JPH10268433A - Method for recording image - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restrain the lowering of the image quality of a recorded image caused by the deviation of an image formation point position by saving manpower for testing the lowering of the image quality of the recorded image associated with the deviation of the image formation point position of an image formation optical system. SOLUTION: A test print original image is plurally exposed on a photographic printing paper while the position of an exposing lens is moved by specified amount. The plural test print images visualized through such processing as developing are respectively image-picked up, and edges are extracted from the respective test print images. Next, the average values of the differential (density change value) on the extracted edges are respectively arithmetically calculated as the definition featured values of the respective test print images, relation between the position of the exposing lens and the definition featured value of the test print image is found based on the position of the exposing lens obtained when the respective test print images are exposed and the definition featured values of the respective test print images, and the exposing lens is moved to an optimum position where the definition featured value is maximum.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording method, and more particularly to a method of irradiating a recording material with a recording light modulated based on an image signal corresponding to an image to be recorded via an imaging optical system. And an image recording method for recording an image on a recording material.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an image recording apparatus for exposing and recording a film image photographed and recorded on a photographic film onto a recording material, for example, the recording material is irradiated with light transmitted through the film image. A film image is displayed on a liquid crystal panel based on image data (film image data) obtained by capturing a film image, and light transmitted through the liquid crystal panel is irradiated on a recording material. A film image is displayed on a CRT based on the film image data,
A type in which an image is recorded by irradiating light emitted from a CRT directly or through a spatial light modulator or the like to a recording material, or a light beam is modulated based on film image data, and the modulated light beam is applied to the recording material. 2. Description of the Related Art Devices having various configurations such as a type of recording an image by irradiation are conventionally known.

[0005] This type of image recording apparatus generally has a configuration in which recording light corresponding to an image to be recorded is formed on a recording material by an imaging optical system. However, the position of the image forming point of the image forming optical system may be deviated from the mounting position of each optical component due to, for example, variations in optical characteristics of each optical component constituting the image forming optical system, vibrations during transportation of the image recording apparatus, and the like. For example, there is a problem that the recording material is deviated from the recording material, and the image quality of the recorded image is degraded (so-called out-of-focus image) as the position of the imaging point of the imaging optical system is deviated. .

For this reason, conventionally, a predetermined image is recorded on a recording material by an image recording device, for example, at the time of factory shipment or maintenance and inspection, and whether or not the image recorded on the recording material is in focus is determined. The degree of out-of-focus is visually inspected, and when it is determined that the degree of out-of-focus is relatively large, adjustment of an optical system, replacement of optical parts, and the like have been performed. Therefore, the operation is very complicated, and it is difficult to completely eliminate the deterioration in the image quality of the recorded image due to the shift of the imaging point position of the imaging optical system.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned facts, and it is possible to save labor for examining the deterioration of the image quality of a recorded image due to the shift of the imaging point position of the imaging optical system. An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording method capable of suppressing a decrease in image quality of a recorded image.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image recording method, comprising: forming a recording light modulated on the basis of an image signal corresponding to an image to be recorded; An image recording method for irradiating a recording material via an optical system and recording an image on the recording material, wherein an image for verification is recorded on the recording material, and the recorded image for verification is imaged by an image pickup means. The sharpness of the test image thus detected is detected by a detection unit, and the position of the imaging point of the imaging optical system is changed based on the detected sharpness.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the test image is recorded on a recording material, the recorded test image is picked up by the image pickup means, and the sharpness of the picked up test image is detected by the detection means. I have. In addition, the detection of the sharpness of the test image by the detection means is, as described in claim 3 as an example, recorded on the recording material based on the result of imaging the test image recorded on the recording material. Tone values (density values, luminance values, etc.) at a plurality of predetermined parts on the test image
, And calculating the average value of the change in the gradation value in the plurality of predetermined portions as a feature amount representing the sharpness of the test image. As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the image quality deterioration of the recorded image due to the shift of the imaging point position of the imaging optical system is automatically detected as the sharpness of the test image by the imaging unit and the detection unit. Therefore, it is possible to save labor for examining the deterioration of the image quality of the recorded image due to the shift of the imaging point position of the imaging optical system.

If the position of the image forming point of the image forming optical system deviates greatly from the recording material, the sharpness of the detected test image becomes a low value less than a predetermined value. According to the invention, the position of the image forming point of the image forming optical system is changed based on the sharpness detected by the detecting means, so that the image forming point of the image forming optical system substantially coincides with the recording material and is recorded on the recording material. The imaging point position of the imaging optical system can be changed so that the sharpness of the obtained image is improved. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality of the recorded image due to the shift of the imaging point position of the imaging optical system.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the verification image is recorded on a recording material a plurality of times with the positions of the imaging optical systems being different from each other. The sharpness of the test image is detected by the detection means to determine the relationship between the position of the imaging optical system and the sharpness of the test image, and the target position of the imaging optical system is determined based on the obtained relationship. And setting the imaging optical system at the target position.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in a state where the positions of the imaging optical systems are different from each other, that is, in a state where the positions of the imaging points of the imaging optical system are respectively different, a plurality of test images are recorded on the recording material. It has been recorded twice, the sharpness of the recorded plurality of test images is detected by the detection means to determine the relationship between the position of the imaging optical system and the sharpness of the test image, based on the obtained relationship. The target position of the imaging optical system is determined.

The relationship between the position of the image forming optical system and the sharpness of the test image is determined by the position of the image forming optical system at each time when the test image is recorded a plurality of times and the position of the image recorded on the recording material. The sharpness of the test image recorded on the recording material can be obtained as a target position of the imaging optical system based on the obtained relationship by interpolation or the like. The position at which the maximum is reached can be determined. According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the imaging optical system is positioned at the target position, the imaging point position of the imaging optical system accurately matches the recording material, and the recorded image due to the deviation of the imaging point position. The imaging optical system can be adjusted so that the image quality degradation of the image is minimized.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a printer processor 10 to which the present invention is applied. In the printer processor 10, a work table 14 is provided on one end side of a casing 12, and a negative carrier 18 for setting a developed negative film 16 is set on the work table 14.

A paper magazine 20 which is detachably attached to the printer processor 10 and accommodates a layer of photographic paper 22 is mounted on an upper portion of the casing 12. The photographic paper 22 pulled out from the paper magazine 20 is carried into the casing 12 and the rollers 24, 2
After being conveyed substantially horizontally by 6, the conveyance direction is changed by 90 °, conveyed downward to reach the exposure position, and the image recorded on the negative film 16 is exposed by the printing unit 34 (see FIG. 2) described later. You. The photographic paper 22 on which the image has been exposed is conveyed by rollers 28, 30, and 32 and sent to a paper processor unit 36.

The paper processor section 36 includes a color developing section 38, a bleach-fix section 40, a rinsing section 42, and a drying section 44. Color developing section 38, bleach-fixing section 4
The rinsing unit 42 and the rinsing unit 42 have processing tanks for storing different processing solutions, respectively. The photographic paper 22 sent to the paper processor unit 36 is immersed in the color developing solution in the color developing unit 38 and developed. After being immersed in the bleach-fixing solution in the bleach-fixing section 40 and subjected to fixing processing, the rinsing section 42 is immersed in washing water to be washed, and then sent to the drying section 44 to be dried.

On the downstream side of the drying unit 44, the print image recorded on the photographic paper 22 is divided into a plurality of pieces, and R, G,
A CCD image scanner 46 for decomposing the light into each component color light B and measuring the light is provided. Note that the CCD image scanner 46 corresponds to the imaging means of the present invention. Drying section 4
The photographic paper 22 dried in 4 passes through the portion where the CCD image scanner 46 is provided, is sent to the cutter unit 48, cut by the cutter unit 48 for each image frame, and discharged out of the casing 12 as a photographic print. . Casing 1
The photographic prints discharged outside 2 are sorted by the sorter unit 50.

Next, the printing section 34 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the printer unit 34 includes the negative film 16.
A main exposure section 52 for printing and exposing the images recorded on the photographic paper 22 for each frame, and a sub-exposure section for printing and exposing a plurality of images recorded on one negative film 16 in a matrix on the photographic paper 22. 54.

As shown in FIG. 1, the main exposure section 52 includes an exposure light source 56 composed of a halogen lamp disposed below the negative carrier 18, and a C light source disposed between the light source 56 and the negative carrier 18. (Cyan), M (magenta), Y
(Yellow) three color correction filters (Color-Correcti
on Filter (hereinafter referred to as a CC filter) 58, a light diffusion box 60, an exposure lens 62, a shutter 64, and a reflection mirror 6 arranged in order above the negative carrier 18.
6 is provided. The light emitted from the light source 56 is CC
The negative film 16 is radiated through the filter 58 and the light diffusion box 60. The exposure lens 62 corresponds to the image forming optical system of the present invention.

The three CC filters 58 are moved forward and backward with respect to the exposure optical axis X of the main exposure section 52 by the CC filter control section 68. The light transmitted through the negative film 16 is
Reflection mirror 6 through exposure lens 62 and shutter 64
6, is reflected by the reflection mirror 66 and is irradiated on the printing paper 22. As a result, an image of one frame recorded on the negative film 16 is printed on the photographic paper 22 at a predetermined magnification.

The exposure lens 62 is movable along the exposure optical axis X, and is moved along the exposure optical axis X by a lens driver 104 (driving means). When the exposure lens 62 is moved along the exposure optical axis X, the position of the image forming point of the exposure light that passes through the exposure lens 62 and irradiates the printing paper 22 also moves along the exposure optical axis X.

As shown in FIG. 2, a half mirror 70 is provided between the negative carrier 18 and the exposure lens 62, and a part of the light transmitted through the negative film 16 is reflected by the half mirror 70. The light enters the photometric system 72. The photometric system 72 includes a photometric lens 74 and a half mirror 76 which are sequentially arranged on the reflected light emitting side of the half mirror 70, and CCD image scanners 78 and 80 which are respectively arranged on the light emitting side of the half mirror 76. ing. The light transmitted through the negative film 16 and reflected by the half mirror 70 is imaged on the light receiving surfaces of the CCD image scanners 78 and 80 by the photometric lens 74 and the half mirror 76, respectively. C
The CD image scanners 78 and 80 convert the incident light into R,
The light is separated into G and B component color lights and measured.

The CCD image scanner 78 is connected via a negative density measuring section 82 to a main control section 84 having a function as detecting means of the present invention. The main control unit 84 includes a microprocessor, and monitors and controls the entire printer processor 10. The main controller 84 includes an image signal processor 86, a CCD image scanner 46,
A keyboard 89 for the operator to input various commands and data, a CC filter control unit 68 and a lens driver 104 are connected, and an image signal processing unit 86
Are connected to a CCD image scanner 80, a display 88 such as a CRT, and an image memory 90 of the sub-exposure unit 54.

The sub-exposure section 54 includes three light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 92R and 9 for emitting R, G and B component color lights.
2G and 92B. LED92R, 92G, 9
2B is connected to the light source control unit 98 and the light source control unit 9
8 controls the operation. The LED 92R is provided on the exposure optical axis Y of the sub-exposure unit, and the dichroic mirrors 96A,
6B are provided in order. The lights emitted from the LEDs 92G and 92B are respectively dichroic mirrors 96A and 96A.
6B, the optical axis of the emitted light is changed to the exposure optical axis Y.
Is matched.

On the light exit side of the dichroic mirror 96B, a monochrome liquid crystal panel (LCD) 94 and an exposure lens 112 corresponding to the imaging optical system of the present invention are provided in this order on the exposure optical axis Y. The liquid crystal panel 94 is provided with a large number of display cells in a matrix, and the transmission density of each display cell changes continuously according to the magnitude of the applied voltage. The light emitted from the dichroic mirror 96B passes through the liquid crystal panel 94 and is imaged on the photographic paper 22 by the exposure lens 112.

The exposure lens 112 is movable along the exposure optical axis Y, and is moved along the exposure optical axis Y by the lens driver 106 (driving means). When the exposure lens 112 is moved along the exposure optical axis Y, the position of the image forming point of the exposure light that passes through the exposure lens 112 and irradiates the photographic paper 22 also moves along the exposure optical axis Y. LCD panel 9
Reference numeral 4 is connected to the LCD driver 100, and an image is displayed in a predetermined range on the display surface by changing the light transmittance of each display cell by the LCD driver 100.

The LCD driver 100 and the lens driver 106 include a microprocessor and the like. The sub-controller 102 monitors and controls the processing in the sub-exposure unit 54.
It is connected to the.

Next, as an operation of the present embodiment, an image forming point position adjusting process executed by the main control section 84 of the main exposure section 52 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The image point adjustment process is executed when the printer processor 10 is installed or when maintenance is performed.

In step 200, a message requesting the operator to set the negative film 16 on which the negative image for verification is recorded on the negative carrier 18 is displayed on the display 88 or the like, and whether or not the negative image for verification is set. Make a decision and wait until the decision is affirmative.

In this embodiment, as an example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, the entire surface of the image is composed of a plurality of lines parallel to each other in the X direction of FIG. 6 and arranged at regular intervals and a plurality of lines each parallel to the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction and arranged at regular intervals. It is divided into a number of rectangular areas in a grid pattern, and all pixels in each rectangular area have a constant density corresponding to white (lowest density) or black (lowest density), and the density of adjacent rectangular areas is An image (a so-called checkerboard image) in which the density change at the boundary of the rectangular area is equal to or larger than a predetermined value is used as the test image.

When the negative film 16 on which the test negative image is recorded is set on the negative carrier 18, step 2
00 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step 202, and the lens driver 104 controls the exposure lens 6 of the main exposure unit 52.
2 is moved to a predetermined position on the exposure optical axis X. In step 204, after the negative image for verification is positioned at the exposure position by the negative carrier 18, the light source 5
6 is turned on, the shutter 64 is opened for a predetermined time, and the test negative image positioned at the exposure position is exposed on the printing paper 22.

In step 206, it is determined whether the test negative image has been exposed on the photographic paper 22 a plurality of predetermined times. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 208, where the lens driver 104 controls the exposure lens 62 of the main exposure unit 52.
Is moved by a predetermined amount in a predetermined direction along the exposure optical axis X, the photographic paper 22 is transported by a predetermined amount, and the unexposed portion of the photographic paper 22 is positioned at the exposure position of the main exposure section 52, and then the process returns to step 204. Then, the above-described exposure of the negative image for inspection onto the printing paper 22 is performed again. Therefore, steps 204-2
By repeating step 08, the photographic paper 22 is repeatedly exposed to the inspection negative image positioned at the exposure position in a state where the exposure lenses 62 are located at different positions.

If the determination in step 206 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 210, where the negative image for verification positioned at the exposure position is read by the CCD image scanner 8 of the photometric system 72.
The image is separated into R, G, and B component colors by 0, and imaged.
In the next step 212, negative-positive conversion of test negative image data representing a test negative image obtained by imaging is performed, and then transferred to the image memory 90 of the sub-exposure unit 54 as test image data. Note that the test image data is composed of image data for each component color representing a density value for each component color (R, G, B) of the test image. Then, in the next step 214, the sub-control unit 102 of the sub-exposure unit 54 is instructed to expose the verification image.

As will be described later, when processing such as development is performed by the paper processor 36 on the photographic paper 22 on which the test image has been exposed, the test image exposed on the photographic paper 22 is visualized as a test print. Is done. Step 216
Then, it is determined whether or not the portion of the photographic paper 22 on which the test print is recorded has reached the imaging position of the CCD image scanner 46, and the process waits until the determination is affirmed.

On the other hand, in the previous step 214, the sub-exposure unit 54
When the sub-control unit 102 is instructed to expose the verification image, the sub-control unit 102 performs an imaging point position adjustment process for the sub-exposure unit (see FIG. 4). That is, in step 250, the lens driver 106 moves the exposure lens 112 of the sub-exposure unit 54 to a predetermined position on the exposure optical axis Y. In step 252, among the test image data for each component color transferred from the main exposure unit 52 and stored in the image memory 90, test image data of a predetermined color (for example, R) is fetched from the image memory 90. Output to LCD driver 100.

The LCD driver 100 changes the transmission density of each display cell by changing the voltage applied to each display cell of the liquid crystal panel 94 in accordance with the input test image data of the predetermined color, thereby changing the transmission density of each display cell. An image represented by the color test image data is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 94. The liquid crystal panel 94 according to the present embodiment is monochrome, and the image actually displayed on the liquid crystal panel 94 is a monochrome negative image corresponding to the test image data of a predetermined color.

In step 256, an exposure time t _i of a predetermined color is taken in. In the next step 258, an LED 92 (eg, LED 92R) for emitting light of a predetermined color corresponding to the image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 94 is set. Turn on. As a result, light of a predetermined color emitted from the LED 92 is irradiated on the liquid crystal panel 94, and light of the predetermined color transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 94 is irradiated on the printing paper 22. Step 2
At 60, it is determined whether or not the exposure time t _i has elapsed since the start of lighting of the LED 92 of the predetermined color, and the process waits until the determination is affirmed. If the determination is affirmative, in step 262, the LED 92 of the predetermined color is turned off. Thus, the exposure of the test image of the predetermined color onto the photographic paper 22 is completed.

In step 264, it is determined whether or not steps 252 to 264 have been performed for each of the R, G, and B colors. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 252, and the unprocessed colors (for example, G and B) stored in the image memory 90.
Steps 252 to 264 are repeated using the test image data. Thus, the test image shown in FIG. 6A is sequentially exposed on the photographic paper 22 for each component color.

If the determination in step 264 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 266, where it is determined whether or not the above-described exposure of the negative image for inspection on the photographic paper 22 has been performed a plurality of times. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 268, where the lens driver 106 controls the exposure lens 1 of the sub-exposure unit 54.
12 is moved by a predetermined amount in a predetermined direction along the exposure optical axis Y, the photographic paper 22 is conveyed by a predetermined amount, and the unexposed portion of the photographic paper 22 is positioned at the exposure position of the sub-exposure unit 54, and then to step 252. Return. Therefore, steps 252-2
By repeating 68, the test image is repeatedly exposed on the photographic paper 22 in the sub-exposure section 54 in a state where the exposure lenses 112 are located at different positions.

When the test image is exposed to the photographic paper 22 a plurality of times and the determination in step 266 is affirmative, in step 270 it is determined whether or not the sharpness of the test print image has been notified from the main exposure section 52. And waits until the determination is affirmed.

By the above-described processing, the photographic paper 22 on which the test image has been exposed by the main exposure section 52 and the sub-exposure section 54, respectively.
Is sent to the paper processor unit 36, and processing such as development is sequentially performed, and the exposed verification image is visualized as a test print image. When the portion of the photographic paper 22 where the test print image is recorded reaches the imaging position of the CCD image sensor 46, the determination in step 216 of the imaging point position adjustment processing shown in FIG. Transition.

In step 218, all test print images recorded on the photographic paper 22 are picked up by the CCD image sensor 46. In the next step 220, based on the image data obtained by imaging each test print image, the X direction and Y direction in FIG. A density change value along the direction is calculated, and a portion where the density change value is equal to or more than a predetermined value is extracted as an edge of the test print image for each test print image. As a result, edges of the test print image are detected from each test print image as shown in FIG. 6B, for example.

When an edge is detected from a test print image obtained by exposing the test image shown in FIG. 6A, a boundary between a large number of rectangular areas in the test image shown in FIG. All corresponding portions are detected as edges, and the detected edges are distributed in a straight line without interruption.However, depending on the finish of the test print image, all the portions corresponding to the boundaries are detected as edges. Not exclusively. Therefore, in FIG. 6B, the detected edges are indicated by broken lines.

In the next step 222, the average value of the differential value (density change value) at the detected edge (corresponding to the predetermined portion according to the third aspect) is calculated for each test print image as a feature value representing the sharpness. I do. The processing of steps 220 and 222 described above corresponds to the detecting means of the present invention. In step 224, among the sharpness feature amounts calculated for each test print image in step 222,
The sub-exposure unit 54 is notified of the sharpness feature amount of each of a predetermined number of test print images corresponding to the verification image that has been exposed a predetermined number of times in the sub-exposure unit 54.

In step 226, the sharpness characteristic amount of each of a predetermined number of test print images corresponding to the verification image exposed a predetermined number of times by the main exposure unit 52 and the verification image are exposed a predetermined number of times by the main exposure unit 52. Exposure lens 62 at each time
Based on the position, the relationship between the position of the exposure lens 62 of the main exposure section 52 and the sharpness feature amount of the test print image is estimated as shown by a broken line curve in FIG. 6C, for example.
This estimation can be performed by applying, for example, the least squares method or various statistical methods.

In the next step 228, step 226
Based on the relationship between the position of the exposure lens 62 and the sharpness feature amount of the test print image, the position (target position) of the exposure lens 62 when the sharpness feature amount of the test print image is maximum is calculated. For example, the relationship between the position of the exposure lens 62 and the sharpness feature amount of the test print image is shown in FIG.
Assuming that the relationship indicated by the broken line curve is shown in FIG. 6C, the exposure lens position (shown as “optimum position” in FIG. 6C) as the target position of the exposure lens 62 when the broken line curve is maximized. It will be calculated. Then, in the next step 230, the exposure lens 62 of the main exposure section 52 is moved to the target position calculated in step 228, and the process ends.

On the other hand, the sharpness feature amount of each of a predetermined number of test print images corresponding to the test image that has been exposed a predetermined number of times in the sub-exposure unit 54 is notified to the sub-exposure unit 54 by the processing of the previous step 224. Then, in the sub-control unit 102,
The determination in step 270 of the imaging point position adjustment processing of the sub-exposure unit is affirmed, and the process proceeds to step 272.

In step 272, the sharpness feature amount of each of a predetermined number of test print images corresponding to the verification image exposed a predetermined number of times by the sub-exposure unit 54 and the verification image are exposed a predetermined number of times by the sub-exposure unit 54. Based on the position of the exposure lens at each time, the sub-exposure unit 54
The relationship between the position of the exposure lens 112 and the sharpness feature amount of the test print image is estimated (for example, see the broken line curve in FIG. 6C).

In step 274, based on the relationship between the position of the exposure lens 112 obtained in step 272 and the sharpness feature of the test print image, the sharpness feature of the test print image is calculated in the same manner as in step 228. The position (target position) of the exposure lens 112 at the maximum is calculated, and in the next step 276, the exposure lens 112 of the sub-exposure unit 54 is moved to the target position calculated in step 274.

Next, a description will be given of the exposure processing of a normal print image performed by the main exposure section 52. When the negative film 16 on which the image to be printed is recorded is set on the negative carrier 18, the main exposure section 52 exposes the image on the negative film 16 to the photographic paper 22 as follows.

That is, when light emitted from the light source 56 and transmitted through the negative film 16 and further reflected by the half mirror 70 is incident on the CCD image scanners 78 and 80, the CCD image scanners 78 and 80 are incident. The light is decomposed into R, G, and B component color lights for photometry, and photometric data representing the photometric results are output. Negative density measuring unit 82
Calculates the image density (for example, LATD: integrated transmission density) recorded on the negative film 16 for each of R, G, and B colors based on the photometric data input from the CCD image scanner 78, and sends it to the main control unit 84. Output.

When the density data representing the image density of each of the R, G, and B of the negative film 16 is input from the negative density measuring section 82, the main control section 84 sets the standard exposure which is set and stored in advance by the condition setting work. By correcting the amount in accordance with the screen transmission density of the image represented by the input density data and the color balance of R, G, and B, the amount of exposure for printing the image of the negative film 16 on the photographic paper 22 is reduced. The obtained exposure amount is output to the image signal processing unit 86.

The image signal processing unit 86 converts the photometric data input from the CCD image scanner 80 into the negative film 1.
6 is converted into negative density data representing the transmission densities of R, G, and B of each pixel of the image 6, and the negative image data is converted to the main control unit 8.
Correction is performed in accordance with the exposure amount input from Step 4, and the corrected negative image data is subjected to negative-positive conversion. The image data obtained as described above is obtained by exposing the image on the negative film 16 to the photographic paper 22 at the input exposure amount, and processing the photographic paper 22 by the paper processor unit 36. A simulation image corresponding to a result of estimating (simulating) an image (normal print image) and represented by the image data (hereinafter, referred to as simulation image data) is displayed on the display 88.

When the simulation image is displayed on the display 88, the operator verifies the displayed simulation image, and if the simulation image is proper, gives information indicating the success of the verification, and if not, gives an instruction to correct the exposure. Information is input via the keyboard 89.
When the information instructing the correction of the exposure is input, the main control unit 84 corrects the exposure according to the input information, and outputs the corrected exposure to the image signal processing unit 86 again. As a result, a simulation image corresponding to the corrected exposure amount is displayed on the display 88.

When the information indicating the pass of the test is input, the main control unit 84 controls the operation of the shutter 64 based on the latest exposure amount output to the image signal processing unit 86, and sets the CC.
The position of each CC filter 58 is controlled via the filter control unit 68, and the image of the negative film 16 is printed on the photographic paper 22.

The photographic paper 22 on which the negative image has been printed by the above processing is processed by the paper processor unit 36, so that the printed negative image is visualized as a photographic print. The test image is moved to the target position (optimum position) where the sharpness feature amount of the test print image is maximized by the above-described image point adjustment process, and the print image is shifted due to the shift of the image point position of the exposure lens 62. Since the decrease in sharpness of the image is minimized, a photographic print with high sharpness and good image quality can be obtained.

The image signal processor 86 corrects the negative image data according to the exposure amount used for the above-described printing as described above, and converts the negative and positive values obtained by the negative-positive conversion.
The simulation image data for each of G and B is stored in the image memory 9.
Store to 0. Therefore, every time the image on the negative film 16 is printed on the photographic paper 22, the corresponding simulation image data is stored in the image memory 90.

As described above, when the main exposure section 52 exposes all the negative images recorded on one negative film 16 set on the negative carrier 18 to the photographic paper 22, the sub-exposure section In the sub-control unit 102 of 54, the exposure processing of the index print image on the photographic paper 22 (FIG. 5)
See).

That is, in step 300, the main exposure unit 5
R, G, and B simulation image data of a predetermined number of frames (for example, 5 frames) of the image transferred from No. 3 and stored in the image memory 90. In step 302, based on the captured simulation image data for the predetermined number of frames, index print image data representing an image (a part of the index print image) in which the images for the predetermined number of frames are reduced and arranged in a line are respectively stored in R. , G, and B for each color.

From step 304 onward, step 3
Step 254 of the above-described image forming point position adjustment processing of the sub-exposure unit using the index print image data of a predetermined color (for example, R) among the index print image data of each of the R, G, and B colors generated in step S02. Exposure of the index print image is performed in the same manner as in # 262. That is, in step 304, the index print image data of the predetermined color is output to the LCD driver 100.
Thus, the LCD driver 100 converts the image (monochrome image) represented by the input index print image data of the predetermined color into the liquid crystal panel 94 such that the arrangement direction of the image of the predetermined number of frames is along the width direction of the photographic paper 22. indicate.

In step 306, the exposure time t _{i for the} predetermined color
In the next step 308, LE for emitting light of a predetermined color corresponding to the image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 94
D92 (for example, LED92R) is turned on. As a result, light of a predetermined color emitted from the LED 92 is irradiated on the liquid crystal panel 94, and light of the predetermined color transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 94 is irradiated on the printing paper 22. In step 310, it is determined whether or not the exposure time t _i has elapsed since the lighting of the LED 92 of the predetermined color is started, and the process waits until the determination is affirmed. If the determination is affirmative, in step 312, the LED 92 of the predetermined color is turned off.

Thus, the exposure of the index print image of the predetermined color on the printing paper 22 is completed. Step 31
In step 4, steps 304 to 314 are performed for each of R, G, and B colors.
Is determined. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 304, where R,
The above processing is repeated using the index print image data of the unprocessed color (for example, G and B) among the index print image data generated for each of the G and B colors. As a result, the index print image composed of the predetermined number of frames from which the image data has been fetched in the previous step 300 is sequentially exposed for each of R, G, and B.

If the determination in step 314 is affirmative, it is determined in step 316 whether or not the exposure of the index image has been completed. If the determination is negative, step 31
After the photographic paper 22 has been conveyed by a predetermined amount in step 8, the process returns to step 300, and the above processing is repeated. When the exposure of the index print image for all the images on one negative film 16 is completed, the determination in step 168 is affirmed, and the process ends. The photographic paper 22 on which the index print image has been exposed by the above processing is processed by the paper processor unit 36, thereby completing an index print 120 as shown in FIG. 7 as an example.

The target position (optimum position) of the exposure lens 112 of the sub-exposure unit 54 at which the sharpness feature amount of the test print image is maximized by the above-described process of adjusting the imaging point position of the sub-exposure unit. , And the decrease in the sharpness of the print image due to the displacement of the image forming point of the exposure lens 112 is minimized, so that the index print 120 with high sharpness and good image quality can be obtained.

In the above description, the average value of the differential value at the edge portion detected from the test print image is used as the characteristic value representing the sharpness. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to apply an acutance or the like which is a physical quantity representing. In the acutance, the points A and B are arranged along the predetermined direction at predetermined intervals across the edge with respect to the edge where the density value greatly changes along the predetermined direction.
Set point, the concentration D _A at point A, the concentration of D _B at the point B, the density difference of the next fit section when divided into n sections by the distance Δx between the points A and B ΔD Is defined by the following equation.

[0064]

(Equation 1)

In the above description, the entirety of the test image shown in FIG. 6A is exposed to the unexposed portion of the photographic paper 22 by transporting the photographic paper 22 each time while changing the position of the exposure lens. The sub-exposure unit 54 is not limited to
In, for example, a part of the test image (for example, a part corresponding to the area A) is displayed on a part of the display surface of the liquid crystal panel 94 (for example, the area A shown in FIG. The remaining portion (for example, the region B to the region F shown in FIG. 8A) has the highest density (black solid display, the photographic paper 22 corresponding to the remaining portion) so that light does not pass through.
The exposure may be performed in a state where the predetermined portion has an exposure amount of 0). In the subsequent exposure, the position of the exposure lens is changed, and a portion of the test image (for example, the region B shown in FIG. B) is displayed, and the remaining portions on the display surface (for example, region A, region C to region F in FIG. 8A) are exposed at the highest density, and this is repeated. Can be.

A slit image is used as an image for verification, and exposure is performed so that the longitudinal direction of the slit image is orthogonal to the transport direction of the photographic paper 22 as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the photographic paper 22 may be transported by a small amount corresponding to the width direction of the slit image, and exposure of the inspection image may be performed by repeating exposure of the slit image again.

Further, in the above description, the present invention relates to an image recording apparatus (main exposure section 52) for recording an image by irradiating light transmitted through a film image onto the photographic paper 22, displaying an image on a liquid crystal panel 94, The case where the present invention is applied to an image recording apparatus (sub-exposure unit 54) that records an image by irradiating the photographic printing paper 22 with light transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 94 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, an image recording apparatus that records an image by directly irradiating an image displayed on a CRT with light emitted from the CRT, or by irradiating a recording material via a spatial light modulation element or the like, It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to an image recording apparatus or the like which records an image by scanning a light beam modulated by a laser beam on a recording material.

In the above description, the verification image data used for exposing the verification image in the sub-exposure unit 54 is stored in the main exposure unit 5.
Although the negative image for verification positioned at the second exposure position is obtained by imaging, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image data for verification may be fixedly stored in a memory or the like in advance.

In the above description, the position of the exposure lens 62 (the position of the image forming point of the exposure light that passes through the exposure lens 62 and irradiates the printing paper 22) is moved by the lens driver 104, and the position of the exposure lens 112 (the exposure A case has been described in which the lens driver 106 moves the position of the image forming point of the exposure light that passes through the lens 112 and irradiates the photographic paper 22 with the lens driver 106. However, the present invention is not limited to this. May be moved or operations such as replacement of optical components may be performed. If the present invention is applied, in the above case, it is not necessary to visually check whether or not the subject is in focus and the degree of the focus shift, and thus the recorded image accompanying the shift of the imaging point position of the imaging optical system is eliminated. In this case, it is possible to save the labor required to check the image quality.

Further, in the above, the image to be recorded on the recording material has been described by taking a film image recorded on a negative film as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other images such as a reversal film may be used. Image represented by a film image, an image recorded on paper or the like (image of a reflection original), or an image represented by image data of an image file recorded on another recording medium or image data created by a computer or the like Can be applied as an original image. As for the recording medium, in addition to photosensitive materials such as photographic paper, recording materials such as plain paper, heat-sensitive materials, and OHP sheets can be applied.

[0071]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the test image is recorded on a recording material, the test image is picked up by the image pickup means, and the sharpness of the picked test image is detected. And the position of the imaging point of the imaging optical system is changed based on the detected sharpness. In addition, there is an excellent effect that it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality of the recorded image due to the shift of the imaging point position.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a verification image is recorded on a recording material a plurality of times with the positions of the imaging optical systems being different from each other, and the sharpness of the plurality of recorded verification images is detected. The relationship between the position of the imaging optical system and the sharpness of the test image is determined by detecting each, and the target position of the imaging optical system is determined based on the obtained relationship.
The imaging point optical system can be adjusted such that the imaging point position of the imaging optical system accurately matches the recording material, and the image quality of the recorded image is minimized due to the deviation of the imaging point position of the imaging optical system. ,
It has the effect of.

[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 schematic configuration of a main exposure unit and a sub exposure unit of the printer processor.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an imaging point position adjustment process performed by a main exposure unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a sub-exposure unit imaging point position adjustment process performed by the sub-exposure unit;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an index image exposure process performed by a sub-exposure unit.

6A is a plan view showing a test image, FIG. 6B is a conceptual diagram showing an edge detection result with respect to a test print image, and FIG. 6C is an estimation result of a relationship between an exposure lens position and a sharpness feature amount. It is a diagram showing an example of.

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating an example of an index print.

FIG. 8A is a conceptual diagram for explaining another exposure method for a test image, and FIG. 8B is a plan view of a photographic paper showing another example of the test image.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 printer processor 46 CCD image scanner 52 main exposure section 54 sub-exposure section 62 exposure lens 84 main control section 102 sub-control section 104 lens driver 106 lens driver 112 exposure lens

Claims (3)

[Claims] An image recording method for irradiating a recording material via a focusing optical system with recording light modulated based on an image signal corresponding to an image to be recorded, and recording the image on the recording material. Recording the verification image on a recording material, causing the recorded verification image to be imaged by an imaging unit, detecting the sharpness of the captured verification image by a detection unit, and based on the detected sharpness. An image recording method, wherein an image forming point position of the image forming optical system is changed. 2. The test image is recorded on a recording material a plurality of times with the positions of the imaging optical systems being different from each other, and the sharpness of the recorded test images is each determined by the detection means. Detect and determine the relationship between the position of the imaging optical system and the sharpness of the test image, determine the target position of the imaging optical system based on the determined relationship, and position the imaging optical system at the target position 2. The image recording method according to claim 1, wherein: 3. A method for detecting the sharpness of an image for verification by said detecting means, comprising: detecting a plurality of predetermined images on the image for verification recorded on a recording material based on a result of capturing the image for verification recorded on the recording material; The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a change in a tone value in each of the portions is obtained, and an average value of the change in the tone values in the plurality of predetermined portions is obtained as a feature amount representing the sharpness of the test image. The image recording method according to claim 2.