JP2931474B2 - Photo printing equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photographic printing apparatus, and more particularly to a photographic printing apparatus which determines exposure conditions using data stored for each film type.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years,
A number of high-sensitivity films have been developed, and the types of films are very large, and dozens. Films are classified into many types depending on the manufacturer and sensitivity. Films of different types (different types of films) differ in film characteristics including sensitivity and base density of the three photosensitive layers. Optimal exposure conditions do not always match.

[0003] An exposure condition setting film used to determine the exposure condition of an image frame recorded on the film includes:
An image of a standard subject photographed by proper exposure, underexposure, and overexposure is recorded. However, the exposure condition setting film is prepared only for a very limited type of film, and setting of the exposure condition for a film type for which the exposure condition setting film is not prepared is performed by trial and error. It takes time and requires experience.

For this purpose, JP-A-63-311241 and JP-A-2-93448 have means for reading a DX code indicating film characteristics and the like recorded in advance on a film.
Judge the film type based on the read DX code,
Image data is stored in memory in association with the film type,
There is disclosed a technique for determining exposure conditions using image data corresponding to a film type of a film to be printed.
According to this, since the exposure condition is determined based on the stored image data for each film type and the reference exposure condition, an exposure condition setting film corresponding to the film type of the film to be printed is prepared. If not, appropriate exposure conditions can be easily obtained.

However, at present, new films are being developed year by year, and production of old films is stopped. In the above technology, since a storage area for storing data for determining exposure conditions is not managed, a limited storage area provided in a memory or the like may be used for a film type whose production has been stopped or for an old developed and currently used frequency. Is occupied by the data of the film type which is decreasing.

In order to solve this problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-93449 discloses a method in which it is determined at any time whether or not there is a film type having similar film characteristics among film types stored in a memory. If there is a film type, a film type management device that integrates each data and deletes one of the data is proposed. Thereby, the required storage area can be saved. However, it is not easy to automatically determine whether the film characteristics are similar or not, and there is a problem that the accuracy of data is deteriorated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above facts, and provides a photographic printing apparatus capable of setting appropriate exposure conditions for each film type and reducing a storage area required for storing data. Is the purpose.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a film type identifying means for identifying a film type of a film to be printed, and data on the film is stored for each film type. Storage means, exposure condition determination means for determining exposure conditions using data corresponding to the film type identified by the film type identification means among the data stored in the storage means,
Storage data management means for storing the time when the data was used in association with the film type and erasing the data of the film type having the longest period since the last use.

A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect of the present invention, the storage data management means erases data of a film type which has passed a predetermined period or more since last use.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a film type identification means for identifying a film type of a film to be printed, a storage means for storing data relating to the film for each film type, and a data stored in the storage means. Exposure condition determination means for determining exposure conditions using data corresponding to the film type identified by the film type identification means, and storage data for storing the time when the data was used in association with the film type. Management means, and a photographic printing apparatus comprising: a display means for sequentially displaying the film type based on the use time for each film type, and a designation means for designating a film type to be erased, further comprising: The storage data management means is characterized by erasing the data of the film type specified by the specification means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or the third aspect of the present invention, the storage data management unit is configured to determine whether the film type identified by the film type identification unit is:
When the data on the film type is a new film type not stored in the storage means, the storage means is provided with a storage area for storing data on the new film type.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first or the third aspect of the present invention, the data on the film is:
It is a parameter used when determining the exposure condition.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first or the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light metering means for splitting an image frame recorded on the film into a plurality of pieces and performing light metering, and the storage means relates to the film. It is characterized in that data obtained by photometry of the photometric means is stored for each film type as data.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first or third aspect of the present invention, the storage means stores data obtained by metering a large number of image frames.

[0015]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a film type identification means for identifying a film type of a film to be printed,
Data about the film is stored for each film type. The film type can be identified based on a film type identification code (DX code) read from the film, for example. The data relating to the film may include, for example, parameters (for example, film name, film characteristics including sensitivity of three photosensitive layers, base density, etc., slope coefficient, and color correction) used in determining the exposure conditions described in claim 5. Coefficient, etc.) and data obtained by photometry of an image frame as described later can be applied.
Since the determination of the exposure conditions is performed using data corresponding to the film type of the film to be printed identified by the film type identification means, for example, even for a film type for which an exposure condition setting film is not prepared, By setting exposure conditions using data, appropriate exposure conditions can be obtained for each film type.

On the other hand, the storage data management means stores the time when the data stored in the storage means is used in association with the film type, and stores the data of the film type having the longest period since the last use. to erase. This allows
For example, data of a film type that has already been discontinued and has not been used for a while, or data of a film type of low use (data of a film type of low importance) is erased, so that an increase in the data amount can be suppressed. The size of the storage area required to store the data for each film type can be reduced.

The storage data management means may delete the data of the film type which has passed for a certain period since the last use. In this case, if there is a plurality of types of film data that has passed a certain period or more since the last use, including the data of the film type with the longest period since the last use,
A plurality of types of data of low importance will be erased at once.

The third aspect of the present invention includes the same film type identification means, storage means, and exposure condition determining means as those of the first aspect of the present invention. Appropriate exposure conditions can be obtained.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the time when the data relating to the film is used is stored in correspondence with the film type by the storage data management means, and the film type is sequentially determined based on the use time for each film type. A display unit for displaying and a designation unit for designating a film type to be erased are provided. Since the display means displays the film types in order based on the use time for each film type, the importance of each film type can be easily recognized from the display order by the display means, and the importance of the film type to be erased is low. The film type can be easily specified. The storage data management means deletes the data of the film type specified by the specification means, thereby suppressing an increase in the amount of stored data and reducing the size of a storage area required to store data for each film type. can do.

According to the first or third aspect of the present invention, the timing at which the storage data management means erases the data may be, for example, when a predetermined period or more has elapsed since the last use of the data. When the data amount exceeds a predetermined value, a timing for storing data of a new film type or the like can be adopted. As described in claim 4, when the film type identified by the film type identification unit is a new film type in which data relating to the film type is not stored in the storage unit, data is erased. The storage means may be provided with a storage area for storing data relating to the new film type.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photometric means for dividing a picture frame recorded on the film into a plurality of pieces and performing photometry, and using data obtained by photometry of the photometry means as data on the film. It is preferable to store for each species. In addition, as the data obtained by the photometry, for example, photometry data, the average value of the photometry data,
Data or the like representing film characteristics obtained from photometric data can be used. Thereby, for example, even for a film type for which an exposure condition setting film is not prepared,
By correcting the exposure condition as a reference using the data obtained by photometry, more appropriate exposure conditions can be obtained for each film type.

Further, as described in claim 7, it is preferable that the storage means stores data obtained by photometry of a large number of image frames for each film type. Data obtained by photometry of many image frames has an overall color balance close to gray, so if these data are used to select photometry data for printing and determine exposure conditions ,
For example, even when the image frame of the film to be printed is an image frame in which color fear is likely to occur, it is possible to obtain an appropriate exposure condition based on the exposure condition of the reference film type excluding the influence of color feria.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a photographic printing apparatus 10 according to the present invention. The color negative film 20 set on a negative carrier (not shown) is transported to a printing position by the negative carrier. A mirror box 18 is located below the printing position.
And a lamp house 12 equipped with a halogen lamp. Mirror box 18 and lamp house 12
The light control filter unit 60 is disposed between the two. The light control filter unit 60 includes three CCs of a Y (yellow) filter, an M (magenta) filter, and a C (cyan) filter.
It has a filter.

Above the printing position, a lens 22, a black shutter 24, and a color paper 26 are arranged in this order. Each of the filters of the light control filter unit 60 emitted from the lamp house 12, the mirror box 18, and the negative film 20 are arranged. Are formed on the color paper 26 by the lens 22. A photometer 28 is arranged in a direction inclined with respect to the optical axis of the image forming optical system and at a position where the image density recorded on the negative film 20 can be measured. The photometer 28 is composed of a two-dimensional image sensor, a line sensor, and the like. As shown in FIG. 2, an image frame recorded on the negative film 20 is divided into a number of pixels Sn, and photometry is performed along a scanning line SL. I do. In this case, the photometry of each pixel is performed for each of the R, G, and B primary colors.

On the other hand, the photo printing apparatus 10 includes a bar code reader 32. The barcode reader 32 reads the DX code recorded on the negative film 20 itself or on the cartridge 16 containing the negative film 20.
The DX code is a bar code indicating information indicating a film type such as a film maker name, a film sensitivity, and a film family. The barcode reader 32 is
It is connected to a film type classification means 34 of an arithmetic circuit 30 composed of a microcomputer and its peripheral devices. The barcode reader 32 and the film type classification means 34 constitute a film type identification means of the present invention.

The film type classification means 34 is provided in advance with a memory in which the correspondence between the DX code and the film type is stored. Based on the DX code read by the bar code reader 32, the film sensitivity, film family, Judgment of the manufacturer name, etc., and classifies negative films having some common film characteristics such as manufacturer, sensitivity, gradation, base density, light sensitivity, and characteristic curve shape as the same film type. Thus, the negative film 20 to be printed can be classified for each film type having the same or similar printing exposure conditions.

The film type classification means 34 is connected to the storage means 36. The storage means 36 is, for example, an EEPROM
(Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) and a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a RAM connected to a backup power supply, so that stored data can be retained even when power supply is stopped. The storage means 36 is provided with a DX code storage area 36A and a channel data storage area 36B. The DX code storage area 36A can store DX codes of N types of films. Channel data storage area 3
6B can store channel data of N types of films. In this embodiment, data shown in Table 1 below is stored as channel data for each film type.

[0028]

[Table 1]

The channel data for each film type is not limited to the data shown in Table 1, but may include a manufacturer name, film sensitivity, base density, and the like.

On the other hand, the storage means 36 is connected to a storage data management means 38. A calendar 40 is connected to the storage data management means 38, and each time the channel data is used, the area of "last use date" of the channel data is updated. Further, the storage data management unit 38 stores the storage unit 3 based on the current date output from the calendar 40 and the last use date stored in the channel data storage area 36B of the storage unit 36.
6 manages the data stored in the DX code storage area 36A and the channel data storage area 36B.

The storage means 36 is connected to the exposure condition determination means 42 together with the photometer 28 described above. The exposure condition determining unit 42 determines the exposure condition based on the photometric data input from the photometer 28 and the parameters for determining the different exposure conditions for each film type input from the storage unit 36. The exposure condition determining means 42 includes an exposure control circuit 44
It is connected to the. The exposure control circuit 44 controls the exposure condition for printing on the color paper 26 by controlling the light control filter unit 60 based on the exposure condition determined by the exposure condition determining means 42.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. First, the main routine of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This main routine is
This is executed when the negative film 20 is set in the photo printing apparatus 10. In step 100, the DX code of the negative film 20 is read by the barcode reading device 72. In step 102, the type of the negative film 20 is determined based on the read DX code.

In step 104, the data stored in the DX code storage area 36A of the storage means 36 is referred to.
It is determined whether the DX code of the same film type as the determined film type is stored. Step 104
When the determination of is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 106,
The current date is fetched from the calendar 40, and the current date is set in the last use date area as the use time of the channel data corresponding to the DX code in the channel data storage area 36B.

On the other hand, if the determination in step 104 is negative, it is determined that the set film type of the negative film 20 is a new film type in which channel data is not stored, and in step 108 the storage means is stored. 36
It is determined whether there is an empty area for registering a new DX code in the DX code storage area 36A. If the number of stored DX codes is smaller than N, the determination in step 108 is affirmative, and in step 110, a new DX code is registered in the free area on the DX code storage area 36A, and the DX code is registered. Code is film type classification means 3
If it is not registered in the memory No. 4, it is also registered in this memory.

In the next step 112, the channel data corresponding to the newly registered DX code is registered in the free area of the channel data storage area 36B. The registration of the channel data may be performed by requesting the operator to input the channel data and registering the input channel data. The condition setting for the condition data created by using the negative film of the film type corresponding to the registered DX code may be performed. The film, the so-called eye negative, is measured with a densitometer or the like, and channel data is derived by calculation or the like based on the photometric result,
This may be registered.

If the determination in step 108 is negative, the current date is fetched from the calendar 40 in step 114 and the channel data storage area 36
The last use date of all the channel data registered in B is fetched. In step 116, the difference between each last use date and the current date is calculated, and it is determined whether or not there is data that has passed a predetermined period (for example, 180 days) since the last use. If the determination in step 116 is affirmative, the corresponding channel data and the corresponding DX code data are deleted from the DX code storage area 36A and the channel data storage area 36B in step 120, and the process proceeds to step 110.

If the determination in step 116 is negative, the channel data and the DX code data having the longest period since the last use in step 118 are stored in the DX code storage area 36A and the channel data storage area 36B. , And the process proceeds to step 110. Therefore, for example, the DX code and channel data of a film type which has been discontinued and has not been used for a while or a film type which is not used frequently are erased from the storage area of the storage means 36. The increase in the amount is suppressed, the storage area of the storage means 36 for storing the data can be reduced, and the automatic management of the DX code and the channel data stored in the storage means 36 can be realized.

The DX code storage area 36
A free area is created in the channel data storage area 36A and A, and a new DX code and channel data corresponding to the DX code can be registered in the processing of steps 110 and 112. After performing the processing in step 112, the last use date is updated in step 106 as described above.

In the next step 122, a printing exposure process is performed. The details of the printing exposure processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4. In step 150, channel data corresponding to the film type of the negative film 20 set in the photographic printing apparatus 10 is fetched from the channel data storage area 36B. . In the next step 152, the first image frame of the negative film 20 is positioned at the printing position. In step 154, the image frame positioned by the photometer 28 is divided into a number of regions, and each region is divided into R, G, and B regions. Perform photometry. In the next step 156, the photometric data input from the photometer 28 and the step 150
Exposure conditions consisting of exposure amounts for each of R, G, and B are determined based on the channel data fetched in step (1). This exposure condition is determined based on the following equation (1).

LogEj = Sj · Aj (Dj−Dφj) + Kj (1) where j is one of R, G, and B. logE: logarithm of exposure amount Dj: exposure control amount (photometric data Average value) Dφj: Density of reference negative film (eyeball negative) Kj: Constant determined by color paper and photographic printer Sj: Slope control coefficient (= 0.5 to 2.0) Aj: Color correction coefficient (≒ 1.0) Exposure control amount When calculating Dj, it is preferable to select photometric data belonging to a specific area on predetermined color coordinates from photometric data and calculate using only the selected photometric data as described later in the second embodiment. In addition, as the reference negative film, it is desirable to apply an exposure condition setting film created using a negative film of a film type to be printed, but it is preferable to use an exposure condition setting film created using a negative film of a reference film type. A film may be applied.

In step 158, R, G,
An exposure condition consisting of an exposure amount for each B is set in the exposure control circuit 44, and the image frame positioned at the printing position by the exposure control circuit 44 is printed and exposed on the color paper 26 under the exposure condition. In the next step 160, it is determined whether or not printing of all the image frames of the negative film 20 set in the photographic printing apparatus 10 has been completed. If the determination in step 160 is negative, the process returns to step 152, in which the respective processes of positioning the image frame at the printing position, photometry, exposure condition determination, and printing are sequentially performed, and all the image frames of the negative film 20 are colored. Bake on paper 26.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The same portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the photographic printing apparatus 70 of the second embodiment, a selecting means 72 is newly provided as shown in FIG.
The selection means 72 is connected to the photometer 28, the storage means 36, and the exposure condition determination means 42. The photometric data obtained by the photometer 28 is input to the selecting means 72, and only the photometric data necessary for determining the exposure condition is selected from the input photometric data, and is output to the storage means 36 and the exposure condition determining means 42.

The storage means 36 of the second embodiment stores the photometric data input from the selection means 72 in association with the DX code for each film type, as shown in Table 2 below, for example. The date when the photometric data was stored or used, and the date when the photometric data was last used (last used date) are stored.

[0045]

[Table 2]

Although the date when the photometric data is used is stored in Table 2, the date when the photometric data is stored may be stored in the storage means 36 together.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In the second embodiment, as shown in the main routine of FIG. 12, before performing the printing exposure processing using the photometric data stored in the storage means 36 as described later in step 226, the final processing in step 206 is performed. Update the date of use and register the date of use. Therefore, every time a specific film type is printed, the use date is sequentially added to the use date area of the photometric data corresponding to the DX code of the film type provided on the memory of the storage means 36. You will be registered.

Also, when registering the photometric data of the new DX code, it is determined that there is no free space in the storage area and there is no unused data for a predetermined period (step 214).
If the determination is negative), in step 218, the use frequency of the photometric data corresponding to each DX code is calculated based on the use date and last use date of the photometric data corresponding to each DX code. In the calculation of the usage frequency, the usage frequency of the data may be calculated retroactively to the time when each DX code is registered, or the usage frequency for a predetermined period (for example, the past year) may be calculated. . Then, in the next step 220, the usage frequency of the photometric data of each DX code calculated above is calculated, and the photometric data and the DX code with the lowest usage frequency are deleted.

As a result, for example, the DX code and photometric data of a film type that has been discontinued and has not been used for a while or a film type that is not used frequently are erased from the storage area of the storage unit 36. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of data to be stored in the storage unit 36, to reduce the storage area of the storage unit 36 for storing the data, and to realize automatic management of the data stored in the storage unit 36.

If there is a free space in the storage area, or if a free area is provided by the process of step 216 or 218 or 220, a new DX code is registered in the free area in step 210. Next step 22
In step 2, photometric data obtained by photometrically measuring an image frame by the photometric device 28 is stored in an empty area. In step 224, it is determined whether or not the number of stored photometric data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value n. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 222, and the image frame recorded on the negative film 20 is determined. Are sequentially measured and the photometric data is stored. At this time, it is desirable to select the photometric data belonging to the specific area on the predetermined color coordinates from the photometric data and store only the selected photometric data in the storage means 36 as described later.

In order to further reduce the storage area of the storage means 36, photometric data is accumulated until the number of photometric data for each film type reaches a predetermined value n ₀ (≧ predetermined value n), for example. The number of photometric data for each film type is a predetermined value n ₀
After that, the accumulation of the photometric data is stopped, or the stored photometric data is deleted from the old photometric data and the new photometry is performed so that the number of stored photometric data for each film type maintains the predetermined value n _0. Data may be stored.

Next, the details of the printing exposure process in step 226 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step 250, photometric data corresponding to the film type is acquired from the photometric data stored in the storage means 36, and in step 252, the film characteristics of the film type are determined based on the acquired photometric data.

An example in which a film characteristic curve is used as a film characteristic will be described below. First, the captured R,
A reference value (for example, G density or average density of R, G, B (R + G + B) / 3, etc.) of the negative film 20 to be printed is calculated based on the photometry data for each of G and B, and the photometry data for this reference value is calculated. The characteristic curve of the negative film 20 is calculated by calculating the ratio of the R, G, and B densities of R, G, and B.
Obtain for each B. FIG. 6A shows a characteristic curve of the R density with respect to the G density, and FIG. 6B shows (R + G
9 shows a characteristic curve of R density with respect to + B) / 3 density.

From these characteristic curves, as the characteristics of the film, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, a gradient γ _{u of} an underexposed portion and a gradient γ _o of an overexposed portion can be used. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the average value of the gradient (γ1 + γ2 + γ3) / 3 or the gradients γ1 and γ2 shown in FIG. 7C can be used.

In this step 252, the film characteristics shown in FIG. 8 and FIG.
Is determined and stored in a table or in the form of a functional expression. The film characteristics may be stored in advance.

In the next step 254, the image frame is positioned at the printing position. In step 256, the positioned image frame is measured by the photometer 28 for each of R, G, and B. In the next step 258, based on the determined film characteristics, photometric data used for calculating an exposure control amount described later is selected from the photometric data obtained by the photometry in step 256. This selection processing is performed according to the film characteristics, the difference R′−G ′ between R and G, and the difference G′−B between G and B.
Selects photometric data belonging to a specific color area assumed on the color coordinate centered at ', for example, a color area including a neutral color (gray) and a skin color. Hereinafter, photometric data belonging to the specific color area is selected. How to do it.

First, in step 252, as described above, the average densities R ₀ , G ₀ , B ₀ and the average densities D ₀ = (R ₀ + G ₀ + B ₀ ) / 3 of the three colors of the negative film are determined. A curve shown in FIG. 8 is created for each of R ₀ , G ₀ , and B ₀ .
In step 258, the offset amounts d ₁₁ , d ₁₁ with respect to the straight line are selected in order to select data in an area close to the specific color area.
_{12, d 21, d 22,} d 31, d 32 and underexposure, normal exposure, determined for each of the over-exposure, define a region shown by a broken line in FIG. 8. Then, an average value D = (R + G + B) / 3 of the photometric data R, G, and B composed of three color densities is obtained, and whether the photometric data R for the average value D is included in the area indicated by the broken line in FIG. Determine whether or not. Similarly, it is determined whether or not the photometric data G and B are included in the area within the broken line as shown in FIG.

Only when all three colors of photometric data R, G, B are included in the area defined as shown in FIG. 8 with respect to the density R ₀ , G ₀ , B ₀ of the average negative film, the photometry is performed. The data is selected and used for calculating the exposure control amount. It should be noted that the photometric data among the photometric data R, G, and B that are not included in the above-mentioned area are not used for the calculation of the exposure control amount, or the average values of the photometric data R, G, and B, and the The values are converted into the average value of the photometric data belonging to and are commonly used for the exposure control amounts of the three colors. In addition, the above-mentioned offset amounts d _{11 to} d _11
32 is the film type or gradient R ₀ / D ₀ , G ₀ / D ₀ , B ₀ /
Preferably, it is changed by D ₀ .

The photometric data may be selected as follows. That is, in step 252, the characteristic curves described with reference to FIG. 8 for the average negative film densities R ₀ , G ₀ , and B ₀ are determined as shown in FIG. Next, in step 258, photometric data R, G, B
For in such a way as shown in JP-A-60-27352 it is converted into D ₀ R', G', seeking B'. By this conversion, the photometric data having the same color balance as the average negative film is converted into the same R ', G', B 'density. Then, it is determined whether or not these R ', G', B 'are used for calculating the exposure control amount on the chromaticity diagram. In selecting the photometric data used for the calculation of the exposure control amount, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 61-198144 and 61-22373
Selective weighting of photometric data described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 1 may be performed.

In the next step 260, for example,
JP-198144, JP-A-61-223731, JP-A-61-23
The selected photometric data is classified by the method disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2442, and an exposure control amount is calculated from the density value obtained based on the classified photometric data.

That is, first, the photometric data is normalized using the point corresponding to the specific color area as the origin. Next, R'-G 'and G'-B' are calculated using the normalized photometric data R ', G' and B 'for each of R, G and B, and are calculated from the color coordinate table as shown in FIG. A color area is determined for each measurement point (each pixel). Then, the color of the closed region on the color coordinates including the neutral color or the skin color, or the color of the closed region on the color coordinates including the neutral color and the skin color (for example, 0 (neutral color), 1 3 (skin color area) is selected. Then, the photometric data of the selected measurement points before normalization are added, and the average values of R, G, and B are obtained,
This average value is used as the exposure control amount. Since this exposure control amount does not include a density value that generates color feria, it can be used for determining the exposure amount without reducing the degree of color correction.

At step 262, a reference film type previously stored in a memory or the like, for example, Super HG100
(Fuji Photo Film, product name) As the printing exposure condition, for example, at least one of an exposure amount or an exposure time for each of R, G, and B, a moving amount of a filter, a light source luminance, a light source voltage, a slope control value, and a density control value is used. it can. The printing exposure conditions of the reference film type are set using an exposure condition setting film (eyeball negative) created by printing a predetermined image on a negative film of the reference film type.

In the next step 264, step 260
Using the exposure control amount calculated in step (1) and the printing exposure conditions of the reference film type taken in above, the printing exposure conditions including the R, G, and B exposure amounts of the image frames to be printed are determined. Hereinafter, an example of the determination of the printing exposure condition will be described in detail.

The normal densities (corresponding to the printing exposure conditions of the reference film type) for setting the printing conditions of the three colors R, G, and B of the reference film type are respectively RN, GN, and BN, and the R, G, and N of the negative to be printed. The exposure control amounts of the three colors G and B are respectively set to DR and D
Let G, DB be the exposure amounts er, e of the three colors R, G, B, respectively.
g and eb are represented as follows.

[0065]

(Equation 1)

Here, dR = DR−RN, dG = DG−
GN, dB = DB-BN, and X11 to X33 are coefficients represented by the following equations.

[0067]

(Equation 2)

However, SC, SM and SY are R, G and B respectively.
DR> 0, d
When G> 0 and dB> 0, SC = SCO, SM = SMO,
SY = SYO (where O represents an overslope), d
SC = SCU, SM when R <0, dG <0, dB <0
= SMU, SY = SYU (where U represents an underslope). A _R , A _G , A _B (A general formula A
j) are R, G, and B color correction values (color correction).

Next, the following equation (5) is obtained by expanding the equation (3) and substituting the equation (4), and modifying the equation (3) as (dR + dG + dB) / 3 = dW.

[0070]

(Equation 3)

Here, when Aj = 1.0, normal collection, when Aj> 1.0, high collection, Aj <1.
When the value is 0, it means lower correction. In the second embodiment, the color correction Aj (A _R , A _G , A _B ) is defined as shown in the following equation.

[0072]

(Equation 4) However, when 0 ≦ K11, K12, K13 <1.0 0.5 <K21, K22, K23 <2.0 and DR <RN, A _R = K21, and DG <GN, A _G
= K22, A _B = K23 when DB <BN, and R
O, GO, and BO are over-density values for setting conditions of the reference film.

According to the above equation (6), the value of the color correction Aj increases as the density increases from the medium density to the high density, and greatly affects the high-density nonlinear exposure area to correct the printing exposure condition of the reference film type.

Further, in the present embodiment, the gamma balance correction value Pj is used in order to make the color balance reference of the standard film of the reference film type. As the correction value Pj, a value corresponding to the reciprocal of the γ value of the reference film type may be used, and as shown in FIG. 11, the average value of the three colors R, G, and B of the over density based on the normal density. Assuming that dWO is dWO = {(RO−RN) + (GO−GN) + (BO−BN)} / 3 (7), Pj (P _R , P _G , P _B ) becomes

[0075]

(Equation 5) Becomes

Therefore, the exposure amounts er, eg, eb are as shown in the following equation (9).

[0077]

(Equation 6)

Then, the exposure amounts er and e in the above equation (9) are obtained.
Exposure amounts Er, Eg, and Eb are determined for g and eb in consideration of parameters unique to an automatic printer, parameters of a photosensitive material, and the like. In addition, RU, for the above RO, GO, BO
By applying GU and BU, it can be similarly applied to a low density portion.

In step 266, the dimming filter unit 60 is controlled so that the image frame positioned at the printing position is printed on the color paper 26 at the exposure amounts Er, Eg, and Eb determined above. In step 268, the selected photometric data used in calculating the exposure control amount is stored in the corresponding photometric data area of the storage means 36. Thus, when the printing process is performed on a large number of the negative films 20, the data of the image frames of the large number of the negative films 20 is accumulated, and the accuracy of the film characteristics determined in step 252 is improved. In the next step 270, it is determined whether or not the printing process of the image frames recorded on one negative film 20 has been completed. If the determination in step 270 is negative, the process returns to step 254, and steps 254 to 270 are repeated until the determination in step 270 is affirmative. If the determination in step 270 is affirmative, the process ends.

As described above, in the second embodiment, since the printing of various films can be improved by correcting the printing exposure conditions of the reference film type in accordance with the film characteristics, the printing exposure conditions of the reference film type are set. With only this, printing from under exposure to over exposure of various films can be performed with high quality. In addition, based on the printing exposure conditions of the reference film type, the photometric data is selected according to the film characteristics, the exposure conditions are set, and various films are printed.Therefore, various characteristics of the film processor, negative film, photographic printing device, etc. Even if it fluctuates, only the printing exposure conditions of the reference film type need be managed, so that appropriate management can be easily performed. In addition, since appropriate conditions are automatically set for each film type, appropriate prints can be obtained for various films.

In the above description, the date of use of data is sequentially stored. More simply, however, the first use date (or the date when the DX code is registered) and the last use date are stored. The date may be stored, and the last use date may be updated each time data is used. As in the first embodiment, only the last use date is stored and updated. You may do so.

In the above description, the time at which the data was used is stored in year, month, and day. However, the time may be stored in year, month, or day, or the time may be stored.

In the above, if there is no free space in the storage means when storing a new DX code and corresponding data, the first embodiment deletes the data with the longest unused period. If the unused period of the data with the longest unused period is less than the predetermined period, the data with the lowest usage frequency is erased. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, FIG. As shown in the figure, data having the longest unused period is displayed on a display 76 such as a liquid crystal provided in the operation unit 74 of the photographic printing apparatus in order from the longest unused period, and the data specified by the operator via the keyboard 78 as the indicating means is erased. You may make it.

Further, the photometric method, the exposure condition determining method, and the like in the above embodiment can be variously changed in carrying out the present invention, and are not limited at all. For example, in the second embodiment, the methods described in JP-A-2-90140, JP-A-3-53235 and the like can be applied.

In the above description, the DX code stored in the negative film 20 itself or in the cartridge 16 accommodating the negative film 20 is read by the bar code reader 32, and the film type is determined based on the DX code. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the type of film may be determined by reading information stored magnetically or electrically. Further, the determination may be made based on the result of spectrally metering the image recorded on the film.

In the above description, an example in which one exposure condition for the reference film type is stored to determine the exposure condition has been described. However, the exposure condition is stored for each film type, and the exposure condition is corrected. Actual exposure conditions may be determined.

Further, a correction value is calculated from the difference between the film characteristics of the reference film type and the film characteristics of the film type to be printed, that is, the difference and ratio of the image densities of the two, and the difference and ratio of the gradient calculated from the image densities. The exposure condition may be determined from the reference printing exposure condition, the image density values of the three colors, and the correction value.

[0088]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, data relating to a film is stored for each film type.
Exposure conditions are determined using data corresponding to the film type of the film to be printed, and the time when the data is used is stored in association with the film type, and the period since the last use is the longest. Since the data of the film type is erased, an excellent effect that an appropriate exposure condition can be set for each film type and a storage area required for storing data can be reduced can be obtained.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, data relating to a film is stored for each film type, exposure conditions are determined using data corresponding to the film type of the film to be printed, and the data is used. The time is stored in association with the film type, the film type is displayed in order based on the use time for each film type, and the data of the specified film type is deleted. Can be set, and an excellent effect that a storage area required for storing data can be reduced can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a photographic printing apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process of performing photometry by dividing a plane.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a main routine as an operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a printing exposure process according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a photographic printing apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a characteristic curve.

FIGS. 7A to 7C are diagrams for explaining film characteristics. FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an area for selecting photometric data.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a curve for converting photometric data.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a color area.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a gamma balance value.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a main routine of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a printing exposure process according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of an operation unit showing an example of displaying stored data.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Photo printing apparatus 28 Photometer 32 Barcode reading apparatus 34 Film type classification means 36 Storage means 38 Storage data management means 40 Calendar 42 Exposure condition determination means 70 Photo printing apparatus

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A film type identification unit for identifying a film type of a film to be printed, a storage unit for storing data relating to a film for each film type, and the film type identification among data stored in the storage unit. Exposure condition determining means for determining exposure conditions using data corresponding to the film type identified by the means; and
Longest film with, a period of from last used but stored in correspondence to have been time using a film type
And a storage data management means for erasing the seed data . Wherein said stored data managing means, according to claim 1 Symbol placement of a photographic printing apparatus, characterized in that erasing the elapsed film type of data over a certain period of time since the last use. 3. The type of film to be printed is identified.
Different film type identification means and film data
Storing means for each film type; and
Of the stored data, the film type identification means
Therefore, using data corresponding to the identified film type,
Exposure condition determining means for determining exposure conditions by using
To store the time when was used in association with the film type
憶and data management unit, a photographic printing apparatus having a display means for displaying the order film type on the basis of the time use of each of the film type, and designation means for designating a film type to be erased, the further wherein the stored data managing means,
Photographs printing apparatus you characterized by erasing the film type of the data specified by said specifying means. 4. The storage data management means, when the film type identified by the film type identification means is a new film type for which data relating to the film type is not stored in the storage means, claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the photographic printing apparatus and providing a storage area for storing data relating to the new film type in the storage means. Data relating wherein said film has photographic printing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the a parameter used in determining the exposure conditions. 6. Photometric means for dividing an image frame recorded on a film into a plurality of pieces and performing photometry, wherein the storage means stores data obtained by photometry of the photometric means as data relating to the film for each film type. 4. The photographic printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographic printing apparatus stores the information. 7. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores data obtained by photometry of a large number of image frames.
6. The photographic printing apparatus according to 6 .