JPH10104752A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inexpensive printer which is reduced in size, weight and power consumption, excellent in portability and capable of easily printing a picture on a liquid crystal monitor. SOLUTION: The printer 20 loaded with a film 26 is fitted to a liquid crystal display 10 for a video camera, for instance. Thus, the screen of a liquid crystal panel 14 and the exposed surface of the film 26 are located in the focusing positions on incident and outgoing sides of an optical image transmission means 22, respectively. A light source 12 is lighted and a desired picture signal is supplied to the liquid crystal panel 14, to display a correspondence picture. When a shutter 24 is operated to execute exposure for a specified time, in this state, the picture displayed on the liquid crystal panel 14 is projected on the film 26 and it is exposed to print the picture.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer for printing an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various types of printers for printing various images such as video and text information on a self-processing film (so-called instant film) have been realized. Are applied dot-sequentially or line-sequentially, and the printing apparatus head and the recording medium are relatively scanned and exposed sequentially. JP-A-2-287527 (Document 1) discloses that a self-processing film is moved with respect to an exposure recording unit, and the exposure recording unit is driven synchronously based on an image signal, thereby achieving a small size and light weight. A video printer device capable of reproducing a high-quality color image is disclosed. In addition, there is a type using a liquid crystal shutter. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 91 (Document 2) discloses a liquid crystal projector that also serves as a video printer device, in which an image reflected by a partial reflector provided in the liquid crystal projector is printed on a self-processing film.

A printer device has been proposed which irradiates a transmission type liquid crystal panel to which an image signal is supplied with light and forms an image of the transmitted light on a recording medium such as a photosensitive material to record an image.
However, black stripes (or black stripes, hereinafter collectively referred to as "black stripes") exist in portions other than the openings of the transmissive liquid crystal panel. For this reason, the black stripe portion appears in the image as a pattern, deteriorating the quality of the image. To improve this, for example, JP-A-4-241965 (Document 3)
An object of the present invention is to record an image with less density unevenness due to a black stripe or the like by moving a general-purpose liquid crystal panel having a large optical aperture ratio in a two-dimensional direction with respect to a photosensitive material by a half pixel pitch. A liquid crystal printer device is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-32863 (Reference 4) discloses that a liquid crystal panel is formed by moving a liquid crystal panel in a horizontal and vertical direction by one half of an arrangement pitch of liquid crystal elements for each field. 2. Description of the Related Art A color video printer apparatus for exposing an image to a recording medium in a sequential manner is disclosed. According to this, the exposure is performed such that the center of the transmission image of the second field is located at the intersection of the black stripes appearing in the transmission image of the first field. For this reason, the number of defective exposure portions is reduced, and the matrix-like pattern of the black stripes becomes inconspicuous.

[0005]

However, the above background art has the following disadvantages. (1) First, a printer device of the type described in Document 1 which scans a printer device head generally requires a large-sized and complicated mechanism, consumes large power, and is not suitable for carrying. The device described in Document 2 also uses a liquid crystal projector and a printer device, and the device is large-scale.

(2) All of the documents described in References 3 and 4 require that the transmission image of each field be moved in each of the horizontal and vertical directions by exactly one-half pixel pitch, which is complicated. Mechanism and control are required. This not only increases the cost but also increases the size of the device. In particular, since an image is formed using a spherical lens, the distance between the object and the image is large, and the apparatus must be substantially increased in size.

Recently, liquid crystal monitors have been provided in various electronic devices such as video cameras, electronic still cameras, portable televisions, car televisions, car navigation devices, and the like. It would be advantageous to be able to print easily. Especially,
As a printer device for a portable device such as a video camera, an inexpensive device that is small, thin, lightweight, low power consumption, and excellent in portability is preferable.

The present invention focuses on the above points,
An object of the present invention is to provide a small-sized, light-weight, low-power-consumption, highly-portable, low-cost printer capable of easily printing an image on a liquid crystal monitor. Another object is to reduce the influence of black stripes on a printed image by a simple method.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a method for forming a plurality of optical elements such as a micro lens and a gradient index lens on an area corresponding to an optical image to be printed. Are arranged two-dimensionally,
An optical image transmitting means for transmitting an optical image to be printed by these; a film having an area corresponding to the optical image to be printed, on which the optical image to be printed is printed, for example, a self-processing film; Shutter means for exposing the film with a target optical image for a predetermined time.

According to one of the main aspects, the optical image transmitting means transmits a part of the optical image to be printed, and the scanning means scans the optical image transmitting means with respect to the optical image. And The optical image to be printed also includes additional information such as a date.

According to the present invention, an optical image to be printed, such as a liquid crystal display, is projected onto a film via, for example, a one-time planar optical image transmitting means. The film is
Since it has an area corresponding to the optical image to be printed, the entire apparatus can be configured to be small and lightweight, and has excellent portability. The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to examples. In the main mode, as a liquid crystal panel, a video movie, a viewfinder of an electronic camera, a liquid crystal monitor, or the like is a suitable application object. As the recording medium, various recording media that record an image by exposure, such as a normal photographic photosensitive film and photographic paper, can be applied. However, various operations such as development and fixing are required. On the other hand, a self-processing type film, a so-called instant film, does not require such labor, is easy to handle, and can obtain a clear color image.

[0013]

First, a first embodiment of a printer according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 2 illustrates an appearance of the printer device according to the first embodiment. For example, a printer device 20 is attached to and detached from a liquid crystal display 10 such as a video camera or a portable information device as shown by an arrow FA in FIG. Printer device 20
The state in which is attached is as shown in FIG.
The printer 20 has a print output port 21 on its side.
Is provided, from which the printed film can be taken out. As described above, the printer device 20 according to the present embodiment is configured to be detachable from the liquid crystal display 10 and used in combination with the liquid crystal display 10.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line # 1- # 1 in FIG. In the figure,
The liquid crystal display 10 of the video camera includes a light source 12 and a liquid crystal panel 14. The printer device 20 according to the present embodiment includes an optical image transmitting unit 22, a shutter 24, and a photosensitive film 26. Then, it is attached to the liquid crystal display 10 as shown. When the shutter 24 is opened in this state, the image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 14 is projected on the photosensitive film 26 via the optical image transmitting means 22 and the shutter 24, respectively.
Are exposed corresponding to the image. Since the photosensitive film 26 is a self-processing film, it is printed out from the print output port 21 after an appropriate time has elapsed.

Next, the configuration of each unit will be further described.
First, from the liquid crystal display side, various backlights for a liquid crystal display element are used as the light source 12. In this embodiment, since the photosensitive film 26 may be exposed, flash exposure may be performed using a light source such as a strobe capable of intermittent light emission.

The liquid crystal panel 14 is provided with a light modulation layer made of liquid crystal (for example, a homeotropic alignment liquid crystal that modulates the polarization state of light, a homogeneous alignment liquid crystal, a ferroelectric liquid crystal, and a liquid crystal that modulates the light scattering state). . When a liquid crystal that modulates the polarization state of light is used, polarizing plates are provided on both sides of the liquid crystal layer. The light source 12 outputs read light including a wavelength band necessary for exposing the photosensitive film 26. The liquid crystal panel 14 is similar to a normal liquid crystal display.
Is preferably illuminated with a uniform light intensity. The liquid crystal panel 14 is provided with image information to be displayed. After passing through one of the polarizing plates, the reading light has its polarization state two-dimensionally modulated according to image information while passing through the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal panel. The modulated read light passes through the other polarizing plate, so that the intensity is modulated according to the image information. This readout light forms an image on the photosensitive film 26 via the optical image transmitting means 22 and the shutter 24, and printing is performed.

A color image can be obtained by laminating a color film of a mosaic type, a stripe type or the like corresponding to each pixel arrangement of the liquid crystal panel 14, and a color film can be obtained as the photosensitive film 26. By using this, color image printing becomes possible.

Next, as the optical image transmitting means 22, for example, a refractive index distribution type lens array ("Selfoc lens" manufactured by Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.) as shown in FIG. 3 is used. This refractive index distribution type lens array is configured by two-dimensionally arranging rod lenses in which the refractive index changes and distributes around a central axis with an area corresponding to an optical image. FIG. 1A shows a rod lens 22A constituting a lens array. The focal length of the rod lens 22A on the liquid crystal panel side is S1, and the focal length of the rod lens 22A on the photosensitive film side is S2. Therefore, the image 28A of the liquid crystal surface 14A at the position of S1 is transmitted to the film surface 26A as an image 28B.

FIG. 2B shows this state.
The liquid crystal surface 14 is formed by the refractive index distribution type lens array 22.
The alphabet “A”, which is an image on A, is imaged upright on the film surface 26A of the photosensitive film 26. In this manner, the images of the rod lenses overlap, and the entire screen of the liquid crystal panel 14 is formed on the photosensitive film 26 at a one-to-one magnification. With such a configuration, short-distance imaging becomes possible, and thinning can be realized.

Next, the exposure time for the photosensitive film 26 is controlled by the shutter 24. Shutter 2
As 4, a mechanical shutter or a liquid crystal shutter is used. The mechanical shutter mechanically moves one or a plurality of light shielding plates. LCD shutter is 2
A voltage is applied to a liquid crystal sandwiched between two glass substrates. When a liquid crystal shutter is used, it is convenient to use a liquid crystal having a high response speed such as a ferroelectric liquid crystal.

The exposure time of the photosensitive film 26 by the light of the liquid crystal panel 14 may be set manually, but the exposure time may be automatically set by measuring the output of the liquid crystal screen with a light meter. desirable. Light source 1
The optimal exposure time differs depending on the brightness of the image No. 2 and the drive setting of the screen of the liquid crystal panel 14. On the other hand, the optical image transmitting means 2
In the case where the above-described gradient index lens is used as 2, the F value of the lens is fixed. Therefore, the optimal exposure amount for the photosensitive film 26 is determined by the amount of light transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 14 and the exposure time.

By providing an exposure time control signal for driving the liquid crystal only for the set exposure time to the drive signal for the liquid crystal panel 14, the liquid crystal panel 14 itself may be configured to also serve as a shutter. Further, an exposure meter and an aperture (not shown) may be provided in the hood of the printer device 20 to automatically control the shutter speed and the aperture according to the brightness of the liquid crystal panel 14. In addition, an optical filter means for attenuating and adjusting the light intensity between the light source 12 and the photosensitive film 26 as necessary, and an optical filter for blocking light in a wavelength band unnecessary for exposure of the photosensitive film 26. Exposure conditions may be adjusted by inserting a dynamic filter means.

Next, a self-processing instant film is used as the photosensitive film 26 as described above. The photosensitive film 26 has an area corresponding to the projected optical image. Then, a film pack containing about 10 self-processed films is loaded into the printer device 20. Sufficient light shielding is applied so that the film pack portion or the printer device portion can be removed even during shooting, that is, before the film in the film pack is used up. For example, a configuration such as an instant camera using a self-processing film is possible.

Next, the overall operation of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described. The printer device 20 loaded with the photosensitive film 26 is mounted on the liquid crystal display 10 of a video camera, for example. Incidentally, the optical image transmitting means 22
The case of the printer device 20 is devised so that the screen of the liquid crystal panel 14 is located at the focal position on the incident side, and the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive film 26 is located at the focal position on the emitting side (see FIG. 3).

Next, the light source 12 is turned on, a desired image signal is supplied to the liquid crystal panel 14, and a corresponding image is displayed. In this state, when the shutter 24 is operated and exposure is performed for a predetermined time, a display image on the liquid crystal panel 14 is projected on the photosensitive film 26, and the photosensitive film 26 is exposed. When self-processing such as development is performed on the photosensitive film 26, a printed image is obtained from the print output port 21 (see FIG. 2).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the size of the area corresponding to the optical image to be printed on the optical image transmitting means and the film, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The image on the liquid crystal monitor can be easily printed on a recording medium such as an instant film without performing a special scanning operation, and a clear color print can be obtained. (2) If the liquid crystal monitor has a shutter function, only the optical image transmission means and the photosensitive film need be basically provided on the printer side, so it is compact, lightweight, low power consumption, and excellent in portability. Low cost.

[0027]

Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the printer device 20 is attached to and detached from the liquid crystal display 10 by sliding the printer device 20 in the direction of arrow FB in the figure. According to this embodiment, the liquid crystal display 1 can be operated only by sliding the printer device 20.
0 can be seen on the liquid crystal panel 14.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, a printer main body 30 is fixed to the liquid crystal display 10, and a large number of self-processed films are packed in the printer main body 30. 32 is configured to be detachable (or slid) as indicated by an arrow FC. The optical image transmitting means 22 and the shutter 24 are both provided on the film pack 32 side. By removing (or sliding) the film pack 32, the image on the liquid crystal panel 14 of the liquid crystal display 10 can be viewed as it is.

The optical image transmitting means 22 may be left in the printer main body 30. In this case, at the position of the film surface when the film pack 32 is attached,
Provide a screen. Then, when the film pack 32 is removed, the image on the liquid crystal panel 14 reflected on the screen is viewed. But,
When the optical image transmission means 22 is provided on the film pack 32 side, a bright image can be seen.

In the embodiment shown in FIG.
One end of the printer device 20 is attached to one end of the printer unit 0 via a rotating shaft, and is opened and closed in the arrow FD direction. When the printer 20 is opened, the liquid crystal display 10
Can be viewed as it is.

[0031]

Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the above-described first embodiment is applied to a camera-integrated VTR (video movie with a liquid crystal monitor). In FIG. 1, a camera-integrated VTR 40 includes a camera unit 42 and an imaging lens 4.
4, video signal recording / reproducing unit 46, liquid crystal display 48
Are provided. A video signal of an image captured by the camera unit 42 while viewing the imaging lens 44 is recorded in a video signal recording / reproducing unit 46. The video signal reproduced by the video signal recording / reproducing unit 46 is supplied to a liquid crystal display 48, where a corresponding image is displayed.

The printer device 20 shown in the first embodiment has a liquid crystal display 48 as shown by an arrow FE in FIG.
It is attached to and detached from. As shown by the arrow FF in FIG.
0 may be slid. In addition, FIG.
Configurations such as (B) and (C) may be used. Electronic still camera
(Digital camera with LCD monitor)
The configuration is almost the same as that of the TR, and this embodiment can be applied as it is.

[0033]

Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. According to the above-described embodiment, the printer device is attached to and detached from the liquid crystal display. Therefore, if the liquid crystal display to be attached / detached is specified in advance,
It is easy to keep the distance between the optical image transmitting means 22 and the liquid crystal surface 14A shown in FIG. 3A at the focal length S1. That is, the case may be designed so that when the printer device is mounted on the liquid crystal display, the focus position is just set. However, in order to apply the present invention to various liquid crystal displays that perform display based on image signals supplied from various signal sources, such as TVs, VTRs, personal computers, and scanners, a device for maintaining the focal length S1 is required. Becomes The fourth embodiment focuses on such a point.

FIG. 6A shows a configuration of a printer device 50 according to the fourth embodiment. A hood cover 52 for shielding external light is provided on the liquid crystal display side. The hood cover 52 is expandable and contractible in order to correspond to various shapes on the liquid crystal display side, and a solid line indicates a contraction and a dotted line indicates an extension. A lens array 54 serving as an optical image transmitting means is provided inside the cover of the printer device 50, and a photosensitive film 58 is disposed via a shutter 56. A flip-up mirror 60 is provided below the printer device 50, and a finder 62 for confirming focus is provided on the light reflection side of the flip-up mirror 60. The flip-up mirror 60 and the finder 62 are similar to a so-called single-lens reflex camera, and determine whether or not the image projected on the photosensitive film 58 is in focus, in other words, the distance between the lens array 54 and the liquid crystal panel. This is a focus confirmation unit for confirming whether or not the distance is S1.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. Same figure
(B) shows a main part when the liquid crystal display is mounted. The hood cover 52 of the printer device 50 is joined to the cover glass 14B of the liquid crystal panel 14 on the liquid crystal display side. In this state, the user looks into the finder 62. Then, a part of the light beam transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 14 enters the flip-up mirror 60 via the lens array 54, is reflected there, and enters the finder 62. Thereby, a part of the display image on the liquid crystal panel 14 is observed.

While observing the image in the viewfinder 62, the user expands and contracts the hood cover 52 of the printer device 50, and searches for a focused position. When focus is achieved, the distance between the incident side of the lens array 54 and the liquid crystal surface 14A becomes S1 as shown in FIG. The focal point on the photosensitive film side of the lens array 54 is designed in advance to have a corresponding desired value.

When the shutter 56 is opened in such a focused state, the flip-up mirror 60 closes as shown by an arrow FG, and the image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 14 is exposed on the photosensitive film 58 by the lens array 54. Become. Thus, the focused print is performed. In the above embodiment, since the hood cover 52 expands and contracts continuously, the focus can be adjusted arbitrarily.
However, for example, some expansion and contraction positions may be set in advance according to a representative model.

[0038]

Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, a landscape, a person, and the like can be printed by the printer device 20 in the same manner as a camera. As shown in FIG. 7, an imaging lens 70 and this imaging lens 70
Attachment 72 for attachment to 0 is prepared. Then, the imaging lens 70 is attached to the printer device 20 by the attachment 72. Thus, the image of the subject 74 is captured by the imaging lens 70, and printing is performed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. With such a configuration, the printer device can be used as a part of the camera.

[0039]

Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Each of the above-described embodiments is a case where a color (or black and white) liquid crystal display image is printed on a color (or black and white) self-processing film. In the present embodiment, a color image is separated into, for example, R, G, and B (red, green, and blue) primary color images, and each primary color image is printed in a frame-sequential manner.

FIG. 8A shows the configuration of this embodiment. In the drawing, a printer device 80 is provided with an optical image transmitting means 22 on the liquid crystal display 90 side in the same manner as in the above embodiment. A color filter 82 is rotatably provided on the light exit side of the optical image transmitting means 22. FIG. 7B shows an enlarged plane of the color filter 82, which is divided into three equal parts to form R, G, and B transmission areas. A photosensitive film 84 is disposed on the light emission side of the color filter 82 via a shutter (not shown). On the other hand, on the liquid crystal display 90 side, the light source 12 and the liquid crystal panel 92 are provided. In this embodiment, the liquid crystal panel 92 includes R, G,
The B images are sequentially displayed.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. As described above, the R, G, and B images are sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal panel 92. In the present embodiment, the color filter 82 rotates in synchronization with the image display in the frame sequence. That is,
When the image of R is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 92, R
Is the position of the optical image transmitting means 22. Therefore, the R light is transmitted through the color filter 82, and the photosensitive material of the photosensitive film 84 that is exposed to the R light is colored. Similarly,
When a G image is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 92,
Is the position of the optical image transmitting means 22. Therefore, the G light is transmitted through the color filter 82, and the photosensitive material of the photosensitive film 84 that is exposed to the G light is colored. Further, when the image of B is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 92, the transmission region of B is the position of the optical image transmission unit 22. Therefore, the B light is transmitted through the color filter 82, and the photosensitive material of the photosensitive film 84 that is exposed to the B light is colored.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, R, G,
The B filter is sequentially switched in synchronization with the image display for each color, and the photosensitive material of the photosensitive film that develops color in response to the R, G, and B light is subjected to surface-sequential exposure to obtain a color image. Is recorded. In the above embodiment, the color filter 82 is rotated. However, the R, G, and B color filters may be arranged in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction, and may be moved left and right or up and down. Alternatively, the color filters of R, G, and B may be continuously formed in a belt shape, and the structure may be wound up to reduce the size.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, R, G, B
Each of the color filters 86R, 86G, and 86B may be configured as a single plate, and sequentially moved onto the photosensitive film 84 to be exposed. Further, as the color filter, various configurations such as a combination of a liquid crystal shutter and a wavelength plate are possible. In addition, in addition to R, G, and B, a color filter of Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) is used, and color recording is performed on a photosensitive material that is sensitive to light of Y, M, and C, respectively. May be performed.

[0044]

[Embodiment 7] In recent years, the liquid crystal panel manufacturing technology has progressed in each step, and the degree of integration of the pixels has been improved and the aperture ratio has also been improved. For this reason, the size occupied by the black stripes is also reduced, making them less noticeable. On the other hand,
Since the refractive index distribution type lens array and the micro lens array, which are optical image transmission means, are formed by arranging single lenses, the optical aberration is not completely corrected. Accordingly, the black stripe of the liquid crystal panel, which is the original image, has a reduced resolution characteristic on the image forming surface, and becomes less noticeable by printing. That is, the influence of the black stripe on the print image is reduced by the aberration of the lens array.

The following embodiment is suitable when it is desired to obtain a clearer image by reducing the influence of the black stripe. First, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10A shows a cross-sectional main part of the seventh embodiment. A liquid crystal display 100 is provided with a light source 102, a liquid crystal panel 104, and a microlens array 106 in this order. On the other hand, the printer device 110 is provided with a glass substrate 112 as a transparent substrate and a photosensitive film 114 in this order. Liquid crystal panel 104, micro lens array 106, glass substrate 112, photosensitive film 11
No. 4 is arranged to overlap as shown in FIG. Note that the shutter operation of this embodiment is performed by the liquid crystal panel 1.
This is performed on the 04 side.

Further description will be given with reference to FIG.
The liquid crystal panel 104 includes a driving substrate 104A and a liquid crystal layer 104.
B, a transparent electrode 104C, a color filter 104D, and a glass substrate 104E as a transparent substrate are laminated in this order.
4F is formed. Then, with the printer device 110 attached to the liquid crystal display 100, the microlens array 10 is placed between the glass substrate 104E of the liquid crystal panel 104 and the glass substrate 112 of the printer device 110 side.
6, the photosensitive film 1 is placed on the glass substrate 112.
14 are in close contact with each other. The microlens array 106 has a configuration in which many microlenses corresponding to pixels are arranged on the surface of a glass substrate 104E of the liquid crystal panel 104.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the thicknesses of the glass substrates 104E and 112 are set to be approximately twice the focal length of the microlenses constituting the microlens array 106. For example, assuming that the focal length of the microlens is 500 μm in the glass substrate, the thickness of each of the glass substrates 104E and 112 is about 1
000 μm. For such a thickness setting, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the image of each pixel in the liquid crystal layer 104B is
An image is formed on the photosensitive film 114 on a one-to-one basis. Since the black stripe 104F is outside the image forming range of the microlens array 106, the influence of the black stripe on the printed image is favorably reduced.

When the glass substrate on the liquid crystal panel side is a fiber plate, the photosensitive film is brought into close contact with the end surface of the fiber plate on the side opposite to the liquid crystal panel side to perform exposure. Although the resolution is slightly deteriorated, the same effect as in the present embodiment can be obtained. FIG.
A configuration in which a fiber plate is closely attached to the transparent substrate 104E on the liquid crystal panel side may be adopted.

[0049]

Embodiment 8 Next, Embodiment 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. The following embodiment is another embodiment for making the black stripe portion inconspicuous. First, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the micro lens 120 provided corresponding to each pixel of the liquid crystal panel 104 described above is provided.
Is formed on the photosensitive film 114 at a magnification such that one pixel of the liquid crystal panel 104 covers the adjacent black stripe portion. By doing so, the black stripe 104
Since the image of F is not projected on the photosensitive film 114, the influence can be similarly reduced.

Next, the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is a combination of a microlens array and a gradient index lens. First, the color filter 104 of the liquid crystal panel 104
A micro lens array 130 is provided in contact with D, and a gradient index lens array 132 is provided at a position at a focal length S1 from the image forming plane. The film surface of the photosensitive film 114 is located at the position of the focal length S2 on the emission side of the gradient index lens array 132. The micro lens array 130 is configured by a number of micro lenses provided corresponding to the pixels of the liquid crystal panel 104.

According to this embodiment, the image of each pixel of the liquid crystal panel 104 is firstly formed by the micro lens array 130 (see the arrow image 134 in FIG. 11). This image is secondarily formed on the film surface by the gradient index lens array 132 (see the arrow image 136 in FIG. 11). In the primary imaging, an image is formed at a magnification such that one pixel of the liquid crystal panel 104 covers the adjacent black stripe portion. This is similar to the above-described embodiment of FIG. Therefore, in the secondary imaging on the film surface, a smooth image without black stripe portions can be obtained.

Next, in each of the embodiments shown in FIG. 12, the liquid crystal panel is devised. First, Fig.
Are the color filters 10 of the liquid crystal panel 140.
4D, a reflection mirror 142 is formed on a glass substrate 104E corresponding to the black stripe 104F. Part of the light spreading from the pixel area 144 is reflected by the reflection mirror 1.
The light is reflected at 42 and advances to the photosensitive film side. This light forms an image on the photosensitive film by the above-mentioned gradient index lens array. Due to the operation of the reflection mirror 142, the pixel region 144 is adjacent to the adjacent black stripe 10
The area substantially extends to the area of 4F, and the influence of the black stripe is reduced.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12B, in addition to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12A, a diffusing material 146 is further provided on the glass substrate 104E to diffuse light. Diffusing material 146
Is provided, the apparent aperture ratio of the pixel region 144 is increased, and the influence of the black stripe 104F is removed.

The embodiment shown in FIG.
The pixel area 144 and the black stripe 104 at 04E
Micro prisms 150 are provided corresponding to F. The micro prism 150 is used for the pixel area 14.
4 and a total reflection mirror 154 provided on the black stripe 104F. The light emitted from the pixel region 144 is
Half is transmitted through the half mirror 152, and the other is reflected by the half mirror 152. The reflected light is a total reflection mirror 154
Is reflected by The light transmitted through the half mirror 152 and the light reflected by the total reflection mirror 154 form an image on the photosensitive film by the above-described gradient index lens array.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the influence of the black stripe is removed by the microprism.

[0055]

Ninth Embodiment Next, a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Pixels divided for each color may be combined in position on the photosensitive film so as to obtain a more natural print image with reduced influence of black stripes. First, the embodiment shown in FIG. 13A has a configuration in which a polarizing plate 160 and a quartz plate 162 are disposed on the glass substrate 104E side of the liquid crystal panel 104, respectively. In the case where the liquid crystal panel includes a polarizing plate, the liquid crystal panel may also serve as the polarizing plate 160. According to this embodiment, the light emitted from the liquid crystal panel 104 is
, And here, polarized light in a certain direction is extracted and enters the quartz plate 162. The quartz plate 162 acts as a refractive index anisotropic body, and its polarization axis is set obliquely to the polarization axis direction of the polarizing plate 160.

Therefore, of the incident polarized light, the quartz plate 16
For 2, the component that becomes ordinary light goes straight, and the component that becomes extraordinary light is refracted and shifted. Both the ordinary light and the extraordinary light form an image on the photosensitive film via the gradient index lens array. According to the illustrated example, the pixel 164 is
The image is projected as a combined image of the image of 6A and the image of extraordinary light 166B. Here, the thickness 162W of the quartz plate 162
Is selected such that a light shift corresponding to the distance between the pixel region 144 of the color filter 104D and the black stripe 104F occurs, thereby eliminating the influence of the black stripe 104F.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13B, a polarizing plane rotating plate 170 is provided between a polarizing plate 160 and a quartz plate 162. The polarization plane rotator 170 uses, for example, liquid crystal or the like. The liquid crystal panel 104 displays an image of the first field and an image of the second field. 9 polarization directions
It has the function of rotating 0 degrees. Therefore, for example, the first
Assuming that ordinary light is emitted from the quartz plate 162 in the field, extraordinary light is output from the quartz plate 162 in the second field. For this reason, the image of the second field is projected on the position of the black stripe 104F, and the influence of the black stripe 104F is removed well.

[0058]

Embodiment 10 Next, Embodiment 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
Will be described. As described above, the refractive index distribution type lens has a configuration in which a plurality of rod lenses whose refractive indices are concentrically changed are bundled, and the distance between object images is smaller than that of a conventional lens using a spherical lens. short. Therefore, a compact printer device can be manufactured. However, according to the above-described embodiment, since a gradient index lens having the same size as the display size of the liquid crystal panel is required, it is more expensive than a normal lens. The present embodiment focuses on such a point, and is obtained by reducing the size of the gradient index lens and making it more inexpensive.

In FIG. 14, (A) is a perspective view showing a main part, which is a diagram viewed from the directions of arrows F14B and F14C.
(B) and (C). In these figures, the lens array 2
Reference numeral 00 denotes a size that forms an image of only a part of the display area of the liquid crystal panel 14. This lens array 20
0 scans the display image on the liquid crystal panel 14 while moving in the direction of the arrow F14, and exposes the film 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the rod lenses 200A constituting the lens array 200 are arranged in two rows in the vertical direction in the figure. By increasing the number of rows, the exposure time of the film 26 can be shortened and the exposure unevenness of each rod lens 200A can be reduced. However, in terms of cost, a smaller one is more advantageous. Practically, two rows are sufficient as shown in the figure, and the cost can be satisfied.

[0060]

Embodiment 11 Next, Embodiment 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, when the printer device 20 is attached to the liquid crystal display 10, the light source 12, the liquid crystal panel 14, the lens array 2
2, the shutter 24 and the photosensitive film 26 are superposed. Here, the lens array 22 has a configuration in which a plurality of rod lenses whose refractive index is changed concentrically are bundled,
The distance between object images is shorter than that of a lens using a spherical lens. Therefore, a compact printer device can be manufactured. However, in order to obtain sufficient imaging performance as a lens, the distance from the liquid crystal panel surface to the film must be three.
About 0 to 50 mm is required. Therefore, when combined with the thickness of the liquid crystal panel or film cartridge, 50 mm to 10 mm
Approximately 0 mm is required. Although this thickness is sufficiently thin, it is advantageous from the viewpoint of portability if the thickness can be further reduced. The present embodiment focuses on such a viewpoint.

In FIG. 15, (A) is a perspective view showing a main part, which is a view as seen from the directions of arrows F15B and F15C.
(B) and (C). In these figures, the lens array 2
Reference numeral 10 is arranged such that the optical axis direction is substantially parallel to the liquid layer panel surface or the film surface. Then, mirrors 212 and 214 are provided on the entrance side and the exit side of the lens array 210.
Is arranged. The lens array 210 and the mirrors 212 and 214 constitute a mirror / lens unit 216, which is integrally movable in the direction of arrow F15. Note that, also in the present embodiment, the lens array 210 has a configuration in which rod lenses are arranged in two rows.

The image on the liquid crystal panel 14 is taken into the lens array 210 by the mirror 212,
The light is projected onto the film 26 by the light source 14. By moving the mirror / lens unit 216 in the direction of the arrow F15, the entire display image on the liquid crystal panel 14 is projected on the film 26.
Thus, according to the present embodiment, the mirrors 212 and 214 are provided.
Are arranged before and after the lens array 210 to bend the optical path, thereby reducing the thickness of the printer device. According to the prototype printer device, the liquid crystal panel 14 and the film 2
6 could be reduced to about 5 mm. In addition,
Since the optical path is bent twice, the image projected on the film 26 is an erect image.

Next, a method of scanning the lens array 200 shown in FIG. 14 or the mirror / lens unit 216 shown in FIG. 15 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition,
FIG. 16 shows the mirror / lens unit 216 as a representative.
First, in the example of FIG. 16A, a flange 220 is provided at the end of the mirror / lens unit 216, and a spring 222 is housed in the cylinder 224 so as to press the flange 220. When the lever 226 is pushed, the tip of the lever 226 comes off the
20 is pushed in the direction of arrow F16A by the spring 222.
As a result, the mirror / lens unit 216 moves. According to this method, since the force of the spring 222 is used, no electric power or the like is required, which is advantageous in form. In order to prevent unnecessary light from irradiating the film when the mirror / lens unit 216 is scanned, bellows-like light shielding members 228 are provided before and after the mirror / lens unit 216 in the scanning direction.
The light blocking member 228 expands and contracts in accordance with the scanning of the mirror / lens unit 216.

Next, in the example of FIG. 16B, the end of the mirror / lens unit 216 is attached to the belt 230,
The belt 230 meshes with the gears 232 and 234.
When the gear 232 is driven by the motor 236, the belt 230 moves, and the mirror / lens unit 216 moves to the arrow F16.
Move in B direction. In this example, a deformable plate-shaped light shielding member 238 is provided before and after the mirror lens portion 216 and moves along the guide 240. The motor 2
It is preferable to control the scanning speed, the brightness of the backlight, and the modulation degree of the liquid crystal panel in the optimal state in accordance with the sensitivity of the film when driving the.

Next, in the example of FIG. 16C, gravity is used, and the mirror / lens unit 216 moves along the guide 242 with the arrow F16C based on the operation of an appropriate lever (not shown).
It moves by its own weight in the direction. In this example, a bellows-like light shielding material 2
28 are provided. Note that a spring, rubber, or the like may be combined with this example.

In any of the above embodiments, if the scanning start position of the lens array or the mirror / lens unit is shifted from the liquid crystal panel surface, a cover for further shielding the lens entrance surface or exit surface is provided. By providing
Prevent unnecessary light from leaking before the start of film exposure.

[0067]

Embodiment 12 Next, Embodiment 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, in addition to the image information displayed on the liquid crystal panel, additional information such as a simple comment and a date is simultaneously printed. First, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 17A, additional information can be simultaneously printed in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and a light emitting element such as an LED or an EL is arranged at an end of the liquid crystal panel 14. Light emitting element array 3 two-dimensionally arranged
00 is provided. The two-dimensional display such as the date displayed on the light emitting element array 300 is projected on the photosensitive film 26 via the optical image transmitting means 22 and the shutter 24, and is recorded on the photosensitive film 26 together with the image on the liquid crystal panel 14. FIG. 17B shows a state of the film 26 after exposure, and a comment and a date are recorded as additional information 304 below the image portion 302.

Next, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, information is added to the embodiment shown in FIG. In FIG. 18, (A) is a cross-sectional view showing a main part, and FIGS. 18 (B) and 18 (B) show the main parts viewed from the directions of arrows F18B and F18C.
(C). Note that the shutter is omitted in (B) and (C). In these figures, a light emitting element array 312 is provided at the end of the liquid crystal panel 14 in the direction in which the lens array 200 of the printer device 310 moves. The light emitting surface of the light emitting element array 312 is substantially orthogonal to the light emitting surface of the liquid crystal panel 14, and the image of the light emitting element array 312 is incident on the lens array 200 by the mirror 314. That is, the light emitting element array side is configured to be folded back by the mirror 314 in order to avoid collision with the liquid crystal panel side. During film exposure, an image is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 14 and additional information is displayed on the light emitting element array 312. In this state, the lens array 200 moves, and the images and additional information are sequentially projected on the photosensitive film 26.

Next, the embodiment shown in FIG. 19 is an embodiment in which an additional information display function is added to the embodiment of FIG. 15 described above, and FIGS. 19A and 19B show FIGS. (C) respectively.
In this example, a light-emitting element array 320 in which light-emitting elements are arranged one-dimensionally is arranged at an end of the mirror / lens unit 216 on the mirror 212 side. When the light-emitting element array 320 has a one-dimensional structure, the number of light-emitting elements can be extremely small, so that cost can be reduced. For example, if only character information such as a date is to be printed, several to over ten light emitting elements are sufficient. Such a light emitting element array 320 is configured to move simultaneously with the mirror / lens unit 216.

As described above, the image on the liquid crystal panel 14 is scanned by the mirror / lens unit 216 and sequentially projected on the photosensitive film 26. At this time, the light emitting element array 320 also moves at the same time. Then, light is emitted corresponding to the position, and this one-dimensional image is projected on the photosensitive film 26 by the lens array 210 and the mirror 214. Thus, the additional information is exposed and recorded on the photosensitive film 26. According to this embodiment, the thickness of the entire device can be reduced.

[0071]

Other Embodiments There are many embodiments of the present invention, and various modifications can be made based on the above disclosure. For example, the following is also included. (1) A normal photographic film or photographic paper may be used as the photosensitive film, but a self-processing type instant film is preferable because it is easy to handle and a clear color image can be obtained. Also, the display on the liquid crystal display may be switched to negative or positive by inverting the image signal, and the image printed on the photosensitive film may be inverted.

(2) Depending on the liquid crystal display to which the printer is attached, the wavelength sensitivity characteristics between the display and the photosensitive film may not always match. In such a case, a filter for performing color temperature conversion may be disposed between the liquid crystal panel and the photosensitive film. A process of converting the color temperature by changing the balance of R, G, and B to the image signal given to the liquid crystal panel may be performed.

(3) The object to which the present invention is applied is preferably a liquid crystal monitor of a video camera or an electronic camera. Other examples include a television, a display of a car navigation or a personal computer, and a display of a portable information terminal. It is applicable to various things. As the liquid crystal panel, an ordinary liquid crystal panel used as a small and thin display or a viewfinder of a video movie can be applied.

(4) Instead of the light-shielding member provided in the embodiment of FIG. 16, the shutter may be driven in accordance with the scanning of the lens array or the mirror / lens unit. For example, a liquid crystal shutter is used as a shutter, and control is performed so that only the exposed portion of the lens array or the like is opened.

(5) In the above embodiment, the light emitting element array is used as the additional information display means, but a liquid crystal panel and a backlight may be used instead. Further, the additional information may be superimposed on the liquid crystal panel for image display.

[0076]

As described above, the present invention has the following effects. (1) Images displayed on various liquid crystal displays such as video cameras can be easily printed. (2) Compact, thin, lightweight, excellent in portability, and inexpensive. (3) It can be easily attached to and detached from the liquid crystal display, and the display section and the printer section can be used independently.

(4) Applicable to various liquid crystal displays. (5) The influence of the black stripe in the printed image can be reduced favorably. (6) Information such as various comments and dates can be easily added. (7) By adopting a configuration in which the optical image transmission means scans, the weight and thickness of the device can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a main cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the first embodiment. (A) is a diagram showing a removed state, and (B) is a diagram showing a mounted state.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an image forming state of an optical image transmitting unit according to the first embodiment. (A) is a diagram showing a state viewed from the side, and (B) is a diagram showing a state viewed obliquely.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a second embodiment. (A) is a diagram of an example of sliding, (B) is a diagram of an example of partial separation, and (C) is a diagram of an example of opening and closing.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a third embodiment. (A) is a diagram showing a mounted state, (B) is a diagram showing a removed state, and (C) is a diagram showing an example of sliding.

FIG. 6 is a main cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a fourth embodiment. (A)
1 is a schematic sectional view, and FIG. 1B is an enlarged sectional view of a main part.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing an appearance of a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a sixth embodiment; (A) is a main sectional view,
(B) is a plan view of the filter, and (C) is a view showing another example.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a seventh embodiment. (A) is a main sectional view,
(B) is an enlarged view of a main part.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a main part of an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing a main part of an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing a main part of an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing a main part of a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a main part of the tenth embodiment. (A) is a perspective view, and (B) and (C) are views of (A) viewed from arrows F14B and F14C, respectively.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view showing a main part of an eleventh embodiment. (A) is a perspective view, (B) and (C) are views of (A) viewed from arrows F15B and F15C, respectively.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a scanning unit according to an eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a main cross-sectional view illustrating a twelfth embodiment and a plan view illustrating a printed state.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a twelfth embodiment; (A) is a main sectional view, and (B) and (C) are views of (A) viewed from arrows F18B and F18C, respectively.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a main part of the twelfth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 48, 90, 100 Liquid crystal display 12, 102 Light source 14, 92, 104, 140 Liquid crystal panel 14A Liquid crystal surface 20, 50, 80, 110 Printer device 21 Output port 22 Optical image transmitting means 22A ... Rod lenses 24,56 ... Shutters 26,58,84,114 ... Photosensitive film 26A ... Film surfaces 28A, 28B ... Image 30 ... Printer main body 32 ... Film pack 40 ... Camera integrated VTR 42 ... Camera units 44,70 ... Imaging lens 46 Video signal recording / reproducing unit 52 Hood cover 54 Lens array 60 Flip-up mirror 62 Finder 72 Attachment 74 Subject 82, 86R, 86G, 86B, 104D Color filter 104A Driving board 104B Liquid crystal layer 104C: transparent electrode 104E, 1 12: Glass substrate 104F: Black stripe 106, 130: Micro lens array 120: Micro lens 132: Refractive index distributed lens array 134, 136: Arrow image 142: Reflection mirror 144: Pixel area 146: Diffusion plate 150: Micro prism 152 ... half mirror 154 ... total reflection mirror 160 ... polarizing plate 162 ... quartz plate 164 ... pixel 166A ... ordinary light 166B ... extraordinary light 170 ... polarization plane rotating plate 200, 210 ... lens array 200A ... rod lens 212, 214, 314 ... mirror 216 Mirror / lens part 220 Flange 222 Spring 224 Tube 226 Lever 228,238 Light shielding material 230 Belt 232,234 Gear 236 Motor 240,242 Guide 300,312,320 Light emitting element array

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. An optical image transmitting means for arranging a plurality of optical elements for image formation in a two-dimensional manner with an area corresponding to an optical image to be printed, thereby transmitting the optical image to be printed; A film having an area corresponding to the optical image to be printed, on which the optical image to be printed is printed; and shutter means for exposing the film for a predetermined time by the optical image to be printed. Printer device. 2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the object to be printed is a liquid crystal display. 3. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the light source of the liquid crystal display emits light for a predetermined time to function as the shutter unit. 4. An optical element constituting the optical image transmitting means is a lens array having an imaging magnification of 1 ×, and the liquid crystal display and the film are arranged in a conjugate relationship of 1: 1. The printer device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein 5. The printer device according to claim 2, wherein the printer device is detachable from the liquid crystal display. 6. The liquid crystal display according to claim 2, wherein said film is detachable from said liquid crystal display.
Or the printer device according to 4. 7. The printer device according to claim 2, further comprising a color temperature conversion unit considering a display image of the liquid crystal display and sensitivity characteristics of the film. 8. The liquid crystal display according to claim 2, wherein a flash light source is used as a light source.
The printer device according to 4, 5, 6, or 7. 9. An extendable hood cover for shielding external light and adjusting a distance between the liquid crystal display and the optical image transmitting means; checking a focus state between the liquid crystal display and the optical image transmitting means. 9. The printer device according to claim 2, further comprising: a focus confirmation unit for performing a focusing operation. 10. The liquid crystal display according to claim 2, wherein a basic image for each color is sequentially displayed, and a filter of a corresponding color is used for exposing the film in synchronization with the display. The printer device according to the above. 11. A liquid crystal display comprising a microlens array in which a plurality of microlenses corresponding to respective pixels of a display image are two-dimensionally arranged. 5,6,7,8,9 or 10
The printer device according to the above. 12. The liquid crystal display according to claim 2, further comprising a reflection mirror for reflecting light emitted from a pixel region corresponding to a black matrix of a filter of the liquid crystal display. The printer according to 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11. 13. The printer device according to claim 12, wherein a diffusion material is provided near the reflection mirror. 14. A half mirror that partially transmits light emitted from the pixel region of the filter of the liquid crystal display and partially reflects light toward the black matrix is provided for each pixel region. 5. A total reflection mirror for reflecting reflected light is provided corresponding to a black matrix.
The printer according to 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11. 15. An optical anisotropic member is provided between the liquid crystal display and the optical image transmitting means. Or 11
The printer device according to the above. 16. The printer device according to claim 15, wherein a polarization plane rotating unit is provided between the liquid crystal display and the refractive index anisotropic body. 17. A microlens array provided on the front surface side of a liquid crystal display and having a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged microlenses corresponding to each pixel of a display image of the liquid crystal display; A printer device comprising: a film having an area on which the display image is printed; and a transparent plate for maintaining a predetermined distance between the film and the microlens array. 18. The printer device according to claim 17, wherein the micro lens array forms an image on the film with an opening larger than an opening of a pixel on a liquid crystal display. 19. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an imaging lens for imaging the subject can be attached.
3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,1
The printer according to 3, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18. 20. The optical image transmitting means for transmitting a part of an optical image to be printed, and scanning means for scanning the optical image transmitting means with respect to the optical image. Terms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,
20. The printer according to claim 17, 18, or 19. 21. The optical image transmitting means includes a lens array whose optical axis direction is substantially parallel to the film surface, and a mirror for entering and exiting the lens array, and the lens array and the mirror move integrally. 21. The printer device according to claim 20, wherein the optical image is transmitted while being scanned. 22. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a two-dimensional additional information generating means for generating additional information.
2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,
22. The printer according to claim 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or 21. 23. A system according to claim 20, further comprising one-dimensional additional information generating means for generating additional information, and moving integrally with said optical image transmitting means.
The printer device according to the above.