JPH10268444A - Light source adjusting method of image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the light source adjusting method of an image recorder capable of recording an image of high quality, even in a transmissible original with any density. SOLUTION: At the time of executing initialization, the image of a reference negative is fetched (200), the fetched image is displayed on a monitor (202) and waiting for an operator to input a correction value for a filter insertion position or the fact for showing the completion of adjustment is attained (204). When the input is not for the fact for showing the completion of the adjustment, the adjustment by the shift of the filter insertion position is made (208). When the input is for the fact for showing the completion of the adjustment, the filter insertion position and density at this time are stored (210). At the time of preparing an index print, the density of a negative film is measured and the filter insertion position is set on the basis of the measured density and the density of the reference negative and the filter insertion position which are stored at the time of executing the initialization.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for adjusting a light source of an image recording apparatus, and more particularly, to an image recording method for recording an image based on transmitted light of an image recorded on a transparent original such as a photographic film. The present invention relates to a method for adjusting a light source of an apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an index printer for creating an index print has been known as an image recording apparatus for recording an image of a transparent original such as a photographic film. The index print created by the index printer is printed with the frames arranged in a matrix so that it is possible to easily search what kind of photograph is taken on one developed film. In an index printer capable of creating such an index print, a liquid crystal panel is applied as an image display means, and is displayed on a display surface of the liquid crystal panel based on image data for a plurality of image frames recorded on a photographic film. ,
At the same time, it is printed on photographic paper as an image smaller than a normal print.

In such a conventional index printer, image data is obtained by imaging a transparent original, and image processing is performed on the image data to improve image quality. Index prints.

[0004]

However, in the above-described conventional image recording apparatus, the quality of index print is ensured only by image processing on image data. There has been a problem that it is difficult to create uniformly high-quality index prints.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a method of adjusting a light source of an image recording apparatus capable of recording a high quality image on a transparent original of any density. The purpose is to provide.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for adjusting a light source of an image recording apparatus, comprising the steps of: applying light emitted from a light source capable of adjusting the amount of emitted light and color temperature to a document set at a predetermined position; A method for adjusting the light source of an image recording apparatus that irradiates, captures the image of the document with light transmitted through the document, acquires image data, and records an image of the document on a recording material based on the acquired image data. Setting a reference document at the predetermined position, displaying an image of the reference document based on image data obtained from the reference document set at the predetermined position, and setting the light source so that the amount of emitted light and the color temperature change. Controlling the light quantity and color temperature of the emitted light to correspond to the density of the reference document, obtaining the reference values of the light quantity and color temperature for a plurality of reference documents having different densities, and the document to be recorded on the recording material. of A degree, and the reference value, based on to determine the amount of light and color temperature of the illumination light to the document to be recorded on the recording material.

In the method for adjusting a light source of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention, an image of a reference document is displayed based on image data obtained from a reference document set at a predetermined position.
Therefore, the operator can determine whether or not the amount of light emitted from the light source and the color temperature are appropriate based on the density, color, and the like of the displayed image.

When the image of the reference document is displayed, the light source is controlled so as to change the amount of light and the color temperature of the emitted light applied to the reference document in accordance with an instruction from the operator (this allows the emitted light to be changed). Are adjusted to optimal values for the reference document (or a document having the same density as the reference document), and after the control (after adjustment), the light amount and the color temperature of the emitted light are adjusted to the density of the reference document. Correspondingly obtained as a reference value.

By performing the above processing on a plurality of reference documents having different densities, a plurality of reference values corresponding to the plurality of reference documents can be obtained.

Then, based on the density of the document to be recorded on the recording material and the reference values of the respective reference documents obtained as described above, the light quantity and color temperature of the light irradiated on the document to be recorded on the recording material are determined. It is determined.

As described above, the light quantity and color temperature of the irradiation light to the original to be recorded on the recording material are determined based on the density, light quantity and color temperature of a plurality of reference originals having different densities from the density of the original. Therefore, it is possible to record a high-quality image of the same density as that of the adjusted reference document, regardless of the density of the document. Note that the density of each reference original used in the adjustment is usually constant, and the constant density may be applied.However, in consideration of a change such as fading of the reference original, it is better to detect the density at each adjustment. preferable.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for adjusting a light source of an image recording apparatus, the method comprising: irradiating a document set at a predetermined position with light emitted from a light source capable of adjusting a light amount and a color temperature of emitted light;
A method of adjusting a light source of an image recording apparatus that captures an image of the original with light transmitted through the original to acquire image data, and records an image of the original on a recording material based on the acquired image data; At least one of the light amount and the color temperature of the light emitted from the light source is set such that the light amount of each component color transmitted through a predetermined portion on the reference original is within a predetermined range. Is changed, the light amount and color temperature of the emitted light when the light amount for each of the component colors is within the predetermined range respectively correspond to the density of the reference document, and a plurality of reference documents having different densities are used. On the other hand, a reference value of the light amount and the color temperature is obtained, and based on the density of the document to be recorded on the recording material and the reference value, the light amount and the color temperature of the light applied to the document to be recorded on the recording material are determined. decide.

In the method for adjusting a light source of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention, the light amount of each component color transmitted through a predetermined portion of the reference document is different for each of the plurality of reference documents having different densities. At least one of the light quantity and the color temperature of the emitted light is changed (adjusted) so as to be within a predetermined range, and the light quantity and the color temperature of the emitted light at the end of the adjustment correspond to the density of the reference document. Is obtained. Thereafter, the light quantity and color temperature of the emitted light to the document to be recorded on the recording material are determined from the density of the document based on the reference values (density, light quantity and color temperature) of each of the reference documents. In addition, the light amount for each component color used in the above adjustment may be directly detected and used for each component color of the transmitted light, or may be proportional to the light amount for each component color of the transmitted light. The transmission density for each component color may be detected and used.

As described above, the light quantity and color temperature of the irradiation light on the document to be recorded on the recording material are determined based on the density, light quantity and color temperature of a plurality of reference documents having different densities from the density of the document. Therefore, in the same manner as in the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform high-quality image recording on the same level as the adjusted image quality of the reference original, regardless of the density of the original. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation light of the reference document can be automatically adjusted based on the determination as to whether or not the light amount of each component color transmitted through the predetermined portion is within the predetermined range. In addition, the adjustment time can be shortened, and at the same time, human errors such as a judgment error and an operation error at the time of adjustment can be eliminated, and labor can be saved.

It is preferable that the predetermined portion on the reference document in the method for adjusting the light source of the image recording apparatus according to the second aspect is a portion corresponding to a gray area on the reference document.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, an embodiment in which a method for adjusting a light source of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a printer processor for producing a main print and a sub print of a photographic film will be described. explain.

[First Embodiment] As shown in FIG. 1, a printer processor 10 has a casing 12
Printer section 58 as an image recording apparatus for exposing the main print and the sub print to photographic paper.
And a processor unit 72 for performing color development, bleach-fixing, washing, and drying processes on the exposed photographic paper.

A work table 14 projecting from the casing 12 (to the left in FIG. 1) is installed in the printer section 58. On the upper surface of the work table 14, a negative film 16 as a document is set. Negative carrier 18,
And a keyboard 15 for an operator to input commands, data, and the like.

Below the work table 14, a main exposure light source section 36 as a light source of the present invention is provided. A light source 38 is provided in the main exposure light source unit 36.
A color correction filter (hereinafter referred to as Color-Correction) so that the light emitted from the light source irradiates the negative film 16 set on the negative carrier 18 located on the work table 14.
Filter: a CC filter) 40 and a diffusion tube 42 are arranged in this order. The CC filter 40 includes C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) filters, each of which operates under the control of the CC filter control unit 39 (see FIG. 2). It can appear on the optical axis of the reflected light. The amount of light and the color temperature of light applied to the negative film 16 can be changed by changing the insertion positions of the C, M, and Y filters of the CC filter 40.

Above the negative carrier 18 (upper side in FIG. 1), an arm 44 is provided.
A main exposure optical system 46 and a sub print unit 22 for exposing a sub print such as an index print are provided.

In the main exposure optical system 46, a half mirror 43, an exposure lens 48 for changing the exposure magnification, a black shutter 50, and a mirror 51 are arranged in this order from the light emission side of the negative film. The image is formed on a photographic paper 54 as a recording material set in the exposure chamber 52.

The upper right side of the arm 44 and the casing 12
A mounting section 60 is provided at a corner with respect to the upper surface of the printer. A paper magazine 64 that winds and stores the photographic paper 54 in a layer on a reel 62 is mounted on the mounting section 60. A roller pair 66 is disposed near the mounting section 60, and transports the printing paper 54 to the exposure chamber 52 in a horizontal state while sandwiching the printing paper 54.

In the exposure chamber 52, rollers 67 and 68 are further arranged, and the photographic paper 54 on which the image of the negative film 16 is printed in the exposure chamber 52 is supplied with the rollers 66, 67 and 6.
8 and conveyed to a processor unit 72 described later.

The processor section 72 includes a color developing processing tank 74 storing a color developing processing liquid, a bleach-fixing processing tank 76 storing a bleach-fixing processing liquid, and a plurality of rinsing processing tanks storing a washing processing liquid. 78 are provided, and the photographic paper 5
4 passes through each of the tanks in order, so that color development, bleach-fixing,
Each process of washing is performed. The photographic paper 54 having been subjected to the water-washing process is conveyed and subjected to a drying process in a drying unit 80 adjacent to the rinsing process tank 78.

The printing paper 54 is sandwiched between a pair of rollers (not shown), and is discharged from the drying unit 80 at a constant speed after the drying process is completed. A cutter unit 84 is provided downstream of the drying unit 80, and the photographic paper 54 is cut for each image frame by a cutter (not shown), and is discharged to the sorter unit 92.
In the sorter unit 92, sorting and predetermined verification work are performed. After the defective work such as so-called out-of-focus is removed by this inspection work, the normal photographic print is returned to the customer together with the negative film.

As shown in FIG. 2, the half mirror 43
A light-measuring lens 45 and a half mirror 47 for changing the magnification of the light-measuring image are sequentially arranged on the emission side of the light reflected by. The photometric lens 45 is fixed at a predetermined magnification in the present embodiment.

In the direction in which light is reflected by the half mirror 47, a scanner 108 constituted by an image sensor or the like is used.
Are arranged, and the scanner 108
An image signal processing unit 102 for performing a predetermined image processing on the image data of each frame of the negative film 16 read by the above is connected.

A monitor 104 is connected to the image signal processing unit 102, and the monitor 104 is connected to the negative film 16.
For each frame image, a simulation image of a print when produced based on the set conditions is displayed. Further, the image signal processing unit 102 is connected to an image memory 106 for storing image data.
The image signal processing unit 102 stores image data of each frame of the negative film 16 read by the scanner 108 in the image memory 10.
6 is stored.

On the other hand, on the emission side of the light transmitted through the half mirror 47, a negative density measuring section 56 for measuring the image density of each frame of the negative film 16 is provided. A scanner 56B composed of an image sensor and the like, and a negative density measuring device 5 for measuring the image density of each frame of the negative film 16 read by the scanner 56B.
6A. This negative concentration measuring instrument 56
A is connected to the main control unit 20.

A main controller 20 for controlling and monitoring the entire printer processor 10 is installed below the exposure chamber 52 (see FIG. 1). The main control unit 20 includes a CP (not shown).
U, RAM, ROM, input / output controller and the like. The main control unit 20 includes a CC filter control unit 3
9, a negative density measuring unit 56A, an image signal processing unit 102, and a sub-control unit 23, which will be described later, are connected to monitor and control the operation of each of these components.

The above description relates to the exposure system relating to the main exposure section. In the present embodiment, in addition to the main exposure section, index printing is performed based on image data stored in the image memory 106 in advance. The exposure system of the sub print unit 22 to be created is mounted.

The sub-printing unit 22 includes a light emitting diode (hereinafter, referred to as RL) that emits red light as an index image exposing light source 26 that is operated and controlled by a light source control unit 24.
ED) 26A, a light emitting diode (hereinafter, referred to as G-LED) 26B that emits green light, and a light emitting diode (hereinafter, referred to as B-LED) 26C that emits blue light.
Is provided. Each diode is a G-LED 26B
And the emission light from the B-LED 26C are arranged by the dichroic mirror 28 so as to coincide with the exposure optical axis X of the emission light from the R-LED 26A.

On the downstream side of the exposure optical axis X by the light source 26,
A liquid crystal panel 31 is provided. A mirror 30 is disposed in a position near the liquid crystal panel 31 which does not affect an image, and a light source light amount sensor 29 is disposed in a reflection direction. The light source light quantity sensor 29 is for measuring the light quantity of the light emitted from the light source.

The liquid crystal panel 31 has a large number of liquid crystal elements arranged regularly, and transmits light in, for example, 256 levels (corresponding to gradation) in accordance with a signal from a connected liquid crystal panel driver 32. It is possible to do.

The liquid crystal panel 31 is a liquid crystal panel driver 3
2 is connected to the sub-control unit 23. The sub-control unit 23 is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an input / output controller, and the like.
The image memory 106 is connected.

The sub-controller 23 reads out the image data of each frame of the negative film 16 stored in the image memory 106 and forms index image data for determining the amount of transmitted light of the liquid crystal panel 31 based on the image data. ing. A predetermined number of frames of one formed index image data, for example, five frames (one column)
The image corresponding to the image data of
A signal corresponding to the transmission state of each liquid crystal element is output to the liquid crystal panel driver 32. As a result, the liquid crystal panel driver 32 controls the transmission state of each liquid crystal element according to this signal, and displays an image corresponding to the liquid crystal panel 31.

At a position on the emission side of the liquid crystal panel 31 which does not affect the image, a mirror 34 is arranged, and a transmitted light amount sensor 33 is arranged in the reflection direction. Transmitted light sensor 3
Numeral 3 is for measuring the amount of light transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 31.

On the emission side of the liquid crystal panel 31, an exposure lens 35 whose magnification can be changed is arranged, and the transmission image of the liquid crystal panel 31 is printed by the exposure lens 35 on the photographic paper 54.
An image is formed thereon at a predetermined magnification.

The sub-control unit 23 further includes a light source control unit 24, a light source light amount sensor 29, and a transmitted light amount sensor 33.
Is connected. The sub control unit 23 includes the light source light sensor 2
The light amount of each component of the light source 26 is corrected by the light source control unit 24 by calculating an appropriate light amount correction amount based on the light amount value of each of the R, G, and B colors measured in Step 9. Similarly, the sub-control unit 23 controls the liquid crystal panel driver 32 based on the transmitted light amount value measured by the transmitted light amount sensor 33 to adjust the density of the image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 31 so as to obtain an appropriate transmitted light amount. I do.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. First, the operation when creating the main print will be described.

Printer section 58 of printer processor 10
Now, the negative film 16 that records the image to be printed
Is set on the negative carrier 18 and transmitted through the negative film 16 by the light source 38. The density of the image of the negative film 16 formed by the light transmitted through the negative film 16 is measured by the negative density measuring unit 56. Based on the measured image density of the negative film 16, the main control unit 20 sets appropriate exposure conditions (for example, the insertion amount of each filter of the CC filter 40). The image of the negative film 16 is printed on a predetermined printing area of the photographic paper 54 based on the set exposure conditions. Baked photographic paper 54
Are conveyed to the processor unit 72 and subjected to color development, bleach-fixing, and washing. The photographic paper 54 that has been subjected to the water-washing process is conveyed to the drying unit 80, and is subjected to a drying process using high-temperature air. The dried photographic paper 54 is conveyed to the cutter unit 84,
The image is cut for each image frame by a cutter (not shown) to form a photo print. Then, the photographic prints are discharged to the sorter unit 92 and sorted in the sorter unit 92.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an initialization program executed by the main control unit 20 prior to the creation of an index print. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a control program executed by the main control unit 20 when an index print is created. It is a flowchart. Next, the operation of creating an index print will be described with reference to FIGS.

In this embodiment, four types of densities, that is, an under-reference negative (hereinafter referred to as a U-reference negative) corresponding to four types of densities, ie, under, normal, over, and over-over, respectively, in ascending order of density, and a normal A reference negative (hereinafter, referred to as N reference negative), an over reference negative (hereinafter, referred to as O reference negative), and an over over reference negative (hereinafter, referred to as Oo reference negative) are used as reference manuscripts. It is prepared in advance. As shown in FIG. 5, a doll image 402, a tree image 404, and a Macbeth chart 406 are drawn on each reference negative 400 at a density corresponding to each density.

First, with reference to FIG. 3, description will be given of initial settings when creating an index print. Note that this initial setting is executed in a state where the reference negative is set on the negative carrier 18 by the apparatus operator and the light source 38 is turned on. The light transmitted through the reference negative set on the negative carrier 18 enters the scanner 108 and the scanner 56B.

First, in step 200, the scanner 10
8, the image data of one type of reference negative previously selected by the apparatus operator from the four types of reference negatives is captured. In the next step 202, the reference negative image represented by the image data captured in step 200 is converted into an image. The information is displayed on the monitor 104 via the signal processing unit 102. In the present embodiment, the U reference negative is previously selected by the apparatus operator and set on the negative carrier 18, and this image is displayed on the monitor 104.

When the U reference negative image is displayed on the monitor 104, at step 204, the CC
An input is waited for indicating that the adjustment amount of the insertion position of each filter of the filter 40 or the correction position of the insertion position of each filter of the CC filter 40 of the U reference negative image displayed on the monitor 104 has been corrected. At this time, the equipment operator
It is determined whether or not the density, color, etc. of the image of the U reference negative displayed on the monitor 104 is of a predetermined quality. If the quality is not of the predetermined quality, a filter insertion position that approximates the predetermined quality is determined. The correction amount is input using the keyboard 15, and when the quality is at a predetermined level, an adjustment end key (not shown) on the keyboard 15 is pressed. The main control unit 20 monitors the state of the keyboard 15, and when the correction amount of the filter insertion position or the adjustment end key is input,
If the determination in step 204 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 206.

When the correction amount of the filter insertion position or the adjustment end key is input by the apparatus operator, step 2 is executed.
In step 06, it is determined whether or not the input in step 204 is the adjustment end key. If not, the process proceeds to step 208 assuming that the correction amount of the filter insertion position has been input, and proceeds to step 208. The insertion position of each filter by the amount of position correction is determined by the CC filter
After moving through step 9, return to step 200. on the other hand,
If the result of the determination in step 206 is that the key input in step 204 is the adjustment end key, the process proceeds to step 210. That is, until the apparatus operator inputs the adjustment end key, the adjustment of the U reference negative image by moving the filter insertion position in steps 200 to 208 is repeatedly performed. During the adjustment work of the U-reference negative image, the image is repeatedly captured and displayed on the monitor 104 in steps 200 and 202, and the apparatus operator inserts each filter of the CC filter 40. The adjustment operation can be performed while sequentially referring to the change in the U reference negative image accompanying the movement of the position.

The U on the monitor 104 is adjusted by adjusting the insertion position of each filter of the CC filter 40 by the apparatus operator.
When the adjustment of the reference negative image is completed, in step 210, the insertion position of each filter of the CC filter 40 at that time and the density (average transmission density) obtained by the negative density measuring device 56A are stored in the RAM in the main control unit 20. It is stored in a predetermined area.

When the insertion positions and the densities of the respective filters of the CC filter 40 are stored, in step 212, all of the four types of reference negatives are subjected to steps 200 to 2
It is determined whether or not the process of step 10, ie, the process of adjusting the reference negative image displayed on the monitor 104 and the process of storing the density and filter insertion position at the end of the adjustment have been completed. At this stage, only the processing for the U reference negative has been completed, so the flow proceeds to step 214.

In step 214, the apparatus operator waits for setting of a reference negative. At this time, the apparatus operator removes the U reference negative set on the negative carrier 18 at this time and sets one of the reference negatives other than the U reference negative, in this embodiment, the N reference negative on the negative carrier 18. Then, a set end key (not shown) on the keyboard 15 is pressed. The main control unit 20 monitors the state of the set end key. When the set end key is pressed, the determination in step 214 is affirmed, the process returns to step 200, and the N reference negative set in the negative carrier 18 is set. Are performed from step 200 to step 210.

Thereafter, similarly, after the processes of steps 200 to 210 are sequentially performed on the remaining O-reference negative and Oo-reference negative, the determination in step 212 is affirmed, and the process proceeds to step 216.

At step 216, the image of the reference negative set at that time on the negative carrier 18, in this embodiment, the Oo reference negative, is captured and stored in the image memory 106 via the image signal processing unit 102.

In the next step 218, an instruction signal to create an index print using the image data stored in the image memory 106 in step 216 is output to the sub control unit 23.

When the sub-control unit 23 receives an instruction signal from the main control unit 20 to create an index print, it reads out image data from the image memory 106 and reads out the blue component of the image data (hereinafter referred to as a blue image). ) Is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 31 so that the blue image is formed on the photographic paper 54, and the B-LED 26C is turned on. Thus, the photographic paper 54 is exposed to the blue image of the image data. Thereafter, similarly, the red component (red image) and the green component (green image) of the image data are also displayed on the liquid crystal panel 31, and the corresponding light sources 26
The image of each component is overlaid on the photographic paper 54 and exposed to produce an index print.

When the index print is created, in step 220, the density of the index print created in step 218 is measured by a paper density measuring unit (not shown) provided at the most downstream position of the processor unit 72, and in the next step 222 Then, based on the density of the index print measured in step 220,
The exposure time of the light source 26 is determined, and in the next step 224, the exposure time of the light source 26 determined in step 222 is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM in the main control unit 20, and the initialization program ends.

The description of the initial settings for creating an index print is now complete, and the operation at the time of creating an index print will now be described with reference to FIG. Prior to this, a negative film is set on the negative carrier 18 by an apparatus operator.

First, in step 300, an image of a negative film to be printed as an index print is captured by the scanner 56B, and the density of the negative image is measured by the negative density measuring device 56A.

In the next step 302, the CC filter 4
The insertion position of each filter of 0 is determined. At this time, the insertion position of each filter refers to the filter insertion position and the density of each of the four types of reference negative images stored in the predetermined area of the RAM in the main control unit 20 in step 210 in FIG. Then, from the density of the negative film obtained in step 300, the filter insertion position at the corresponding density of each reference negative image is determined by interpolation calculation.
For example, when the density of the negative image is the central value between the density of the U-reference negative and the density of the N-reference negative, each of the insertion position of each filter of the U-reference negative and the insertion position of each filter of the N-reference negative. The center position is determined so as to be the insertion position of each filter. In addition, the relationship between the negative density and the filter insertion position is obtained by the least square method or the like from the density of the four types of reference negative images and the filter insertion position, and the relationship between the negative density and the filter insertion position and the density of the negative image The insertion position of each filter may be determined based on

When the insertion position of each filter is determined by the above method, the density of the portion corresponding to the background in the negative image is extremely lower or higher than the density of the portion corresponding to the main subject. Or flash photography and backlight photography, respectively, the image is decomposed by a scanner so that the portion corresponding to the main subject is properly printed based on the position and density distribution information. After the density of the negative image is corrected for convenience, the filter insertion position is determined based on the density of the corrected negative image, the density of the reference negative image, and the filter insertion position.

In the next step 304, the C value determined in step 302 via the CC filter
The respective filters are moved to the insertion positions of the respective filters of the C filter 40 (the light amount and the color temperature of the light irradiated to the negative image are adjusted to optimal values according to the density of the negative image), and In step 306, the image data of the negative film is captured. In the next step 308, the image data captured in step 306 is subjected to predetermined image processing (for example, negative-positive conversion, After performing tone conversion, the image data is stored in the image memory 106. In the next step 310, the index print using the image data processed in step 308 and stored in the image memory 106 is performed on the sub-control unit 23. It outputs an instruction signal to make it. When the sub-control unit 23 receives an instruction signal from the main control unit 20 to create an index print, it creates an index print by the same operation as the operation of the sub-control unit 23 in step 218 in FIG. And terminates the process.
The exposure time of the light source 26 at this time is the exposure time stored in a predetermined area of the RAM in the main control unit 20 in step 224 at the time of initial setting.

As described above in detail, in the method of adjusting the light source of the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment, the insertion position of each filter when creating an index print is determined by the density and the filter insertion after the adjustment of the reference negative image. Since the position is determined based on the reference, it is possible to create a high-quality index print similar to the image quality after the adjustment of the reference negative image.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an initialization program executed by the main control unit 20 when an index print is created in the second embodiment. With reference to FIG. 6, description will be given of initial settings when creating an index print in the second embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the second embodiment, the operation at the time of main printing, and the operation at the time of index printing are the same as those of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. FIG.
The same reference numerals in the flowchart of FIG. 3 denote the same parts as in the flowchart of FIG. 3, and a description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

In FIG. 6, in step 190, image data of one type of reference negative selected in advance from the four types of reference negatives by the apparatus operator is fetched through the scanner 108, and the image is processed through the image signal processing unit 102. It is stored in the memory 106. In the present embodiment, the U reference negative is selected in advance by the apparatus operator and set on the negative carrier 18. This image is stored in the image memory 10.
6 is stored.

When the U-reference negative image is fetched and stored in the image memory 106, at step 201, the Macbeth chart 406 (see FIG. 5) existing on the U-reference negative image stored in the image memory 106 R, G, and B pixel data of 2 × 2 pixels, that is, four pixels, in a substantially central portion of the gray area are extracted, and an average value of pixel data of four pixels for each of R, G, and B is calculated. In this case, it is assumed that the position coordinates of the gray area in the Macbeth chart in the extracted reference negative image are given in advance.

When the average value of each of the four pixels in the gray area is calculated for each of R, G, and B, it is determined in step 203 whether each average value is within a predetermined allowable range. Is determined. The predetermined allowable range at this time is set for each of R, G, and B as a lower limit and an upper limit of image data in a gray area of a Macbeth chart for each reference negative corresponding to each negative density. If the image displayed on the monitor 104 is within the range of this value, a value that is considered to be equal to or higher than a predetermined quality is stored in the ROM inside the main control unit 20 in advance. Therefore, the smaller the width of the allowable range is, the higher the quality of the image on the monitor 104 is.

As a result of the determination in step 203, R,
If it is determined that any one of the G and B averaging values does not fall within the allowable range, the process proceeds to step 205, and the CC filter 4 is transmitted via the CC filter control unit 39.
After the insertion position of each filter of 0 is moved, the process returns to step 190. In this case, the insertion position of each filter is moved when the average value obtained in step 201 is larger than the predetermined allowable range, and the average value decreases in the direction in which the average value decreases in the predetermined allowable range. If it is smaller than, it moves a predetermined amount in the direction in which the averaging value increases.

On the other hand, if it is determined that all of the R, G, and B average values are within the allowable range, the process proceeds to step 210.

Therefore, the processing of steps 190 to 205 is repeated until all the average values fall within the allowable range, whereby the insertion position of each filter of the CC filter 40 is automatically adjusted, and the adjustment is performed. After the end, the process shifts to step 210.

When all the averaging values fall within the allowable range, in step 210, similarly to the first embodiment, the insertion position of each filter of the CC filter 40 and the density obtained by the negative density measuring device 56A at that time. And the main control unit 20
In a predetermined area of the RAM in the inside.

When the insertion positions and the densities of the respective filters of the CC filter 40 are stored, it is determined in step 212 whether the processing in steps 190 to 210 has been completed for all four types of reference negatives as in the first embodiment. It is determined whether or not. At this stage, since the adjustment based on the U reference negative has only been completed, the process proceeds to step 214.

In step 214, the apparatus operator waits for the setting of a reference negative as in the first embodiment. At this time, the apparatus operator removes the U reference negative currently set on the negative carrier 18, and sets one of the reference negatives other than the U reference negative, in this embodiment, the N reference negative, on the negative carrier 18, Keyboard 15
Of the set end key (not shown). Main control unit 20
Monitors the state of the set end key, and when the set end key is depressed, the determination in step 214 is affirmed and the process returns to step 190, where the steps from step 190 to step N for the N reference negative set in the negative carrier 18 are performed. Step 210 is performed.

Thereafter, the processing of steps 190 to 210 for the remaining O-reference negative and Oo-reference negative is sequentially performed in the same manner, and the determination in step 212 is affirmed.

Thereafter, step 2 is the same as in the first embodiment.
After performing the processing from step 16 to step 224, the initial setting ends.

As described in detail above, in the method for adjusting the light source of the image recording apparatus according to the second embodiment, the same as the method for adjusting the light source of the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment, Since the insertion position of each filter is determined based on the density after the adjustment of the reference negative image and the insertion position of the filter, a high-quality index print of the same quality as the image quality after the adjustment of the reference negative image is created. be able to.

Further, the insertion position of each filter of the CC filter can be automatically adjusted based on the determination as to whether or not the average value of the pixel data of the four pixels falls within a predetermined allowable range. The adjustment time can be shortened as compared with the embodiment, and at the same time, an artificial mistake such as a determination error or an operation error can be eliminated.

In the second embodiment, the case where the number of pixels extracted from the reference negative image is four (2 × 2 pixels) has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be 16 pixels of 4 pixels. In this case, the processing time increases as compared with the case of four pixels,
A stable average value is obtained.

In the second embodiment, the case where the pixel extracted from the reference negative image is a pixel substantially at the center of the gray area in the Macbeth chart has been described.
The present invention is not limited to this. For example, pixels in a color region other than the gray region of the Macbeth chart may be used. In this case, the lower limit and the upper limit of the predetermined allowable range stored in the ROM inside the main control unit 20 correspond to the color area.

In each of the above embodiments, the case where the light quantity and the color temperature of the light emitted from the light source are stored as the filter insertion position correlated with the light quantity and the color temperature of the emitted light has been described. It is not limited to
The light amount and the color temperature of the light after passing through the CC filter and before transmitting the negative image may be directly measured and stored. In this case, the relationship between the light quantity and color temperature and the filter insertion position is measured and stored in advance, and the filter insertion position is determined based on the relationship.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, an image recording apparatus for recording an image using a liquid crystal panel has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and image data stored in an image memory is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied as long as an image is recorded by using. As such an image recording apparatus, for example, DM instead of a liquid crystal panel is used.
There is an image recording apparatus using D (digital micromirror device).

[0080]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for adjusting a light source of an image recording apparatus, wherein the amount of light and the color temperature of light applied to a document to be recorded on a recording material are determined by adjusting the density of the document. Is determined based on the density, light quantity, and color temperature of a plurality of reference originals having different densities from each other, so that, regardless of the density of the original, high-quality image recording that is comparable to the adjusted image quality of the reference original Can be performed.

Further, the light source adjusting method of the image recording apparatus according to the second and third aspects is characterized in that the light amount of each component color transmitted through a predetermined portion on the reference document falls within a predetermined range. The adjustment of the irradiation light of the reference document can be performed automatically based on the judgment of the above, so that the adjustment time can be shortened and the human error such as the judgment mistake and the operation mistake at the time of the adjustment can be eliminated. This has the effect of saving labor.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

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

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an initial setting process at the time of index printing in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing during index printing.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a reference negative image.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an initial setting process at the time of index printing in the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 printer processor 15 keyboard 16 negative film (document) 20 main control unit 36 main exposure light source unit (light source) 54 photographic paper (recording material) 56 negative density measuring unit 58 printer unit (image recording device) 104 monitor 400 reference negative ( Reference manuscript) 402 Doll image 404 Tree image 406 Macbeth chart

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A document set at a predetermined position is irradiated with light emitted from a light source capable of adjusting a light amount and a color temperature of emitted light, and the document is imaged by light transmitted through the document to convert image data. A method for adjusting a light source of an image recording apparatus that acquires and records an image of the document on a recording material based on the acquired image data, comprising: setting a reference document at the predetermined position; and setting the reference document at the predetermined position. The image of the reference document is displayed based on the image data obtained from the document, and the light source is controlled so that the light amount and the color temperature of the emitted light are changed so that the light amount and the color temperature of the emitted light are equal to the density of the reference document. The reference values of the light amount and the color temperature are determined for a plurality of reference documents having different densities from each other, and the reference values are recorded on the recording material based on the density of the document to be recorded on the recording material and the reference value. Should Determining the amount of light and color temperature of light irradiated on the manuscript, the light source control method for an image recording apparatus. 2. A document set at a predetermined position is irradiated with light emitted from a light source capable of adjusting a light amount and a color temperature of the emitted light, and the document is imaged by light transmitted through the document to convert image data. A method of adjusting a light source of an image recording apparatus that records an image of the document on a recording material based on the acquired image data, comprising: setting a reference document at the predetermined position; At least one of the amount of light emitted from the light source and the color temperature is changed so that the amount of transmitted light for each component color is within a predetermined range, and the amount of light for each component color is the predetermined amount. The light amount and the color temperature of the emitted light when it is within the range are made to correspond to the density of the reference document, and the reference values of the light amount and the color temperature are obtained for a plurality of reference documents having different densities, and are recorded on a recording material. Original density to be used , With the reference value, based on to determine the amount of light and the color temperature of the light to be irradiated on the document to be recorded on said recording material, a light source control method for an image recording apparatus. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined portion on the reference document is a portion corresponding to a gray area on the reference document.