JP3214593B2 - 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 projection exposure section for irradiating a frame of a film with a light beam from a light source and projecting and exposing the image information of the frame to a photosensitive material. Reading means for reading image information of the film, and exposure condition calculating means for obtaining exposure conditions for exposing the photosensitive material with image information from the film in the projection exposure section based on the image information read by the reading means And image information conversion means for converting the image information read by the reading means so that the image information of the film is expected to be obtained when the photosensitive material is exposed according to the exposure conditions. The projection exposure unit based on the monitor displaying the image information converted by the image information conversion unit and the exposure condition calculated by the exposure condition calculation unit. Image information on a photographic printing apparatus and an exposure unit is provided which exposes the photosensitive material from the beam.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Such a photographic printing apparatus is expected to obtain an image which can be obtained by exposing the image information of the film to the photosensitive material under the required exposure conditions before actually exposing the image information of the film to the photosensitive material. Can be simulated and displayed on a monitor. By observing the image displayed on the monitor, the operator can confirm whether the exposure condition is properly required or not, and the displayed image is an abnormal image such as an abnormal density or a poor focus. Then, appropriate processing can be performed according to the situation, and the production of defective products can be prevented beforehand, which contributes to an improvement in the work efficiency of the photographic printing operation.

Meanwhile, in photo printing work, it has been considered to produce a so-called index print in which images of a plurality of frames are displayed on one print. Generally, the image shown on film is a negative image, so it is difficult to grasp exactly what the image looks like even if it is visually observed.However, when an index print is made, the size of one print Since there is a natural restriction, the image for one frame tends to be smaller, but it is possible to accurately determine what kind of image it is, and to use a film that has been photographed using an index print. This makes it easy to grasp whether there is any, and is convenient for film management.

[0004] The conventional photoprinting apparatus having the above configuration is not provided with the function of producing the index print, and the index print production conditions are set separately from the operation of the photoprinting apparatus to produce the index print. Had to do the work.

[0005]

Therefore, the photographic printing work becomes complicated as a whole, and an improvement has been desired. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a first object of the present invention is to simplify a photo printing operation including production of an index print as a whole while obtaining an appropriate index print. It is an object of the present invention to provide a photographic printing apparatus that can perform the printing. A second object is to achieve the first object while making the photographic printing apparatus more convenient. A third object is to achieve the first or second object while simplifying the configuration of the photographic printing apparatus.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a projection exposing unit for irradiating a frame of a film with a light beam from a light source and projecting and exposing image information of the frame on a photosensitive material. Reading means for reading the image information of the film prior to the projection exposure by, and exposure conditions for exposing the photosensitive material with the image information from the film by the projection exposure unit based on the image information read by the reading means. Exposure condition calculation means for obtaining the image information, and an image for converting the image information read by the reading means so that the image information is predicted to be obtained when the image information of the film is exposed to the photosensitive material according to the exposure condition Information conversion means;
A monitor for displaying the image information converted by the image information converting means, and image information from the film on the photosensitive material by the projection exposure unit based on the exposure condition calculated by the exposure condition calculating means. In a photographic printing apparatus provided with an exposure unit for exposing, a correction instruction input for inputting a correction instruction for correcting the exposure condition or a correction unnecessary instruction to the exposure condition calculation unit with respect to image information displayed on the monitor. Means are provided, wherein the exposure means is configured to expose the photosensitive material based on an exposure condition obtained by performing a correction calculation by the exposure condition calculation means based on a correction instruction from the correction instruction input means, Exposure condition calculation
The exposure means is based on the aspect ratio of the image information of the film.
A printing unit configured to include an exposure condition calculating unit that calculates a condition , and combining and printing image information for a plurality of frames read by the reading unit on a single printing target object different from the photosensitive material; Based on the exposure condition calculated by the exposure condition calculating means for the printing means, or based on the exposure condition calculated and corrected by the exposure condition calculating means, a printing result is obtained by the photosensitive material by the exposing means. In this case, the image information is sent and printed so as to be the same as the result of exposure to the image.

A second characteristic configuration is the non-correction mode according to the first characteristic configuration, wherein the printing means outputs a print instruction before an input operation from the correction instruction input means; It is configured to be switchable to a corrected mode in which a print instruction is output after an input operation.

[0008] A third feature configuration is the image combining device according to the first or second feature configuration, wherein the printing unit combines the image information of a plurality of frames converted by the image information conversion unit into one image information. Means, and the printing means is configured to print the image information synthesized by the image synthesizing means on a single print target.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention , the exposure condition is determined based on the aspect ratio of the image information of the film read by the reading means.
The exposure condition calculation unit provided in the condition calculation means calculates the exposure condition.
The image information conversion means converts (simulates) the image information read by the reading means so as to become image information expected to be obtained when the photosensitive material is exposed according to the obtained exposure condition, The image information thus converted is displayed on a monitor, and the operator can confirm whether or not the calculation of the exposure condition is appropriate by using the monitor display. The exposure condition obtained by the exposure condition calculating means is used when performing projection exposure on the photosensitive material in the projection exposure section, and is also called a so-called index for printing a plurality of frames of image information on one printing target. The printing means for printing an index print is also used in producing a print, and the printing means for printing an index print is such that the same printing result as the exposure result obtained by exposing the photosensitive material under the exposure conditions determined by the exposure condition calculating means is obtained. The index print can be printed on a print target different from the print target. Further, the operator can observe the monitor display on which the simulated image is displayed, and if the exposure condition is to be corrected, can input a correction instruction of the exposure condition from the correction instruction input means. Then, the exposure condition calculation means calculates the exposure condition by performing a correction calculation based on the correction instruction. Exposure conditions obtained by correction by inputting the correction instruction are also used in producing an index print, and printing means for printing the index print uses the exposure material corrected by the input of the correction instruction to expose the photosensitive material. The index print can be printed so as to obtain the same print result as the exposure result obtained by the exposure.

In other words, according to the first characteristic configuration, the conditions for exposing the photosensitive material and the conditions for producing the index print are determined all at once by the exposure condition calculating means, and the operator observes the monitor display. Then, it can be determined whether the conditions for exposing the photosensitive material and the conditions for producing the index print are appropriate, and a correction instruction can be given.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, if the operation mode of the photographic printing apparatus is set to the corrected mode, an index print can be produced using the optimized exposure conditions as described above. Also, if the mode is set to the uncorrected mode, the index print can be produced before the operator gives the correction instruction, so the operator observes the index print instead of observing the display on the monitor,
It is possible to determine which frame exposure condition needs to be corrected.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the printing means combines a plurality of frames of the image information converted by the image information converting means for simulating an image obtained when the photosensitive material is exposed, and forms one image. By using the image information, image information for producing an index print is produced. That is, the image information for producing the index print is produced by using the originally provided image information conversion means for displaying the simulated image on the monitor as it is.

[0013]

According to the first characteristic configuration, as described above, the conditions for exposing the photosensitive material and the conditions for producing the index print can be obtained all at once by the exposure condition calculating means. Observe the monitor display,
Since it is possible to judge at a glance whether the conditions for exposing the photosensitive material and the conditions for producing the index print are appropriate, it is possible to obtain an appropriate index print, and it is not necessary to set conditions for producing the index print As a matter of fact, a photographic printing apparatus has been provided which can simplify the photographic printing operation including the production of the index print as a whole. In particular, since the printing unit creates an index print by using the exposure conditions optimized by the correction instruction input by the operator while observing the display on the monitor, it is possible to obtain a more appropriate index print. Thus, the present invention has provided a photographic printing apparatus that can simplify the photographic printing operation including the preparation of the index print as a whole without setting conditions for preparing the index print.

According to the second feature configuration, in addition to the effect of the first feature configuration, by setting the mode to the uncorrected mode, the operator can observe the index print instead of observing the display on the monitor. Since it is possible to determine whether the exposure conditions of the frame need to be corrected, it is possible to avoid the task of observing the monitor for a long time and to set the usage pattern that allows the operator to perform the photo printing work comfortably. The printing device can be made more convenient.

According to the third feature configuration, in addition to the effect of the first or second feature configuration, originally provided image information conversion means for displaying a simulated image on a monitor is provided. Since the image information for producing the index print is produced by using it as it is, the configuration of the printing means can be simplified, and the configuration of the photographic printing apparatus can be simplified.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, a photographic printing apparatus 1 has a projection exposure unit 5 for projecting and exposing image information of a film 2 on a photographic paper 3 as a photosensitive material, and developing the photographic paper 3 exposed by the projection exposure unit 5. The development processing unit DE and a controller C that controls the operation of each unit of the photographic printing apparatus 1 and the like.
An operation console O for inputting various instructions and setting a mode, a monitor MT for displaying image information, and a video printer VP are connected to the controller CO. The photographic paper 3 pulled out from the photographic paper magazine 4 containing the photographic paper 3 in a roll shape is exposed by the projection exposure unit 5 and then developed by the development processing unit DE, and one frame of image information is obtained. It is cut to the size containing it and discharged.

Hereinafter, each component will be described. The projection exposure unit 5 includes a light source 10, a dimming filter 11 for adjusting the color balance of light radiated to the film 2, and a dimming filter 1.
A mirror tunnel 12, which uniformly mixes light passing through 1;
A printing lens 13 and a shutter 14 for forming an image of the film 2 on the photographic paper 3 are provided on the same optical axis forming an exposure light path. On the side of the printing lens 13, the film 2
A reading unit RD for reading the image information is provided.
The reading means RD includes a reflection mirror 15, a lens 16, a rotating color filter 17 in which R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color filters are arranged in the circumferential direction, and a rotating driving of the rotating color filter 17. A motor M1 and a CCD image sensor 18 are provided, and a controller CO for controlling the operation of the motor M1, the image sensor 18, and the like also includes a reading unit R.
Functions as D. The reflection mirror 15 is mounted on a moving table (not shown) together with the printing lens 13.

When the carriage on which the printing lens 13 and the reflection mirror 15 are mounted slides in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1, the printing lens 13 is positioned in the exposure light path and the reflection mirror 15 is moved in the exposure light path. The state is switched to the state located at. When the printing lens 13 is located in the exposure light path, the image information of the film 2 is formed on the photographic paper 3 by the printing lens 13, and when the reflection mirror 15 is located in the exposure light path, the image information of the film 2 is provided. Is reflected by the reflection mirror 15 and then reflected by the lens 16
An image is formed on the light receiving surface of the CD image sensor 18. CC
The D image sensor 18 detects the image information of the film 2 in a state where the image information of the film 2 is separated into R, G, and B by the rotation of the rotary color filter 17, and the detected image information is sent to the controller CO. A roller 19 is provided upstream of the exposure optical path on the film 2 transport path, and a roller 20 is provided on the downstream side of the film 2 transport path.
Is driven in conjunction with the motor M2.

In the projection exposure section 5, the image information of the film 2 is transferred to the CC while the reflecting mirror 15 is positioned in the exposure optical path.
The image information of the film 2 is exposed on the photographic paper 3 in a state where the image is read by the D image sensor 18 and the printing lens 13 is positioned in the exposure optical path. A roller 21 for transporting the photographic paper 3 and a motor M3 for driving the roller 21 are provided downstream of the exposure location B of the photographic paper 3 in the photographic paper 3 transport path. Although not shown, the development processing unit DE includes a plurality of tanks filled with a processing liquid for developing the photographic paper 3 after exposure, and the photographic paper 3 sequentially passes through the plurality of tanks. It is developed.

The video printer VP connected to the controller CO prints one sheet of image information contained in the video signal sent from the controller CO on one print as a single print object. A so-called index print is produced. Therefore, the video printer VP functions as a printing unit PR for printing an index print. The video printer VP performs a printing operation because:
When printing is instructed from console O and when controller CO
When a print instruction is issued from the controller CO, a non-correction mode in which the operator issues a print instruction before inputting a correction instruction of the exposure condition from the console O, There is a corrected mode in which a print instruction is issued after an exposure instruction correction instruction is input from the console O. It should be noted that the printing format of the video printer VP can employ various types such as a thermal transfer system, a CRT system, and a laser beam system.

As shown in FIG. 2, the controller CO
An image information storage unit 101 for storing image information read by the CCD image sensor 18; an exposure condition calculation for reading out the image information from the image information storage unit 101 and obtaining an exposure condition for exposing the image information to the printing paper 3; Part 102;
An exposure control unit 104 that controls the operation of the dimming filter 11 and the shutter 14 of the projection exposure unit 5 based on the exposure condition obtained by the exposure condition calculation unit 102 to expose the photographic paper 3;
The image information read out from the image information storage unit 101 is displayed on the monitor MT based on the exposure condition obtained by the exposure condition calculation unit 102 for the image information, and further, an image for causing the video printer VP to print out the image information. An image information conversion unit 103 converts the information into information, and a control unit 100 instructs the operation of each unit such as an image information storage unit 101, an exposure condition calculation unit 102, an image information conversion unit 103, and an exposure control unit 104.

The storage capacity of the image information storage unit 101 is CC
The storage capacity is such that the image information of the film 2 read by the D image sensor 18 can be stored for a plurality of frames. As described later, the image information of all the frames for one film 2 can be stored. is there. By allowing the image information for a plurality of frames to be stored in this manner, the image information conversion unit 103 reads out the image information for a plurality of frames from the image information storage unit 101 and performs conversion processing, and converts the image information for the plurality of frames. At the same time, it can be displayed on the monitor MT.

When the image information for one film 2 is stored in the image information storage unit 101, the exposure condition calculating unit 102 determines all the image information for one film 2 before calculating the exposure condition for each frame. Each piece is divided into a number of areas, and R (red) and G in all the divided areas of one film 2 are divided.
The density of each of the colors (green) and B (blue) is statistically averaged, so that the specific color of the film 2 indicating the color development of the film 2 according to the magnitude of the amount of light incident from the subject is shown. Extract film properties. In order to determine the exposure conditions for each frame of the film 2, first, the average density of each frame, that is, the average amount of light received by each frame from a subject, is used to calculate the exposure conditions of each frame. Is determined. The exposure condition calculation unit 102 calculates in advance an exposure condition for canceling the coloring characteristics inherent to the film 2 including the base color of the film 2 and properly reproducing the image information of the film 2 on the photographic paper 3. Is stored, and according to the operation formula,
Exposure conditions are determined from the coloring characteristics corresponding to each frame determined as described above.

The exposure conditions obtained in this manner are determined by the operator by increasing or decreasing the exposure amount of each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) provided on the console O, or by changing the density of the photograph. Can be corrected using a density correction key that instructs an average increase or decrease of the exposure amount corresponding to the exposure condition. When the correction instruction is issued, the exposure condition calculation unit 102 performs a correction calculation of the exposure condition, and newly executes the exposure condition. Ask for.

The image information conversion unit 103 stores arithmetic expressions for executing a conversion process such as negative-positive conversion of the image information read from the image information storage unit 101, and various parameters constituting the arithmetic expressions include exposure parameters. The configuration is changed in accordance with the exposure condition obtained by the condition calculation unit 102. The image information input to the image information conversion unit 103 is obtained by projecting and exposing the image information of the film 2 onto the photographic paper 3 and displaying the same image information as the image information to be colored on the photographic paper 3 on the display screen of the monitor MT. Then, conversion processing is performed by the above-described arithmetic expression so as to be obtained on an output print of the video printer VP. The image information conversion unit 103 further converts the image information of a plurality of frames into one sheet in order to display the image information of a plurality of frames on the monitor MT and to print the index print by the video printer VP. Performs processing for combining with image information. The image information that has been converted or synthesized is converted into a video signal such as analog or digital RBG by the monitor MT.
And to the video printer VP.

When the exposure condition calculation unit 102 determines a new exposure condition in response to a correction instruction from the console O, the image information conversion unit 103 performs image information conversion processing based on the newly determined exposure condition. , And sends the processed image information to the monitor MT for display. Thus, the image information displayed on the monitor MT is corrected according to the correction instruction from the console O. When a correction unnecessary instruction is input from the console O, the exposure condition first obtained by the exposure condition calculation unit 102 is used for exposure without correction.

The display mode of the image information displayed on the monitor MT is a 6-frame display mode for displaying image information of 6 frames shown in FIG. 3, and a 28-frame display for displaying image information of 28 frames shown in FIG. The mode consists of three display modes, a cinema view mode, in which image information of seven frames is displayed at the upper end of the display screen shown in FIG. 5 and one frame is selected and enlarged and displayed in the center part. Any of the display modes is selected according to an instruction from the console O.

The 6-frame display mode is a mode in which the image information of each frame of the film 2 is divided and displayed sequentially for every 6 frames, and an image information display area E including a negative-size display section for 6 frames, and A data display area F is provided for each of the image information display areas E. In the data display area F,
As shown in FIG. 6, a cursor display field 30 indicating that the piece is a target for inputting a correction instruction from the console O.
And a density value display field 31 for displaying the average density value obtained from the photometric value of the CCD image sensor 18, a frame number display field 32 for displaying the frame number of the frame, and a console O for each color of Y, M and C. , A key correction value display field for M, a key correction value display field for M, and a key correction value display field for C, each of which displays a correction instruction. It comprises a density key correction value display field 36 for displaying a correction instruction from the console O for increase / decrease, and a number-of-prints display field 37 for displaying the number of print instructions for the piece inputted from the console O. Further, Y, M, C, and white color are displayed below the Y key correction value display field 33, the M key correction value display field 34, the C key correction value display field 35, and the density key correction value display field 36, respectively. Information marks 41, 42, 43,
44 is displayed.

The 28-frame display mode is a mode in which the image information of each frame of the film 2 is divided into 28 continuous frames and sequentially displayed. In the case of a 135-size film which is generally used, a maximum of 36 frames is displayed. There is a film 2
Most of the image information of one line is displayed on the monitor at a time. In the 28-frame display mode, as shown in FIG. 4, below the image information display area G including the display section of the negative size of each frame, it is determined that the frame is a target for inputting a correction instruction from the console O. Cursor display, piece number,
An auxiliary data display area H for displaying a correction instruction for an average increase / decrease of the exposure amount corresponding to the change in the density of the photograph is provided. A data display area I indicating data of a frame to which a correction instruction is input is provided. The contents displayed in the data display area I are the same as the display contents of the data display area F in the six-frame display mode, except for the cursor display section 30.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cinema view mode includes an image information display area J including a negative-size display section for seven frames located at the upper end of the display screen, and a position slightly lower than the center of the display screen. An enlarged display area K for enlarging and displaying the image information of the central image information display area J of the image information display area J for seven frames, and a data display area L located on the right side of the enlarged display area K. Has become. The information displayed in the data display area L relates to the image information displayed in the enlarged display area K, and the contents thereof are the same as the display contents of the data display area E in the 6-frame display mode except for the cursor display section 30. Otherwise, the same display content is used. The frames displayed in the data display area L are to be subjected to a correction instruction from the console O. A frame number display column 38 for displaying the frame number of each frame is provided above the image information display area J, and a frame number display field 38 corresponding to the density change of the photograph is provided below the image information display area J. There is provided a density key correction value display column 39 for displaying a correction instruction from the console O for an average increase or decrease in the amount of exposure to be performed, and a central image information display which is image information displayed in the enlarged display area K. A bar-shaped cursor 40 is displayed on both upper and lower sides of the area J.

In both the 6-frame display mode and the 28-frame display mode, the operator moves the above-mentioned cursor display, designates a frame to which a correction instruction and an instruction for the number of prints are to be input, and sets the cinema view mode. Then, by operating from the console O, as described later, the image information displayed in the image information display area J is forward-forwarded to the right or backwards to the left, so that the correction instruction and the number of prints can be made. Specify the target piece for inputting the instruction. When inputting the number of images to be printed, if printing is not necessary due to blurring or the like, the operation console O
When the "PASS" key provided on the monitor MT is pressed, "PASS" is displayed in the number-of-prints display field 37 of the monitor MT.

As shown in the display example of the 6-frame display mode in FIG. 3, the aspect ratio of the area including the image information is different from the normal one, that is, the full-size one. Even when a photograph is mixed in one film 2, it can be handled in the same manner as image information having a normal aspect ratio. When the control unit 100 detects that the film 2 includes a panoramic photograph based on the aspect ratio of the image information stored in the image information storage unit 101, the monitor MT displays the image information of the panoramic photograph. On the lower side, “P” indicating a panoramic picture is displayed together with “135” indicating the film size.
There is a so-called high-definition picture or the like having an aspect ratio different from that of ordinary image information. In this case as well, a symbol such as "H" is displayed on the monitor MT, as in the case of the above-mentioned panoramic picture. Is done.

The detection of a panoramic photograph or the like is automatically executed by the control unit 100 as described above.
Can be instructed to be a panoramic photo or vice versa. When the image information is a panoramic photograph or the like, the exposure condition calculation unit 102 calculates the exposure condition based on the image information in an area different from the aspect ratio of the normal image information according to the aspect ratio of the image information. . For the image information having a different aspect ratio from the normal image information such as a panoramic photograph, not only the above-described 6-frame display mode but also a 28-frame display mode and a cinema view mode as shown in FIGS. Is also treated similarly.

In any of the three display modes,
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the image information is displayed in an upright state.
In some cases, the image is shot with the top and bottom reversed.
In response to such a case, the image information of one film 2 is rotated by 180 ° in the image information conversion unit 103 and displayed on the monitor MT upside down by the instruction input from the console O. I have to do it. Further, a specific frame is designated from the console O, and the image information is set to 90 ° or 18 °.
It is also possible to rotate the display by 0 ° and display it on the monitor MT.

The number of print frames in one index print produced by the video printer VP, that is, the number of image information frames to be synthesized into one image information in the image information conversion unit 103 can be arbitrarily set from the console O. It is possible to set. Video printer VP in image information conversion unit 103
In the processing of image information for printing in the printer, the operation performed by the operator from the console O and the processing performed by the controller CO for displaying the monitor MT are effective. Judgment of the size of film 2 such as a photograph, rotation of image information by 90 ° or 180 °, etc.
The same applies to signals sent to the video printer VP.

Therefore, it is possible to print the data displayed in the data display area F and the auxiliary data display area H together with the index print. And only the frame number can be printed. For example, if the number of print frames of one index print is specified as 28 frames and data other than the frame number is set not to be displayed, an index print as shown in FIG. 7 is obtained.

Further, when the "PASS" key is pressed and operated on the console O, the image information of the frame for which the input that does not require burning is also obtained.
The image information is converted by the image information conversion unit 103 and sent to the video printer VP and is included in the index print. However, an index print can be prepared by excluding the image information of a frame having an input that does not require printing. . If the image information conversion unit 103 detects from the image information that the density of one frame is extremely high or extremely low according to the setting from the console O, the index print is regarded as a clearly abnormal frame. For example, "abnormal" or "Error" may be displayed in a part of the corresponding frame portion, or may be excluded from the image information to be synthesized.

The control of the operation of each unit by the control unit 100 of the controller CO will be described below with reference to the flowcharts and timing charts of FIGS. First,
In order to guide the image information of the film 2 to the CCD image sensor 18, the reflection mirror 15 of the projection exposure unit 5 is positioned in the exposure optical path to prepare for photometry (step # 1). When the preparation for photometry is completed, the motor M2 is operated to convey the film 2 in the direction of arrow N in FIG. 1 until the frame of the film 2 reaches the image information reading position located in the exposure optical path (step # 2). Step # 3). When the film 2 reaches the image information reading position, the conveyance is stopped, the image information of the film 2 is read (Step # 4), and the image information storage unit 1 is read.
01 is stored. This image information reading operation is performed on film 2
Is continued until it is determined that the remaining frames have been exhausted (step # 5).

When reading of one piece of image information of the film 2 is completed, the start of the calculation of the exposure condition is instructed to the exposure condition calculation unit 102 (step # 6). While being positioned in the exposure optical path, the motor M2 is rotated in the reverse direction, and the film 2 from which image information has been read is returned and transported in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow N in FIG. 1 (step # 7). In this state, the process waits until the calculation of the exposure condition in the exposure condition calculation unit 102 is completed (step # 8), and when receiving the calculation completion signal of the exposure condition from the exposure condition calculation unit 102, the index print manufacturing mode is not corrected. If the mode is the mode (step # 9), the image information conversion unit 103 is caused to perform a process of synthesizing image information for index printing at a point in time before the operator inputs a correction instruction, and the video printer VP performs the synthesizing process. To print the selected image (step # 1)
0).

Thereafter, the exposure condition calculation unit 102 and the image information conversion unit 103 are instructed to start accepting a correction instruction from the console O (step # 11). At this time, if the display mode instruction from the console O is the 6-frame display mode or the 28-frame display mode, the image information conversion unit 103 monitors the image information for the 6 frames or 28 frames together as described above. The display is displayed on the MT, and the operator inputs a correction instruction from the console O during the period P shown in the timing chart of FIG. 9 while observing the display on the monitor MT. In response to the correction instruction, the exposure condition calculation unit 102 executes a correction calculation of the exposure condition, and the image information converted again by the image information conversion unit 103 is displayed on the monitor MT accordingly. Monitor M
When the operator finishes inputting the correction instruction for all of the image information for 6 frames or 28 frames displayed in T, the exposure condition calculation unit 102 sends the final exposure condition corrected and calculated to the exposure control unit 104. Then, the image information conversion unit 103 converts the image information for the next 6 or 28 frames and displays it on the monitor MT. The operator observes the monitor display and continues to input the correction instruction.

If the instruction of the display mode at the time of step # 11 is the cinema view mode, first the image information of four frames from the top is displayed from the leftmost image information display area J to the center image information display area J. . At this time, the image information in the central image information display area J is enlarged and displayed in the enlarged display area K as described above. When a correction instruction for the image information displayed in the enlarged display area K is input from the console O, the exposure condition calculation unit 102 receives the correction instruction and executes a correction calculation of the exposure condition. The image information converted again by the image information conversion unit 103 is displayed on the monitor MT. Upon completion of the correction instruction for the image information for one frame, the image information
The image information displayed in the image information display area J is sequentially moved rightward, and the image information of the next frame is newly displayed in the image information display area J at the left end. Along with this, the image information displayed in the enlarged display area K, that is, the image information to be corrected by the console O is also updated.

As described above, when the operator instructs the correction for the exposure condition sequentially, and the image information overflows from the image information display area J at the right end,
The exposure condition calculation unit 102 sequentially sends final exposure conditions to the exposure control unit 104 in the order of overflowing frames. Accordingly, in the cinema view mode, as shown by the period Q in the timing chart of FIG. 10, the operation of instructing the correction of the exposure condition by the operator is performed continuously for one film 2. Note that the image information displayed in the three image information display areas J on the right side of the center is displayed on the console O.
Is completed, but the final exposure condition has not been sent to the exposure control unit 104 yet, so that the display of the image information is reversed to the central image information display area J, so that the exposure is performed again. It is possible to issue a condition correction instruction.

After instructing to start accepting the correction instruction in step # 11, the exposure condition calculation section 102
While the image information conversion unit 103 responds to the correction instruction from the console O, the control unit 100 checks that the return transport of the film 2 has been completed (step # 1).
2) If the mode is set to the corrected mode in which an index print is produced under the exposure condition after the correction has been performed by the correction instruction (step # 13), whether or not the input of the correction instruction from the console O has been completed. (Step # 14), the exposure processing of Steps # 17 to # 21 is performed. When the input of the correction instruction is completed (Step # 1)
4) causing the image information conversion unit 103 to perform a process of synthesizing image information for index printing, and
P is instructed to print the combined image (step # 16). However, if the production of the index print has already been instructed after the completion of the input of the correction instruction, the production instruction of the index print is not repeated (step # 15).

In the exposure processing of steps # 17 to # 21, when the exposure control unit 104 receives the final exposure condition from the exposure condition calculation unit 102 (step # 17), the frame of the film 2 is positioned in the exposure optical path. (Steps # 18 and # 19) until the exposure control unit 104 controls the operation of the shutter 14 and the light control filter 11 based on the exposure conditions received.
Is exposed (step # 20).

Therefore, when the display mode is the 6-frame display mode or the 28-frame display mode, after the instruction to correct the exposure condition for the image information for 6 or 28 frames from the first frame of the film 2 is completed, Since the exposure condition is sent to the exposure control unit for the first time, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 8, after the period P required for the exposure condition correction instruction for the image information of the first 6 frames or 28 frames ends, The exposure operation starts. On the other hand, when the display mode is the cinema view mode, the exposure operation starts after the correction instruction for the first four frames is completed in the period Q required for the correction instruction of the exposure condition for the image information.

When the exposure controller 104 receives the exposure condition, the exposure of the printing paper 3 and the transport of the printing paper 3 and the film 2 are repeated. When the remaining frames requiring exposure are gone and the exposure process for one film 2 is completed (step # 21), the film 2 is discharged (step # 22), and the exposure operation is completed.

It is also possible to sequentially transfer the image information of the frames for which the correction instruction has been completed to the video printer VP, and to expose the frames in parallel to print a photograph. or,
After the image information for one film is transferred to the video printer VP, index printing is started. In addition, during the index printing, the correction of the exposure condition of the next film, the exposure, and the transfer of the image information can be performed in parallel.

Accordingly, as described above, the projection exposure section 5 and the exposure control section 104 serve as the exposure means S, and the exposure condition calculation section 102 performs the exposure condition calculation for obtaining the exposure conditions based on the image information read by the reading means RD. The console O functions as a means T and a correction instruction input means V for inputting a correction instruction for correcting the exposure condition and a correction unnecessary instruction. The image information conversion unit 103 obtains the image information read by the reading unit RD on the printing paper 3 when the image information of the film 2 is exposed on the printing paper 3 under the exposure condition obtained by the exposure condition calculating unit T. Functions as image information conversion means U for converting image information predicted to be obtained, and also functions as image synthesis means CB for synthesizing image information for a plurality of frames converted by the image information conversion means U into one image information. By doing so, it also functions as a part of the printing means PR for producing an index print.

[Other Embodiments] Hereinafter, other embodiments will be listed. (1) In the above embodiment, the reading means RD uses the CCD image sensor 18, but a CCD line sensor or a MOS image sensor may be used instead. In order to read the image information by separating the color into R, G, and B, the rotating color filter 17 is used.
A dedicated CCD image sensor may be provided for each of the colors G and B.

(2) In the above embodiment, the number of frames of the image information displayed in the three display modes is 6, 28 or 7, but these frames can be increased or decreased as appropriate.

(3) In the above embodiment, the light source 10 is shared by the reading means RD and the exposing means S to simplify the configuration. However, if each light source is a separate light source, the image information of the film is read. Thereafter, there is no need to rewind the film once, and the efficiency is high.

(4) In the above embodiment, in the cinema view mode, what is displayed in the enlarged display area K is the image information in the central image information display area J. From the image information display area J so that the frame displayed in the enlarged display area K can be freely selected.

(5) In the above embodiment, the image information conversion unit 1
03 executes a process of synthesizing image information to be displayed on the monitor MT and a process of synthesizing image information to be printed by the video printer VP, respectively. The configuration may be simplified by sending the data to the printer VP for printing. Furthermore, if a CRT printer is used as the video printer VP, the CRT for printing is driven by a video signal, so that the signal processing load required for the video signal sent from the image information conversion unit 103 is reduced. It is convenient.

(6) In the above embodiment, since the printing means PR is constituted by the video printer VP, the image information converting section 103 combines the image information of a plurality of frames into one image information, However, a configuration may be adopted in which the combined image information is output to the printing unit PR via various computer interfaces without converting the video signal into such a video signal. The printing means P
As R, a CRT printer, a thermal printer, an ink jet printer, an electrostatic printer, or the like can be used as long as it can perform color printing. Further, in the case of a monochrome printer, a printer that produces halftone is desirable.

(7) In the above embodiment, the image information conversion unit 1
In step 03, the image information for a plurality of frames is sent to the video printer VP in a state of being synthesized into one image information. The image information conversion unit 103 outputs the image information of each frame separately, and the video printer VP Alternatively, the image information may be combined with two pieces of image information, or may be combined by printing the image information of each frame on one print target while shifting the position of each piece.

Incidentally, reference numerals are written in the claims for convenience of comparison with the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the structure of the attached drawings by the description.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram according to an embodiment of a photographic printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a main part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary view showing a monitor display according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram of a monitor display according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary view showing a monitor display according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a monitor display according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a print example of an index print according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Film 3 Photosensitive material 5 Projection exposure section 10 Light source S Exposure means T Exposure condition calculation means U Image information conversion means V Correction instruction input means IM Image synthesis means MT monitor PR Printing means RD Reading means

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] A frame of a film (2) is irradiated with a light beam from a light source (10), and image information of the frame is exposed to a photosensitive material (3).
A projection exposure unit (5) for projecting and exposing the film, and a reading unit (RD) for reading image information of the film (2) prior to the projection exposure by the projection exposure unit (5)
Exposure for obtaining exposure conditions for exposing image information from the film (2) to the photosensitive material (3) in the projection exposure section (5) based on the image information read by the reading means (RD). A condition calculating means (T); and the reading means (RD) so that the image information of the film (2) is predicted to be obtained when the photosensitive material (3) is exposed according to the exposure conditions. An image information conversion means (U) for converting the image information read by the computer, a monitor (MT) for displaying the image information converted by the image information conversion means (U), and an exposure condition calculation means (T). Based on the calculated exposure conditions, the film (2)
A photographic printing apparatus provided with an exposure means (S) for exposing the image information from the camera to the photosensitive material (3), wherein the exposure condition is corrected for the image information displayed on the monitor (MT). Instruction input means (V) for inputting a correction instruction or a correction unnecessary instruction to the exposure condition calculating means (T), and the exposure means (S) performs correction from the correction instruction input means (V). the exposure condition calculating means based on the instruction (T) is configured such that the exposure of the photosensitive material (3) on the basis of the correction calculation to the obtained exposure conditions, the exposure condition computing means (T) is a film ( Image of 2)
Exposure condition calculation that calculates the exposure condition based on the aspect ratio of the information
A printing unit configured to include a calculation unit (102), and to combine and print image information of a plurality of frames read by the reading unit (RD) on a single printing target object different from the photosensitive material (3) (PR), and the exposure condition calculated by the exposure condition calculation means (T) for the printing means (PR), or the exposure condition calculated by the exposure condition calculation means (T) for correction. A photographic printing apparatus configured to transmit image information and perform printing so that a printing result becomes the same as an exposure result on the photosensitive material (3) by the exposure means (S) based on a condition. 2. The method according to claim 2, wherein the printing unit (PR) is configured to output the correction instruction.
Output a print instruction before an input operation from the input means (V)
Uncorrected mode and the correction instruction input means (V)
Switch to the corrected mode in which the print instruction is output after the input operation
The photographic printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographic printing apparatus is configured to be interchangeable . 3. The printing means (PR) stores the image information
The image information of a plurality of frames converted by the conversion means (U) is
Image combining means (IM) for combining two image information
And the printing means (PR) transmits to the image synthesizing means (IM).
Prints the combined image information on a single print object.
The photographic printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographic printing apparatus is configured as follows .