WO2003053696A2 - Developing and printing apparatus - Google Patents

Developing and printing apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003053696A2
WO2003053696A2 PCT/KR2002/002335 KR0202335W WO03053696A2 WO 2003053696 A2 WO2003053696 A2 WO 2003053696A2 KR 0202335 W KR0202335 W KR 0202335W WO 03053696 A2 WO03053696 A2 WO 03053696A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
digital
digital image
printing unit
developing
light
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2002/002335
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2003053696A3 (en
Inventor
Byung-Keuk Lee
Original Assignee
Carima Co., Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from KR10-2002-0077762A external-priority patent/KR100531688B1/en
Application filed by Carima Co., Ltd. filed Critical Carima Co., Ltd.
Priority to AU2002366772A priority Critical patent/AU2002366772A1/en
Publication of WO2003053696A2 publication Critical patent/WO2003053696A2/en
Publication of WO2003053696A3 publication Critical patent/WO2003053696A3/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00249—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a photographic apparatus, e.g. a photographic printer or a projector
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00249—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a photographic apparatus, e.g. a photographic printer or a projector
    • H04N1/00259—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a photographic apparatus, e.g. a photographic printer or a projector with an apparatus for processing exposed photographic materials
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00249—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a photographic apparatus, e.g. a photographic printer or a projector
    • H04N1/00275—Recording image information on a photographic material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0008—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus
    • H04N2201/0063—Constructional details
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0077—Types of the still picture apparatus
    • H04N2201/0082—Image hardcopy reproducer

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a developing and printing apparatus developing and printing an image onto a photographic paper using light exposure.
  • FIGS. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional developing and printing apparatus, and FIG. 2 illustrates an internal configuration thereof.
  • the conventional developing and printing apparatus 10 comprises a main body 11 in which photographic paper 13, a developer, etc. are accommodated, and an analog printing unit 41 creating a latent image from a negative of a film onto the photographic paper by emitting light toward the film and instantaneously exposing the photographic paper to the light passing through the film.
  • the paper developing part 15 comprises a developer tank, a bleaching tank, a washing tank, etc.
  • the latent image obtained from the negative of the film onto the photographic paper 13 by the analog printing unit 41 is developed into a positive picture after passing the photographic paper 13 through the paper developing part 15.
  • a photographic paper dispenser 21 dispensing the photographic paper, a first cutter 23 cutting the photographic paper after obtaining the latent image onto the photographic paper, and a second cutter 25 cutting the photographic paper after developing and drying the photographic paper through the paper developing part 15.
  • an opening 31 being rectangular and facing toward the photographic paper 13.
  • a supporting part 33 protruding upward and having a holding groove 35 formed along the circumference of the opening 31.
  • a negative carrier 37 on which the film to be printed and developed is placed.
  • the negative carrier 37 is a plate having size and shape corresponding to the internal circumference of the supporting part 33 so as to be held by the holding groove 35.
  • the negative carrier 37 is detachably combined to the supporting part 33, i.e., the negative carrier 37 is fitted in the internal circumference of the supporting part 33, with its lower part being held by the holding groove 35 of the supporting part 33.
  • the negative carrier 37 is formed with a light transparent hole 39 through which light passing through a diffusing pipe 47 (to be described late) passes.
  • a first light source 43 emitting light toward the negative carrier 37
  • a CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow) filter 45 filtering only C (cyan) , M (magenta) and Y (yellow) components of the light emitted from the first light source 43
  • the diffusing pipe 47 provided between the CMY filter 45 and the negative carrier 37 and diffusing the filtered light to be projected on the film of the negative carrier 37.
  • the diffusing pipe 47 is detachably combined to the CMY filter 45.
  • R (red) , G (green) and B (blue) sensors 49 respectively sensing R, G and B components of the light passing through the film so as to control an exposure time according to the intensity of the R, G and B components, and a diffusing lens 51 diffusing the light which passed the R, G and B sensors 49.
  • a discharge slot 27 discharges the photographic paper 13 cut by the second cutter 25 to the outside of the main body 11, and a sorter 29 sorts the photographic paper 13 discharged through the discharge slot 27 in good order.
  • the first light source 43 emits light, and the light is filtered by the CMY filter 45, so that only C, M and Y components of the light enters the main body 11 via the diffusing pipe 47 and the film put on the negative carrier 37 in sequence.
  • the light passing through the film is sensed by the R, G and B sensors 49, so that the exposure time is determined according to the intensity of the R, G and B components of the light.
  • the diffusing lens 51 diffuses the light which passed the R, G and B sensors 49.
  • the diffused light is projected on the photographic paper 13 instantaneously by the analog shutter 53 disposed under the diffusing lens 51, thereby obtaining the latent image onto the photographic paper 13.
  • the photographic paper 13 having the latent image is cut by the first cutter 23, and then transferred to the paper developing part 15.
  • the photographic paper 13 is placed into various solutions and the latent image thereof is developed into the positive image.
  • the developed photographic paper 13 is dried and then cut by the second cutter 25. Finally, the cut photographic paper 13 is discharged through the discharge slot 27.
  • Such a conventional developing and printing apparatus can develop and print only an analog image recorded on the film. By the way, it is difficult to edit and modify the analog image recorded on the film. Further, if the film is damaged, it is impossible to restore the analog image recorded on the film. Therefore, the film must be carefully kept.
  • the conventional developing and printing apparatus cannot develop and print the digital image electrically captured by the digital device, but can develop and print the analog image recorded on the film not.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing and printing apparatus which has a smallest digital printing unit for obtaining a digital image .
  • Still another object of the present invention is to provide a developing and printing apparatus which can develop and print both an analog image recorded on a film and a digital image, thereby preventing a waste of material.
  • a developing and printing apparatus comprising a main body accommodating photographic paper therein and having an opening facing toward the ' photographic paper; a supporting part protruding along a circumference of the opening; a negative carrier detachably combined to the supporting part and placing a film thereon; and an analog printing unit including a first light source emitting light toward the negative carrier, a CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow) filter filtering the light emitted from the first light source, and a diffusing pipe detachably combined to the negative carrier and diffusing the filtered light to be projected on the film placed on the negative carrier, further comprising: a digital printing unit including an optical system to receive a digital signal from a computer and form a digital image onto the photographic paper; a digital carrier attached to the digital printing unit, being formed with an image transparent hole through which the digital image outputted from the digital printing unit passes, and allowing the digital printing unit to be detachably combined to the supporting part; and a digital shutter provided opposite
  • the digital printing unit includes: a second light source; an infrared filter intercepting infrared rays of light emitted from the second light source; a RGBW (red, green, blue and white) filter wheel rotating at high speed and mixing colors of the light passing through the infrared filter; a concave lens converting the light whose colors are mixed through the RGBW filter wheel into a straight ray having uniform intensity; a diffusing plate diffusing the light passing through the concave lens-; a color filter filtering the light combing through the diffusing plate according to color reproduction; a digital image creating part on which the digital image is created in response to the digital signal transmitted from the computer; a reflecting part reflecting the light passing through the color filter to the digital image creating part; and a magnifying lens magnifying the digital image outputted from the digital image creating part and projecting the magnified digital image toward the digital shutter .
  • RGBW red, green, blue and white
  • the second light source includes a halogen lamp or a light-emitting diode .
  • the infrared filter, the RGBW filter wheel, the concave lens, the diffusing plate, and the color filter are aligned in an axis of the second light source
  • the digital image creating part is provided between the color filter and the reflecting part, being perpendicular to the axis of the second light source
  • the magnifying lens is aligned with the digital image creating part, so that the digital printing unit employed in obtaining the digital image can be designed to have a compact size so as to do not interrupt the CMY filter.
  • the digital image creating part includes a DMD (digital micromirror device) chip
  • the reflecting part includes a first reflex mirror and a second reflex mirror which are arranged across the digital image creating part, wherein the light passing through the color filter is reflected by the first reflex mirror toward the second reflex mirror, and reflected again by the second reflex mirror toward the DMD chip, so that the digital image creating part creates the digital image.
  • the digital image creating part has an LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon)
  • the reflecting part has a PBS (polarized beam splitter) , wherein the light passing through the color filter in thrown by the PBS toward the LCOS and then reflected by the LCOS, so that the digital image creating part creates the digital image.
  • the developing and printing unit further comprises an optical cable placed between the infrared filter and the RGBW filter wheel and transmitting light passing through the infrared filter to the RGBW filter wheel, wherein the optical cable transmits light uniformly to the digital image creating part and intercepts heat generated from the second light source, thereby reproducing a picture in vivid and natural color and preventing the digital printing unit from being overheated.
  • a developing and printing apparatus developing and printing an image onto a photographic paper using light exposure, comprising: a main body accommodating photographic paper therein; a digital printing unit with an optical system receiving a digital signal from a computer and forming a digital image on the photographic paper; and a digital shutter provided in the digital printing unit and controlling an exposure time of the digital image outputted from the digital printing unit to the photographic paper.
  • the digital printing unit includes: a second light source; an infrared filter intercepting infrared rays of light emitted from the second light source; a RGBW (red, green, blue and white) filter wheel rotating at high speed and mixing colors of the light passing through the infrared filter; a concave lens converting the light whose colors are mixed through the RGBW filter wheel into a straight ray having uniform intensity; a diffusing plate diffusing the light passing through the concave lens; a color filter filtering the light combing through the diffusing plate according to color reproduction; a digital image creating part on which the digital image is created in response to the digital signal transmitted from the computer; a reflecting part reflecting the light passing through the color filter to the digital image creating part; and a magnifying lens magnifying the digital image outputted from the digital image creating part and projecting the magnified digital image toward the digital shutter .
  • RGBW red, green, blue and white
  • the second light source includes a halogen lamp or a light-emitting diode
  • the infrared filter, the RGBW filter wheel, the concave lens, the diffusing plate, and the color filter are aligned in an axis of the second light source
  • the digital image creating part is provided between the color filter and the reflecting part, being perpendicular to the axis of the second light source
  • the magnifying lens is aligned with the digital image creating part, so that the digital printing unit employed in obtaining the digital image can be designed to have a compact size so as to do not interrupt the CMY filter.
  • the digital image creating part includes a DMD (digital micromirror device) chip
  • the reflecting part includes a first reflex mirror and a second reflex mirror which are arranged across the digital image creating part, wherein the light passing through the color filter is reflected by the first reflex mirror toward the second reflex mirror, and reflected again by the second reflex mirror toward the DMD chip, so that the digital image creating part creates the digital image.
  • the digital image creating part has an LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon)
  • the reflecting part has a PBS (polarized beam splitter) , wherein the light passing through the color filter is thrown by the PBS toward the LCOS and then reflected by the LCOS, so that the digital image creating part creates the digital image.
  • the developing and printing unit further comprises an optical cable placed between the infrared filter and the RGBW filter wheel and transmitting light passing through the infrared filter to the RGBW filter wheel, wherein the optical cable transmits light uniformly to the digital image creating part and intercepts heat generated from the second light source, thereby reproducing a picture in vivid and natural color and preventing the digital printing unit from "being overheated.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional developing and printing apparatus
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an internal configuration of the conventional developing and printing apparatus shown in FIG . 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a developing and printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an optical system for a digital printing unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an internal configuration of the developing and printing apparatus of FIG. 3 to which the digital printing device of FIG. 4 is attached;
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an optical system for the digital printing unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an optical system for the digital printing unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates an internal configuration of a developing and printing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
  • FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a developing and printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an optical system for a digital printing unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an internal configuration of the developing and printing apparatus of FIG. 3 to which the digital printing device of FIG. 4 is attached.
  • a digital printing unit is detachably combined to the conventional developing and printing apparatus having an analog printing unit, and the digital and analog printing units are alternately operated, thereby developing and printing both an analog image recorded on a film and a digital image transmitted from a digital device such as a computer, etc.
  • a developing and printing apparatus 10' comprises a main body 11 in which a photographic paper 13, a developer, etc. are accommodated, an analog printing unit 41 creating a latent image from a negative of a film onto the photographic paper 13 by emitting light toward the film and instantaneously exposing the photographic paper 13 to the light passing through the film, a digital printing unit 61 including an optical system to receive a digital signal from a computer (not shown) and to form a digital image due to the digital signal onto the photographic paper 13, a digital carrier 97 attached to the digital printing unit 61 and allowing the digital printing unit 61 to be detachably combined to a supporting part 33, and a digital shutter 99 provided under the digital carrier 97 and controlling an exposure time of the photographic paper 13.
  • the main body 11 and the analog printing unit 41 are the same as those disclosed in "BACKGROUND ART" , and descriptions thereof will be omitted.
  • the digital printing unit 61 includes a case 63 having a box shape. On lateral surfaces of the case 63 are formed a handle 65 allowing a user to easily lift the digital printing unit 61 to be placed on the supporting part 33, a plurality of air vents 67 for air-cooling the inside of the case 63, and terminals 69 through which electric power is supplied to a second light source 71 (to be described later) .
  • the digital printing unit 61 includes the second light source 71, an infrared filter 73 intercepting infrared rays of light emitted from the second light source 71, a RGBW (red, green, blue and white) filter wheel 77 rotating at high speed and mixing colors of the light passing through the infrared filter 73, a concave lens 79 converting the light whose colors are mixed through the RGBW filter wheel 77 into a straight ray having uniform intensity, a diffusing plate 81 diffusing the light passing through the concave lens 79, a color filter 83 filtering the light combing through the diffusing plate 81 according to color reproduction, a digital image creating part 91 on which the digital image is created in response to the digital signal transmitted from the computer, a reflecting part reflecting the light passing through the color filter 83 to the digital image creating part 91, and a magnifying lens 95 magnifying the digital image outputted from the digital image creating part 91 and projecting the magnified digital
  • the second light source 71 is a halogen lamp, a light-emitting diode, or etc.
  • the light- emitting diode emits heat smaller than the halogen lamp emits, so that it is effective in preventing the digital printing unit 61 from being overheated.
  • the light-emitting diode can be selectively designed to emit light according to a transmittable wavelength of the RGBW filter wheel 77, so that the light-emitting diode is more effective than the halogen lamp.
  • the RGBW filter wheel 77 is rotated by an attached motor 78 at high speed (about 7200 rpm) , thereby mixing colors of the light transmitted from the infrared filter 73 to the concave lens 79.
  • the reflecting part includes a first reflex mirror 85 and a second reflex mirror 87, which are arranged across the digital image creating part 91 from each other.
  • the digital image creating part 91 is electrically connected to the computer, and includes a DMD (digital micromirror device) chip 93 to which a digital signal for editing and modifying the digital image is transmitted from the computer.
  • the respective components are arranged in the case 63 as follows.
  • the second light source 71 the infrared filter 73, the RGBW filter wheel 77, the concave lens 79, the diffusing plate 81, the color filter 83, and the first reflex mirror 85 are aligned.
  • the first reflex mirror 85 is diagonally disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the axis of alignment.
  • the second reflex mirror 87 is opposite to the first reflex mirror 85 across the digital image creating part 91.
  • the digital image creating part 91 is perpendicular to the axis of the second light source 71.
  • the magnifying lens 95 is aligned with the digital image creating part 91.
  • the light emitted from the second light source 71 passes through the infrared filter 73, the RGBW filter wheel 77, the concave lens 79, the diffusing plate 81, and the color filter 83 in sequence, and is then reflected by the first reflex mirror 85.
  • the light reflected from the first reflex mirror 85 is reflected again by the second reflex mirror 87, and projected onto the DMD chip 93, thereby allowing the DMD chip 93 of the digital image creating part 91 to create the digital image.
  • the digital printing unit 61 employed in obtaining the digital image can be designed to have a compact size, so that the digital printing unit 61 does not interrupt the CMY filter 45.
  • the digital carrier 97 allowing the digital printing unit 61 to be detachably combined to the supporting part 33 is a plate having size and shape corresponding to the internal circumference of the supporting part 33 so as to be held by the holding groove 35.
  • the digital carrier 97 is attached to a lower part of the digital printing unit 61 and allows the digital printing unit 61 to be detachably combined to the supporting part 33.
  • the digital carrier 97 is detachably combined to the supporting part 33, i.e., the digital carrier 97 is fitted in the internal circumference of the supporting part 33, with its lower part being held by the holding groove 35 of the supporting part 33. Further, the digital carrier 97 is formed with an image transparent hole 98 through which the digital image created from the digital image creating part 91 passes.
  • the digital shutter 99 is attached to the lower part of the digital carrier 97 and controls the exposure time of the photographic paper 13.
  • the diffusing pipe 47, the R,G and B sensors 49, the diffusing lens 51, and the analog shutter 53 are detached from the analog printing unit 41 of the main body 11. Further, the negative carrier 37 is detached from the supporting part 33. At this time, the first light source 43 and the CMY filter 43 of the analog printing unit 41 are left as it is on the upper surface the main body 11.
  • the digital printing unit 61 is fitted in the ' internal circumference of the supporting part 33, with its lower part being held by the holding groove 35 of the supporting part 33, thereby attaching the digital printing unit 61 to the main body 11.
  • the second light source 71 of the digital printing unit 61 emits light.
  • the light emitted from the second light source 71 passes through the infrared filter 73, with its infrared rays being filtered out.
  • the light passing through the infrared filter 73 passes through the RGBW filter wheel 77, with its colors being mixed.
  • the color mixed light is converted into a straight ray having uniform intensity by the concave lens 79, and then diffused by the diffusing plate 81.
  • the diffused light is filtered by the color filter 83 according to the color reproduction, and then projected onto the first reflex mirror 85.
  • the light passing through the color filter 83 is reflected by the first reflex mirror 85 and the second reflex mirror 87, and then projected onto the DMD chip 93, thereby allowing the DMD chip 93 of the digital image creating part 91 to create the digital image.
  • the digital image created by the digital image creating part 91 is magnified by the magnifying lens 95, and then the magnified digital image is focused onto the photographic paper 13 instantaneously by the digital shutter 99 provided under the digital carrier 97, thereby obtaining the latent image onto the photographic paper 13. Thereafter, the photographic paper 13 having the latent image is developed through the paper developing part 15. Thus, the digital image is developed and printed.
  • the digital printing unit is detachably combined to the conventional developing and printing apparatus having the analog printing unit, and the digital and analog printing units are alternately operated, thereby developing and printing both an analog image recorded on a film and a digital image transmitted from a digital device. Hence, a waste of material is prevented.
  • the digital printing unit can be designed to have a compact size, so that the digital printing unit does not interrupt neighboring devices.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an optical system for the digital printing unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • a digital printing unit 61' according to the second embodiment comprises an optical -cable 75 placed between the infrared filter 73 and the RGBW filter wheel 77.
  • the optical cable 75 includes a plurality of optical fibers, and transmits light passing through the infrared filter 73 to the RGBW filter wheel 77.
  • the infrared filter 73 is incorporated with the optical cable 75 at one end of the optical cable 75 adjacent to the second light source 71.
  • the optical cable 75 provided between the infrared filter 73 and the RGBW filter wheel 77 transmits light uniformly to the digital image creating part 91 and intercepts heat generated from the second light source 71, thereby reproducing a picture in vivid and natural color and preventing the digital printing unit 61' from being overheated.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an optical system for the digital printing unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • a digital printing unit 61" according to the third embodiment comprises a digital image creating part 91 having an LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) 94, and a reflecting part having a PBS (polarized beam splitter) 89.
  • LCOS liquid crystal on silicon
  • PBS polarized beam splitter
  • the PBS 89 reflects the light passing through the color filter 83 toward the LCOS 94 of the digital image creating part 91, thereby allowing the digital image creating part 91 to create the digital image.
  • the PBS 89 is superior in low-loss light to the reflex mirror, and the LCOS 94 has higher resolution (e.g., 1365X1024) than the DMD chip. Therefore, a high- resolution digital image is created on the photographic paper 13 with small light and short time.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates an internal configuration of a developing and printing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the developing and printing apparatus 10' according to one embodiment of the present invention, a developing and printing apparatus 10" can develop and print only a digital image.
  • the developing and printing apparatus 10" shown in FIG. 8 comprises a main body 11 in which photographic paper 13, a developer, etc. are accommodated, a digital printing unit 61 with an optical system receiving a digital signal from a computer 101 and focusing a digital image on the photographic paper 13, and a digital shutter 99 provided in the digital printing unit 61 and controlling an exposure time of the photographic paper 13.
  • a digital printing unit 61 with an optical system receiving a digital signal from a computer 101 and focusing a digital image on the photographic paper 13, and a digital shutter 99 provided in the digital printing unit 61 and controlling an exposure time of the photographic paper 13.
  • Inside the main body 11 are provided the photographic paper 13 onto which the latent image is focused by the digital printing unit 61, and the ' paper developing part 15 developing the photographic paper 13 having the latent image.
  • the paper developing part 15 comprises a developer tank, a bleaching tank, a washing tank, etc.
  • the latent image obtained onto the photographic paper 13 is developed into a positive picture through the paper developing part 15.
  • the digital printing unit 61 according to the first embodiment and the digital shutter 99, wherein the digital printing unit 61 is electrically connected to the computer 101.
  • the computer 101 is electrically connected with a scanner 105 scanning a film, a photograph, a picture, etc. and a display 103 displaying the image scanned by the scanner 105.
  • the computer 101 stores the film, the photograph, the picture, etc. scanned by the scanner 105 therein, and allows a user to edit and modify the stored images through the display 103.
  • the digital printing unit 61' or 61" according to the second or third embodiment may be employed instead of the digital printing unit 61 according to the first embodiment.
  • the developing and printing apparatus not only develops and prints the image but also allows a user to edit and modify the stored or scanned image .
  • the present invention provides a developing and printing apparatus which can develop and print a digital image. Further, the present invention provides a developing and printing apparatus which has a smallest digital printing unit for obtaining a digital image. Further, the present invention provides a developing and printing apparatus which can develop and print both an analog image recorded on a film and a digital image, thereby preventing a waste of material.

Abstract

A developing and printing apparatus comprising a main body 11 accommodating photographic paper 13 therein and having an opening 31 facing toward the photographic paper 13; a supporting part 33 protruding along a circumference of the opening 31; and an analog printing unit 41, comprises a digital printing unit 61 receiving a digital signal from a computer and including an optical system focusing a digital image due to the digital signal onto the photographic paper 13; a digital carrier 97 attached to the digital printing unit 61, being formed with an image transparent hole 98 through which the digital image output from the digital printing unit 61 passes, and allowing the digital printing unit 61 to be detachably combined to the supporting part 33; and a digital shutter 99 provided under the digital printing unit 61 across the digital carrier 97 and controlling an exposure time of the photographic paper 13.

Description

DEVELOPING AND PRINTING APPARATUS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a developing and printing apparatus developing and printing an image onto a photographic paper using light exposure. BACKGROUND ART
FIGS. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional developing and printing apparatus, and FIG. 2 illustrates an internal configuration thereof. As shown therein, the conventional developing and printing apparatus 10 comprises a main body 11 in which photographic paper 13, a developer, etc. are accommodated, and an analog printing unit 41 creating a latent image from a negative of a film onto the photographic paper by emitting light toward the film and instantaneously exposing the photographic paper to the light passing through the film.
Inside the main body 11 are provided the photographic paper 13 onto which the latent image is focused by the analog printing unit 41, and a paper developing part 15 developing the photographic paper 13 having the latent image. The paper developing part 15 comprises a developer tank, a bleaching tank, a washing tank, etc. The latent image obtained from the negative of the film onto the photographic paper 13 by the analog printing unit 41 is developed into a positive picture after passing the photographic paper 13 through the paper developing part 15.
Further, inside the main body 11 are provided a photographic paper dispenser 21 dispensing the photographic paper, a first cutter 23 cutting the photographic paper after obtaining the latent image onto the photographic paper, and a second cutter 25 cutting the photographic paper after developing and drying the photographic paper through the paper developing part 15. On the upper surface of the main body 11 is formed an opening 31 being rectangular and facing toward the photographic paper 13.
Further, on the upper surface of the main body 11 is provided a supporting part 33 protruding upward and having a holding groove 35 formed along the circumference of the opening 31. To the supporting part 33 is detachably combined a negative carrier 37 on which the film to be printed and developed is placed.
The negative carrier 37 is a plate having size and shape corresponding to the internal circumference of the supporting part 33 so as to be held by the holding groove 35. The negative carrier 37 is detachably combined to the supporting part 33, i.e., the negative carrier 37 is fitted in the internal circumference of the supporting part 33, with its lower part being held by the holding groove 35 of the supporting part 33. Further, the negative carrier 37 is formed with a light transparent hole 39 through which light passing through a diffusing pipe 47 (to be described late) passes.
As the analog printing unit 41, on the upper surface of the main body 11, adjacent to the supporting part 33, are provided a first light source 43 emitting light toward the negative carrier 37, a CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow) filter 45 filtering only C (cyan) , M (magenta) and Y (yellow) components of the light emitted from the first light source 43, and the diffusing pipe 47 provided between the CMY filter 45 and the negative carrier 37 and diffusing the filtered light to be projected on the film of the negative carrier 37. The diffusing pipe 47 is detachably combined to the CMY filter 45. As the analog printing unit 41, inside the main body 11, i.e., under the supporting part 33 are provided R (red) , G (green) and B (blue) sensors 49 respectively sensing R, G and B components of the light passing through the film so as to control an exposure time according to the intensity of the R, G and B components, and a diffusing lens 51 diffusing the light which passed the R, G and B sensors 49.
Under the diffusing lens 51 is provided an analog shutter 53 controlling the exposure time during which the photographic paper 13 is exposed to the light diffused by the diffusing lens 51. On the other hand, a discharge slot 27 discharges the photographic paper 13 cut by the second cutter 25 to the outside of the main body 11, and a sorter 29 sorts the photographic paper 13 discharged through the discharge slot 27 in good order.
With this configuration, the first light source 43 emits light, and the light is filtered by the CMY filter 45, so that only C, M and Y components of the light enters the main body 11 via the diffusing pipe 47 and the film put on the negative carrier 37 in sequence.
Then, the light passing through the film is sensed by the R, G and B sensors 49, so that the exposure time is determined according to the intensity of the R, G and B components of the light. Then, the diffusing lens 51 diffuses the light which passed the R, G and B sensors 49. The diffused light is projected on the photographic paper 13 instantaneously by the analog shutter 53 disposed under the diffusing lens 51, thereby obtaining the latent image onto the photographic paper 13. Thereafter, the photographic paper 13 having the latent image is cut by the first cutter 23, and then transferred to the paper developing part 15. In the paper developing part 15, the photographic paper 13 is placed into various solutions and the latent image thereof is developed into the positive image. The developed photographic paper 13 is dried and then cut by the second cutter 25. Finally, the cut photographic paper 13 is discharged through the discharge slot 27.
Such a conventional developing and printing apparatus can develop and print only an analog image recorded on the film. By the way, it is difficult to edit and modify the analog image recorded on the film. Further, if the film is damaged, it is impossible to restore the analog image recorded on the film. Therefore, the film must be carefully kept. On the other hand, there is a digital device which captures an image electrically without the film having the above shortcomings. Further, the digital image electrically captured by the digital device can be developed and printed on the photographic paper. However, the conventional developing and printing apparatus cannot develop and print the digital image electrically captured by the digital device, but can develop and print the analog image recorded on the film not. Hence, in order to develop and print the digital image, there is separately needed a developing and printing apparatus for the digital image because the conventional developing and printing apparatus is useless, thereby causing a waste of material. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a developing and printing apparatus which can develop and print a. digital image.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing and printing apparatus which has a smallest digital printing unit for obtaining a digital image .
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a developing and printing apparatus which can develop and print both an analog image recorded on a film and a digital image, thereby preventing a waste of material.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious form the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
The foregoing and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a developing and printing apparatus comprising a main body accommodating photographic paper therein and having an opening facing toward the ' photographic paper; a supporting part protruding along a circumference of the opening; a negative carrier detachably combined to the supporting part and placing a film thereon; and an analog printing unit including a first light source emitting light toward the negative carrier, a CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow) filter filtering the light emitted from the first light source, and a diffusing pipe detachably combined to the negative carrier and diffusing the filtered light to be projected on the film placed on the negative carrier, further comprising: a digital printing unit including an optical system to receive a digital signal from a computer and form a digital image onto the photographic paper; a digital carrier attached to the digital printing unit, being formed with an image transparent hole through which the digital image outputted from the digital printing unit passes, and allowing the digital printing unit to be detachably combined to the supporting part; and a digital shutter provided opposite to the digital printing unit across the digital carrier and controlling an exposure time to the photographic paper. According to an aspect of the invention, the digital printing unit includes: a second light source; an infrared filter intercepting infrared rays of light emitted from the second light source; a RGBW (red, green, blue and white) filter wheel rotating at high speed and mixing colors of the light passing through the infrared filter; a concave lens converting the light whose colors are mixed through the RGBW filter wheel into a straight ray having uniform intensity; a diffusing plate diffusing the light passing through the concave lens-; a color filter filtering the light combing through the diffusing plate according to color reproduction; a digital image creating part on which the digital image is created in response to the digital signal transmitted from the computer; a reflecting part reflecting the light passing through the color filter to the digital image creating part; and a magnifying lens magnifying the digital image outputted from the digital image creating part and projecting the magnified digital image toward the digital shutter .
According to an aspect of the invention, the second light source includes a halogen lamp or a light-emitting diode .
According to an aspect of the invention, the infrared filter, the RGBW filter wheel, the concave lens, the diffusing plate, and the color filter are aligned in an axis of the second light source, the digital image creating part is provided between the color filter and the reflecting part, being perpendicular to the axis of the second light source, and the magnifying lens is aligned with the digital image creating part, so that the digital printing unit employed in obtaining the digital image can be designed to have a compact size so as to do not interrupt the CMY filter.
According to an aspect of the invention, the digital image creating part includes a DMD (digital micromirror device) chip, and the reflecting part includes a first reflex mirror and a second reflex mirror which are arranged across the digital image creating part, wherein the light passing through the color filter is reflected by the first reflex mirror toward the second reflex mirror, and reflected again by the second reflex mirror toward the DMD chip, so that the digital image creating part creates the digital image. Further, the digital image creating part has an LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) , and the reflecting part has a PBS (polarized beam splitter) , wherein the light passing through the color filter in thrown by the PBS toward the LCOS and then reflected by the LCOS, so that the digital image creating part creates the digital image.
According to an aspect of the invention, the developing and printing unit further comprises an optical cable placed between the infrared filter and the RGBW filter wheel and transmitting light passing through the infrared filter to the RGBW filter wheel, wherein the optical cable transmits light uniformly to the digital image creating part and intercepts heat generated from the second light source, thereby reproducing a picture in vivid and natural color and preventing the digital printing unit from being overheated.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the foregoing and other objects may be also achieved by providing a developing and printing apparatus developing and printing an image onto a photographic paper using light exposure, comprising: a main body accommodating photographic paper therein; a digital printing unit with an optical system receiving a digital signal from a computer and forming a digital image on the photographic paper; and a digital shutter provided in the digital printing unit and controlling an exposure time of the digital image outputted from the digital printing unit to the photographic paper.
According to an aspect of the invention, the digital printing unit includes: a second light source; an infrared filter intercepting infrared rays of light emitted from the second light source; a RGBW (red, green, blue and white) filter wheel rotating at high speed and mixing colors of the light passing through the infrared filter; a concave lens converting the light whose colors are mixed through the RGBW filter wheel into a straight ray having uniform intensity; a diffusing plate diffusing the light passing through the concave lens; a color filter filtering the light combing through the diffusing plate according to color reproduction; a digital image creating part on which the digital image is created in response to the digital signal transmitted from the computer; a reflecting part reflecting the light passing through the color filter to the digital image creating part; and a magnifying lens magnifying the digital image outputted from the digital image creating part and projecting the magnified digital image toward the digital shutter .
According to an aspect of the invention, the second light source includes a halogen lamp or a light-emitting diode
According to an aspect of the invention, the infrared filter, the RGBW filter wheel, the concave lens, the diffusing plate, and the color filter are aligned in an axis of the second light source, the digital image creating part is provided between the color filter and the reflecting part, being perpendicular to the axis of the second light source, and the magnifying lens is aligned with the digital image creating part, so that the digital printing unit employed in obtaining the digital image can be designed to have a compact size so as to do not interrupt the CMY filter.
According to an aspect of the invention, the digital image creating part includes a DMD (digital micromirror device) chip, and the reflecting part includes a first reflex mirror and a second reflex mirror which are arranged across the digital image creating part, wherein the light passing through the color filter is reflected by the first reflex mirror toward the second reflex mirror, and reflected again by the second reflex mirror toward the DMD chip, so that the digital image creating part creates the digital image. Further, the digital image creating part has an LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) , and the reflecting part has a PBS (polarized beam splitter) , wherein the light passing through the color filter is thrown by the PBS toward the LCOS and then reflected by the LCOS, so that the digital image creating part creates the digital image.
According to an aspect of the invention, the developing and printing unit further comprises an optical cable placed between the infrared filter and the RGBW filter wheel and transmitting light passing through the infrared filter to the RGBW filter wheel, wherein the optical cable transmits light uniformly to the digital image creating part and intercepts heat generated from the second light source, thereby reproducing a picture in vivid and natural color and preventing the digital printing unit from "being overheated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompany drawings of which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional developing and printing apparatus; FIG. 2 illustrates an internal configuration of the conventional developing and printing apparatus shown in FIG . 1 ;
FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a developing and printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 illustrates an optical system for a digital printing unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 illustrates an internal configuration of the developing and printing apparatus of FIG. 3 to which the digital printing device of FIG. 4 is attached;
FIG. 6 illustrates an optical system for the digital printing unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 illustrates an optical system for the digital printing unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 8 illustrates an internal configuration of a developing and printing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below in order to explain the present invention by referring to the figures. FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a developing and printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 illustrates an optical system for a digital printing unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 illustrates an internal configuration of the developing and printing apparatus of FIG. 3 to which the digital printing device of FIG. 4 is attached. As shown therein, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a digital printing unit is detachably combined to the conventional developing and printing apparatus having an analog printing unit, and the digital and analog printing units are alternately operated, thereby developing and printing both an analog image recorded on a film and a digital image transmitted from a digital device such as a computer, etc.
A developing and printing apparatus 10' according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a main body 11 in which a photographic paper 13, a developer, etc. are accommodated, an analog printing unit 41 creating a latent image from a negative of a film onto the photographic paper 13 by emitting light toward the film and instantaneously exposing the photographic paper 13 to the light passing through the film, a digital printing unit 61 including an optical system to receive a digital signal from a computer (not shown) and to form a digital image due to the digital signal onto the photographic paper 13, a digital carrier 97 attached to the digital printing unit 61 and allowing the digital printing unit 61 to be detachably combined to a supporting part 33, and a digital shutter 99 provided under the digital carrier 97 and controlling an exposure time of the photographic paper 13.
The main body 11 and the analog printing unit 41 are the same as those disclosed in "BACKGROUND ART" , and descriptions thereof will be omitted.
The digital printing unit 61 includes a case 63 having a box shape. On lateral surfaces of the case 63 are formed a handle 65 allowing a user to easily lift the digital printing unit 61 to be placed on the supporting part 33, a plurality of air vents 67 for air-cooling the inside of the case 63, and terminals 69 through which electric power is supplied to a second light source 71 (to be described later) .
As shown in FIG. 4, the digital printing unit 61 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes the second light source 71, an infrared filter 73 intercepting infrared rays of light emitted from the second light source 71, a RGBW (red, green, blue and white) filter wheel 77 rotating at high speed and mixing colors of the light passing through the infrared filter 73, a concave lens 79 converting the light whose colors are mixed through the RGBW filter wheel 77 into a straight ray having uniform intensity, a diffusing plate 81 diffusing the light passing through the concave lens 79, a color filter 83 filtering the light combing through the diffusing plate 81 according to color reproduction, a digital image creating part 91 on which the digital image is created in response to the digital signal transmitted from the computer, a reflecting part reflecting the light passing through the color filter 83 to the digital image creating part 91, and a magnifying lens 95 magnifying the digital image outputted from the digital image creating part 91 and projecting the magnified digital image toward the digital shutter 99. The second light source 71 is a halogen lamp, a light-emitting diode, or etc. Particularly, the light- emitting diode emits heat smaller than the halogen lamp emits, so that it is effective in preventing the digital printing unit 61 from being overheated. Further, the light-emitting diode can be selectively designed to emit light according to a transmittable wavelength of the RGBW filter wheel 77, so that the light-emitting diode is more effective than the halogen lamp.
The RGBW filter wheel 77 is rotated by an attached motor 78 at high speed (about 7200 rpm) , thereby mixing colors of the light transmitted from the infrared filter 73 to the concave lens 79.
The reflecting part includes a first reflex mirror 85 and a second reflex mirror 87, which are arranged across the digital image creating part 91 from each other. The digital image creating part 91 is electrically connected to the computer, and includes a DMD (digital micromirror device) chip 93 to which a digital signal for editing and modifying the digital image is transmitted from the computer. On the other hand, the respective components are arranged in the case 63 as follows. The second light source 71 the infrared filter 73, the RGBW filter wheel 77, the concave lens 79, the diffusing plate 81, the color filter 83, and the first reflex mirror 85 are aligned. Herein, the first reflex mirror 85 is diagonally disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the axis of alignment. The second reflex mirror 87 is opposite to the first reflex mirror 85 across the digital image creating part 91. The digital image creating part 91 is perpendicular to the axis of the second light source 71. The magnifying lens 95 is aligned with the digital image creating part 91. Hence, the light emitted from the second light source 71 passes through the infrared filter 73, the RGBW filter wheel 77, the concave lens 79, the diffusing plate 81, and the color filter 83 in sequence, and is then reflected by the first reflex mirror 85. The light reflected from the first reflex mirror 85 is reflected again by the second reflex mirror 87, and projected onto the DMD chip 93, thereby allowing the DMD chip 93 of the digital image creating part 91 to create the digital image. With this arrangement, the digital printing unit 61 employed in obtaining the digital image can be designed to have a compact size, so that the digital printing unit 61 does not interrupt the CMY filter 45. The digital carrier 97 allowing the digital printing unit 61 to be detachably combined to the supporting part 33 is a plate having size and shape corresponding to the internal circumference of the supporting part 33 so as to be held by the holding groove 35. The digital carrier 97 is attached to a lower part of the digital printing unit 61 and allows the digital printing unit 61 to be detachably combined to the supporting part 33. The digital carrier 97 is detachably combined to the supporting part 33, i.e., the digital carrier 97 is fitted in the internal circumference of the supporting part 33, with its lower part being held by the holding groove 35 of the supporting part 33. Further, the digital carrier 97 is formed with an image transparent hole 98 through which the digital image created from the digital image creating part 91 passes.
The digital shutter 99 is attached to the lower part of the digital carrier 97 and controls the exposure time of the photographic paper 13.
With this configuration, operation of the developing and printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinbelow, wherein the operation of developing and printing the image recorded on the film has the identical process mentioned in "BACKGROUND ART", and it will be omitted. Further, the operation after obtaining the digital image onto the photographic paper 13 is identical with the process after obtaining the analog image onto the photographic paper 13, and it will be omitted.
To develop and print the digital image, first, the diffusing pipe 47, the R,G and B sensors 49, the diffusing lens 51, and the analog shutter 53 are detached from the analog printing unit 41 of the main body 11. Further, the negative carrier 37 is detached from the supporting part 33. At this time, the first light source 43 and the CMY filter 43 of the analog printing unit 41 are left as it is on the upper surface the main body 11.
Thereafter, the digital printing unit 61 is fitted in the' internal circumference of the supporting part 33, with its lower part being held by the holding groove 35 of the supporting part 33, thereby attaching the digital printing unit 61 to the main body 11.
Thereafter, when the second light source 71 of the digital printing unit 61 is turned on, the second light source 71 emits light. The light emitted from the second light source 71 passes through the infrared filter 73, with its infrared rays being filtered out. Then, the light passing through the infrared filter 73 passes through the RGBW filter wheel 77, with its colors being mixed.
The color mixed light is converted into a straight ray having uniform intensity by the concave lens 79, and then diffused by the diffusing plate 81. The diffused light is filtered by the color filter 83 according to the color reproduction, and then projected onto the first reflex mirror 85.
The light passing through the color filter 83 is reflected by the first reflex mirror 85 and the second reflex mirror 87, and then projected onto the DMD chip 93, thereby allowing the DMD chip 93 of the digital image creating part 91 to create the digital image.
The digital image created by the digital image creating part 91 is magnified by the magnifying lens 95, and then the magnified digital image is focused onto the photographic paper 13 instantaneously by the digital shutter 99 provided under the digital carrier 97, thereby obtaining the latent image onto the photographic paper 13. Thereafter, the photographic paper 13 having the latent image is developed through the paper developing part 15. Thus, the digital image is developed and printed. As described above, the digital printing unit is detachably combined to the conventional developing and printing apparatus having the analog printing unit, and the digital and analog printing units are alternately operated, thereby developing and printing both an analog image recorded on a film and a digital image transmitted from a digital device. Hence, a waste of material is prevented. Further, according as the optical system employed in obtaining the digital image is efficiently arranged, the digital printing unit can be designed to have a compact size, so that the digital printing unit does not interrupt neighboring devices.
FIG. 6 illustrates an optical system for the digital printing unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the digital printing unit 61 according to the first embodiment, a digital printing unit 61' according to the second embodiment comprises an optical -cable 75 placed between the infrared filter 73 and the RGBW filter wheel 77.
The optical cable 75 includes a plurality of optical fibers, and transmits light passing through the infrared filter 73 to the RGBW filter wheel 77. In this embodiment, the infrared filter 73 is incorporated with the optical cable 75 at one end of the optical cable 75 adjacent to the second light source 71. As described above, the optical cable 75 provided between the infrared filter 73 and the RGBW filter wheel 77 transmits light uniformly to the digital image creating part 91 and intercepts heat generated from the second light source 71, thereby reproducing a picture in vivid and natural color and preventing the digital printing unit 61' from being overheated.
FIG. 7 illustrates an optical system for the digital printing unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the digital printing unit 61 according to the first embodiment, a digital printing unit 61" according to the third embodiment comprises a digital image creating part 91 having an LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) 94, and a reflecting part having a PBS (polarized beam splitter) 89.
The PBS 89 reflects the light passing through the color filter 83 toward the LCOS 94 of the digital image creating part 91, thereby allowing the digital image creating part 91 to create the digital image. The PBS 89 is superior in low-loss light to the reflex mirror, and the LCOS 94 has higher resolution (e.g., 1365X1024) than the DMD chip. Therefore, a high- resolution digital image is created on the photographic paper 13 with small light and short time. Additionally, an optical cable may be provided between the infrared filter 73 and the RGBW filter wheel 77, so that the light passing through the infrared filter 73 is transmitted to the RGBW filter wheel 77 through the optical cable, thereby transmitting light uniformly to the LCOS 94 of the digital image creating part 91. FIG. 8 illustrates an internal configuration of a developing and printing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the developing and printing apparatus 10' according to one embodiment of the present invention, a developing and printing apparatus 10" can develop and print only a digital image.
The developing and printing apparatus 10" shown in FIG. 8 comprises a main body 11 in which photographic paper 13, a developer, etc. are accommodated, a digital printing unit 61 with an optical system receiving a digital signal from a computer 101 and focusing a digital image on the photographic paper 13, and a digital shutter 99 provided in the digital printing unit 61 and controlling an exposure time of the photographic paper 13. Inside the main body 11 are provided the photographic paper 13 onto which the latent image is focused by the digital printing unit 61, and the 'paper developing part 15 developing the photographic paper 13 having the latent image. The paper developing part 15 comprises a developer tank, a bleaching tank, a washing tank, etc. The latent image obtained onto the photographic paper 13 is developed into a positive picture through the paper developing part 15.
Further, inside the main body 11 are provided the digital printing unit 61 according to the first embodiment and the digital shutter 99, wherein the digital printing unit 61 is electrically connected to the computer 101.
The computer 101 is electrically connected with a scanner 105 scanning a film, a photograph, a picture, etc. and a display 103 displaying the image scanned by the scanner 105. Thus, the computer 101 stores the film, the photograph, the picture, etc. scanned by the scanner 105 therein, and allows a user to edit and modify the stored images through the display 103. However, the digital printing unit 61' or 61" according to the second or third embodiment may be employed instead of the digital printing unit 61 according to the first embodiment.
As described above, the developing and printing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention not only develops and prints the image but also allows a user to edit and modify the stored or scanned image .
As described above, the present invention provides a developing and printing apparatus which can develop and print a digital image. Further, the present invention provides a developing and printing apparatus which has a smallest digital printing unit for obtaining a digital image. Further, the present invention provides a developing and printing apparatus which can develop and print both an analog image recorded on a film and a digital image, thereby preventing a waste of material.
Although a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS.
1. A developing and printing apparatus comprising a main body accommodating photographic paper therein and having an opening facing toward the photographic paper; a supporting part protruding along a circumference of the opening, a negative carrier detachably combined to the supporting part and placing a film thereon, and an analog printing unit including a first light source emitting light toward the negative carrier, a CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow) filter filtering the light emitted from the first light source, and a diffusing pipe detachably combined to the negative carrier and diffusing the filtered light to be projected on the film placed on the negative carrier, further comprising: a digital printing unit including an optical system to receive a digital signal from a computer and form a digital image onto the photographic paper; a digital carrier attached to the digital printing unit, being formed with an image transparent hole through which the digital image outputted from the digital printing unit passes, and allowing the digital printing unit to be detachably combined to the supporting part; and a digital shutter provided opposite to the digital printing unit across the digital carrier and controlling an exposure time to the photographic paper.
2. The developing and printing unit according to claim 1, wherein the digital printing unit includes: a second light source; an infrared filter intercepting infrared rays of light emitted from the second light source; a RGBW (red, green, blue and white) filter wheel rotating at high speed and mixing colors of the light passing through the infrared filter; a concave lens converting the light whose colors are" mixed through the RGBW filter wheel into a straight ray having uniform intensity; a diffusing plate diffusing the light passing through the concave lens; a color filter filtering the light passing through the diffusing plate according to color reproduction; a digital image creating part on which the digital image is created in response to the digital signal transmitted from the computer; a reflecting part reflecting the light passing through the color filter to the digital image creating part ; and a magnifying lens magnifying the digital image outputted from the digital image creating part and projecting the magnified digital image toward the digital shutter.
3. The developing and printing unit according to claim 2, wherein the second light source includes a halogen lamp or a light-emitting diode.
4. The developing and printing unit according to claim 2, wherein the infrared filter, the RGBW filter wheel, the concave lens, the diffusing plate, and the color filter are aligned in an axis of the second light source, the digital image creating part is provided between the color filter and the reflecting part, being perpendicular to the axis of the second light source, and the magnifying lens is aligned with the digital image creating part.
5. The developing and printing unit according to claim 2, wherein the digital image creating part includes a DMD (digital micromirror device) chip, and the reflecting part includes a first reflex mirror and a second reflex mirror which are arranged across the digital image creating part, wherein the light passing through the color filter is reflected by the first reflex mirror toward the second reflex mirror, and reflected again by the second reflex mirror toward the DMD chip, so that the digital image creating part creates the digital image.
6. The developing and printing unit according to claim 2, wherein the digital image creating part has an LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) , and the reflecting part has a PBS (polarized beam splitter) , wherein the light passing through the color filter is thrown by the PBS toward the LCOS and then reflected by the LCOS, so that the digital image creating part creates the digital image .
7. The developing and printing unit according to claims 2 through 6, further comprising an optical cable placed between the infrared filter and the RGBW filter wheel and transmitting light passing through the infrared filter to the RGBW filter wheel.
8. A developing and printing apparatus developing and printing an image onto a photographic paper using light exposure, comprising: a main body accommodating the photographic paper therein; a digital printing unit with an optical system receiving a digital signal from a computer and forming a digital image on the photographic paper; and a digital shutter provided in the digital printing unit and controlling an exposure time of the digital image outputted from the digital printing unit to the photographic paper.
9. The developing and printing unit according to claim 8, wherein the digital printing unit includes: a second light source; an infrared filter intercepting infrared rays of light emitted from the second light source; a RGBW (red, green, blue and white) filter wheel rotating at high speed and mixing colors of the light passing through the infrared filter; a concave lens converting the light whose colors are mixed through the RGBW filter wheel into a straight ray having uniform intensity; a diffusing plate diffusing the light passing through the concave lens; a color filter filtering the light combing through the diffusing plate according to color reproduction; a digital image creating part on which the digital image is created in response to the digital signal transmitted from the computer; a reflecting part reflecting the light passing through the color filter to the digital image creating part ; and a magnifying lens magnifying the digital image outputted from the digital image creating part and projecting the magnified digital image toward the digital shutter.
10. The developing and printing unit according to claim 9, wherein the second light source includes a halogen lamp or a light-emitting diode.
11. The developing and printing unit according to claim 9, wherein the infrared filter, the RGBW filter wheel, the concave lens, the diffusing plate, and the color filter are aligned in an axis of the second light source, the digital image creating part is provided between the color filter and the reflecting part, being perpendicular to the axis of the second light source, and the magnifying lens is aligned with the digital image creating part.
12. The developing and printing unit according to claim 9, wherein the digital image creating part includes a DMD (digital micromirror device) chip, and the reflecting part includes a first reflex mirror and a second reflex mirror which are arranged across the digital image creating part, wherein the light passing through the color filter is reflected by the first reflex mirror reflects and toward the second reflex mirror, and reflected again by the second reflex mirror toward onto the DMD chip, so that the digital image creating part creates the digital image .
13. The developing and printing unit according to claim 9, wherein the digital image creating part has an
LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) , and the reflecting part has a PBS (polarized beam splitter) , wherein the light passing through the color filter is thrown by the PBS toward the LCOS and then reflected by the LCOS, so that the digital image creating part creates the digital image.
14. The developing and printing unit according to claims 9 through 13, further comprising an optical cable placed between the infrared filter and the RGBW filter wheel and transmitting light passing through the infrared filter to the RGBW filter wheel.
PCT/KR2002/002335 2001-12-12 2002-12-11 Developing and printing apparatus WO2003053696A2 (en)

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GB2423589A (en) * 2005-02-23 2006-08-30 Univ Warwick Wireless communication receiver with optical diverging element and filter
WO2020056142A1 (en) 2018-09-13 2020-03-19 Charles Beseler Company Apparatus and method for enlarging digital photographs on photographic paper

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JPH10133284A (en) * 1996-10-28 1998-05-22 Copal Co Ltd Photographic printing/developing device

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EP0936497A2 (en) * 1998-02-17 1999-08-18 Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd. Photographic paper exposing method and an optical digital printer employing this method

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2423589A (en) * 2005-02-23 2006-08-30 Univ Warwick Wireless communication receiver with optical diverging element and filter
WO2020056142A1 (en) 2018-09-13 2020-03-19 Charles Beseler Company Apparatus and method for enlarging digital photographs on photographic paper
US10764451B2 (en) 2018-09-13 2020-09-01 Charles Beseler Company Enlarger for digital photographs on photographic paper utilizing a software application
EP4080282A1 (en) 2018-09-13 2022-10-26 Charles Beseler Company Apparatus and method for enlarging digital photographs on photographic paper

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