JP3704994B2 - Light quantity adjustment method for printing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for adjusting the amount of light of a printing apparatus, and in particular, in a printing apparatus in which an image displayed on an image display apparatus is printed on a photosensitive material, the duty of an image display element of the image display apparatus is changed. By changing the type of photosensitive material, the change in the distance between the light source and the photosensitive material due to the change in OWD, or the change in the exposure area due to the change in the printing magnification, etc. The present invention relates to a method of appropriately adjusting, and further to a method of adjusting the uniformity of image light.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The light emitted from the light source lamp is reflected by an image display device (for example, a digital micromirror device) displaying an image, or is transmitted therethrough to accompany the light with the image, and the image is accompanied. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing apparatus that irradiates a photosensitive material with light (hereinafter referred to as “image light”) and prints the image on the photosensitive material is known. In such a conventional printing apparatus, light emitted from a light source lamp is normally incident on an image display device via a plurality of optical parts such as a color foil, an integrator, and a condenser lens. . Further, the image light emitted from the image display device is irradiated (stretched) onto the photosensitive material via an optical part such as a printing lens.
[0003]
In a conventional printing apparatus using such an image display device, the sensitivity characteristics vary greatly depending on the type of photosensitive material, so it is necessary to adjust the light amount (setup) every time the type of photosensitive material changes. In such a printing apparatus, when the distance between the light source lamp and the photosensitive material is changed in accordance with a change in OWD (distance from the image display device to the photosensitive material), or exposure of the photosensitive material is performed in accordance with a change in the printing magnification. When the area changes, a difference occurs in the amount of image light applied to the photosensitive material, resulting in a density difference in the printed image. Accordingly, it is necessary to adjust the light amount in order to prevent such a density difference from occurring.
[0004]
Therefore, in the conventional printing apparatus, every time the type of photosensitive material is changed or the OWD or printing magnification is changed, an ND filter or CC filter is inserted in the optical path, the voltage of the light source lamp is changed, and a lookup table is set. The light intensity is adjusted by replacing it.
[0005]
Further, in such a conventional printing apparatus, if the light incident on the image display device from the light source lamp side (hereinafter referred to as “original light”) is not uniform, the uniform of the image light irradiated on the photosensitive material is obtained. Mitty (uniformity) is reduced, and the quality of an image (printed image or print) printed on the photosensitive material is reduced. Therefore, in the conventional printing apparatus, the image light is adjusted by adjusting the arrangement form of each optical part arranged in the optical path from the light source lamp to the image display apparatus or the incident angle of the original light incident on the image display apparatus. To get a uniform.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in a conventional printing apparatus using such an image display device, a filter adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the amount of light to cope with a change in the type of photosensitive material, a change in OWD, or a change in printing magnification. Alternatively, a voltage adjusting mechanism for the light source lamp has to be provided, or a plurality of lookup tables are required, so that the structure of the printing apparatus is complicated and there is a possibility that mechanical failure of the printing apparatus may increase. is there. In addition, there is a problem that considerable time and labor are required for operations such as filter selection or replacement, light source lamp voltage setting or adjustment, and lookup table replacement.
[0007]
Also, when adjusting the uniformity of the image light, the arrangement form etc. must be adjusted for each of the optical parts, and even if the arrangement form etc. is slightly shifted, the uniformity will change greatly. If it is going to raise, there will be a problem that adjustment of the arrangement form etc. of each optical part requires considerable time and labor. In addition, there is a problem that no matter how precisely the uniformity is adjusted, the state is not completely flat (uniform).
[0008]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described conventional problems, and it is possible to easily perform light amount adjustment to cope with a change in the type of photosensitive material, a change in OWD, a change in printing magnification, and the like. Further, it is an object to be solved to provide a method for adjusting the amount of light of a printing apparatus that can easily adjust the uniformity of image light applied to a photosensitive material.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The light quantity adjustment method (setup method) of the printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is an image accompanied by an image emitted from the image display device and displayed by the image display device. A method for adjusting the amount of light of a printing apparatus in which light is applied to a photosensitive material (for example, photographic paper) to expose the photosensitive material, and the image is printed on the photosensitive material. A micro-mirror device (DMD) that includes (a plurality of) micro-mirrors that irradiate a photosensitive material with image light for a time corresponding to an image display element and adjusts the print density by changing the number of micro-mirrors used (B) The above exposure is performed by scanning exposure while moving the photosensitive material. (C) Each pixel of the printed image (print) on the photosensitive material is (D) after forming by exposing (that is, overstrike) with a plurality of micromirrors of the digital micromirror device corresponding to each pixel. In response to changes in the type of photosensitive material Look-up table Switch In addition to adjusting the amount of light and changing the duty of the micromirror (exposure program or control program of the image display device) according to the sensitivity characteristics of the photosensitive material, the photosensitive material is irradiated independently of the light amount adjustment by the look-up table. The light quantity (light intensity) of the image light to be adjusted is adjusted.
Here, the digital micromirror device includes a plurality of micromirrors each capable of switching the reflection direction, and displays the image by switching the reflection direction of each micromirror to correspond to the image. It is a reflection type image display device capable of
[0010]
According to this light amount adjustment method, it is possible to appropriately adjust the light amount of the image light irradiated to the photosensitive material, and hence the density of the printed image, by simply changing the duty of the micromirror. Filter adjustment mechanism for adjustment (cancellation), Or Voltage regulator for light source lamp Structure There is no need to provide it. For this reason, the structure of the printing apparatus is simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the printing apparatus is reduced. Further, since the light amount adjustment (setup) work is simple, the time required for the light amount adjustment is greatly reduced.
[0013]
The light quantity adjustment method of the printing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is a light quantity adjustment method in the printing apparatus similar to the case of the first aspect, and (a) as an image display apparatus, only for the time corresponding to the duty. (B) A printed image on the photosensitive material, using a digital micromirror device that includes a micromirror that irradiates the photosensitive material with image light as an image display element and adjusts the print density by changing the number of micromirrors used. (C) after each pixel is formed by exposing with a micromirror of a digital micromirror device corresponding to the pixel. In response to changes in the type of photosensitive material Look-up table Switch In addition to adjusting the amount of light and changing the duty of each micromirror in accordance with the OWD or printing magnification of the printing apparatus, the amount of image light associated with the switching of the OWD or printing magnification is independent of the light amount adjustment by the lookup table. It is characterized by adjusting a change in (light intensity).
[0014]
According to this light amount adjustment method, it is possible to appropriately adjust the light amount of the image light irradiated to the photosensitive material and thus the density of the printed image simply by changing the duty of the micromirror. A filter adjustment mechanism for adjusting the change in the amount of light (change in the density of the printed image) Or Voltage regulator for light source lamp Structure There is no need to provide it. For this reason, the structure of the printing apparatus is simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the printing apparatus is reduced. Further, since the light amount adjustment work is simple, the time required for the light amount adjustment is greatly reduced.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail by taking as an example a light amount adjustment method for a printing apparatus using a digital micromirror device (DMD) as an image display device.
As shown in FIG. 1, a printing apparatus 1 that can use the light quantity adjustment method according to the present invention is substantially composed of an exposure printing processing unit 2, a development processing unit 3, and a drying processing unit 4. Yes. In the exposure printing unit 2, the photographic paper 7 (photosensitive material) wound around the paper roller 6 in the paper magazine 5 is drawn out of the paper magazine 5, and then provided with a transport roller 13 and the like. Depending on the transport mechanism, arrow A ₁ And arrow A ₂ Is conveyed in the direction indicated by.
[0021]
Further, in the exposure printing processing unit 2, the original light L emitted from the light source lamp 8 (for example, a halogen lamp). ₁ (White light) is transmitted through one of the color filters (not shown) of B (blue), G (green) or R (red) of the rotary color foil 9, thereby It becomes monochromatic light, and enters (introduces) the digital micromirror device 10 through an integrator 23 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, and first and second condenser lenses 21 and 22 (see FIG. 3). . Here, the color foil 9 is continuously rotated in synchronization with the switching timing of the color filter in accordance with the speed of the exposure process, and the color filter that should transmit light is sequentially switched. That is, the original light L ₁ The colors are repeatedly switched in the order of B, G, and R at regular time intervals.
Note that the color foil 9 may be rotated sequentially at regular intervals according to the speed of the exposure process, instead of the continuous rotation as described above, and the color filters that should transmit light may be sequentially switched.
[0022]
And it is the reflected light of the digital micromirror device 10, and the image light L accompanied by the image displayed by the digital micromirror device 10 ₂ The image light L passes through the printing lens 11 (the image is stretched). _Three And this image light L _Three Is applied to the photographic paper 7 and the photographic paper 7 is exposed. Thus, the image displayed by the digital micromirror device 10 is stretched by the printing lens 11 to form an image on the photographic paper 7, and the image is printed on the photographic paper 7. Such exposure processing or printing processing is performed with respect to the three monochromatic lights of B, G, and R. That is, B, G, and R images are superimposed and printed on the same exposure area of the photographic paper 7. An exposure system (optical system) from the light source lamp 8 to the photographic paper 7 through the digital micromirror device 10 or the like is generally called a “digital engine”.
[0023]
In the printing apparatus 1, as an exposure processing method, the photographic paper 7 is continuously moved by the photographic paper transport mechanism, and the exposure processing is sequentially performed for each strip-shaped exposure processing area that is long in the direction perpendicular to the photographic paper transport direction. The scanning exposure (line exposure) to be applied is used. Alternatively, surface exposure may be used in which the photographic paper 7 is intermittently moved by the photographic paper transport mechanism, and exposure processing is performed on the planar exposure processing area when the photographic paper movement is stopped.
[0024]
The photographic paper 7 on which the image is printed in this way is conveyed from the exposure printing processing unit 2 to the development processing unit 3 by a photographic paper conveyance mechanism including a conveyance roller 13 and the like. Then, the photographic paper 7 is generally indicated by an arrow A while meandering in the developing solution tank 12 provided in the developing unit 3. _Three It moves in the direction and is developed by the developing solution. Thereafter, the developed photographic paper 7 is transported from the development processing section 3 to the drying processing section 4 by the photographic paper transport mechanism, and the inside of the drying processing section 4 is indicated by an arrow A. _Four It is dried while moving in the direction, and is taken out from the printing apparatus 1.
[0025]
Hereinafter, a specific structure and function of the digital micromirror device 10 which is a reflection type digital image display device will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the digital micromirror device 10 has a plate-like outer shape whose spreading surface forms a substantially rectangular shape, and a substantially rectangular micromirror portion in a frame portion 14 forming the housing in plan view. 15 is arranged. As shown in FIG. 2B, the micromirror unit 15 has a structure in which a large number (only six are shown in FIG. 2B) of micromirrors 16 (image display elements) are arranged in a grid pattern. Has been. In a plan view, each micromirror 16 has a dimension D in the horizontal direction (corresponding to the photographic paper width direction). ₁ Dimension H in the vertical direction (corresponding to the photographic paper transport direction) ₁ Are substantially squares of approximately 16 μm to 17 μm, and the horizontal distance D ₂ And vertical spacing H ₂ Are arranged to be approximately 1 μm. In the digital micromirror device 10 (SXGA standard), 1280 micromirrors 16 are arranged in the horizontal direction (1280 pixels), and 1024 micromirrors are arranged in the vertical direction (1024 pixels). Each micromirror 16 corresponds to one pixel.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 2C, each micromirror 16 (16 a, 16 b) has a structure in which a mirror plate 17 is supported by a yoke 18 via a support column 19. Although not shown in detail, the yoke 18 is rotatably connected to the substrate 20 via a connection structure. Here, when a memory element (not shown) disposed on the substrate 20 is energized below each yoke 18, the state is shown, for example, in the left micromirror 16a in FIG. 2C. As described above, the yoke 18 rotates and tilts until the left end of the yoke 18 abuts against the substrate 20 due to the electrostatic action of the memory element. In this state, the normal S of the mirror plate 17 ₁ Is the vertical line S ₀ Is inclined to the left by a predetermined angle θ (+ θ). That is, the reflection surface (expansion surface) of the mirror plate 17 is tilted to the left by θ (hereinafter, this state of the micromirror is referred to as “on”). At this time, the reflected light of the micromirror 16a is irradiated (burned) onto the printing lens device 11 and thus the photographic paper 7.
[0027]
On the other hand, when the memory element is not energized, for example, as shown in the right micro-mirror 16b in FIG. It rotates and tilts until it comes into contact. In this state, the normal S of the mirror plate 17 ₂ Is the vertical line S ₀ Is inclined to the right side by a predetermined angle θ (−θ). That is, the reflection surface of the mirror plate 17 is tilted to the right by θ (hereinafter, this state of the micromirror is referred to as “off”). At this time, the reflected light of the micromirror 16b is not irradiated onto the printing lens device 11 (printing paper 7), but is absorbed (discarded) by a light absorbing plate (not shown).
[0028]
Thus, the digital micromirror device 10 switches (sets) the on / off state of each micromirror 16 so as to correspond to the image based on the digital image data corresponding to an arbitrary image. That is, the micromirror unit 15 of the digital micromirror device 10 displays an image in which each micromirror 16 is one pixel (one pixel). Here, the micromirrors 16 are turned on and off independently of each other, and the time required for switching on and off is approximately 10 microseconds.
[0029]
Each micromirror 16 is turned on for a time corresponding to its duty. That is, here, the duty is a ratio of time when the micromirror 16 is turned on. Therefore, the density (print density) of the print (printed image) becomes darker as the duty increases, and the print density becomes lighter as the duty decreases. In principle, the duty can be set to an arbitrary value within a range of 0 to 100%, but is usually used within a range of 25% or less.
[0030]
Thus, in this printing apparatus 1, in order to form each dot (pixel) of the print, a plurality of micromirrors 16 are used to expose a certain spot on the photographic paper 7 corresponding to the dots, and this micromirror The density gradation of the print is expressed by a combination of the number of 16 used and the exposure time in exposure by each micromirror 16.
[0031]
Hereinafter, a specific configuration and function of the digital engine (exposure system) from the light source lamp 8 to the photographic paper 7 through the digital micromirror device 10 and the like will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the white light emitted from the light source lamp 8 becomes B, G, or R monochromatic light by the B, G, or R color filter of the color foil 9. Then, the monochromatic light passes through the integrator 23, is further condensed by the first condenser lens 21 and the second condenser lens 22, and then enters the digital micromirror device 10. The integrator 23 has an optical axis M formed of glass or quartz. ₂ This is a light rod for diffusion whose cross-sectional shape cut along a plane perpendicular to the shape is substantially rectangular.
[0032]
And it is the reflected light of the digital micromirror device 10, and the image light L accompanied by the image displayed by the digital micromirror device 10 ₂ Is stretched by the printing lens 11 and image light L _Three Next, the photographic paper 7 is irradiated. In FIG. 3, a straight line M ₁ Is the image light L ₂ And L _Three Represents the optical axis of the straight line M ₂ Is the original light L ₁ Represents the optical axis. The image light L ₂ Or stretched image light L _Three Optical axis M ₁ And the original light L ₁ Optical axis M ₂ Is a predetermined angle α (for example, 20 °) corresponding to the reflection characteristics of the digital micromirror device 10.
[0033]
By the way, in the digital engine of the printing apparatus 1, as described above, in order to cope with a change in the type (sensitivity characteristic) of the photographic paper 7, a change in OWD, a change in the printing magnification, and the like, the photographic paper 7 is further irradiated. It is necessary to adjust the amount of light in order to adjust the uniformity of the image light. Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1, such light amount adjustment is performed mainly by changing the duty of the micromirror 16.
[0034]
Hereinafter, a specific light amount adjustment method in the printing apparatus 1 will be described. First, a light amount adjustment method for coping with a change in the type of photographic paper 7 will be described.
As described above, in the conventional printing apparatus, for various printing papers having different sensitivity characteristics, an ND filter or CC filter is inserted in the optical path, the voltage of the light source lamp is changed, or the look-up table is switched to change the amount of light. Adjustment (setup) is performed.
[0035]
Here, if the light amount can be adjusted only by switching the lookup table, the light amount adjustment is relatively easy. However, in this case, the maximum density of the printed image is not constant due to the difference in sensitivity characteristics of the photographic paper. Such a problem occurs. If the voltage of the light source lamp or the characteristics of the ND filter are matched with the photographic paper having low sensitivity, the above problem seems to be solved at a glance. However, actually, in this case, even if the light amount is adjusted with a look-up table for a highly sensitive printing paper, a print with good image quality cannot be obtained. That is, there is an optimum light amount corresponding to the sensitivity characteristic of the photographic paper, and a print with good image quality cannot be obtained if the light amount is too much or too little.
[0036]
That is, it is not possible to perform appropriate light amount adjustment only by switching the look-up table. Therefore, in order to perform appropriate light amount adjustment, it is necessary to change the voltage of the light source lamp or to attach / detach / adjust the filter. However, changing the voltage of the light source lamp is not preferable for the light source lamp, and mechanical modification of the digital engine is required to enable the filter to be attached and detached.
[0037]
Therefore, in this printing apparatus 1, the light amount is adjusted by a software method such as changing the duty (exposure program) of the micromirror 16 instead of a mechanical method such as switching the voltage of the light source lamp 8 or attaching / detaching a filter. Like to do. That is, by changing the duty of the micromirror 16 according to the sensitivity characteristic of the photographic paper 7, the amount of image light irradiated on the photographic paper 7 is adjusted appropriately.
[0038]
Generally, in an ordinary digital engine, when the look-up table is switched, the duty of the image display element changes accordingly. However, in this digital micromirror device 10, when the look-up table is switched, the duty of the micromirror 16 is not changed, and the density is adjusted by changing the number of micromirrors 16 used to form each dot. I have to. Therefore, by changing the duty of the micromirror 16, the light quantity can be adjusted independently of the light quantity adjustment by the lookup table. That is, when the duty of the micromirror 16 is increased, the exposure time by the micromirror 16 is lengthened, and as a result, the amount of light is increased. Conversely, when the duty of the micromirror 16 is reduced, the exposure time by the micromirror 16 is shortened, and as a result, the amount of light is reduced. In the case of scanning exposure, if the duty of the micromirror 16 is increased, the image quality of the print may be deteriorated, and the image quality is not deteriorated enough to be recognized with the naked eye.
[0039]
As described above, since the light amount is adjusted by changing the duty of the micromirror 16, the voltage of the light source lamp 8 can be determined by obtaining the optimum duty in advance for each type of the photographic paper 7 (photosensitive material). The amount of light can be adjusted very easily and quickly without changing the position or attaching / detaching / adjusting the filter. Further, since the voltage of the light source lamp 8 is not changed, the color balance of the image light or the print is not lost. Therefore, the same look-up table can be used for the photographic paper 7 (photosensitive material) whose color balance does not change but only the sensitivity changes as a whole. Further, for the photographic paper 7 whose color balance changes, the light amount adjustment is completed simply by switching (recreating) the lookup table, so that the time required for the light amount adjustment is shortened. Also, since only software changes are required, the structure of the digital engine is simplified.
[0040]
Next, a light amount adjustment method for responding to changes in OWD or printing magnification will be described.
In general, when the OWD is changed, the distance from the light source lamp 8 to the photographic paper 7 is changed, the amount of image light applied to the photographic paper 7 is changed, and the print density is changed. Further, when the printing magnification is changed, the light irradiation amount per unit area is changed, and the print density is changed. Therefore, in the conventional printing apparatus, a change in the print density due to a change in OWD or printing magnification is prevented by changing the voltage of the light source lamp or incorporating a light amount adjustment mechanism using an ND filter. However, in this case, the structure of the digital engine is complicated, which may increase the number of failures.
[0041]
More specifically, in the printing apparatus 1 using the digital micromirror device 10, when an image is printed on the photographic paper 7 using one or a plurality of single focus lenses, the OWD may change when the printing magnification is changed. is there. In this case, since the optical distance between the light source lamp 8 and the photographic paper 7 also changes, the amount of image light irradiated on the photographic paper 7 changes. For example, when an image is printed on a photographic paper 7 having a width of 4 inches, if the OWD is lengthened and the image is baked on the photographic paper 7 having a width of 6 inches, the unit area of the image light irradiated onto the photographic paper 7 The amount of light per unit is reduced and the print density is reduced. In this case, in the conventional printing apparatus, the light source lamp voltage is increased to increase the amount of light, or when an ND filter is used, this is removed or replaced with a low density ND filter to increase the amount of light. Yes.
[0042]
On the other hand, in this printing apparatus 1, by changing the duty of the micromirror 16 in accordance with OWD or printing magnification, the change in the amount of image light accompanying the switching of OWD or printing magnification is adjusted (eliminated). ing. That is, in this printing apparatus 1, the print density is changed by changing the duty of the micromirror 16, but this duty means the elongation of dots. For example, if the duty is 25%, one dot is 1 / 4 will grow.
[0043]
In many digital engines, the dot density is determined by the duty value. For example, when the print density of one dot is output using a shutter, the actual time for the longest time that the shutter can be opened is actually set. The ratio of the opening time is referred to as duty, and the dot print density is determined by the change in the ratio of duty. However, in the case of the digital micromirror device 10, since the print density is obtained by combining the time of the micromirror 16 and the number of sheets used, the duty is not used for density adjustment. For this reason, the light quantity of image light can be adjusted by changing the duty of the micromirror 16.
[0044]
In the digital micromirror device 10 of the printing apparatus 1, the duty used for exposure is 25%. However, even if this value is changed, there is no change in the dot state or the like, and there is a range that affects only the density. Therefore, by changing the duty within this range, the print density can be increased without mechanically changing the digital engine, and the same print density can be obtained even if the OWD or printing magnification is changed. The light amount can be adjusted.
[0045]
Hereinafter, a light amount adjustment method for adjusting the uniformity of image light will be described.
In this printing apparatus 1, basically, the amount of light for each dot (pixel) of the print is measured, and based on this measurement value, the duty of the micromirror 16 corresponding to the dot is changed to change the exposure time of the dot. Thus, the uniformity of the image light is adjusted. Therefore, a nearly complete uniform can be obtained by a simple operation of changing the duty without fine adjustment of the arrangement of the optical parts such as the light source lamp 8, the color foil 9, the integrator 23, and the condenser lenses 21 and 22. You can get Mitty.
[0046]
In the exposure algorithm of the digital engine of this printing apparatus 1, 12 bits, that is, 4096 gradations of print density are expressed by a combination of four types of duty and the number of micromirrors 16 used. However, this duty is for obtaining gradation and is the same value for all the micromirrors 16. That is, the duty is not individually adjusted for each micromirror 16.
[0047]
Thus, in the printing apparatus 1, the uniformity is adjusted by changing the duty for each micromirror 16 individually. In other words, by setting the duty for each micromirror 16 such as increasing the duty at a low light amount and decreasing the duty at a high light amount, the same as when complete uniformity is obtained. Print density is obtained. However, when the duty is too high or too low, there is a possibility that the image quality may be adversely affected.
[0048]
In addition, in a device that measures light quantity or print density, there is a limit to the size of a detectable area, and if the area is extremely small, the measurement accuracy decreases. Accordingly, when the light quantity or print density is measured for each micromirror 16 or the corresponding print dot, the micromirror 16 is very small, and therefore the light quantity or print of a plurality of micromirrors 16 or dots is measured in one measurement. Concentration may be measured simultaneously.
[0049]
Therefore, in such a case, a micromirror area (micromirror group) composed of a plurality of micromirrors 16 or a dot area (dot group) corresponding to the micromirror area is used as one measurement unit, and each micromirror area or each dot area is measured. It is preferable to measure the light amount or the print density, and to adjust the light amount by setting the same duty to the same micromirror area to obtain the uniformity of the image light. Even in this way, the uniformity is hardly reduced.
[0050]
Thus, before adjusting the light amount, if the light amount or print density is measured, and it is appropriate to prepare as a table in advance how to set the duty (multiple times) for this measured value, When the uniformity is actually adjusted, an appropriate duty value can be easily obtained by measuring the light amount or the print density. Therefore, anyone can easily adjust the uniformity without requiring any special technique or skill. In addition, it is possible to adjust the uniformity with high accuracy, which is impossible with the conventional method of adjusting the uniformity by adjusting the optical parts.
[0051]
In this embodiment, the digital micromirror device 10 is used as the image display device. However, the image display device is not limited to this, and the image display device does not express the gradation of the print density by changing the duty. Anything can be used.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an elevational view showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus that can use a light amount adjustment method according to the present invention.
2A is a plan view of a digital micromirror device, FIG. 2B is an enlarged plan view showing a micromirror constituting the digital micromirror device shown in FIG. 2A, and FIG. Is an elevation view of the micromirror.
FIG. 3 is a side view of a digital engine of the printing apparatus shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing apparatus, 2 ... Exposure printing process part, 3 ... Development processing part, 4 ... Drying process part, 5 ... Paper magazine, 6 ... Paper roller, 7 ... Printing paper, 8 ... Light source lamp, 9 ... Color foil, 10 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Digital micromirror apparatus, 11 ... Baking lens, 12 ... Development processing tank, 13 ... Conveyance roller, 14 ... Frame part, 15 ... Micromirror part, 16 ... Micromirror, 16a ... Micromirror, 16b ... Micromirror, 17 ... mirror plate, 18 ... yoke, 19 ... support, 20 ... substrate, 21 ... first condenser lens, 22 ... second condenser lens, 23 ... integrator.

Claims (2)

Light amount adjustment of a printing apparatus that irradiates the photosensitive material with image light accompanied by an image emitted from the image display apparatus and displayed on the photosensitive material, exposes the photosensitive material, and prints the image on the photosensitive material A method,
As the image display device, a digital micromirror device comprising a micromirror that irradiates a photosensitive material with image light for a time corresponding to a duty as an image display device, and adjusting the print density by changing the number of the micromirrors used Use
The exposure is performed by scanning exposure while moving the photosensitive material,
Each pixel of the printed image on the photosensitive material is formed by exposing with a plurality of micromirrors of the digital micromirror device corresponding to the pixel,
The light quantity adjustment is performed by switching the look-up table corresponding to the change in the type of the photosensitive material, and the light quantity adjustment by the look-up table is performed by changing the duty of the micromirror according to the sensitivity characteristic of the photosensitive material. A method for adjusting the light amount of a printing apparatus, comprising independently adjusting the light amount of image light applied to the photosensitive material. Light amount adjustment of a printing apparatus that irradiates the photosensitive material with image light accompanied by an image emitted from the image display apparatus and displayed on the photosensitive material, exposes the photosensitive material, and prints the image on the photosensitive material A method,
As the image display device, a digital micromirror device comprising a micromirror that irradiates a photosensitive material with image light for a time corresponding to a duty as an image display device, and adjusting the print density by changing the number of the micromirrors used Use
Each pixel of the printed image on the photosensitive material is formed by exposing with a micromirror of the digital micromirror device corresponding to the pixel,
The light quantity is adjusted by switching the look-up table in accordance with the change in the type of the photosensitive material, and the duty of each micromirror is changed according to the OWD or the printing magnification of the printing apparatus, so that the above-described look-up table is used. A method for adjusting a light amount of a printing apparatus, wherein a change in a light amount of image light associated with switching of OWD or printing magnification is adjusted independently of light amount adjustment.

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