JPH02179657A - Method for setting color copying condition - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a color copy being accurately coincident with reference data by correcting the deviation values in consideration of all the characteristics of a test chart pattern, color filters and photosensitive material to be used when copying starts. CONSTITUTION:As for the photosensitive material 26, all the images of the test chart 110 are exposed by a light source unit 36 when the copying starts; the images are developed and the copy is made; image densities are read out. The color copy is set on an original platen 35, and is irradiated and scanned; the image density of each color is stored in a RAM. The original chart density values and the chart copy density values are read out from the RAM by a CPU; the characteristics data is made for each color. The density differences from the reference characteristics data DELTAEG, DELTAEB and DELTAER are calculated. In this time, the deviation values of the three colors are corrected by 3X3 matrix operation in consideration of the characteristics of the test chart, each color filter and photosensitive material to be used, and thereby deciding the inserting amounts of the color filters. When the color filters inserting amounts of the correcting numbers are DELTACa, DELTAMa and DELTAYa, they are calculated by a formula on the right.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] <Industrial Application Field> The present invention relates to a method for setting color copying conditions used in various color copying devices. Density - Color copying in which the copy image density characteristic is determined and the amount of deviation between it and the standard characteristic data is corrected using a 3x3 matrix to obtain a color filter insertion amount that takes into account the characteristics of the test chart pattern, color filter and photosensitive material. Concerning how to set conditions.

<Prior Art> In color copying machines, mechanical irregularities in the exposure optical system, photosensitive material, image receiving material transport system, etc., variations in the manufacturing loft of the photosensitive material, changes over time, and deterioration, as well as the manufacturing of the developing material. Due to various factors such as lot-to-lot variations, changes over time, and deterioration, it is difficult to always obtain images that are faithful to color original images. Furthermore, even when the same image is formed using the same model of copying apparatus, the resulting image will have a different color balance and density due to the mechanical factors as mentioned above.

Therefore, in order to always form color images with colors and densities that are faithful to color originals, ordinary color copying devices must be used at various times, such as when installing the copying device, replacing photosensitive/image-receiving materials, and developing materials, and when using the device. After installation, it is necessary to periodically set copying conditions that will allow you to obtain images that are faithful to color originals.

Various methods of setting the above-mentioned copying conditions are known so far. For example, JP-A-57-7055
No. 1, No. 57-60348, No. 60-80865,
This method is disclosed in Japanese Patent Nos. 61-14663 and 60-243649.

However, each of these exposure condition setting methods has a problem in that it is not possible to set conditions with high precision.

For this reason, the present applicant is able to accurately set the copying conditions in Japanese Patent Applications No. 62-37249, No. 62-37250, and No. 63-243602, and can be used in various color copying machines. A method for setting copy conditions was proposed.

<Problem to be solved by the invention> By the way, the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 57-70551 and 57-
The methods disclosed in No. 60348 and No. 60-80865 both control the amount of charge and exposure of the photosensitive drum, and can not only be used in applications other than electrophotographic copying machines, but also cannot be used in applications other than electrophotographic copying machines. is calculated from a single measurement point, making it difficult to establish appropriate color copying conditions.

In addition, the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Nos. 61-14663 and 80-
The method disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 243649 creates B (black)/W (white) copies in which stripes of different densities are recorded by controlling the luminance of the light source during one copying operation. This method sets the density by visually judging the copy, and is better than the above method, but it requires considerable skill to correct the three colors (blue, green, red) in a well-balanced manner, and there may be variations. There is also the problem of ease.

In contrast, the method proposed by the applicant scans a test chart prepared in advance and recorded with a plurality of color patterns with different densities for each of the three primary colors, measures the reflected light, and calculates the exposure amount. Then, the test chart is exposed and copied, or a plurality of different color patterns are created by changing the amount of inserted color filters for each color or by changing the amount of irradiation light for each color, and the test chart pattern is The photometer is photometered to determine the exposure amount, then exposed and copied at this exposure amount, and the relationship between the photometric value or exposure amount and the color copy density of the obtained test chart pattern is created or predetermined. This is a method of setting copying conditions, such as automatic set-up, by adjusting the insertion amount of color filters for each color by comparing with the standard exposure amount-density characteristics, and is a method that can be applied to various types of color copying machines. This method allows setting of color copying conditions with higher accuracy than the above-mentioned methods.

However, even in these methods, the insertion amount of the color filter of each color is adjusted by an amount corresponding to the amount of deviation of each color from the reference characteristic data.

Therefore, since the adjustment of the insertion amount of the color filter of each color is performed independently for each color filter, a change in the insertion amount of the color filter of one color affects the copy density of other colors. However, since this effect is not taken into account, the test chart pattern, color filters for each color, and photosensitive materials used are not ideal and are not affected by other colors. When adjusting the color filter, there were times when the color filter did not completely match the reference characteristic data.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and to take into account all characteristics of the test chart pattern, color filter, and photosensitive material to be used when setting color copying conditions, especially during automatic setup at the start of copying. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for setting color copying conditions that can be corrected and always match with pre-created or reference characteristic data with high precision.

Means for Solving the Problems> In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following steps when setting color copying conditions using a test chart pattern having a plurality of patterns with different densities for each of the three primary colors. The image density of each color of the test chart pattern is read in advance and stored in memory, and when in auto set-up mode etc., the test chart is scanned and exposed at a predetermined exposure amount to create a color copy, and this color copy is placed on the document table. The image density of each color of the color copy is read by placing the light on top of the color copy and scanning it to create characteristic data indicating the relationship between the original chart density and the chart copy image density for each primary color light, which is determined in advance. The amount of deviation from the reference characteristic data for each color is determined for each color, and the amount of deviation for these three colors is corrected by a 3x3 matrix calculation that takes into account the test chart pattern used, the color filter of each color, and the characteristics of the photosensitive material. , provides a color copying condition setting method characterized in that the amount of insertion of the color filter into the optical path is determined.

Preferably, the three primary colors are cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y).

Further, it is preferable that the color filter is a cyan filter, a magenta filter, or a yellow filter.

In addition, the amount of deviation is 6016 when converted to the amount of insertion of each color filter.
When M1ΔY is assumed and color filter insertion after correction is Mm to ΔCas and ΔY1, the above 3×3 matrix calculation preferably satisfies 1αth −11≧0.005.

<Operation of the Invention> In the color copying condition setting method of the present invention, the densities of color test chart patterns for three primary colors are measured and stored in advance. In the auto set-up mode, the color test chart pattern is copied with a predetermined exposure amount to obtain a color copy, the color copy is scanned to measure the color copy density, and the original chart density - chart copy density characteristic is calculated. Calculate the amount of deviation from the reference characteristic created in advance or predetermined, and calculate the insertion amount of each color filter necessary to correct this deviation amount using the test chart pattern, the color filter of each color, and Calculated taking into account the characteristics of the photosensitive material,
By inserting the color filters of each color in the same amount as the insertion amount of each color, it is possible to accurately and highly precisely set color copying conditions of various copying devices, especially auto set-up.

For example, the amount of deviation is 6016 in terms of color filter insertion amount.
M5△Y sets the correction color filter insertion amount △Ca%ΔM1, △
When Y1 is used, the insertion amount of the color filter can be calculated accurately using the following equation.

<Embodiments> The color copying condition setting method according to the present invention will be described in detail below based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a silver halide photographic color copying apparatus that implements a color copying condition setting method according to the present invention.

As shown in the figure, a main body 11 of a silver-halide photographic color copying apparatus 10 is provided with a photosensitive material supply unit 12 on the right side, an exposure unit 14 above it, and a processing unit 16 below it. . Further, the processing section unit 16 includes a processing section 17 at the upper right and a drying section 1 at the upper left.
8 and a reserve liquid storage section 19 below which stores a supply bottle for replenishing a reserve processing liquid.

The photosensitive material supply unit 12 of the silver halide color copying apparatus 1o also has a pair of magazines 20, 22 located above and below.
The photosensitive materials 24 and 26 are stored in rolls inside these, and are taken out from the tip to the photosensitive material supply unit 12. - For example, 24 is a photosensitive material (for example, normal photosensitive material) that is most suitable for copying color photographic originals;
6 is a photosensitive material most suitable for copying color printed originals (for example,
(soft sensitive material).

The photosensitive material 24 or 26 pulled out from the magazines 20, 22 is sent to the exposure section 28 through a conveyance path of the photosensitive material supply unit 12, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 2, the exposure section unit 14 has a transparent original platen 30 installed on its upper part, on which a color original 32 can be placed with the original surface facing down.
2 is pressed down from above by a document presser 34 whose lower surface is white.

A white standard plate 35 is attached to the lower surface of the left end of the document table 30, and the white (or gray) balance is adjusted by measuring the reflected light.

A light source unit 36 is provided within the exposure unit 14 and is movable back and forth in parallel with the document table 30 in order to scan the document 32 from the bottom surface. , a light source 38 , a reflector 39 , and a first mirror 40 are built in, and the slit light illuminated by the light source 38 , reflected by the document 32 , and passed through the slit 37 is reflected by the first mirror 4° and sent to the mirror unit 42 . incident on .

The mirror unit 42 synchronously moves in the same direction at 1/2 the speed of the light source unit 36, and faces and parallels the optical path.
The long second mirror 43 and the third mirror are arranged at an angle of 5 degrees.
It consists of a mirror 44 that returns the light from the light source unit 36 in parallel and makes it enter the lens unit 46.

The lens unit 46 includes a front group 47 and a rear group 48 of imaging lenses for forming an image of the original 32 onto the photosensitive material 24 (26) that is conveyed in synchronization with the light source unit 36.
Meanwhile, yellow filter 49Y1 magenta filter 4
9M and a cyan filter 49C are arranged, and behind the rear group 48 is arranged an aperture 50 consisting of two aperture plates 51 and 52 that move in opposite directions to adjust the amount of light. . Here, the color filters 49Y, 4
9M and 49C are movable eight times in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis, and the light quality of the slit light is adjusted by the insertion amount to correct the color balance. Here, the color filters 49Y, 4
The insertion amounts of 9M and 49C and the aperture amount of the diaphragm 50 are set according to the color copying conditions and the exposure correction conditions corresponding to the image density according to the present invention. In addition, the lens unit 46
moves in the direction of the arrow to adjust the optical path length when changing the copying magnification.

The light whose light quantity, light quality and focus have been adjusted by the lens unit 46 is released when the long shutter 54 is opened (solid line position in the figure).
Two sets of nip rollers 56 that define the exposure area 28 by
．． 57, 58, and 59, the photosensitive material 24 (26), which is sandwiched and conveyed in synchronization with the light source unit 36, is moved to the exposure position 28.
Expose at a.

On the other hand, when setting the color copying conditions of the present invention or reading a document image by test scanning or breath scanning when correcting the white balance, the shutter 54 is in the closed state shown by the dotted line in the figure, and the image formed by the white standard plate 35 is , a test chart, a test chart pattern image, or an original image is reflected by the shutter 54, and the image sensor 60
The document type, document color density, etc. are determined, and color copying conditions and exposure correction conditions are determined.

The image sensor 60 includes a mirror 61 that horizontally reflects all or part of the slit light reflected by the shutter 54 and incident on the image sensor 60;
A condensing means 6 consisting of a lens, a Fresnel lens, a condensing mirror, etc. that condenses the slit light reflected by the
2, and a measuring means 64 for measuring the slit light collected by the light collecting means 62 in a focused state.

Here, the measuring means 64 is red (red) as shown in FIG.
R) sensor-64a1 Green (G) sensor-64b1
The sensor 64c for blue (B) detects the three primary color components of the reflected slit light, that is, R%G%B (7).
Photometry is performed for three colors. Here, the three colors to be measured are:
It is not limited to the three primary colors R, G, and B.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exposure control system that implements the color copying condition setting method of the present invention.

In the same figure, the red sensor 64a1, the green sensor 64b1, and the blue sensor 64c are configured to measure the amount of incident light (exposure amount).
Outputs an electrical signal according to the This output signal is amplified if necessary, and then sent to A/D converters 65a, 65b,
65c, where they are converted into digital signals. These digital signals are converted by look-up tables 66a, 86b, and 66c.

The signals output from the look-up tables 66a to 66c are converted into density signals from these values and the converted photometric values of the white standard plate 35, and are taken into the RAM 71 via the I10 port 68 and the CPU 70.

This CPU 70 operates according to the program stored in the ROM 72, and when calculating color copying conditions according to the original used and the photosensitive material used, which is a feature of the present invention, and when automatically setting (auto set-up), the original image density - copy When creating image density characteristics, sequence control of each part is performed at the time of creation and color copying (including pre-scanning). One or more types of original image density-copy image density characteristics of each color, which are set in advance or created in advance by photometry, are stored for a combination of a color original and a standard photosensitive material appropriate for this original. It's good to keep it.

The mode designation key 73 selects a test chart reading mode, a reference set value setting mode, an auto set-up mode, and a copy mode. The manuscript type input key 74 is
This key is used to select or manually enter the type of original to be used. The photosensitive material diagonal input key 75a is a key for selecting or manually inputting the photosensitive material to be used, and the photosensitive material reading device 75b is a device for automatically reading the photosensitive material to be used. These are readers or barcode readers that read marks, codes, barcodes, etc. attached to photosensitive materials.

The copy key 76 is operated to start the color copy condition setting mode or the copy mode. The cyan correction key 77c, the magenta correction key 77M, and the yellow correction key 77Y are operated to manually perform desired color correction for the set exposure conditions.

When setting reference characteristics, when setting color copying conditions of the present invention,
When setting exposure correction conditions or manual correction, the CP
U70 -rv via drivers 78C, 78M, 78Y
--ta79c.

79M and 79Y drive, color filter 49Y.

Adjust the amount of insertion of 49M and 49C into the optical path.

Further, the driver 78D drives the motor 79D to move the aperture plates 51 and 52 of the aperture 50 toward or away from each other.

Next, the photosensitive material transport system and photosensitive material processing system of the silver halide photographic color copying apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be explained.

At the start of copying, for example, a normal photosensitive material 26 suitable for a printing document is supplied from the photosensitive material supply section unit 12 to the exposure section 28, but as described above, the photosensitive material supply section unit 12 It has a transport path for photosensitive material inside, and magazines 20 and 22 are detachably attached thereto.
1 is provided. Further, the photosensitive material supply section frame 81 is pivotally supported to the apparatus main body 11 via a bottle 82.

The ejection port for the photosensitive material 24 of the magazine 20 and the magazine 2
Conveyance nip rollers 84a and 84b1 are further provided corresponding to the take-out ports of the photosensitive material 26 of No. 2, and cutters 86a and 86b for cutting the photosensitive material 24 and 26 to a predetermined length. Conveyance guides 88a and 88b forming channels are provided. Above the conveyance guide 88b is a conveyance nip roller 84c1, above which is a conveyance guide 88 that merges with the conveyance guide 88a.
c is provided.

Furthermore, after merging, the tree transport path forms an inverted U-shape.
Conveyance guides 88 d, 88 e, 88 f, 88 g,
88h is provided. Here, the conveyance guide 88f is
It is provided between conveyance nip rollers 56 and 57 and between 58 and 59, and limits the exposure section 28. Further, conveyance nip rollers 84d and 84e are provided between conveyance guides 88a and 88d and between 88d and 88e.

A switching guide 90 is provided between the conveyance guides 88g and 88h, and the photosensitive material 26 (24
) to the processing section 17 of the processing section unit 16.

In the processing section unit 16 for processing the exposed photosensitive material 26 (24), a developing tank 92, a bleaching/fixing tank 94, and a washing tank 96, 98 are successively provided in the processing section 17, and the insides of these tanks are filled with water. The photosensitive material 28 (24) that has been developed, bleached, fixed, and washed with a processing solution is sent to the drying section 18.

The drying section 18 dries the washed photosensitive material 26 (24) and sends it onto the take-out tray 1oo.

Further, the exposure section unit 14 has its frame 102 pivotally supported by the main body of the apparatus via a bin 104, and when adjusting, jamming, or maintaining the processing section unit 16, the exposure section unit 14 is rotated counterclockwise after opening the photosensitive material supply section unit 12. The upper part of the processing section unit 16 is opened when the upper part of the processing section unit 16 is rotated.

This will be explained in the color copying condition setting method according to the present invention.

The method for obtaining the color test chart pattern of the present invention includes the method of using a test chart and the method of irradiating the white standard plate 35 with the light source 38 as proposed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Nos. 62-37249 and 62-37250. and a color filter 49C14 inserted into the optical path of the reflected light.
Alternatively, as proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 63-243602, a reference plate consisting of the three primary colors Y, M, and C is used instead of the white standard plate 35, and each color is Any method may be used as long as a plurality of patterns with different densities can be obtained for each of the three primary colors, such as a method in which the light reflected from the reference plate by the light source 38 is changed stepwise.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a test chart used in the present invention. The test chart 110 shown in the same figure has a striped pattern, and a white strip 111 is recorded at the tip, and as shown in FIGS. 6a, 6b, and 6c, the A plurality of stripes 112 with different widths are formed at equal intervals. These stripes 112 extend in a direction perpendicular to the eight moving directions of the light source unit 36.

In this embodiment, four stripes 112 are recorded for each of cyan, magenta, and yellow, making it possible to measure the density at four levels for each color.

In the following description, the color copying condition setting method of the present invention will be explained using a test chart as a representative example.

The image density reading mode of the test chart is 'f
The density of 1 wt is read for three colors and stored in memory.

When installing a mechanical device or replacing a test chart, the mode designation key 73 is operated to set the test chart reading mode. Next, after setting the test chart 110 on the document table 30, the copy key 76 is operated.

In this test chart reading mode, copy key 7
6 is operated, motors 79C and 79M.

79Y rotates and color filters 49Y, 49M, 49C
and set the aperture plates 51 and 52 to the standard position. Further, the shutter 54 rotates to the position shown by the dotted line. After this, the light source unit 36 and the mirror unit 42 move in synchronization, and the white standard plate 35 and the test chart 110 are illuminated with slit light and scanned.

The reflected light from the white standard plate and the test chart 110 passes through the mirrors 40, 43, 44, the lens unit 46, the shutter 54, and the mirror 61 of the image sensor 60 in this order, and then enters the condenser mirror 62. This condensing mirror 62 condenses almost all or a portion of the slit light and guides it to the measuring means 64 . This measuring means 64 is a sensor 6 for red color.
4a, green sensor 64b, and blue sensor 64
c, each of the three color components of the reflected light is measured.

The signals output from the sensors 64a to 64c are A
The signals are converted into digital signals by /D converters 65a to 65c, and then sent to lookup tables 66a to 66c. In the lookup tables 66a to 66c, the input digital signal is converted into a density signal from this value and the converted value of the photometric value of the white standard plate 35, and is stored in the RAM 71.

First, the user selects the auto-setup mode using the mode designation key 73.

Next, the user selects the type of photosensitive material that requires automatic set-up using the photosensitive material selection key 75a, and sets the test chart 110 on the document table.

Then, by operating the copy key 76, copying of the test chart 110 is started. Then, the photosensitive material 26 is pulled out from the mackerel 22 by the conveyance nip roller 84b, cut into a predetermined length by the cutter 86b, and transferred to the conveyance nip rollers 84c, 84d, 84e and the conveyance guides 88b, 88c, 88d.

It is conveyed to the exposure section 28 by 88e.

When copying is started, the photosensitive material 26 is exposed to the light source unit 36
The light reflected from the test chart 110 is transported synchronously by two sets of nip rollers 56 and 57, and 58 and 59, but the light reflected from the test chart 110 is not reflected by the shutter 54 and exposes the photosensitive material 26 at the exposure position 28a. . When the light source unit 36 scans the entire surface of the test chart 110, the entire image of the test chart 110 is exposed to the photosensitive material 26. After exposure, the exposed photosensitive material 26 enters the processing section 17,
It is developed in a developing tank 92, bleached and fixed in a bleaching/fixing tank 94, washed with water in washing tanks 96 and 98, sent to a drying section 18, dried, and delivered to a take-out tray 100.

A color copy of the test chart 110 is thus obtained.

Next, the image density of the color copy of the test chart 110 is read.

The test chart 110 is removed from the document table 35, and a color copy is set in its place. When the copy key 76 is operated, the shutter 54 is inserted into the optical path and directs the optical path toward the image sensor 60.

Thereafter, the light source unit 36 illuminates the color copy and scanning is performed. In this case, the measuring means 64 measures the reflected light from the color copy. During this scanning, the look-up table converts the light amount signal output from each sensor 64a to 64c, converts this value and the converted value of the photometric value of the white standard plate 35 into a density signal, and converts it into a color copy density value. It is stored in the RAM 71 as a signal.

The CPU 70 reads out the signals of the original chart density value and the chart copy density value from the RAM 71, and
As shown in Figures a, 7b and 7c, characteristic data 11 representing the relationship between the original density value and the copy density value
4.115.116 are created for each color.

In this example, each color is measured at four points, so each measurement point is connected with a straight line or a curved line, and areas exceeding the maximum measurement density or minimum density are measured at adjacent measurement density. Create by extending straight lines or curves connecting points.

Another method for creating characteristic data is to create a characteristic curve using a known interpolation method, such as Lagranche's, which passes through each measured concentration point.

The above characteristic data is used as a relational expression or table value expressed by a straight line or curve.

Based on this characteristic data, the average image density (for example, 0.7
), or a density point that has the same reference characteristic data as a density point obtained under predetermined conditions.

For example, for blue, the original density Do6 corresponding to the copy density value DP is determined from the characteristic data 114. Next, the original density DOB for the same copy density value DPB is obtained from the reference characteristic data 117 obtained in advance, and the density difference ΔEa is calculated. Similarly, density differences ΔEG and ΔER are obtained for green and red.

There are several other methods for determining the concentration difference ΔEB5ΔEG%ΔER. For example, original density Do
From B0, in the reference characteristic data 117, copy density DP,
, find the copy density DPB from the characteristic data 114,
The original density D Oa that provides the copy density DPB may also be determined. This Doa can be obtained by interpolating two density points, by using (DP, -DP, ) and the gradient of the characteristic data 114, by using an interpolation equation expressed as a polynomial, etc.

The reference characteristic data may be determined based on the design, or may be measured by the procedure described above when installing the color copying machine, and the obtained data may be written in the ROM 72.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, color filters 49Y, 49M
, 49C and the density difference ΔE can be used to convert the density difference ΔE into the insertion amount of the color filter.

That is, in this way, the concentration difference △E11%△EQs△ER
can be changed to the insertion amount ΔY of the yellow filter 49Y, the insertion amount 6M of the magenta filter 49M, and the insertion amount ΔC of the cyan filter 49C.

In the present invention, each color filter 49Y, 49M,
Instead of directly inserting each of 49C by the insertion amount △Y1△M, △C, the insertion amount △Y1△M, △C is corrected by considering the mutual influence between each color filter caused by the test chart pattern and the characteristics of the photosensitive material. . For example, when the yellow filter 49Y is moved by ΔY, not only does it cause a density change ΔEa of the B light as shown in Figure S8, but also the R
A change in the amount of light is also caused in the light and the G light.

The same applies to the insertion of the magenta filter 49M and cyan filter 49C.

Therefore, considering these, the true Y, M, C filter 4
The insertion amounts of 9Y, 49M, and 49C, that is, the insertion amounts after correction ΔY1, ΔM, △C1, are calculated from the deviation amount △Y1△M1△C corresponding to EBsΔE11, ΔER to the measured density difference using a 3×3 matrix. demand.

Here, αz (iJ=1.2.3) is a coefficient that takes into account the test chart pattern used, the color filters 49Y149M, 49C, and the characteristics of the photosensitive material used, and is 3
This can be determined by measuring the change in the amount of light given to each B, G, and R light when only one of the three color filters 49Y, 49M, and 49C is changed.

For example, in the silver salt photographic color copying apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, the following 3×3 matrix can be used.

(Experiment example) Using this 3×3 matrix αIJ, when the standard characteristic data is Y=5cc M=17cc C=0cc D=45cc, the amount of deviation is △ Y=-2cc Δ M=+11cc △ (=-1cc If the color copying conditions are set when the characteristic values at that time are Y=Occ M=0cc C=0cc D=50cc, in the example of the present invention, the following will be obtained: =50 D=8cc.

Conventionally, D = 50 = 50 0 =
It becomes 48cc.

From the above, it is possible to set color copying conditions that are much closer to the reference characteristic data in the example of the present invention than in the conventional example.

In the above example, the correction calculation is performed by converting it into the insertion amount of each color filter, but it is also possible to perform the correction calculation based on the light amount difference and convert it into the correction amount of filter insertion.

The color copying condition setting method of the present invention uses a test chart pattern at startup or when setting copying conditions, but the above 3X3 matrix calculation is also used when performing color and density correction for individual color originals. The amount of color filter insertion may be corrected.

In the above example, we explained the case where color and density correction is performed by inserting a color filter, but instead of a color filter,
Y, M%C or B.

The same applies to three light sources of G%R.

In a scanning image reproduction method such as a laser color copying machine, a test chart may be generated electrically instead of a test chart or a color filter. For color copying of the test chart, copying conditions can be appropriately set by measuring with each photometric device (although not with slit light) in the same way as in the present invention.

In addition, in the above example, the stripe of the test chart is 4.
However, two or more stripes corresponding to at least the image density are required.

However, as the number of stripes increases, conditions can be set with higher accuracy no matter how the copy conditions change.

The present invention also provides photometry of a test chart pattern,
Although the data is converted into density and used as color original density-color copy density characteristic data, it is also possible to use exposure amount-color copy density characteristic data instead of converting it into a density value.

Although the silver halide photographic color copying machine shown in FIG. 1 has been described as a representative example of a copying machine that implements the color copying condition setting method according to the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto; Of course the copying device used,
For example, it is applicable to any copying apparatus or image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic color copying apparatus, a thermal transfer color copying apparatus, an inkjet color copying apparatus, a laser color copying apparatus, a video color copying apparatus, etc.

The color copying condition setting method according to the present invention is basically configured as described above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The deviation amount from the standard characteristic and the characteristic of the copy density after exposure may be corrected by an interpolation method, etc., and the 3×3 matrix is not required as long as it can be corrected, within the scope of the present invention. Various improvements and design changes are possible.

<Effects of the Invention> As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the color test chart pattern to be used, each of the three primary color filters, and the color filters to be used are By correcting the amount of insertion of each color filter into the optical path during color and density correction, taking into account all the characteristics of the photosensitive material used, the height difference can be compared with the standard characteristic data created in advance or the standard characteristic data determined during setting. To easily and automatically set color copying conditions that match accuracy.

Therefore, in the copying apparatus set according to the method of the present invention, after setting, it is possible to obtain a reproduced image that is faithful to the original image and has good density, gradation, color, and color balance.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a silver salt photographic color copying apparatus in which a color copying condition setting method according to the present invention is implemented. FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a copying apparatus in which a color copying condition setting method according to the present invention is implemented. FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of a sensor used in a copying apparatus in which a color copying condition setting method according to the present invention is implemented. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system of the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a test chart used in the present invention. 6a, 6b, and 6c are graphs showing the density of blue, green, and red, respectively, of the test chart shown in FIG. 5. FIG. Figures 7a, 7b and 7c are blue, respectively.
3 is a graph showing green and red original chart density-copy density characteristics. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the insertion position of the color filter and the density difference. Explanation of symbols 10...Silver halide photographic color copying device, 12...Photosensitive material supply section unit, 14...Exposure section unit, 16...Processing section unit, 28...Exposure section, 28a. ...Exposure position, 30...Document table, 32...Color document, 34...Document holder, 35...White reference plate, 36...Light source unit, 37...Slit, 38... - Light source, 39... Reflector, 40.43, 44.61... Mirror 42... Mirror unit, 46... Lens unit, 47... Imaging lens front group, 48... Imaging Rear lens group, 49Y, 49M, 49C... Color F
Filter, 50... Aperture, 51.52... Aperture plate, 54... Shutter, 56.57.58.59... Nip roller, 60...
・Image sensor, 62... Focusing means, 64... Measuring means, 64a, 64b, 64c・"Sensor 85a, ssb, 65cm" A/D converter) Negative device, 68a,
66b, 66c... Lookup table, 68... I10 boat, 70... Data processing section, 71... RAM. 72...ROM. 73...Mode designation key 74...Original type input key 75a...Photosensitive material key 75b...Photosensitive material reading device 76...Copy keys 77C, 77M, 77Y...Correction Key 78C, 78M
, 78Y, 78D...driver, 79C, 79M, 7
9Y, 79D...Motor, 110...Test chart, 111...Striped portion, 112...Strive, 114.115.116...Original density-copy density characteristic, 117.118.119- ... Standard original density-copy density characteristic patent applicant Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. FIG, 4 ■ FIG, 8 Intermediate procedure report (spontaneous) August 9, 1999 1, Indication of the case 1986 patent Application No. 334283 2, Name of the invention, Method for setting color copying conditions 3, Relationship with the case of the person making the amendment Name of patent applicant (520) Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. 4,
Agent: 101 Telephone: 864-4498 Address: 3-2-2-6 Iwaki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Contents of amendment (1) “Normal” on page 11, line 20 of the specification is corrected to “soft” . (2) “Soft” in the second line of page 12 of the same page is “normal”
Correct. (3) Page 30, line 8, “mutual” J means “mutual”
Correct. (4) Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings will be corrected as shown in the attached sheet. 5. "Detailed Description of the Invention" column and "Drawings" (Figures 4 and 5) of the specification to be amended FIG, 4 FIG, 5

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) When setting color copying conditions using a test chart pattern having a plurality of patterns with different densities for each of the three primary colors, read the image density of each color of the test chart pattern, and read the read image density;
A color copy is created by scanning exposure with a predetermined exposure amount, and this color copy is placed on the document table, and the image density of each color of the color copy is read by scanning, and the image density of each color of the color copy is read and compared with the test chart density. Characteristic data indicating the relationship with the color copy image density is created for each primary color light, the amount of deviation from the predetermined reference characteristic data of each color is determined for each color, and the amount of deviation of these three colors is used in the test to be used. 3, which takes into account chart patterns, color filters for each color, and characteristics of photosensitive materials.
A color copying condition setting method characterized in that the amount of insertion of the color filter into the optical path is determined by correcting by ×3 matrix calculation.