JPH09101575A - Exposure method and photographic printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the total processing time in exposure processing including a main exposure for each frame image of a negative film and a subexposure for an index print. SOLUTION: The order of an image exposure for the main exposure is from the frame image (40th frame image) on a cartridge side of the negative film. When the 40th frame image is arranged in the upper leftmost part, as an image arrangement for index print images, the order of them is reversed at the top and bottom and the index print images 132A are exposed line by line, so that the first exposure of the frame image (first frame image) exposed at the end at the main exposure time, at the subexposure time can be prevented. Therefore, unnecessary processing waiting is dispensed with and the exposure of the first line 134A for the subexposure can be started before the last first-frame-image exposure for the main exposure is completed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photographic printer and an exposure method, and more particularly, to a main exposure for producing a main print by exposing an image recorded on a photographic film frame by frame on a photosensitive material. The present invention relates to a photographic printer that performs sub-exposure to produce an index print by reducing an image recorded on the photographic film by a predetermined number of frames and exposing the photosensitive material in a predetermined arrangement, and an exposure method in the photographic printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an index in which reduced frame images are arranged in a matrix at predetermined intervals and printed so that it is possible to easily search what kind of photograph is taken on one developed negative film. The print is known.

The following method has been proposed as a method for producing this index print. That is, after the exposure of each frame image of the negative film (so-called main exposure) is completed, each frame image is read by a scanner or the like and predetermined image processing is performed, and the image data of each frame for which image processing is completed is sequentially stored in the image memory. I will do it. Immediately after the main exposure for all frame images of the negative film is completed, the image data stored in the image memory is taken out, the image data is reduced by a predetermined number of frames, and the photographic paper is exposed in a predetermined arrangement. By doing so, an index print was produced.

Generally, in the arrangement of each frame image in the index print, the first captured frame image is arranged at the upper left corner of the index print,
Subsequent frame images are sequentially arranged according to a predetermined rule.

By the way, it depends on the camera used at the time of shooting whether the first shot frame image is recorded on the frame of the negative film on the cartridge side or on the reader side. That is, there are two modes: a mode in which the loaded negative film is first pulled out and the frames are photographed in order from the frame on the side of the film, and a sequence in which the frames are photographed in sequence from the frame on the side of the loaded negative film. There is a style of. Therefore, there are two possible layouts for each frame image in the index print: the frame image on the film cartridge side of the negative film is arranged at the upper left corner, and the frame image on the reader side is arranged at the upper left corner. To be

On the other hand, in the main exposure for each frame image of the negative film, there are two modes, that is, the mode of performing from the frame image on the side of the film of the negative film and the mode of performing from the frame image on the side of the reader.

Depending on the combination of various modes as described above, a situation may occur in which the sub-exposure for the index print is first performed on the frame image which was finally subjected to the main exposure.

For example, when the main exposure is sequentially performed from the frame images on the Patrone side of the negative film for the negative film on which the photographed images are recorded in order from the frame on the Patrone side, as shown in FIG. The frame image on the reader side (frame image with number 1) becomes the frame image for the main exposure last, and this frame image on the reader side is located at the lower right corner of the index print image 132, and the sub-exposure for the index print is first performed. Will be included in column 133.

That is, it becomes necessary to continuously perform the main exposure for the same frame image and the sub-exposure for the index print. In such a situation, after the main exposure of the frame image, it is necessary to perform the reading process and the image process of the frame image as described above. Therefore, the sub-exposure for the index print is performed until these processes are completed. Could not be started and wasted idle time in the exposure process.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and in an exposure process including main exposure for each frame image of a negative film and sub-exposure for index printing, An object of the present invention is to provide a photographic printer and an exposure method that can reduce wasteful idle time and overall processing time.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 mainly produces a main print by exposing an image recorded on a photographic film frame by frame on a photosensitive material. An exposure method in a photographic printer for performing sub-exposure in which an image recorded on the photographic film is reduced by a predetermined number of frames and exposed to a photosensitive material in a predetermined arrangement together with the exposure to produce an index print. The orientation of the entire image of a predetermined number of frames exposed in the sub-exposure and the exposure of the image of the predetermined number of frames so that the image of the last frame exposed in the exposure is prevented from being exposed first in the sub-exposure. It is characterized by controlling the order.

According to the first aspect of the invention, an image of a predetermined number of frames is exposed in the sub-exposure so that the image of the frame exposed last in the main exposure is prevented from being exposed first in the sub-exposure. The overall orientation and the exposure order of the images of the predetermined number of frames are controlled.

That is, when the image of the frame exposed last in the main exposure is expected to be exposed first in the sub-exposure, for example, a predetermined exposure to be performed in the sub-exposure as in the invention of claim 2 described later. By reversing (turning 180 degrees) the entire top and bottom of the image and reversing the exposure order of the image of the predetermined number of frames, the overall identity of the image of the index print finally produced by the sub-exposure can be improved. The exposure order is changed so that the image of the frame that should have been exposed first is exposed last while maintaining the same.

In this way, by avoiding that the image of the last frame of the main exposure is first exposed in the sub-exposure, before the exposure of the image of the last frame of the main exposure is completed, It is possible to start the exposure of the first predetermined number of rows in the sub-exposure, and it is possible to shorten the entire exposure processing time including the main exposure and the sub-exposure.

In the present invention, it is sufficient that the image of the frame exposed last in the main exposure is not exposed first in the sub-exposure. For that purpose, the predetermined frame exposed in the sub-exposure as described above. It is not limited to reversing (turning 180 degrees) the entire number of images and reversing the exposure order of the images of the predetermined number of frames. 90 in a given direction
You may rotate it once. As an example, as shown in FIG. 9, by rotating the entire image clockwise by 90 degrees, it is possible to prevent the image of the 12th frame, which is finally exposed in the main exposure, from being exposed first in the sub-exposure. You can

Further, the photographic film of the present invention may be a negative film or a positive film. In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 2 relates to the photographic film together with the main exposure for producing the main print by exposing the image recorded on the photographic film one by one onto the photosensitive material. A photographic printer for performing sub-exposure for producing an index print by reducing a recorded image by a predetermined number of frames and exposing the photosensitive material in a predetermined arrangement, wherein the exposure order of the images of each frame in the main exposure and Based on the arrangement order of the images of the respective frames in the sub-exposure, a determining unit that determines whether or not the image of the last frame to be exposed in the main exposure is first exposed in the sub-exposure, and the determining unit. , If it is determined that the image of the frame exposed last in the main exposure is exposed first in the sub-exposure, the top and bottom of the entire image of the predetermined number of frames exposed in the sub-exposure are reversed. And characterized in that and a control means for controlling to the exposure sequence of the predetermined number of frames of the image are reversed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the determining unit determines the frame exposed last in the main exposure based on the exposure order of the images of the respective frames in the main exposure and the arrangement order of the images of the respective frames in the sub-exposure. Image is first exposed in the sub-exposure.

For example, when the exposure order of the images in the main exposure is from the frame image on the side of the film on the negative film, and the arrangement order of the images in the sub-exposure is the arrangement order with the frame image on the side of the cartridge as the upper left. , FIG. 6 (A)
As shown in FIG. 5, the leader-side frame image (frame image with 1) that is finally exposed in the main exposure is included in the column 133 that is first exposed in the sub-exposure.

When it is determined that the image of the frame finally exposed in the main exposure is first exposed in the sub-exposure as described above, the control means sets a predetermined number of frames to be exposed in the sub-exposure. Control is performed so that the top and bottom of the entire image are reversed (see FIG. 6B, the arrow U indicates the upward direction of the image) and the exposure order of the image of the predetermined number of frames is reversed.

As a result, the exposure sequence is set so that the image of the frame which should have been exposed first is exposed last while maintaining the sameness of the entire image of the index print finally produced by the sub-exposure. It can be changed, and it is possible to prevent the image of the frame that is finally exposed in the main exposure from being exposed first in the sub-exposure. Therefore, before the exposure of the image of the last frame in the main exposure is completed, it is possible to start the exposure of the first predetermined number of columns in the sub-exposure, and the overall exposure processing time including the main exposure and the sub-exposure is shortened. can do.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The configuration of the printer processor 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The printer processor 10 whose outside is covered with a casing 12 performs a process of developing, fixing, rinsing, and drying a printer unit 58 that exposes the printing paper of the main print and the sub-print, and the exposed printing paper. And a processor unit 72.

First, the structure of the printer unit 58 will be described.
A work table 14 protruding from the casing 12 to the left in FIG. 1 is installed in the printer processor 10, and a negative film 16 is provided on the upper surface of the work table 14.
There are arranged a negative carrier 18 for setting and a keyboard 15 for the operator to input commands, data and the like.

A main exposure light source section 36 is installed below the work table 14. A light source 38 is installed in the main exposure light source section 36, and the light emitted from the light source 38 is
Color correction filter (hereinafter, Color-Correction Filter: C
The negative film 16 set on the negative carrier 18 is reached via a C filter 40) and a diffusion tube 42.
The CC filter 40 has C (cyan), M (magenta), Y
It is composed of three sets of (yellow) filters, and each filter operates under the control of the CC filter control unit 39,
The insertion amount is variable on the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source 38.

A cover 44 is formed above the negative carrier 18 (upper side in FIG. 1). Inside the cover 44, a main exposure optical system 46 and a sub print for exposing a sub print such as an index print. A section 22 is provided.

A half mirror 43 is disposed at the lowermost part of the main exposure optical system 46, and the light transmitted through the negative film 16 set on the negative carrier 18 reaches the half mirror 43. In the traveling direction of the light passing through the half mirror 43, an exposure lens 48 for changing the magnification of an image to be exposed, a black shutter 50 for blocking the exposure light, and a mirror 51 for reflecting the exposure light in a substantially right angle direction.
Are arranged in order. The exposure light reflected by the mirror 51 is applied to the photographic printing paper 54 set in the exposure chamber 52, whereby the photographic printing paper 54 is exposed.

On the other hand, in the traveling direction of the light reflected by the half mirror 43, a photometric lens 45 and a half mirror 47 for changing the magnification of the photometric image are arranged in order. In the direction in which light is reflected by the half mirror 47,
A scanner 108 configured by an image sensor or the like is arranged, and the scanner 108 is connected to an image signal processing unit 102 that performs predetermined image processing on image data of each frame of the negative film 16 read by the scanner 108. There is.

A simulator 104 as an image display device is connected to the image signal processing unit 102, and the simulator 104 displays images of each frame of the negative film 16 in the case of being produced based on the set conditions. A print simulation image is displayed.

An image memory 106 for storing image data is connected to the image signal processing unit 102, and the image signal processing unit 102 stores the image data of each frame of the negative film 16 read by the scanner 108. It is stored in the image memory 106.

A negative density measuring section 56 for measuring the image density of each frame of the negative film 16 is provided in the traveling direction of the light transmitted through the half mirror 47. The negative density measuring section 56 has an image sensor. And a negative film 1 read by the scanner 56B.
Negative density measuring device 56A for measuring the image density of each frame of 6
And are installed.

The sub-printing section 22 includes, as exposure light sources for index printing, a light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as an R-LED) 26 for emitting a red component of light and a light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as a G-LED) for emitting a green component. LED)
27, and a light emitting diode that emits a blue component (hereinafter, referred to as
B-LEDs) 25 are provided, and their operation is controlled by the light source control unit 24. B-LED2
5 is arranged on the exposure optical axis X, a dichroic mirror 28 is arranged in the traveling direction of the light emitted from the B-LED 25, and the optical axis of the red light emitted from the R-LED 26; The optical axis of the green light emitted from the LED 27 matches the exposure optical axis X.

On the downstream side of the dichroic mirror 28 in the light traveling direction, the end of the optical path (a position that does not affect the image)
A light source light sensor 29 for measuring the light amount of the light emitted from the light source is arranged in the direction in which the mirror 30 reflects light.

Downstream from the position where the mirror 30 is disposed,
The liquid crystal panel 31 is arranged on a surface perpendicular to the exposure optical axis X. On the image display surface of the liquid crystal panel 31, a large number of pixels capable of displaying white, black, and their intermediate colors (for example, 256 levels of gradation) by electric means are regularly arranged in a matrix. . A liquid crystal panel driver 32 for driving image display on the liquid crystal panel 31 is connected to the liquid crystal panel 31.
2 is connected to a sub-control unit 23 for monitoring and controlling various processing states in the sub-print unit 22.

The sub control unit 23 includes a CPU (not shown)
M, a ROM, an input / output controller, and the like, and are connected to the image memory 106 via the input / output controller. The sub control unit 23 reads out the image data of each frame of the negative film 16 stored in the image memory 106, forms one piece of index image data in which the frame images are arranged according to a predetermined rule, and forms one piece of the formed index. An image corresponding to image data of a predetermined number of frames of the image data, for example, five frames (one column) is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 31 by the liquid crystal panel driver 32. In addition, among the image data for one column, R color, G
An image corresponding to the image data of only the color components of the colors B and B can be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 31.

Downstream from the position where the liquid crystal panel 31 is disposed, a mirror 34 is provided at an end of the optical path (a position that does not affect the image).
Is disposed, and a transmitted light amount sensor 33 for measuring the amount of light transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 31 is disposed in the direction in which light is reflected by the mirror 34.

Downstream from the position of the mirror 34,
An exposure lens 35 for changing the magnification of the image of the sub-print to be exposed is arranged, and an index print image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 31 by the exposure lens 35 and projected by exposure light is provided on a photographic paper 54 by a predetermined amount. An image is formed at a magnification.

The sub controller 23 includes the light source controller 2 described above.
4. The light source light amount sensor 29 and the transmitted light amount sensor 33 are connected, and the sub-control unit 23 determines an appropriate correction amount of the light amount based on the light amount value of each of the R, G, and B colors measured by the light source light amount sensor 29. Calculate, B-LED25, R-LED2
6. The light amount of the light emitted from the G-LED 27 is corrected by the light source control unit 24. Similarly, the sub control unit 23
On the basis of the transmitted light amount value measured by the transmitted light amount sensor 33, the liquid crystal panel driver 3
2 has a function of controlling the density of an image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 31 by controlling the LCD 2.

Like the sub-control unit 23, the main control unit 20 controls and monitors the entire printer processor 10.
Is provided below the exposure chamber 52. The main control unit 20 includes a CPU (not shown), a RAM, a ROM, an input / output controller, and the like. The main control unit 20 includes:
The above-described CC filter control unit 39 and the negative density measuring device 56
A, the image signal processing unit 102 and the sub control unit 23 are connected, and monitor and control the operation of each of these components.

A mounting portion 60 is provided at a corner portion between the upper right side surface of the cover 44 and the upper surface of the casing 12, and the mounting portion 60 is a paper for accommodating the photographic printing paper 54 wound around the reel 62 in layers. The magazine 64 is mounted.

A roller pair 66 is disposed near the mounting section 60, and holds the photographic paper 54 in a horizontal state in the exposure chamber 52.
Transport to The photographic paper 54 is covered with the roller 6 in front of the cover 44.
It is wound around 7, turned 90 degrees, and hangs down. A first stock unit 69 is provided between the roller 66 and the roller 67 to guide and stock the photographic paper in a substantially U-shape.

A roller 68 is provided below the exposure section of the exposure chamber 52.
A, 68B, and 68C are arranged, and the printing paper 54 on which the image of the negative film 16 is printed in the exposure chamber 52 is turned by approximately 90 degrees by each of the rollers 68A, 68B, and 68C, and is turned to a processor unit 72 described later. Conveyed.

A cutter 71 is disposed downstream of the roller 68A. The cutter 71 cuts the rear end of the photographic paper 54 on which the exposure processing has been completed. The printing paper 54 that has been cut by the cutter 71 and left in the exposure chamber 52 can be rewound into the paper magazine 64 again. Also, the roller 68
A between the printing paper 54 and the roller 68B.
There is provided a second stock portion 73 for guiding and stocking in a substantially U shape. In the second stock unit 73,
By stocking the printing paper 54, the printer unit 58
And the difference in processing time between the processor unit 72 and the processor unit 72 is absorbed.

Next, the configuration of the processor section 72 will be described. The processor section 72 is provided with a color developing processing tank 74 storing a color developing processing liquid, a bleach-fixing processing tank 76 storing a bleach-fixing processing liquid, and a plurality of rinsing processing tanks 78 storing a washing processing liquid. The photographic printing paper 54 is sequentially transported through the color developing tank 74, the bleach-fixing tank 76, and the plurality of rinsing tanks 78, so that the developing, fixing, and rinsing processes are sequentially performed. Photographic paper 54 that has been washed
Is transported to the drying section 80 adjacent to the rinsing tank 78,
In the drying section 80, the photographic paper 54 is wound around rollers and exposed to high-temperature air to be dried.

The printing paper 54 is nipped by a pair of rollers (not shown), and is discharged from the drying unit 80 at a constant speed after the drying process is completed. A cutter unit 84 is provided on the downstream side of the drying unit 80, and the cutter unit 84 has a cut mark sensor 86 for detecting a cut mark applied to the photographic printing paper 54.
A paper density measuring unit 90 for measuring the density of the printing paper 54 and a cutter 88 for cutting the printing paper 54 are installed.

The cut mark sensor 86, the paper density measuring section 90 and the cutter 88 are connected to the main control section 20, respectively. In the cutter unit 84, the photographic printing paper 54 is cut by the cutter 88 for each image frame, and the photographic print is completed.

The completed photographic prints are discharged to a sorter unit 92, where they are sorted and a predetermined verification operation is performed. By this verification work, after defective prints such as so-called out-of-focus images are extracted, normal photographic prints are returned to the customer together with the negative film.

By the way, in the present embodiment, the negative film 16 on which the frame images for producing the main print and the index print are recorded, the image frames 130 are provided at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction as shown in FIG. 5 (A). Has been. The negative film 16 has a perforation 110 formed at a predetermined one end in the width direction in accordance with the position of each image frame 130, whereby the negative film 16 is formed.
It is possible to discriminate between the front and back sides and the position of the image frame 130.

Magnetic tracks 112 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the negative film 16 in correspondence with each of the image frames 130, and each magnetic track 112 is provided with each image frame 1
Various information such as information at the time of photographing the image recorded in 30, the print size, the exposure condition, and the like are recorded. Also,
Magnetic tracks 112A are also provided on both sides in the width direction on the reader side (tip side) with respect to the position where the image frame 130 is formed. On the magnetic tracks 112A, information regarding the image recording order of the negative film 16, that is, Information relating to the entire negative film 16 such as information indicating whether captured images are sequentially recorded from the leader side frame or captured images from the Patrone side frame and information on the entire negative film 16 such as information about the number of image frames are recorded. A bar code 114 indicating a DX code is recorded on the end of the negative film 16 opposite to the side where the perforations 110 are formed, so that the negative film 16 can be specified.

Corresponding to the negative film 16 having such a structure, a magnetic reader 98 for reading the information recorded on the magnetic tracks 112 and 112A is installed near the negative carrier 18, and The information read by the magnetic reader 98 is transmitted to the main controller 20.

In the present embodiment, the negative film 16
An example will be described in which each frame image of the negative film 16 is first drawn from the cartridge when the frame images are exposed on the photographic paper 54, and the frame images closest to the cartridge are sequentially exposed. Further, as an example, it is assumed that 40 frame images are recorded on the negative film 16 of the present embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 5B showing a state where all the frames of the negative film 16 are pulled out from the cartridge. , The frame images on the reader side are referred to as 1st frame image, 2nd frame image, ..., 39th frame image, 40th frame image for convenience.

Correspondingly, FIGS. 6 to 8 show the position of each frame image when the frame image is exposed on the photographic paper 54 by 1,
The numbers 2 ... 40 are shown.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. When the operator uses the keyboard 15 to instruct to start the print processing of the frame image of the negative film including the index print, the main control unit 20 starts the execution of the control routine shown in FIG.

In step 202 of FIG. 3, the negative film 1
The negative film 16 is pulled out from the cartridge storing 6 and the magnetic reader 98 reads the information on the image recording order recorded on the magnetic track 112A of the negative film 16 and the information on the number of image frames in the middle of this pulling out. In the next step 204, the first one image frame of the negative film 16 is set at a predetermined printing position of the negative carrier 18, and the printing paper 54 is set at a predetermined exposure position. At this point, since the black shutter 50 is closed, the printing paper 54 is not exposed.

In the next step 206, the exposure conditions for the set image frames are set as follows.
First, light is emitted from the light source 38, and the image recorded in the image frame is read by the scanner 56B. Next, the density of the read image is measured by the negative density measuring device 56A, and the exposure condition is set in the main controller 20 based on the measured density. In the next step 208, the image of the image frame is exposed on the photographic printing paper 54 according to the exposure conditions set as described above.

After completion of this exposure, in the next step 210, the image recorded in the image frame is read by the scanner 108, and in the next step 212, the image signal processing unit 102 performs predetermined image processing on the read image. Then, the processed image data is stored in the image memory 106. Then, the number of image frames subjected to this image processing is counted.

Then, in the next step 214, by comparing the above-described count number with the number of image frames of the negative film 16, it is determined whether or not the processes of steps 204 to 212 have been completed for all the image frames. To judge. Until execution is completed for all image frames, a negative determination is made in step 214 and the process proceeds to step 216.

In step 216, it is determined whether or not the processes of steps 204 to 212 have been completed for the penultimate frame image (that is, the 39th frame image). If the second-to-last frame image has not been completely executed, the process proceeds to step 220, the photographic printing paper 54 is conveyed by one image frame, and the process returns to step 204. Then, the processing of steps 204 to 212 is executed for the next image frame.

In this way, the processing of steps 204 to 212 is executed for each image frame of the negative film 16, that is, the main exposure processing and the image processing for the image of each image frame are executed.

When the processing of steps 204 to 212 is completed for the penultimate frame image, an affirmative decision is made in step 216 and the operation proceeds to step 218.
In step 218, the image recording order information and the image frame number information read in step 202 are transmitted to the sub control unit 23, and the sub control unit 23 is instructed to make an index print. Then, in step 220, the printing paper 5
After transporting 4 for one image frame, the main exposure process and the image process (steps 204 to 212 in FIG. 3) for the first frame image as the last frame image are started to be executed. When the execution is completed, an affirmative decision is made in step 214,
The process proceeds to step 222 and waits for reception of the index print production end notification from the sub control unit 23.

On the other hand, the main controller 2 in step 218 above
The index print production instruction from 0 is given to the sub control unit 23
When received by the sub-control unit 23, the sub-control unit 23 starts executing the control routine shown in FIG.

In step 252 of FIG. 4, whether the frame image to be subjected to the main exposure lastly is included in the column exposed first in the exposure of the index print based on the image recording order information received from the main controller 20. Determine whether or not.

When the image recording order is from the frame on the side of the leader of the negative film 16, the first frame image is placed at the upper left corner as in the index print image 140 shown in FIG. Assuming that the index print image 140 is exposed in the same direction as the image in the main exposure as usual, the first frame image to be finally exposed in the index print image 140 is It will not be included in the first exposed column 141. Therefore, in this case, a negative determination is made in step 252, the flow proceeds to step 256, and as shown in FIG.
The display position of the index print image on the liquid crystal panel 31 is set so that the number frame image is located at the upper left corner (arrow U indicates the image upper direction) and the image direction is the same as the image direction in the main exposure. Set.

On the other hand, when the image recording order is from the frame on the side of the cartridge of the negative film 16, the 40th frame image is arranged at the upper left corner as in the index print image 132 shown in FIG. 6 (A). Here, assuming that the exposure is performed so that the orientation of the index print image 132 is the same as the orientation of the image in the main exposure as usual, the first frame image to be subjected to the main exposure last is the first one of the index print image 132. Will be included in the column 133 which is exposed to. Therefore, in this case, step 252
Then, an affirmative decision is made, the operation proceeds to step 254, and FIG.
4 like the index print image 132A shown in FIG.
The display condition of the index print image on the liquid crystal panel 31 is set so that the orientation of the image is opposite to the orientation of the image in the main exposure while maintaining the arrangement of the 0th frame image at the upper left end.

As a result, in the index print image 132A shown in FIG. 6B, the exposure order is changed so that the column 133A, which should have been exposed first in the normal image direction, is exposed last. You can That is, it is possible to avoid that the image of the last frame (first frame image) exposed in the main exposure is first exposed in the exposure of the index print.

In the next step 258, each image data included in the column to be exposed (column 141 in FIG. 8 or column 134A in FIG. 6B) is read from the image memory 106, and
Any one of R, G, and B color components in the read image data is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 31.

Then, in the next steps 260 to 264, the LED for the corresponding color is turned on for a predetermined exposure time to perform the exposure for the color component. Further, in step 266, the display of the liquid crystal panel 31 is canceled, and thereafter, the processes of steps 258 to 266 are executed for other color components.

When the exposure for all of the R, G, B color components is completed for the first row to be exposed to expose the index print image 132A, step 268 is performed.
Is determined affirmatively, and it is determined in step 270 whether exposure has been completed for all columns.

Until exposure is completed for all columns,
A negative determination is made in step 270, and the flow advances to step 272 to convey the photographic printing paper 54 by one line. And step 2
Returning to step 58, the image data of the next column is targeted for R,
The exposure process of steps 258 to 266 is executed for each of the G and B color components. In this way, the printing paper 54
To be exposed.

The column to be exposed last for exposing the index print image, for example, the column 142 in FIG.
Alternatively, the column 133A in FIG. 6B includes the first frame image to be subjected to the main exposure process at the end, but at the time point when the exposure process for the column to be exposed at the end is started, Since the reading of the frame image and the image processing have already been completed, it is possible to immediately perform the exposure processing of the last row to be exposed, without wasting idle time due to waiting for image processing or the like.

When the exposure process of the column to be exposed last is completed, an affirmative decision is made in step 270, and the routine proceeds to step 274, where the main controller 20 is notified of the end of the index print exposure process.

On the other hand, when the main controller 20 receives the end notification of the index print exposure processing, the reception waiting in step 222 of FIG. 3 is released, and the process proceeds to step 224, in which each frame image and the index print image are exposed. The paper 54 is transferred to the color development processing tank 7 of the processor unit 72.
4, bleach-fixing treatment tank 76, and a plurality of rinse treatment tanks 78
By sequentially transporting the sheets to the photographic paper 54,
Fixing and washing process are performed sequentially. Photographic paper 54 that has been washed
Is transported to the drying unit 80 and dried by hot air. The photographic printing paper 54 that has been dried is conveyed to the cutter unit 84 and cut into image frames by the cutter 88.
The photo print and index print corresponding to each frame are completed.

According to the present embodiment described above, when it is determined that the image of the frame to be finally subjected to the main exposure processing is included in the column to be exposed first in the sub-exposure processing for index printing, first. Change the exposure order so that the row that should have been exposed is exposed last, and avoid the image of the last frame that was processed for main exposure is exposed first in the sub-exposure. It is possible to start the exposure of the first row in the sub-exposure before the exposure of the image of the last frame in the main exposure is completed, without waiting, and includes the main exposure and the sub-exposure. The overall exposure processing time can be shortened.

In the above embodiment, the negative film 1
Each frame image recorded in 6 is a frame image on the Patrone side (4
Although the example in which the main exposure is sequentially performed from the 0th frame image) has been described, the present invention is also applied to the case where the main exposure is sequentially performed from the reader side frame image (the 1st frame image) to each frame image of the negative film 16. be able to.

For example, the image recording order is negative film 16
In the case of the frame on the reader side, the image is arranged with the first frame image as the upper left corner, as in the index print image 150 shown in FIG. Assuming that the index print image 150 is exposed so that the direction of the index print image 150 is the same as that of the image in the main exposure as usual, the 40th frame image to be finally subjected to the main exposure process is the first image of the index print image 150. Will be included in the column 151 that is exposed to. Here, as in the above embodiment, FIG.
As in the index print image 150A shown in (B), the liquid crystal panel 31 is arranged so that the orientation of the image is opposite to the orientation of the image in the main exposure while maintaining the arrangement with the first frame image as the upper left corner. Set the display conditions for index print images.

As a result, the column 15 that should have been exposed first in the sub-exposure process for index printing
It is possible to change the exposure order so that 1A is exposed last, and it is possible to prevent the 40th frame image subjected to the final main exposure processing from being exposed first in the sub-exposure processing. Therefore, similarly to the above-described embodiment, it is not necessary to wait for extra processing, and the exposure of the first row in the sub-exposure is started before the exposure of the image of the last frame in the main exposure is completed. It is possible to shorten the total exposure processing time including the main exposure and the sub-exposure.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the example in which the index print image is exposed on the photographic paper one row (= 5 frames) at a time is shown. Other paces (for example, one frame at a time)
It can also be applied when exposed by.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the exposure of the frame image of the second frame from the last in the main exposure is completed, the main exposure of the last frame and the sub-exposure of the index print image are simultaneously executed in parallel. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case where the sub-exposure of the index print image is started before the completion of the exposure of the second frame from the end.

Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which the image recording order information and the image frame number information on the negative film are recorded on the magnetic track of the negative film and the information is read by the magnetic reader provided in the printer processor is shown. However, such information does not need to be magnetically recorded as in the above-described embodiment, and a bar code containing image recording order information and image frame number information is attached to a negative film or a cartridge containing the negative film. However, these pieces of information may be read by a bar code reader.

Further, in the above embodiment, the example in which the present invention is applied to the printer processor having the sub-printing section is shown. However, a photographic print system including an index printer and a paper processor, an image memory, It can also be applied to a liquid crystal photographic printer having a liquid crystal panel for displaying the image data stored in the image memory and an exposure system capable of exposing the image displayed on the liquid crystal panel.

[0080]

According to the invention described in claim 1 or 2,
Since it is possible to maintain the sameness of the entire image of the index print finally produced by the sub-exposure, it is possible to avoid that the image of the frame exposed last in the main exposure is exposed first in the sub-exposure. , It becomes possible to start the exposure of the first predetermined number of rows in the sub-exposure before the exposure of the image of the last frame in the main exposure is completed,
The effect that the total exposure processing time including the main exposure and the sub-exposure can be shortened is obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer processor according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer unit.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a control routine executed in a main control unit.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a control routine executed in a sub control unit.

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a negative film on which photographed images are recorded in order from a frame on the reader side, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a negative film on which photographed images are recorded in sequence from a frame on the Patrone side. is there.

FIG. 6A shows a printing paper in the case where it is assumed that each frame image of a negative film on which a photographed image is recorded is sequentially exposed from the frame on the side of the Patrone side, and the frame images on the side of the cartridge are exposed in order, and then the index print is exposed. It is a figure, (B)
FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a photographic printing paper when the index print is turned upside down and exposed in FIG.

FIG. 7A is a photographic printing paper in the case where it is assumed that each frame image of a negative film, in which photographed images are recorded in order from the reader side frame, is exposed in order from the leader side frame, and then an index print is exposed. It is a figure, (B) is (A)
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a printing paper when the index print is exposed upside down.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a photographic printing paper in which each frame image of a negative film on which captured images are recorded in order from the reader side frame is exposed in order from the cartridge side frame, and then an index print is exposed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a photographic printing paper when the index print is rotated clockwise by 90 degrees and exposed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Printer Processor 16 Negative Film (Photographic Film) 20 Main Control Unit 23 Sub Control Unit 54 Photographic Paper (Photosensitive Material)

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A main exposure for producing a main print by exposing an image recorded on a photographic film to a photosensitive material one frame at a time, and at the same time reducing an image recorded on the photographic film by a predetermined number of frames. An exposure method in a photographic printer for performing sub-exposure for producing an index print by exposing a photosensitive material in an arrangement, wherein an image of a frame finally exposed in the main exposure is exposed first in the sub-exposure. In order to avoid this, the orientation of the entire image of a predetermined number of frames to be exposed in the sub-exposure and the exposure order of the image of the predetermined number of frames are controlled. 2. A main exposure for producing a main print by exposing a photosensitive material to an image recorded on a photographic film one frame at a time, and at the same time reducing an image recorded on the photographic film by a predetermined number of frames to a predetermined number. A sub-exposure photographic printer that creates an index print by exposing a photosensitive material in an arrangement, based on an exposure order of images of each frame in the main exposure and an arrangement order of images of each frame in the sub-exposure. Determining means for determining whether or not the image of the frame finally exposed in the main exposure is first exposed in the sub-exposure, and the image of the frame finally exposed in the main exposure is determined by the determining means. When it is determined that the first exposure is performed in the exposure, the top and bottom of the entire image of the predetermined number of frames exposed in the sub-exposure are reversed, and the exposure order of the image of the predetermined number of frames is reversed. Photo has a control means for controlling the so that the printer.