicated constant. A plurality of light sources each emitting light corresponding to a plurality of different colors;
A plurality of modulation means for respectively modulating the light emitted from the plurality of light sources;
A scanning mechanism for scanning light modulated by the plurality of modulation means on a photosensitive medium;
For any given color of the plurality of colors, a pixel level is determined when exposing between the center positions of two exposure regions corresponding to two adjacent pixels included in the original image data including a plurality of pixels. Storage means for storing a first constant used to
With respect to the predetermined color, a first pixel level stored in the storage means is a pixel level when exposing between the center positions of two exposure areas corresponding to two adjacent pixels included in the original image data including a plurality of pixels. First determining means for determining based on a constant;
First image data for creating image data relating to the predetermined color based on the pixel level of each pixel included in the original image data and the pixel level determined by the first determining means with respect to the predetermined color Creating means;
Deriving means for deriving an apparent size of an exposure area formed on the photosensitive medium by being exposed with light emitted from a light source corresponding to the predetermined color with respect to the predetermined color;
Regarding the color other than the predetermined color among the plurality of colors, the apparent size of the exposure area formed on the photosensitive medium by being exposed by the light emitted from the light source corresponding to the color is, Second image data creating means for creating image data relating to the color so that the exposure area corresponding to the predetermined color derived by the deriving means has the same apparent size;
The predetermined color is exposed on the photosensitive medium by exposing the photosensitive medium with light emitted from a light source corresponding to the predetermined color according to the image data generated by the first image data generating unit. An area is formed, and for the color other than the predetermined color, the photosensitive medium is exposed by light emitted from a light source corresponding to the color according to the image data created by the second image data creation unit. An exposure apparatus comprising: the modulation means and a control means for controlling the scanning mechanism so that an exposure area is formed on the photosensitive medium. The second image data creation means includes:
With respect to colors other than the predetermined color, the pixel level at the time of exposing between the center positions of two exposure regions corresponding to two adjacent pixels included in the original image data including a plurality of pixels is set to the two adjacent pixels. Second determining means for determining one of the pixel levels of the pixel;
Create image data related to colors other than the predetermined color based on the pixel level of each pixel included in the original image data and the pixel level determined by the second determination unit for the color other than the predetermined color A third image data creation means for creating preliminary data used when
Regarding the color other than the predetermined color, the apparent size of the exposure area formed on the photosensitive medium by being exposed by the light emitted from the light source corresponding to the color is derived by the deriving unit. Third determining means for determining a second constant so as to be the same as the apparent size of the exposure area corresponding to the predetermined color;
Regarding a color other than the predetermined color, a plurality of pixels included in the image data created by the third image data creation unit, and a plurality of exposure areas formed along one direction on the photosensitive medium. The pixel level of a plurality of pixels corresponding to each,
Relational expression between pixel levels a and b of two pixels adjacent in the one direction and the second constant x determined by the third determining unit:
When a ≧ b holds, a × x + b × (1−x)
When a <b holds, a × (1−x) + b × x
5. The exposure apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image data relating to the color is created by changing based on the exposure.

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