JPH11305342A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer capable of obtaining a print high in picture quality even through the printer is small in size, light in weight and low in price. SOLUTION: In this printer 2, a film unit 29 is used as a recording material. As for the exposure of the unit 29, a liquid crystal display unit 48 and an exposing optical system 50 for enlarging, projecting and image-forming the display picture of the unit 48 are used. A high definition color picture can be displayed, and the print high in picture quality can be obtained in a short time by the unit 48 even through the unit 48 is small in size, low in price, and reduced in power consumption. The picture displayed by the unit 48 is enlarged, projected and image-formed on a screen 10 for observation by the switching of an optical path by means of a switching mirror 52, and is utilized in picture observation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer,
More specifically, the present invention relates to a printer that performs printing using a liquid crystal panel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various printers are available that convert full-color images, such as images taken by a video camera or a digital still camera, and full-color images such as print photographs obtained by a general photographic camera, into digital image signals for printing. . In this printer, there is Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-23944.
JP, JP-A-6-83243, 8-27199
As described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5 (1999) -2005, a light-emitting material is used as a recording material, and a recording head incorporating a light-emitting element that sequentially emits light of three primary colors is scanned over the entire photosensitive surface. There is a type in which a full-color image is exposed on a photosensitive surface with light irradiated from a light source. This type of printer consumes less power and can be made smaller.

[0003]

In the above-mentioned color printer, in order to obtain a high-quality print without color shift or out-of-focus, it is necessary to use a minute light emitter emitting light with an appropriate amount of light and a light emitted from the minute light emitter. A recording head in which an optical unit or the like for accurately focusing the image on the photosensitive surface is incorporated, and a head moving unit or the like for moving the recording head with high accuracy are required.

However, the optical means that can be used for focusing a minute light-emitting body incorporated in a recording head are limited, and only expensive ones such as a refractive index dispersion type lens and a minute lens formed by molding an optical material are used. Cannot be used for low-cost printers. In addition, high-precision head moving means similarly increases the cost of the printer, and hinders downsizing and weight reduction of the printer. Further, since the moving speed of the recording head is reduced, there is a problem that the printing time is prolonged.

When a portable printer that can be driven by a battery or the like is configured, it is conceivable to incorporate a liquid crystal display as a monitor for checking an image to be printed. However, there is a problem that the cost of the printer is increased by incorporating the liquid crystal display. In addition, the liquid crystal display consumes a large amount of power, and there is a problem that the battery is consumed immediately when a backlight or the like is used to make it easier to view an image.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printer which is compact, lightweight and low-cost, and which can obtain high-quality prints.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a printer according to the present invention comprises a transmissive liquid crystal panel on which an image is formed by blinking a large number of pixels, and a printer which emits light in a plurality of luminescent colors. A liquid crystal display unit having a light source unit that irradiates the liquid crystal panel from the back, and an input color image signal is decomposed into color image signals corresponding to each of a plurality of emission colors of the light source unit, and each color image signal is corresponded. An image is sequentially formed on a liquid crystal panel, and an interface circuit that flashes a light source unit with a light emission color corresponding to each image in synchronization with the image is used to form a high-definition color image. .

An exposure optical path for guiding the light of the light source transmitted through the liquid crystal panel to a photosensitive surface of a photosensitive material as a recording material, and an observation optical path for guiding the light to an observation window exposed outside the apparatus. An optical path switching means for switching between the exposure optical path and the observation optical path, an exposure optical system for enlarging and projecting an image formed on the liquid crystal display unit and forming an image on a photosensitive surface of a photosensitive material through the exposure optical path; An image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit is exposed to a photosensitive material using an observation optical system that magnifies and projects an image formed on the display unit through an observation optical path onto an observation window, so that image observation can be performed. Things.

Further, the exposure optical system and the observation optical system are shared by a single imaging optical system disposed in an optical path in which the exposure optical path and the observation optical path partially overlap, thereby reducing the number of parts. The image forming optical system is linked with the switching operation of the optical path switching means, and the position where the image formed on the liquid crystal display unit is formed on the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive material, and the image is placed on the observation window. By being moved between a position where an image is formed on the provided observation screen, an appropriate image that is in focus during exposure and observation can be obtained.

The observation optical system is arranged in an optical path where the exposure optical path and the observation optical path partially overlap, and the exposure optical system and the observation optical system are used when exposing the photosensitive material. An image formed on a liquid crystal display unit is formed on a photosensitive surface, and only the observation optical system is used at the time of enlarging and projecting the image onto an observation window, so that focusing of the optical system is unnecessary.

Further, an eyepiece window to be observed in an eyepiece state is used as the observation window, and the observation optical system is constituted by a magnifying lens for projecting an enlarged image formed on the liquid crystal display unit from the eyepiece window, This is a simplified configuration of an observation optical path. As a magnifying lens, a Galileo optical system or a Kepler optical system is used.

Further, two reflecting mirrors are arranged between the liquid crystal display unit and the photosensitive surface, and the optical path for exposure is substantially Z.
The size of the printer is reduced by forming the exposure light path into a substantially L-shape by forming a reflection mirror between the liquid crystal display unit and the photosensitive surface, or by forming a reflection mirror between the liquid crystal display unit and the photosensitive surface.

Further, the optical path switching means includes a position which is disposed to face the liquid crystal display unit and reflects the light of the light source transmitted through the liquid crystal panel toward the exposure optical path and a position where the light reflects toward the observation optical path. And a switching reflecting mirror input which is movable between the two.

Further, a switching reflecting mirror and an exposing reflecting mirror are arranged between the liquid crystal display unit and the photosensitive surface so that the exposing optical path has a substantially Z-shape. The switching reflection mirror and the observation reflection mirror are arranged to make the observation optical path substantially L-shaped.

Further, an instant film unit is used as the photosensitive material so that a print can be obtained quickly.

Further, the interface circuit is provided with an operation frequency conversion section for converting an input image signal into an image signal synchronized with the operation frequency of the liquid crystal display unit, thereby preventing image synchronization deviation and the like. Further, by updating the color image of one frame formed on the liquid crystal display unit at a speed of 1/16 sec or more, and by blinking the light source unit with a light emission time shorter than the display time of the image corresponding to the color image signal, Thus, a high-quality full-color image can be obtained. Further, by repeatedly forming one frame of color image on the liquid crystal display unit, one frame of color image can be continuously displayed.

Further, when observing the image formed on the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive material and when observing the image from the observation window, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit can be observed as a normal image. An image posture correcting means for appropriately correcting the posture is provided. Further, the image attitude correcting means is operated or stopped in conjunction with the switching operation of the optical path switching means.

[0018]

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This printer 2
Has a thin box shape and is easy to carry. For this reason, an available power source can be driven by a built-in battery in addition to the AC power source. The printer 2 uses a mono-sheet type instant film unit (hereinafter abbreviated as a film unit) as a recording material for recording an image.

On the upper surface of the printer 2, there is provided a slit-shaped outlet 4 for discharging a printed film unit.
And a push button type print switch 5 for causing the printer 2 to execute a printing operation. In addition, an antenna 6 used to receive image data transmitted from an external device or to transmit image data to the external device is provided.

On the front surface of the printer 2, there is formed a projection 8 in which an optical path for exposing an image to the film unit is provided. On the inclined upper surface of the protrusion 8,
An observation window 9 through which an image to be printed can be observed is provided, and an observation screen 10 on which an image is displayed is fitted in the observation window 9.

On the side surface of the projection 8, there is provided a switching lever 11 which constitutes an optical path switching means for switching between an observation optical path for projecting an image on the observation screen 10 and an exposure optical path for exposing the image to the film unit. It is rotatably mounted. The switching lever 11 switches between an image observation mode for observing an image at the time of printing and a print mode for performing printing at the same time as switching the optical path. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the printer 2 is in the image observation mode. By rotating the switching lever 11 so as to match one of the indices 12, the optical path is switched to the observation optical path, and the operation of the printer 2 is performed. Is switched to the image observation mode. The position of the switching lever 11 is detected by a detection sensor described later, and is used for controlling the printer 2.

On one side of the printer 2, a memory slot 15 in which a memory card 14 (see FIG. 7) used as a data recording medium is set, and an external device for outputting an image to be printed to a display device such as an external monitor. Output terminal 1
6, an external connection terminal 17 to which an external device is connected, and In
integrated services digital
An ISDN connection terminal 18 for transmitting and receiving image data via a network (ISDN) line is provided.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the printer 2 as viewed from the rear side. The back of the printer 2 is opened and closed by using a hinge 20 (see FIG. 1) provided on the lower surface. A cover 21 and a release knob 22 for releasing a lock when the back cover 21 is opened are provided. Inside the printer 2, there is provided a pack chamber in which a film pack containing a plurality of film units is loaded, and the back cover 21 is for opening and closing the pack chamber. The power switch 2 of the printer 2 is located on the side of the back cover 21.
3 and an operation panel 24 provided with various switches.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a main part of the printer 2.
As described above, the pack chamber 27 in which the film pack 26 is loaded is provided on the back side inside the printer 2. The film pack 26 includes a plurality of film units 29 in a box-shaped case 28 made of plastic.
Are stored in a stacked state, and the same ones used in general instant cameras are used.

As is well known, the film unit 29 includes a developing solution pod 29b having a developing solution included on both sides sandwiching the photosensitive surface 29a, and a surplus of the developing solution spread on the photosensitive layer on the inner surface of the photosensitive surface 29a. Trap part 29c that absorbs
Are provided. Then, after a latent image is formed photochemically by exposing the photosensitive surface 29a to light, the developing solution pod 29b is ruptured, and the developing solution is poured into the photosensitive layer on the inner surface of the photosensitive surface 29a, thereby quickly printing a print image. Can be obtained. This film unit 29
Is a transmissive film unit that transfers an image through a reflective layer to an image receiving layer facing the photosensitive layer on the inner surface of the photosensitive surface 29a where the exposure is performed, and observes the image from the surface opposite to the photosensitive surface 29a. It has become.

An exposure opening 31 for exposing the photosensitive surface 29a of the film unit 29 is formed on the front surface of the case 28. In addition, on the back side of the case 28,
An opening 35 is formed on the inner wall surface of the housing 1 to allow a film lifting member 34 to enter. The film push-up member 34 presses the film unit 29 housed in the case 28 from the rear side and presses the film unit 29 against the front inner wall of the case 28 to impart flatness to the photosensitive surface 29a. In addition, it is not drawn to prevent the drawing from being complicated,
The opening 35 on the back of the case 28 is covered with a flexible light shielding sheet housed in the case 28, and the film pushing-up member 34 allows the film unit 29 to pass through the light shielding sheet.
Press.

FIG. 4 schematically shows the arrangement of each mechanism when the printer 2 is viewed from the front side. A film pack 26 is disposed substantially at the center of the printer 2, and various circuits for controlling various parts of the printer 2 are formed on the right side of the film pack 26. A substrate 37 and a memory card driving unit 32 for driving a memory card are arranged. On the left side of the film pack 26, a film sending mechanism 38 which sends out the exposed film unit 29 from the inside of the film pack 26 and also develops the film unit 29.
And a drive motor 39 for driving the film delivery mechanism 38. Above the film pack 26, an unfolding roller pair 40 constituting a film delivery mechanism 38 is arranged.

The film feeding mechanism 38 is also used for a general instant camera. The film feeding mechanism 38 enters the cutout 42 formed on the front surface of the case 28 from below, moves upward while scooping the lower end of the film unit 29 in the front row in the case 28, and is provided on the upper surface of the case 28. A claw member for sending the film unit 29 upward from the delivery port 43 provided, a mechanism for driving the claw member, and a developing roller pair 40.

The film unit 29 sent out of the case 28 is sent between a developing roller pair 40 rotating upward. The developing roller pair 40 is also rotationally driven in the opposite direction by the drive motor 39 described above, and transports the film unit 29 toward the upper discharge port 4 with the film unit 29 interposed therebetween. Each roller constituting the unfolding roller pair 40 is urged by a spring and a spacer (not shown) in a direction in which the rollers approach each other at a constant interval, and sandwiches the film unit 29 with a strong force. As a result, the developing solution pod 29b of the film unit 29 is split open, and the developing solution flows into the photosensitive layer on the inner surface of the photosensitive surface 29a. The developing roller pair 40 discharges the film unit 29 from the discharge port 4 while uniformly spreading the developing solution on the photosensitive layer on the inner surface of the photosensitive surface 29a.

As shown in FIG. 1, a light-shielding cylinder 45 is formed in the protruding portion 8 provided on the front of the printer 2 so as to be continuous with the front of the pack chamber 27 in which the film pack 26 is loaded. A position facing the aperture 32 on the inner wall surface of the protruding portion 8 is an inclined surface, and a second reflecting mirror 46 for reflecting a full-color image for exposure toward the photosensitive surface 29a of the film unit 29 is provided on the inclined surface. Installed.

Above the second reflecting mirror 46, a liquid crystal display unit 48 for displaying an image to be exposed on the film unit 29, and a first for reflecting the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 downward. A reflection mirror 49 and an exposure optical system 50 for enlarging and projecting the image reflected by the first reflection mirror 49 are arranged. The image enlarged and projected by the exposure optical system 50 is reflected by the second reflection mirror 46. Reflected, the film unit 29
The photosensitive layer on the inner surface of the photosensitive surface 29a is exposed. Since the exposure optical path is formed in a substantially Z-shape by the two reflection mirrors 49 and 46, the size of the printer 2 can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 1, between the exposure optical system 50 and the second reflection mirror 46, the exposure optical system 50 and the second
A position to open an optical path for exposure between the reflection mirror 46 and
As shown in FIG. 5, the exposure optical path between the exposure optical system 50 and the second reflection mirror 46 is closed, and the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 is reflected toward the back surface of the observation screen 10. The switching reflecting mirror 52 is provided so as to be rotatable between the two positions. The switching reflection mirror 52 constitutes an optical path switching means together with the switching lever 11 provided on the side surface of the projection 8.

One end of the switching reflection mirror 52 is attached to a rotating shaft 54 that is supported in the printer 2.
Switching lever 11 provided outside printer 2
Is attached to one end of the rotating shaft 54. Thus, by rotating the switching lever 11, the switching reflecting mirror 52 can be rotated between the position where the exposure optical path is formed and the position where the observation optical path is formed. Although not shown in detail, it is necessary to provide a mechanism that is locked at two positions so that the switching reflection mirror 52 is not inadvertently rotated by vibration of the printer 2 or the like.
As this mechanism, the switching lever 11 itself may be locked at two positions, or the rotating shaft 54 and the switching reflection mirror 52 itself may be locked at each position.

The exposure optical system 50 includes a three-element imaging lens 56 and a lens barrel 57 for holding the imaging lens 56.
It is composed of The exposure optical system 50 is disposed at a position where the exposure optical path and the observation optical path overlap each other. The exposure optical system 50 enlarges the image of the liquid crystal display unit 48 reflected by the first reflection mirror 49, and It is also used when projecting on the photosensitive surface 29a and the observation screen 10, and also functions as an observation optical system.

From the exposure optical system 50 to the film unit 2
9 is different from the distance from the exposure optical system 50 to the observation screen 10. For this reason, the exposure optical system 50 is movable along the optical axis between the first reflection mirror 49 and the second reflection mirror 46, so that the image is formed on the film unit 29 and on the observation screen 10. The focus is switched between when an image is formed. The movement of the exposure optical system 50 is performed by a focus switching mechanism 58 (see FIG. 7) that operates in conjunction with the rotation of the switching reflection mirror 52. As the focus switching mechanism 58, a cam that moves in conjunction with the rotation of the rotation shaft 54, a link mechanism, or the like is used.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the liquid crystal display unit 48. The liquid crystal display unit 48 includes a liquid crystal panel 60 of a transmission type matrix drive type.
And a diffusion plate 61 disposed behind the liquid crystal panel 60.
And a light amplifying plate 62, an LED unit 63 which is a light source unit disposed behind the light amplifying plate 62, a housing 64 for accommodating the unit and a liquid crystal panel 60, and a transparent cover for closing the housing 64. And a protective cover 65.

The liquid crystal panel 60 has a large number of pixels (for example,
240 × 320 pixels = 76800 pixels). The liquid crystal panel 60 itself has no color element, and forms one image using all pixels.
The LED unit 63 includes LEDs 66, 67, 68 that emit red, green, and blue light of the three primary colors, and these LEDs 66.
To 68 are attached to the circuit board 69.

The liquid crystal display unit 48 sequentially displays images obtained by decomposing a color image into three primary colors on the liquid crystal panel 60 at predetermined time intervals, and in synchronism with this, the LE
The three primary color LEDs 66 and 6 provided in the D unit 63
7, 68 are blinked sequentially. Then, a color image is made visible by the afterimages of the display of these frame images and the blinking of the LEDs. According to the liquid crystal display unit 48, color display can be performed by one pixel of the liquid crystal panel 60, so that a very small but high-quality color image can be displayed. In addition, power consumption is very small compared to conventional liquid crystal displays,
It can be easily used for a portable printer driven by a battery.

The liquid crystal display unit 48 includes:
A color image is displayed as a normal image in all directions. As a result, an image whose right and left are inverted is projected on the back surface of the observation screen 10. However, since the observation of the observation screen 10 is performed from the opposite side of the projection surface, the observation is performed by the observation screen 10. The image is the same as the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48. Further, an image whose top, bottom, left and right are reversed is exposed on the photosensitive surface 29a of the film unit 29. Since the image is observed from the opposite side of the photosensitive surface 29a in the film unit 29, the film unit 29 is exposed. Is also the same image as the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48. As described above, by using the liquid crystal display unit 48 for both exposure and observation, the cost of the printer 2 can be reduced.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer. Each part of the printer 2 is controlled by a system controller 70 including a microcomputer or the like. This system controller 70 includes I
Via the I / O port 71, each operation switch of the operation panel 24, the external connection terminal 17, the transmission / reception circuit 72 for transmitting / receiving image data by the antenna 6, and the ISDN terminal 18
ISDN transmission / reception circuit 7 for transmitting / receiving image data by
3. Various signals are input from an infrared transmission / reception unit 74 that receives / transmits image data by infrared light via a light receiving / emitting unit 74a (not shown). Then, the system controller 70 monitors the input signal and performs a process according to the input signal.

The EEPROM 75 connected to the system controller 70 stores in advance a sequence program for operating the printer 2 in accordance with a predetermined sequence, and various adjustment data referred to at that time. In the decoration data memory 76, a frame, a message, a character mark, and the like for combining with the input image data are recorded.

The memory card 14 uses a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) that can be accessed at a high speed, and image data is recorded by an electronic still camera, a personal computer, or the like. The memory card 14 inserted into the memory slot 15 is set in the memory card drive 32. The system controller 70 reads out image data recorded on the memory card 14 via the memory card driving unit 32,
The combined image data in which the image data and the decoration data such as the frame and the message surrounding the image data are combined is written to the memory card 14.

The image data read from the memory card 14 is input to an image data processing circuit 78. The image data processing circuit 78 performs signal processing such as white balance adjustment and gamma correction on the input image data. If the decoration data is selected, the image data and the decoration data are combined. The processed image data is converted into a video signal corresponding to an NTSC composite signal, and is output to a video signal external output terminal 16 via a D / A converter 81 and an amplifier 82. Thereby, an image can be observed with an external monitor connected to the external output terminal 16.

In addition to the above-mentioned path, the processed image data is converted into an electric color image signal and input to the interface circuit 80. The interface circuit 80 includes an operation frequency conversion circuit 84 as an operation frequency conversion unit, a display control circuit 85, and a D / A converter 86. A color image signal is first input to the operation frequency conversion circuit 84. As shown in FIG. 8, the operating frequency conversion circuit 84 includes frame memories 87 and 88, a control unit 89, and switch circuits 90, 91, 92 and 93.

The terminal 95 of the operating frequency conversion circuit 84
In synchronization with the clock CLK1 input to the terminal 96, 1
A color image signal S representing color image data for a frame
GNL1 is input. This color image signal SGNL1
Corresponds to the switching state of the switch circuits 90 and 91,
It is stored in the frame memory 87 or the frame memory 88. The control unit 89 monitors the clock CLK1,
The switch circuits 90 and 91 are switched each time a color image signal for one frame is stored in one frame memory. Further, the switch circuits 90 and 91 have a neutral point that is not connected to any of the frame memories 87 and 88, and this neutral point is used according to a difference in operating frequency between the writing side and the reading side.

On the other hand, when a color image signal is read from the frame memories 87 and 88, it is read from the terminal 98 as a color image signal SGNL2 in synchronization with the clock CLK2 input to the terminal 97. Also at this time, the control unit 89 monitors the clock CLK2, switches the switch circuits 92 and 93 when the reading of the color image signal from one frame memory is completed, and then reads the color image signal from the other frame memory. The clock CLK2 is
The color image signal SGNL2, which is synchronized with the operation frequency of the liquid crystal display unit 48 and is output from the operation frequency conversion circuit 84, can drive the liquid crystal display unit 48 without synchronization deviation.

The clocks CLK1 and CLK2
Are equal, the color image signal can be read and written to the frame memories 87 and 88 at 1: 1 timing. However, when the clock CLK1 and the clock CLK2 have different frequencies, various problems occur. For example, when the frequency of the clock CLK1 is higher than the clock CLK2, the reading of the color image signal from the frame memory is slower than the writing side of the color image signal, so that the color image signal of the next frame cannot be written to the frame memory. The problem occurs.

On the other hand, when the frequency of the clock CLK1 is lower than that of the clock CLK2, the reading of the color image signal from the frame memory is faster than the writing of the color image signal. There is a problem that a color image signal cannot be input. The deviation of the frequency of the color image signal can be solved by changing the switching timing of the switch circuits 90 to 93 by the control unit 89 as described below.

When the frequency of the clock CLK1 of the input side color image signal SGNL1 is higher than the frequency of the clock CLK2, the control unit 89 sets the switch circuits 90 and 91 to a neutral point not connected to any of the frame memories 87 and 88. Switching is performed, and writing of the color image signal to the frame memory is inhibited until reading of one of the color image signals from the frame memories 87 and 88 is completed.

The input side color image signal SGNL1
If the frequency of the clock CLK1 is lower than the frequency of the clock CLK2, the control unit 89 sets the switch circuit 9 until the writing to the frame memory by the writing side is completed.
Switching between 2,93 is not performed. Then, the same color image signal is read out again from the same frame memory, and the switching circuits 92 and 93 are switched after the writing of the color image signal to one frame memory is completed.

As described above, the operating frequency conversion circuit 84
Even when the operating frequency of the input color image signal is different from the operating frequency of the liquid crystal display unit 48, it can be reliably converted to the same frequency as the operating frequency of the liquid crystal display unit 48. No disturbance occurs.

The color image signal read from the operating frequency conversion circuit 84 is input to the display control circuit 85. The display control circuit 85 decomposes the color image signal into color image signals corresponding to the three primary colors of R, G, and B, and sequentially outputs them. Each color image signal output from the display control circuit 85 is converted into an analog image signal by a D / A converter 86 and input to the liquid crystal display unit 48. Further, a control signal for driving the LED unit 63 is also input from the display control circuit 85 to the liquid crystal display unit 48.

As shown in FIG. 9, the display control circuit 85
A red frame image, a green frame image, and a blue frame image corresponding to each color image signal are sequentially formed on the liquid crystal panel 60 of the liquid crystal display unit 48 at time t1 intervals. Further, the display control circuit 85 drives the LED unit 63 to sequentially blink the LEDs of the same color in synchronization with the formation of the frame images of each color on the liquid crystal panel 60.

The display of the red frame image, the green frame image, and the blue frame image on the liquid crystal panel 60, the red LED 66, the green LED 67, and the blue LED
Assuming that the operation time T required for lighting of 68 is one cycle, the operation time of one cycle is a fast operation time of 1/16 sec or less. Therefore, full-color display is performed by one pixel of the liquid crystal panel 60 by the afterimage of the display of these frame images and the blinking of the LEDs. Further, even when moving image data is input, the motion of the image can be smoothly expressed.

If the input image data is a moving image, the next frame image is input immediately. If the input image data is a still image, the image data is not changed until an image switching operation is performed. The same frame image is repeatedly input to the display control circuit 85 by the operating frequency conversion circuit 84 until the time elapses according to the setting content of the feed function. As a result, a still image is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48.

A detection signal is input to the system controller 70 from a detection sensor 100 that detects the switching lever 11 when the system controller 70 is in the image observation mode position. When the switching lever 11 is in the print mode position, the system controller 70 does not display the image data read from the memory card 14 on the liquid crystal display unit 48. When the mode is switched from the image observation mode to the print mode while an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48, the display on the liquid crystal display unit 48 is immediately stopped. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the film unit 29 from being carelessly exposed.

Further, when the print switch 5 is operated while the switching lever 11 is at the position of the image observation mode, the system controller 70 suspends the printing instruction and is switched to the printing mode by the switching lever 11. After that, printing on the film unit 29 is performed.

When the print switch 5 is operated, I /
A print signal is input to the system controller 70 via the O port 71. The system controller 70
The shutter circuit 102 is operated according to the print signal. The shutter circuit 102 is a circuit that controls the liquid crystal display unit 48 to operate as a shutter. The shutter circuit 102 causes the liquid crystal display unit 48 to display a full-color image for a predetermined time and exposes the film unit 29 to light. Note that the exposure time may be automatically adjusted according to the density of the image data, or may be set by the user.

When the exposure of the film unit 29 is completed, the system controller 70
The drive motor 39 is operated via. As a result, the film delivery mechanism 38 is operated, and the claw member constituting the film delivery mechanism 38 enters the cutout 42 formed on the front surface of the film pack 26 from below, and the exposed row in the front row in the case 28 is exposed. Film unit 2
The film unit 29 is picked up and moved upward, and the film unit 29 is sent upward from an outlet 43 provided on the upper surface of the case 28.

The driving motor 39 is provided with a developing roller pair 40.
Also rotate. As a result, the film unit 29 is sandwiched between the unfolding roller pair 40 and conveyed toward the upper discharge port 4, and at this time, the developing solution pod 29b is split open. The developing solution flowing out of the developing solution pod 29b is uniformly spread on the photosensitive layer on the inner surface of the photosensitive surface 29a by the developing roller pair 40. As a result, a positive image is formed on the film unit 29.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the printer 2 is used, the power switch 23 provided on the operation panel 24 shown in FIG. 3 is operated to turn on the power of the printer 2. A plurality of methods for inputting image data to the printer 2 are provided. A method for inputting image data from a memory card 14 in which image data is recorded by an electronic still camera, a personal computer, or the like, an external connection terminal 17 or an ISDN A method of directly inputting image data from an external device such as an electronic still camera, a video camera, a video deck, or a personal computer using the terminal 18, and a method of wirelessly inputting image data from an external device using the antenna 6 There is a method of inputting image data by infrared rays by the light receiving / emitting unit 74a. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which image data is input from the memory card 14.

To input image data from the memory card 14, the memory card 14 is inserted into the memory slot 15 while the power of the printer 2 is off, and then the power of the printer 2 is turned on. This is to prevent the memory card 14 from being damaged by removing and inserting the memory card 14 while the power of the printer 2 is on. After the power of the printer 2 is turned on, various switches on the operation panel 24 are operated to select and determine an image data input method, and execute input of image data.

As shown in FIG. 7, when an operation for inputting image data is performed on the operation panel 24, the operation signal is transmitted to the system controller 7 via the I / 0 port 71.
Input to 0. The system controller 70 controls the I / O
When an operation signal for inputting image data is input from the port 71, the image data is read from the memory card 14 via the memory card driving unit 32 shown in FIG.

The image data read from the memory card 14 is sent to the image data processing circuit 78 by the system controller 70. The image data processing circuit 78 performs signal processing such as white balance adjustment and gamma correction on the input image data. The processed image data is converted into a video signal corresponding to a composite signal of the NTSC system, and is converted into a D / A converter 8.
The signal is output to an external output terminal 16 for a video signal via an amplifier 82. When an external monitor is connected to the external output terminal 16, an image can be observed with the external monitor.

In the system controller 70, the position of the switching lever 11 is always identified by the input signal of the detection sensor 100. Therefore, when the printer 2 is set to the print mode at the time of inputting the image data, the system controller 70
No image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 in order to prevent inadvertent exposure of the liquid crystal 9. Therefore, when the user observes the observation window 9 and the image is not displayed, the user turns the switching lever 11 to switch the printer 2 to the image observation mode. When the printer 2 is in the print mode at the time of inputting image data, the user may be notified by light, sound, or the like.

The switching lever 11 is connected to the index 1 in FIG.
2 and the mode of the printer 2 is switched to the image observation mode, a detection signal is input from the detection sensor 100 to the system controller 70. The system controller 70 operates the image data processing circuit 78 and the interface circuit 80 in response to the input signal.

The system controller 70 controls the printer 2
Is in the image observation mode, the image data processing circuit 7
The image data is converted into an electrical color image signal by 8 and input to the interface circuit 80. The color image signal input to the interface circuit 80 is input to the operating frequency conversion circuit 84.

As shown in FIG. 8, the operating frequency conversion circuit 8
4 terminal 95 has a clock CL input to a terminal 96.
In synchronization with K1, a color image signal SGNL1 representing one frame of color image data is input. The color image signal SGNL1 is stored in the frame memory 87 or the frame memory 88 according to the switching state of the switch circuits 90 and 91. The control unit 89 controls the clock C
LK1 is monitored, and each time a color image signal for one frame is stored in one frame memory, a switch circuit 9 is output.
Switching between 0 and 91.

On the other hand, the color image signals stored in the frame memories 87 and 88 are read out from the terminal 98 as the color image signal SGNL2 in synchronization with the clock CLK2 input to the terminal 97. Also at this time, the control unit 89 monitors the clock CLK2, switches the switch circuits 92 and 93 when the reading of the color image signal from one frame memory is completed, and then reads the color image signal from the other frame memory. The clock CLK2 is synchronized with the operating frequency of the liquid crystal display unit 48, and the color image signal SGNL2 output from the operating frequency conversion circuit 84 can drive the liquid crystal display unit 48 without a synchronization shift.

When the frequency of the clock CLK1 of the input-side color image signal SGNL1 is higher than the clock CLK2, the control unit 89 sets the switch circuits 90 and 91 to the neutral point which is not connected to any of the frame memories 87 and 88. And the writing of the color image signal to the frame memory is prohibited until the reading of one of the color image signals from the frame memories 87 and 88 is completed.
Thus, the problem that the color image signal of the next frame cannot be written in the frame memory does not occur.

The input side color image signal SGNL1
If the frequency of the clock CLK1 is lower than the frequency of the clock CLK2, the control unit 89 sets the switch circuit 9 until the writing to the frame memory by the writing side is completed.
Switching between 2,93 is not performed. Then, the same color image signal is read out again from the same frame memory, and the switching circuits 92 and 93 are switched after the writing of the color image signal to one frame memory is completed. Thus, the problem that the next color image signal cannot be input to the liquid crystal display unit 48 does not occur.

As described above, the operating frequency conversion circuit 84
Even when the operating frequency of the input color image signal is different from the operating frequency of the liquid crystal display unit 48, it can be reliably converted to the same frequency as the operating frequency of the liquid crystal display unit 48. No image distortion or the like occurs.

The color image signal read from the operating frequency conversion circuit 84 is input to the display control circuit 85. The display control circuit 85 decomposes the color image signal into color image signals corresponding to the three primary colors of R, G, and B, and sequentially outputs them. Each color image signal output from the display control circuit 85 is converted into an analog image signal by a D / A converter 86 and input to the liquid crystal display unit 48. Further, a control signal for driving the LED unit 63 is also input from the display control circuit 85 to the liquid crystal display unit 48. As shown in FIG. 9, the display control circuit 85 sequentially forms a red frame image, a green frame image, and a blue frame image corresponding to each color image signal on the liquid crystal panel 60 of the liquid crystal display unit 48 at time t1 intervals. I do. Also, in synchronization with this, LEDs of the same color blink sequentially. Thus, it looks as if a color image is formed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 due to the afterimage phenomenon.

The display of the red frame image, the green frame image, and the blue frame image on the liquid crystal panel 60, the red LED 66, the green LED 67, and the blue LED
Assuming that the operation time T required for lighting of 68 is one cycle, the operation time of one cycle is a fast operation time of 1/16 sec or less. Therefore, full-color display is performed by one pixel of the liquid crystal panel 60 by the afterimage of the display of these frame images and the blinking of the LEDs. In the displayed image, the same frame image is repeatedly formed until an image switching operation is performed or until time elapses according to the setting of the automatic image feed function.
As a result, a still image is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48.

When the printer 2 is set to the image observation mode, as shown in FIG. 5, the switching reflection mirror 52 connects the exposure optical path between the first reflection mirror 49 and the second reflection mirror. It has been turned to the closing position. This allows
The image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 enters the first reflection mirror 49 and is reflected, and enters the exposure optical system 50. The image transmitted through the exposure optical system 50 is reflected by the switching reflection mirror 52 and is enlarged and projected on the back surface of the observation screen 10. The image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 is the observation screen 1
The image displayed on the observation screen 10 is the same as the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 because the image is projected on the back surface of 0.

The printer 2 is controlled by the switching lever 11.
In conjunction with the mode switching, the focus switching mechanism 58 operates. The focus switching mechanism 58 controls the exposure optical system 50 so that the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 is focused on the observation screen 10 so that the light between the first reflection mirror 49 and the second reflection mirror 52 is adjusted. Move along an axis. This ensures that the image projected on the observation screen 10 is in focus.

The user can sequentially read image data recorded on the memory card 14 by operating various switches on the operation panel 24 and observe the image data on the observation screen 10. Then, an image to be printed is selected and determined from the observed image data.

The printer 2 of the present embodiment can print decorative data such as a frame, a message, and a character mark on image data input from the outside. The operation panel 24 is operated,
When an instruction to use the decoration data is issued, the system controller 70 sequentially reads the decoration data from the decoration data memory 76. The read decoration data is
The image data is combined with the selected image data by the image data processing circuit 78. The synthesized image data obtained by synthesizing the image data and the decoration data is displayed on the external monitor from the external output terminal 16, is also displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 via the interface circuit 80, and is projected on the observation screen 10.

When the image data to be printed is determined, the switching lever 11 is operated to switch the printer 2 to the print mode. The system controller 70
When the printer 2 is switched to the print mode, the image display on the liquid crystal display unit 48 is stopped, and careless exposure to the film unit 29 is prevented.

Further, as shown in FIG.
By the operation 1, the switching reflection mirror 52 is rotated, the exposure optical path between the exposure optical system 50 and the second reflection mirror 46 is opened, and the observation optical path reaching the observation screen 10 is closed. . The focus switching mechanism 58 causes the exposure optical system 50 to control the first reflection mirror 49 and the second reflection mirror 52 so that the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 is focused on the photosensitive surface 29a of the film unit 29.
Are moved along the optical axis.

Thereafter, when the print switch 5 is depressed, a print signal is input to the system controller 70 via the I / O port 71. The system controller 70 to which the print signal has been input is the shutter circuit 10
Activate 2 The shutter circuit 102 activates the display control circuit 85 and causes the liquid crystal display unit 48 to operate for a predetermined period of time so that the film unit 29 can be properly exposed.
To display an image. The exposure time may be automatically adjusted according to the density of the image data, or may be set by the user. Also, instead of adjusting the exposure time, each LED of the LED unit 63
The drive current for driving 66 to 68 is adjusted,
The light amount 68 itself may be adjusted.

The image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 enters the first reflection mirror 49, is reflected, and enters the exposure optical system 50. The image transmitted through the exposure optical system 50 enters the second reflection mirror 46 and is reflected therefrom.
An image is formed on the photosensitive surface 29a of the film unit 29. As a result, the photosensitive surface 29a of the film unit 29
The image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 is exposed. As described above, since the liquid crystal display unit 48 used for exposure has low power consumption, it can be easily used for a portable printer driven by a battery or the like.
In addition, since the one for exposure and the one for image observation can be shared by one liquid crystal display unit 48, the printer 2
Cost can be reduced, and a portable printer with lower power consumption can be obtained.

The photosensitive surface 29 of the film unit 29
In a, an image in which the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 is inverted upside down and left and right is exposed,
Since the observation of the image of the film unit 29 is performed from the surface opposite to the photosensitive surface 29a, the observed image is the same as the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48.

When the exposure of the film unit 29 is completed, the system controller 70
4 drives the drive motor 39. As shown in FIG. 4, the drive motor 39 is provided with a film feeding mechanism 38.
Is driven and the developing roller pair 40 is rotated.

In the film feeding mechanism 38, the claw member enters into the notch 42 formed on the front surface of the case 28 from below, and moves upward while scooping the lower end of the film unit 29 in the front row in the case 28. The film unit 29 is fed upward from a delivery port 43 provided on the upper surface of the film unit. The film unit 29 sent out of the case 28 is sent between the unfolding roller pair 40 rotating upward.

The developing roller pair 40 is rotationally driven in opposite directions by a drive motor 39, and transports the film unit 29 toward the upper discharge port 4 with the film unit 29 interposed therebetween. Each roller constituting the unfolding roller pair 40 is urged by a spring and a spacer (not shown) in a direction in which the rollers approach each other at a constant interval, and sandwiches the film unit 29 with a strong force. As a result, the developing solution pod 29b of the film unit 29 is cut open, and the developing solution flows out to the photosensitive layer on the inner surface of the photosensitive surface 29a. The developing roller pair 40 spreads the developing solution evenly on the photosensitive layer on the inner surface of the photosensitive surface 29a while the film unit 2 is being discharged from the discharge port 4.
Discharge 9 The discharged film unit 29 can observe a positive image after a predetermined time during which development and transfer processing are performed in the unit.

The film unit 2 of the first embodiment
The positive image formed on the observation surface of No. 9 is an image in which the vertical direction is inverted, but the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 at the time of printing is inverted in the vertical direction, so that the image on the observation surface of the film unit 29 is correct. Oriented positive images can be formed. This may be achieved by providing the image data processing circuit 78 with an image posture correction function for appropriately correcting the posture of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 in accordance with the mode of the printer 2. When in the image observation mode, a normal image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48, and when the printer 2 is in the print mode, the liquid crystal display unit 48 displays an image whose upside down direction is easily displayed. Can be implemented.

Although the transmission type film unit has been described as an example, a mirror image type film unit in which a positive image is formed on an exposure surface and observed can be used. In this case, if a normal image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit, an image in which the vertical and horizontal directions are reversed is formed on the observation surface of the mirror image type film unit. However, as described above, the image data processing circuit is provided with an image orientation correction function, and when the printer is in the image observation mode, the normal image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit, and when the printer is in the print mode, By displaying an inverted image inverted in the vertical and horizontal directions on the liquid crystal display unit, a positive image in the correct direction can be obtained.

In the printer of the first embodiment,
The exposure optical path and the observation optical path are made to be substantially Z-shaped by using two reflection mirrors, but the exposure optical path and the observation optical path are made substantially L-shaped by using only one reflection mirror. It can also be shaped. Hereinafter, a printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention in which the exposure optical path and the observation optical path have a substantially L-shape will be described. Note that the same parts as those described in the printer of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 11 showing the external shape of the printer according to the present embodiment, the printer 106 has a protrusion 10 formed on the front surface, similarly to the printer 2 according to the first embodiment.
An observation window 108 is formed in the inclined upper surface portion of 7, and an observation screen 109 is fitted into the observation window 108. On the side surface of the protruding portion 107, an optical path switching means for switching between an exposure optical path and an observation optical path is formed, and a switching lever 110 for switching the mode of the printer 106 is rotatably attached. Note that the printer 106 shown in FIG. 11 is in the image observation mode.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a main part of the printer 106.
As shown in the figure, a liquid crystal display unit 48, an exposure optical system 112 also serving as an observation optical system, a switching reflection mirror 113 and a reflection mirror 114 constituting an optical path switching means are incorporated in the projection 107. I have.

The switching reflecting mirror 113 disposed between the exposing optical system 112 and the reflecting mirror 114 opens the exposing optical path between the exposing optical system 112 and the reflecting mirror 114, and becomes substantially L-shaped. A position for forming an exposure optical path having a shape;
As shown in FIG. 13, the exposure optical path between the exposure optical system 112 and the reflection mirror 114 is closed, and the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 is displayed on the observation screen 1.
09 is rotatable with respect to a position where a substantially L-shaped observation optical path that reflects toward the back surface is formed.

The switching reflection mirror 113 is connected to the printer 1
One end is attached to a rotating shaft 116 which is supported in the inside of the shaft 06. A switching lever 110 provided outside the printer 106 is attached to one end of the rotation shaft 116. Thus, by rotating the switching lever 110, the switching reflecting mirror 113 can be rotated between the position where the exposure optical path is formed and the position where the observation optical path is formed.

As described above, when the optical path is substantially L-shaped,
The size of the printer 106 in the front-rear direction can be made smaller than that of a printer having a Z-shaped optical path, and the size and weight of the printer can be reduced. Also, if the reflection mirror is 1
Since only one sheet is required, the attenuation of the exposure light quantity can be reduced, and the print time can be reduced, and a high-quality print can be obtained.

In the L-shaped optical path, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 is displayed on the observation screen 109 in a state where the left and right directions are reversed.
The film unit 29 is exposed in a state where the vertical and horizontal directions are reversed. For this reason, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, an image posture correction circuit 118 is provided between the image data processing circuit 78 and the interface circuit 80 as image posture correction means for inverting the image data in the left-right direction. I have. As a result, an image is displayed as a normal image on the observation screen 109, and a positive image whose upside down direction is inverted is formed on the film unit 29. The reversal of the film unit 29 in the up and down direction is not a problem if the film unit 29 is observed upside down.

When the printer 106 is in the image observation mode, an image whose horizontal direction is inverted is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48. When the printer 106 is in the print mode, the image whose vertical direction is inverted is displayed. By displaying the image on the liquid crystal display unit 48, a positive image in the correct direction can be formed on the film unit 29.

Further, the printer 10 of the second embodiment is used.
A mirror image type film unit in which a positive image is formed on the exposure surface and observed can be used also in 6. When a mirror image type film pack is used in the printer 106, the image whose horizontal direction is reversed is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 when the printer 106 is in the image observation mode, and the liquid crystal is displayed when the printer 106 is in the print mode. By displaying the normal image on the display unit 48, a positive image in the correct direction can be formed on the film unit 29.

In each of the above embodiments, the exposure optical system is used also as the observation optical system. However, the exposure optical system may be provided separately from the observation optical system. Hereinafter, a printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which separate optical systems are used for the exposure optical system and the observation optical system, will be described. The same components as those described in the printer of each of the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 15 showing the external shape of the printer according to the present embodiment, the printer 120 is similar to the printer according to each of the above-described embodiments and has a structure in which the projection 121 formed on the front surface is observed on the inclined upper surface. A window 122 is formed. An observation screen 123 is fitted into the observation window 122. A switching lever 124 that switches between an exposure optical path and an observation optical path and switches the mode of the printer 120 is rotatably attached to the side surface of the protrusion 121. The printer 120 shown in FIG.
Is in print mode.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a main part of the printer 120.
As shown in the figure, the liquid crystal display unit 48, the magnifying lens 126 serving as an observation optical system,
A switching reflection mirror 127, an exposure optical system 128, an exposure reflection mirror 129, and an observation reflection mirror 130 are incorporated.

The switching reflection mirror 127 includes a magnifying lens 126, an exposure optical system 128, and the observation reflection mirror 13.
0, and a position for blocking the observation optical path between the magnifying lens 126 and the observation reflection mirror 130 to form a substantially Z-shaped exposure optical path, as shown in FIG. The upper portion of the exposure optical system 128 is closed, and the magnifying lens 12 is closed.
6 and the observation reflection mirror 130 are opened, and are rotatable between a position where a substantially L-shaped observation optical path is formed.

The switching reflection mirror 127 is connected to the printer 1
One end is attached to a rotation shaft 132 which is supported inside 20. A switching lever 124 provided outside the printer 120 is attached to one end of the rotation shaft 132. Thus, by rotating the switching lever 124, the switching reflecting mirror 127 can be rotated between the position where the exposure optical path is formed and the position where the observation optical path is formed.

When the observation optical path is formed by the switching operation of the switching reflection mirror 127, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 is enlarged by the magnifying lens 126 and the observation screen 123 is displayed.
Projected to When the exposure optical path is formed, the magnifying lens 126 is used together with the exposure optical system 128 for enlarged projection and image formation of an image for exposure. According to this, as in the first and second embodiments, the exposure optical system is moved. Since a focus switching mechanism for performing focus adjustment is not required, the number of parts can be reduced, and the size and weight of the printer can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced.

In the printer 120, the number of reflection mirrors is different between the exposure optical path and the observation optical path. Therefore, the normal image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 is exposed on the film unit 29 in a state where the vertical direction is reversed. Therefore, the image is displayed on the observation screen 123 in a state where the left-right direction is reversed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, between the image data processing circuit 78 and the interface circuit 80, when the printer 120 is in the image observation mode, the image orientation correction for inverting the horizontal direction of the image data is performed. An image orientation correction circuit 134 is provided. As a result, the image is displayed on the observation screen 123 as a normal image, and the image can be properly observed.

When the printer 120 is in the print mode, the liquid crystal display unit 48 may display an image whose vertical direction has been inverted by the image orientation correction circuit 134. According to this, the film unit 29
A positive image in the correct orientation can be formed.

Further, a mirror image type film unit in which a positive image is formed on an exposure surface and observed can be used for the printer 120 as well. When a mirror image type film pack is used in the printer 120, when the printer 120 is in the print mode, the liquid crystal display unit 48 displays an inverted image inverted in the up, down, left, and right directions, so that a positive image in a correct direction is displayed. Obtainable.

In each of the above embodiments, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit is projected on the screen for observation. However, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit is magnified by a lens and directly observed. Can also. Hereinafter, a printer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention in which a display image of a liquid crystal display unit is directly observed will be described. The same components as those described in the printer of each of the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 19 showing the external shape of the printer of this embodiment, the printer 136 has a protrusion 137 on the front surface, similar to the printers of the above embodiments. Does not have an observation window in which an observation screen is fitted. A switching lever 138 for switching between the exposure optical path and the observation optical path and for switching the mode of the printer 136 is rotatably attached to the side surface of the protrusion 137. FIG.
9 is in the print mode. As shown in FIG. 20 showing the back side of the printer 136, an eyepiece window 139 for observing an image is formed above the back cover 21.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of a main part of the printer 136.
As shown in the figure, a liquid crystal display unit 48, a magnifying lens 141 serving as an observation optical system,
A switching reflection mirror 142, an exposure optical system 143, and an exposure mirror 145 are incorporated.

The switching reflection mirror 142 is disposed between the magnifying lens 141, the exposure optical system 143, and the eyepiece window 139, and closes the observation optical path between the magnifying lens 141 and the eyepiece window 139. And a position where a substantially Z-shaped exposure optical path is formed, and as shown in FIG.
3 and is rotatable between a position where the observation optical path between the magnifying lens 141 and the eyepiece window 139 is opened.

As shown in FIG. 22, the switching reflecting mirror 1
When the optical path for observation is formed by 42, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 is magnified by the magnifying lens 141 and exits from the eyepiece window 239. In order to see the image on the liquid crystal display unit 48, the eyepiece window 139 is viewed with one eye, so that an effect that another person cannot see the image can be obtained.

Further, since the exposure optical system 143 does not have to be moved for two focus adjustments, the printer 136 of the present embodiment does not need to be provided with a focus switching mechanism linked to the switching lever 138. . As a result, the number of parts of the printer 136 can be reduced, and the size and weight of the printer can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced.

As an enlarging lens for enlarging an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 and emitting the same through the eyepiece window 139, as shown in FIG.
7 and concave lens 148, Galilean optical system 149
May be used. According to this, it is possible to display an image with a higher magnification. When an image with a higher magnification is displayed, a Kepler-type optical system 153 including an objective lens 150, an intermediate lens 151, and an eyepiece 152 can be used as shown in FIG.

Further, a mirror image type film unit can also be used for the printer 136. When a mirror image type film pack is used in the printer 136, the printer 1
When 36 is in the image observation mode, the normal image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48, and when in the print mode, the liquid crystal display unit 48 displays the inverted image inverted in the vertical and horizontal directions. A positive image in the correct direction can be obtained.

In the liquid crystal display unit 48 of each of the above embodiments, as shown in FIG.
A diffusion slope 61 and a light amplification slope 62 are arranged between the light emitting device and the LED unit 63. However, like the liquid crystal display unit 155 shown in FIG.
Attached to the circuit board 158 of the ED unit 157, the red, green,
Diffusion slope 1 with three primary blue LEDs 159, 160, 161
You may arrange | position on 56 side surfaces. According to this configuration, LE
The housing 164 in which the D unit 157 and the liquid crystal panel 162 are accommodated and the protective cover 163 is attached can be thinner in the front-rear direction than the liquid crystal display unit 48 described above, and the printer can be made smaller and lighter. be able to.

The shutter circuit is used to display each frame image on the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display unit,
The blinking of the ED is performed in the same operation time and timing as in the image observation. However, at the time of exposure, each L
It is also possible to make the lighting time of the ED relatively long and adjust the exposure amount by displaying each frame image. Or
It is also possible to increase the amount of light of each LED itself and adjust the amount of exposure by relatively increasing the driving power supply for driving each LED. According to this, since the exposure amount can be increased, the exposure time can be shortened, and exposure optimal for the film sensitivity can be provided.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the film unit is discharged from the upper surface of the printer, but may be discharged from the lower surface of the printer. Further, although the printer is configured as a vertical type, the printer may be configured as a horizontal type so that the film unit is discharged from the side of the printer.

Furthermore, a transmission type instant film unit has been described as an example of a film unit, but a mirror image type instant film unit can also be used. In this case, the optical path is changed, or the orientation of the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit is appropriately corrected at the time of observation and exposure by the image orientation correction means, so that a normal image is projected on the observation screen, and the normal image is projected on the film unit. Make sure that a positive image with the correct orientation is formed.

It is also possible to use both transmission type and mirror image type film units. In this case, the image orientation correction circuit may appropriately correct the orientation of the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit at the time of observation and exposure according to the type of the set film unit. The determination of the type of the film unit may be supported by the user or may be identified by the printer.

Further, the photosensitive material used as a recording material is not limited to an instant film unit, and a general photographic film such as 135 type or 120 type, or a printer using a silver halide photosensitive sheet film. You can also.

Further, the image orientation correction circuit is provided separately.
The orientation of the image may be corrected by the image data processing circuit.

Furthermore, the LED is described as blinking in the order of red, green, and blue, but this order is not limited, and the LED may blink in a different order, such as blue, green, and red. Good.

Although a memory card is used as an external storage medium for inputting image data, a removable medium such as a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a CD-ROM may be used.

Further, by incorporating a photographing lens and an image sensor, a moving image or a still image can be taken, and the taken image can be printed immediately.

[0125]

As described above, according to the printer of the present invention, the surface exposure is performed by the liquid crystal display unit capable of displaying a high-quality full-color image. A printer capable of obtaining high-quality prints in a very short time can be configured at low cost. Also, by changing the exposure optical system arbitrarily, various exposure magnifications can be easily selected. Further, since the power consumption of the liquid crystal display unit is small, the liquid crystal display unit can be easily applied to a small-sized and lightweight portable printer. Further, since the liquid crystal display unit is used for both exposure and image observation, it is possible to further reduce costs and reduce power consumption.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a main part of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a print mode.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating an appearance of the printer according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view illustrating the appearance of the printer according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part schematically showing an internal arrangement of the printer of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a main part showing a state of the printer of the first embodiment in an image observation mode.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a liquid crystal display unit.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of the printer according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing the operation timing of the liquid crystal display unit.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an operating frequency conversion circuit.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation sequence of the printer according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view illustrating the appearance of a printer according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a main part showing a state of a printer according to a second embodiment in a print mode.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main part of the printer according to the second embodiment in an image observation mode.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of a printer according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view illustrating the appearance of a printer according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a main part showing a state of a printer according to a third embodiment in a print mode.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a main part illustrating a state of the printer according to the third embodiment in an image observation mode.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of a printer according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view illustrating the appearance of a printer according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view illustrating the appearance of a printer according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an essential part cross-sectional view illustrating a state of a printer according to a fourth embodiment in a print mode.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state of an image observation mode of the printer of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of a main part of a printer using a Galilean optical system as a magnifying lens.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of a main part of a printer using a Galilean optical system as a magnifying lens.

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view showing another configuration of the liquid crystal display unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2, 106, 120, 136 Printer 10, 109, 123 Observation screen 29 Film unit 11, 110, 124, 138 Switching lever 48, 155 Liquid crystal display unit 50, 112, 128, 143 Exposure optical system 52, 113, 127 , 142 Switching reflection mirror 60, 158 Liquid crystal panel 63, 157 LED unit 78 Image data processing circuit 80 Interface circuit 84 Operating frequency conversion circuit 118, 134 Image orientation correction circuit 126, 141 Magnifying lens 139 Eyepiece window 149 Galileo optical system 153 Kepler optical system

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tsutomu Murayama 1-6-6 Matsuzakadaira, Yamato-cho, Kurokawa-gun, Miyagi Prefecture Inside Fujifilm Micro Devices Co., Ltd.

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A liquid crystal display unit having a transmissive liquid crystal panel on which an image is formed by blinking a large number of pixels, and a light source unit for emitting light of a plurality of emission colors and illuminating the liquid crystal panel from the back. The color image signals are decomposed into color image signals corresponding to a plurality of emission colors of the light source unit, and images corresponding to the respective color image signals are sequentially formed on the liquid crystal panel, and in synchronization with this, each image is synchronized. An interface circuit for blinking the light source unit with a corresponding luminescent color; an exposure optical path for guiding light of the light source unit transmitted through the liquid crystal panel to a photosensitive surface of a photosensitive material as a recording material; and an exposure circuit provided outside the device. An optical path for observation leading to the observation window, an optical path switching means for switching between the optical path for exposure and the optical path for observation, An exposure optical system for forming an image on a photosensitive surface of a photosensitive material through an optical path for observation, and an observation optical system for enlarging and projecting an image formed on the liquid crystal display unit to an observation window through the observation optical path. Printer. 2. The exposure optical system and the observation optical system,
The optical path for exposure and the optical path for observation are shared by one imaging optical system arranged in an optical path partially overlapping, and the imaging optical system is driven by a liquid crystal in conjunction with a switching operation of the optical path switching means. The image forming apparatus is moved between a position where an image formed on a display unit is formed on a photosensitive surface of a photosensitive material and a position where the image is formed on an observation screen provided in an observation window. Item 1. The printer according to Item 1. 3. The observation optical system is disposed in an optical path where an exposure optical path and an observation optical path partially overlap, and the exposure optical system and the observation optical system are used when exposing the photosensitive material. 2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein an image formed on the liquid crystal display unit is used to form an image on a photosensitive surface, and only the observation optical system is used when enlarging and projecting the image onto an observation window. 4. The observation window is an eyepiece window to be observed in an eyepiece state, and the observation optical system includes a magnifying lens for projecting an enlarged image formed on a liquid crystal display unit from the eyepiece window. The printer according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The printer according to claim 4, wherein the magnifying lens is a Galilean optical system. 6. The printer according to claim 4, wherein the magnifying lens is a Kepler-type optical system. 7. Two reflection mirrors are disposed between the liquid crystal display unit and the photosensitive surface, and the exposure optical path is substantially Z
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the printer has a character shape. 8. The printer according to claim 1, wherein a reflection mirror is disposed between the liquid crystal display unit and the photosensitive surface, and an exposure optical path is substantially L-shaped. 9. The optical path switching means is disposed to face a liquid crystal display unit, and reflects a light of a light source section transmitted through the liquid crystal panel toward an exposure optical path and a reflection position toward an observation optical path. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a switching reflection mirror that is movable between and. 10. The switching reflecting mirror and the exposing reflecting mirror are arranged between the liquid crystal display unit and the photosensitive surface so that the exposing optical path has a substantially Z-shape. 10. The printer according to claim 9, wherein the switching reflection mirror and the observation reflection mirror are disposed between the two, and the observation optical path has a substantially L-shape. 11. The printer according to claim 1, wherein said photosensitive material is an instant film unit, and means for developing the instant film unit and discharging the developed unit out of the apparatus is provided. 12. The interface circuit according to claim 1, wherein the interface circuit has an operation frequency conversion unit for converting an input image signal into an image signal synchronized with an operation frequency of the liquid crystal display unit. The printer described. 13. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the interface circuit updates a color image of one frame formed on the liquid crystal display unit at a speed of 1/16 sec or more. 14. The light source unit according to claim 1, wherein the interface circuit blinks the light source for a light emission time shorter than a display time of an image corresponding to the color image signal.
Printer according to any of the above. 15. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the interface circuit repeatedly forms one frame of color image on the liquid crystal display unit and continuously displays one frame of color image. . 16. When observing an image formed on a photosensitive surface of the photosensitive material and when observing the image from an observation window,
2. An image posture correcting means for appropriately correcting the posture of an image displayed on a liquid crystal display unit so that the image can be observed as a normal image.
5. The printer according to any one of 5. 17. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the image orientation correction unit operates or stops in conjunction with a switching operation of the optical path switching unit.