JPH07333731A - Picture printing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a picture printing apparatus by which proper index prints can be obtained and also the picture printing work including a work to produce the index prints can be carried out easily as a whole. CONSTITUTION:Regarding a picture printing apparatus provided with a monitor MT to display an image information expected to be obtained in a photosensitive material 3 when the image information of a film is exposed to the photosensitive material 3 in computed exposure conditions and an exposing means S to expose the photosensitive material 3 in the exposure conditions; a printing means PR to compound the image information of a plurality of frames and print as a picture in one sheet of an printing object is so composed and installed as to carry out printing and give the same printing result as the result of exposure to the photosensitive material 3 by the exposing means S in the same exposure conditions computed by an exposure condition computing means T.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a reading means for reading image information of a film, an exposure condition calculating means for obtaining an exposure condition for exposing a photosensitive material based on the image information read by the reading means, and The image information read by the reading means is converted into image information expected to be obtained on the photosensitive material when the image information of the film is exposed on the photosensitive material under the exposure condition obtained by the exposure condition calculating means. Image information converting means for converting, a monitor for displaying the image information converted by the image information converting means, and an exposing means for exposing the photosensitive material based on the exposure condition calculated by the exposure condition calculating means. And a photographic printing apparatus provided with.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Such a photographic printing apparatus is expected to obtain an image by exposing the image information of the film to the light-sensitive material under the determined exposure condition before actually exposing the image information of the film to the light-sensitive material. Can be simulated and determined and displayed on the monitor. The operator can observe the image displayed on the monitor to confirm whether or not the exposure conditions are properly requested, and the displayed image is an abnormal image such as an abnormal density or poor focusing. In this case, appropriate processing can be performed according to the situation, and it is possible to prevent defective products from being produced in advance, which contributes to improvement in work efficiency of photo printing.

By the way, in the photo printing work, it is considered to produce a so-called index print for displaying images of a plurality of frames on one print. In general, the image on the film is a negative image, so it is difficult to grasp exactly what kind of image it is even if it is visually observed, but when an index print is made, the size of one print is large. Although the size of an image tends to be small because it is naturally limited, it is possible to accurately determine what kind of image it is, and what kind of subject is filmed by the index print. It is easy to know if there is any and it is convenient for managing the film.

The conventional photographic printing apparatus having the above structure is not provided with the index print producing function, and the index print producing conditions are set separately from the work in the photographic printing apparatus to produce the index print. I was working on it.

[0005]

Therefore, the photographic printing work as a whole becomes complicated, and improvement has been desired. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a first object thereof is to make it possible to obtain an appropriate index print, while simplifying a photographic printing operation including production of the index print as a whole. It is to provide a photographic printing apparatus capable of performing. The second object is to achieve the first object while achieving a more appropriate index print. A third object is to achieve the above first or second object while making the photo printing apparatus more convenient. The fourth purpose is
While simplifying the configuration of the photo printing apparatus, the first and second
Or, it is a point to achieve the third purpose.

[0006]

A photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a reading means for reading image information of a film, and an exposure for obtaining an exposure condition for exposing a photosensitive material based on the image information read by the reading means. When the image information read by the condition calculating means and the reading means is obtained on the photosensitive material when the image information of the film is exposed to the photosensitive material under the exposure condition obtained by the exposure condition calculating means. Image information conversion means for converting into expected image information,
A monitor for displaying the image information converted by the image information converting means and an exposing means for exposing the photosensitive material on the basis of the exposure condition calculated by the exposure condition calculating means are provided. According to the first characteristic configuration, the printing means for synthesizing and printing the image information of a plurality of frames on one printing target prints based on the exposure condition calculated by the exposure condition calculating means. It is configured and arranged so that the result is the same as the result of the exposure of the photosensitive material by the exposing unit.

The second characteristic configuration is the same as the first characteristic configuration, in which the image information displayed on the monitor is corrected by inputting a correction instruction for correcting the exposure condition or a correction unnecessary instruction to the exposure condition calculating means. Instruction input means is provided, and the exposure means is configured to expose the photosensitive material based on the exposure condition obtained by the correction calculation by the exposure condition calculation means based on the correction instruction from the correction instruction input means. The printing means exposes the printing result to the photosensitive material by the exposure means based on the exposure condition obtained by the correction calculation by the exposure condition calculation means based on the correction instruction from the correction instruction input means. It is configured to print so that the result is the same.

A third characteristic configuration is the same as the second characteristic configuration, wherein the printing means outputs an uncorrected mode in which the printing instruction is output before the input operation from the correction instruction inputting means, and the correction instruction inputting means. The point is that it can be switched to a corrected mode in which a print instruction is output after an input operation. A fourth characteristic configuration is the image synthesis method according to the first, second or third characteristic configuration, in which the image information for a plurality of frames converted by the image information conversion unit is combined into one image information in the printing unit. Means are provided, and the printing means is configured to print the image information synthesized by the image synthesizing means on one sheet of printing object.

[0009]

According to the first characteristic construction of the present invention, when the exposure condition calculation means determines the exposure condition from the image information of the film read by the reading means, the image information conversion means exposes the photosensitive material under the determined exposure condition. The image information read by the reading means is converted so as to simulate an image that would be obtained in some cases. Then, this simulated image is displayed on the monitor, and the operator can confirm whether or not the calculation of the exposure condition is appropriate by this monitor display. The exposure condition calculated by the exposure condition calculation means is also used in the production of a so-called index print for printing the image information for a plurality of frames on one print target, and the printing means for printing the index print is the exposure condition calculation means. The index print is printed so as to obtain the same printing result as the exposure result obtained by exposing the photosensitive material under the exposure conditions obtained in step S6. In other words, the conditions for exposing the photosensitive material and the conditions for producing the index print are required at once by the exposure condition calculating means, and the operator observes the monitor display and exposes the photosensitive material. Whether or not the conditions for producing the index print are appropriate can be determined all at once.

According to the second characteristic configuration of the present invention, the operator observes the monitor display on which the simulated image is displayed, and if the exposure condition is to be corrected, the operator can change the exposure condition from the correction instruction input means. Correction instructions can be input. When this correction instruction is input, the exposure condition calculation means performs a correction calculation based on the correction instruction to obtain an exposure condition. The exposure condition corrected by the input of the correction instruction is also used in the production of the index print, and the printing means for printing the index print sets the photosensitive material under the exposure condition corrected by the input of the correction instruction. The index print is printed so that the same printing result as the exposure result obtained by exposure is obtained. That is, the printing means produces the index print by using the exposure condition optimized by the correction instruction input by observing the display on the monitor by the operator.

According to the third characteristic construction of the present invention, if the operation mode of the photographic printing apparatus is set to the corrected mode, the index print can be produced using the optimized exposure conditions as described above. Also, if the non-correction mode is set, the index print can be made in a state before the operator gives a correction instruction, so the operator observes the index print instead of observing the display on the monitor,
It is possible to determine which frame the exposure condition needs to be corrected.

According to the fourth characterizing feature of the present invention, the printing means combines the image information converted by the image information converting means for simulating an image obtained when the photosensitive material is exposed to light for a plurality of frames to form one image. By using the image information, the image information for producing the index print is produced. That is, the image information converting means originally provided for displaying the simulated image on the monitor is used as it is to produce the image information for producing the index print.

[0013]

According to the first characteristic construction, as described above, the conditions for exposing the photosensitive material and the conditions for producing the index print can be obtained all at once by the exposure condition calculating means, and the operation can be performed. The person observes the monitor display,
Since it is possible to determine at a stroke whether the conditions for exposing the photosensitive material and the conditions for producing the index print are appropriate, it is possible to obtain an appropriate index print, but it is not necessary to set the conditions for producing the index print. As a result, the present invention has been made to provide a photographic printing apparatus which can simplify the photographic printing work including the production of index prints as a whole. According to the second characteristic configuration,
Since the printing means creates the index print by using the exposure condition optimized by the correction instruction input by observing the display on the monitor by the operator, it is possible to obtain a more appropriate index print. It has become possible to provide a photographic printing apparatus capable of simplifying the photographic printing work including the production of index prints as a whole by eliminating the need for setting conditions for print production.

According to the third characteristic configuration, in addition to the effect of the second characteristic configuration, by setting the uncorrected mode, the operator observes the index print instead of observing the display on the monitor, and Since it is possible to determine whether the exposure conditions of the frame have to be corrected, it is possible to set a usage pattern that allows the operator to comfortably perform photo printing work by avoiding the work of observing the monitor for a long time. The printing apparatus can be made more convenient.

According to the fourth characteristic configuration, in addition to the effect of the first, second or third characteristic configuration, the image information converting means originally provided for displaying the simulated image on the monitor. Since the image information for producing the index print is produced by using as it is, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the printing unit and thus the configuration of the photographic printing apparatus.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a photographic printing apparatus of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the photographic printing apparatus 1 develops the projection exposure unit 5 for projecting and exposing the image information of the film 2 on the photographic paper 3 as a photosensitive material, and the photographic paper 3 exposed by the projection exposure unit 5. A controller C for controlling the operation of the development processing section DE and each section of the photo printing apparatus 1.
O is provided, and the controller CO is connected to an operation console O for inputting various instructions and mode setting, a monitor MT for displaying image information, and a video printer VP. The photographic paper 3 pulled out from the photographic paper magazine 4 containing the photographic paper 3 in a roll is exposed by the projection exposure unit 5 and then developed by the development processing unit DE to obtain one frame of image information. It is cut to the included size and discharged.

Each component will be described below. The projection exposure unit 5 includes a light source 10, a light control filter 11 for adjusting the color balance of light applied to the film 2, and a light control filter 1.
Mirror tunnel 12 that mixes the light passing through 1 uniformly
A printing lens 13 and a shutter 14 for forming an image of the film 2 on the photographic printing paper 3 are provided on the same optical axis forming the exposure optical path. The film 2 is provided on the side of the printing lens 13.
The reading means RD for reading the image information is provided.
The reading means RD rotationally drives a rotary mirror 17, a lens 16, a rotary color filter 17 in which R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color filters are arranged in the circumferential direction, and a rotary color filter 17. The motor M1 and the CCD image sensor 18 are provided, and the controller CO for controlling the operation of the motor M1 and the image sensor 18 is also the reading means R.
Functions as D. The reflection mirror 15 is attached to a movable table (not shown) together with the printing lens 13.

The movable table having the printing lens 13 and the reflecting mirror 15 mounted thereon slides in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 1 so that the printing lens 13 is located in the exposure optical path and the reflecting mirror 15 is in the exposure optical path. It is switched to the state of being located at. In the state where the printing lens 13 is located in the exposure optical path, the image information of the film 2 is imaged on the photographic paper 3 by the printing lens 13, and in the state where the reflection mirror 15 is located in the exposure optical path, the image information of the film 2 is formed. Is reflected by the reflection mirror 15 and then C by the lens 16.
An image is formed on the light receiving surface of the CD image sensor 18. CC
The D image sensor 18 detects the image information of the film 2 in the state of color separation into R, G, and B by the rotation of the rotary color filter 17, and the detected image information is sent to the controller CO. A roller 19 is provided on the upstream side of the film 2 transport path in the exposure optical path, and a roller 20 is provided on the downstream side of the film 2 transport path.
Are interlocked by a motor M2.

In the projection exposure unit 5, the image information of the film 2 is CC-scanned with the reflection mirror 15 positioned in the exposure optical path.
The image information of the film 2 is exposed on the photographic printing paper 3 in a state where the image is read by the D image sensor 18 and the printing lens 13 is positioned in the exposure optical path. A roller 21 that conveys the photographic paper 3 and a motor M3 that drives the roller 21 are provided on the downstream side of the photographic paper 3 conveyance path at the exposure position B of the photographic paper 3. Although not shown, the development processing unit DE is provided with a plurality of tanks filled with a processing liquid for developing the photographic printing paper 3 after exposure, and the photographic printing paper 3 sequentially passes through the plurality of tanks. It is developed.

The video printer VP connected to the controller CO prints the image information for one sheet included in the video signal sent from the controller CO on one print which is one print target, A so-called index print is produced. Therefore, the video printer VP functions as the printing unit PR that prints the index print. The video printer VP executes the printing operation.
When printing is instructed from the console O and when the controller CO
In some cases, the controller CO may issue a print instruction, and when the controller CO issues a print instruction, an uncorrected mode in which the operator issues a print instruction before inputting an exposure condition correction instruction from the console O and an operator There is a corrected mode in which a print instruction is issued after an exposure condition correction instruction is input from the operator console O. As the printing format of the video printer VP, various types such as a thermal transfer method, a CRT method or a laser beam method can be adopted.

The controller CO, as shown in FIG.
An image information storage unit 101 that stores the image information read by the CCD image sensor 18, and an exposure condition calculation that reads the image information from the image information storage unit 101 and obtains an exposure condition for exposing the image information on the photographic printing paper 3. Part 102,
An exposure control unit 104 that controls the operations of the light control filter 11 and the shutter 14 of the projection exposure unit 5 based on the exposure condition calculated by the exposure condition calculation unit 102 to perform exposure on the photographic printing paper 3.
An image for displaying the image information read from the image information storage unit 101 on the monitor MT based on the exposure condition obtained by the exposure condition calculation unit 102 for the image information, and further for printing out on the video printer VP. An image information conversion unit 103 for converting information, and an image information storage unit 101, an exposure condition calculation unit 102, an image information conversion unit 103, a control unit 100 for instructing the operation of each unit such as an exposure control unit 104.

The storage capacity of the image information storage unit 101 is CC
The image information of the film 2 read by the D image sensor 18 has a storage capacity capable of storing a plurality of frames. As will be described later, the image information of all the frames of one film 2 can be stored. is there. By making it possible to store image information for a plurality of frames in this way, the image information conversion unit 103 reads out image information for a plurality of frames from the image information storage unit 101 and performs conversion processing to obtain image information for a plurality of frames. At the same time, it can be displayed on the monitor MT.

When the image information for one film 2 is stored in the image information storage unit 101, the exposure condition calculation unit 102 determines all the images for one film 2 before obtaining the exposure condition for each frame. Each frame is divided into a large number of regions, and R (red) and G in all the divided regions for one film 2 are divided.
By uniquely statistically averaging the densities of the respective colors of (green) and B (blue), the film 2 that shows how the film 2 develops according to the amount of light incident from the subject is unique to the film 2. Extract film characteristics. In order to obtain the exposure condition of each frame of the film 2, first, the average density of each frame, that is, the average amount of light received by each frame from the subject, is determined by the film characteristics peculiar to the film 2. The color development characteristic corresponding to is obtained. The exposure condition calculation unit 102 previously calculates the exposure condition for canceling the color development characteristic of the film 2 including the base color of the film 2 and appropriately reproducing the image information of the film 2 on the photographic paper 3. Is stored, and by the arithmetic expression,
The exposure condition is obtained from the color forming characteristic corresponding to each frame obtained as described above.

The exposure conditions thus obtained are such that the operator increases or decreases the exposure amount of each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta) and C (cyan) provided on the console O or changes the density of the photograph. It is possible to make a correction from a density correction key that gives an average increase / decrease of the exposure amount. When the correction instruction is given, the exposure condition calculation unit 102 performs a correction calculation of the exposure condition and newly creates the exposure condition. Ask for.

The image information conversion unit 103 stores an arithmetic expression for executing conversion processing such as negative-positive conversion of the image information read from the image information storage unit 101, and various parameters constituting the arithmetic expression are exposed. The configuration is changed according to the exposure condition calculated by the condition calculation unit 102. The image information input to the image information conversion unit 103 is image information equivalent to the image information that the image information of the film 2 is projected and exposed on the photographic paper 3 to develop color on the photographic paper 3 on the display screen of the monitor MT. Also, the conversion processing is performed by the above arithmetic expression so as to be obtained on the output print of the video printer VP. The image information conversion unit 103 further displays one frame of image information for a plurality of frames in order to display the image information for a plurality of frames on the monitor MT and to print an index print on the video printer VP. A process of combining with image information is performed. The image information that has been subjected to the above conversion processing or combination processing is a monitor MT in the form of a video signal such as an analog or digital RBG.
And to the video printer VP.

When the exposure condition calculation unit 102 obtains a new exposure condition in response to a correction instruction from the console O, the image information conversion unit 103 performs image information conversion processing based on the newly obtained exposure condition. , And sends the processed image information to the monitor MT for display. As a result, the image information displayed on the monitor MT is corrected according to the correction instruction from the console O. Further, when a correction unnecessary instruction is input from the console O, the exposure condition initially obtained by the exposure condition calculation unit 102 is used as it is without being corrected.

The display mode of the image information displayed on the monitor MT is the 6-frame display mode for displaying the image information of 6 frames shown in FIG. 3, and the 28-frame display for displaying the image information of 28 frames shown in FIG. Mode, which is shown in FIG. 5, has three display modes, a cinema view mode in which image information of 7 frames is displayed at the upper end of the display screen, and one of the 7 frames is selected and enlarged in the center. One of the display modes is selected according to an instruction from the console O.

The 6-frame display mode is a mode in which the image information of each frame of the film 2 is divided into successive 6 frames and sequentially displayed, and an image information display area E including a negative size display portion for 6 frames and each of them. A data display area F is provided for each image information display area E. In the data display area F,
As shown in FIG. 6, a cursor display field 30 indicating that the frame is a target for inputting a correction instruction from the console O
A density value display field 31 for displaying the average density value obtained from the photometric value of the CCD image sensor 18, a frame number display field 32 for displaying the frame number of the frame, and a console O for each color of Y, M, C. From the Y key correction value display field 33, the M key correction value display field 34, and the C key correction value display field 35, which display the correction instruction from, and the average exposure amount corresponding to the density change of the photograph. It comprises a density key correction value display field 36 for displaying a correction instruction from the console O for increase and decrease, and a print number display field 37 for displaying the print instruction number of the frame inputted from the console O. Further, Y, M, C, and white are respectively displayed below the Y key correction value display field 33, the M key correction value display field 34, the C key correction value display field 35, and the density key correction value display field 36. Guide marks 41, 42, 43,
44 is displayed.

The 28-frame display mode is a mode in which the image information of each frame of the film 2 is divided into successive 28 frames and sequentially displayed, but in the case of the commonly used 135 size film, the maximum is 36 frames. Because there is film 2
Most of the image information of one line is displayed on the monitor at one time. In the 28-frame display mode, as shown in FIG. 4, below the image information display area G including the negative size display portion of each frame, that frame is a target for inputting a correction instruction from the console O. Show cursor display, frame number,
An auxiliary data display area H is provided for displaying a correction instruction for an average increase / decrease in the exposure amount corresponding to a change in the density of a photograph. Further, in the lower right portion of the display screen of the monitor MT, the auxiliary data display area H A data display area I is provided which shows the data of the frame for which the correction instruction is input. The contents displayed in the data display area I are the same as the display contents of the data display area F in the 6-frame display mode except that the cursor display field 30 is omitted.

In the cinema view mode, as shown in FIG. 5, an image information display area J including a negative size display portion for seven frames located at the upper end of the display screen and a position slightly lower than the central portion of the display screen. From the enlarged display area K for enlarging and displaying the image information of the central image information display area J of the image information display areas J for seven frames, and the data display area L located on the right side of the enlarged display area K. Has become. The information displayed in the data display area L is about the image information displayed in the enlarged display area K. The content is the same as the display content of the data display area E in the 6-frame display mode except for the cursor display field 30. The display content is otherwise the same. Then, the frame displayed in the data display area L is to be a correction instruction from the console O. Further, a frame number display field 38 for displaying the frame number of each frame is provided at a position above each image information display area J, and a position corresponding to a change in the density of a photograph is provided at a position below each image information display area J. A density key correction value display field 39 is provided for displaying a correction instruction from the operator console O for an average increase / decrease of the exposure amount, and further, a central image information display which is image information displayed in the enlarged display area K. Bar-shaped cursors 40 are displayed on both upper and lower sides of the area J.

In both the 6-frame display mode and the 28-frame display mode, the operator moves the cursor display to specify the frame to which the correction instruction and the number of prints are inputted, and the cinema view mode is set. Then, as will be described later, the image information displayed in the image information display area J is sequentially forwarded rightward or backwardly leftward by an operation from the console O, so that a correction instruction and the number of prints can be obtained. Designate the target piece for inputting the instructions. If you do not need to print the image due to out-of-focus when entering the number of images to be printed, the console O
When the “PASS” key provided on the monitor is pressed and operated, “PASS” is displayed in the print number display field 37 of the monitor MT.

Further, as in the case of the image information located at the right end of the lower row in the display example of the 6-frame display mode of FIG. 3, the so-called panorama in which the aspect ratio of the area including the image information is different from the normal or full size Even when a photograph is mixed in one film 2, it can be handled in the same manner as image information having a normal aspect ratio. When the control unit 100 detects that the film 2 includes a panoramic photograph based on the aspect ratio of the image information stored in the image information storage unit 101, the monitor MT displays the image information of the panoramic photograph. On the lower side, "135" indicating the film size and "P" indicating the panoramic photograph are displayed.
There are so-called high-definition photographs and the like having aspect ratios different from those of normal image information. In this case, however, a symbol such as "H" is displayed on the monitor MT as detected in the same manner as in the case of the above panoramic photographs. To be done.

The detection of the panoramic photograph or the like is automatically executed by the control unit 100 as described above, but the operator console O is provided so as to cope with the case where a detection error occurs.
It is possible to instruct that it is a panoramic picture or vice versa by inputting from. When the image information is a panoramic photograph or the like, the exposure condition calculation unit 102 calculates the exposure condition based on the image information of the area different from the aspect ratio of the normal image information according to the aspect ratio of the image information. . Not only in the above-described 6-frame display mode, but also in the 28-frame display mode and the cinema view mode for the aspect ratio different from the normal image information such as the panorama photograph, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Will be treated similarly.

In any of the three display modes,
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the image information is displayed in an upright state. However, depending on the type of camera used for shooting,
The top and bottom may be taken in the reverse of the normal one.
In response to such a case, in response to an instruction input from the console O, the image information of one film 2 is rotated by 180 ° in the image information conversion unit 103 and displayed upside down on the monitor MT. I am doing it. Further, by designating a specific frame from the console O, the image information is set to 90 ° or 18 °.
It is also possible to rotate it by 0 ° and display it on the monitor MT.

The number of print frames in one index print produced by the video printer VP, that is, the number of image information frames to be combined into one image information in the image information conversion unit 103 is arbitrarily set from the console O. It is possible to set. Video printer VP in the image information conversion unit 103
Also in the processing of image information for printing in the above, the operation performed by the operator from the console O and the processing performed by the controller CO for displaying the monitor MT are effective. For determining the size of film 2 such as photographs and rotating image information by 90 ° or 180 °,
The same is applied to the signal sent to the video printer VP.

Therefore, it is possible to print the data displayed in the data display area F and the auxiliary data display area H together with the index print, and the image information is not printed by the setting from the operator console O. It is also possible to print only the frame number corresponding to. For example, if the number of print frames of one index print is designated as 28 and it is set not to display data other than the frame number, the index print as shown in FIG. 7 can be obtained.

Furthermore, the image information of the frame for which the "PASS" key is pressed on the console O and the image does not need to be printed,
The image information conversion unit 103 sends the image data to the video printer VP, so that it is combined and included in the index print. However, it is also possible to create the index print by excluding the image information of the frame for which there is an input that does not require printing. . Further, when the image information conversion unit 103 detects that the density of one frame is extremely high or extremely low by the image information by the setting from the operator console O, it is decided as an abnormal frame and the index print is performed. For example, "abnormal" or "Error" can be displayed on a part of the corresponding frame portion, or can be excluded from the image information to be combined.

The control of the operation of each part by the controller 100 of the controller CO will be described below with reference to the flowcharts and timing charts of FIGS. First,
In order to guide the image information of the film 2 to the CCD image sensor 18, the reflection mirror 15 of the projection exposure unit 5 is positioned in the exposure optical path to prepare for photometry (step # 1). When the preparation for photometry is completed, the motor M2 is operated to convey the film 2 in the direction of arrow N in FIG. 1 until the frame of the film 2 reaches the image information reading position located in the exposure optical path (step # 2). Step # 3). When the film 2 reaches the image information reading position, the conveyance is stopped, the image information of the film 2 is read (step # 4), and the image information storage unit 1
Store in 01. Film 2
This is continued until it is judged that the remaining pieces have disappeared (step # 5).

When the reading of the image information for one film 2 is completed, the exposure condition calculation unit 102 is instructed to start the calculation of the exposure condition (step # 6), and the printing lens 13 is used in place of the reflection mirror 15. While being positioned in the exposure optical path, the motor M2 is rotated in the reverse direction to return and convey the film 2 for which image information has been read in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow N in FIG. 1 (step # 7). In this state, the exposure condition calculation unit 102 waits until the exposure condition calculation is completed (step # 8), and when an exposure condition calculation end signal is received from the exposure condition calculation unit 102, the index print production mode is not corrected. If it is the mode (step # 9), the image information conversion unit 103 is caused to perform the combining process of the image information for the index print before the operator inputs the correction instruction, and the video printer VP is subjected to the combining process. To print the printed image (step # 1
0).

After that, the exposure condition calculation unit 102 and the image information conversion unit 103 are instructed to start receiving the correction instruction from the console O (step # 11). At this time, if the instruction of the display mode from the console O is the 6-frame display mode or the 28-frame display mode, the image information conversion unit 103 collectively monitors the image information of 6 frames or 28 frames as described above. The MT is displayed, and the operator inputs a correction instruction from the console O during the period P shown in the timing chart of FIG. 9 while observing the display on the monitor MT. In response to this correction instruction, the exposure condition calculation unit 102 executes the correction calculation of the exposure condition, and accordingly, the image information converted again by the image information conversion unit 103 is displayed on the monitor MT. Monitor M
When the operator finishes inputting the correction instruction for all of the image information for 6 frames or 28 frames displayed at T, the exposure condition calculation unit 102 causes the exposure control unit 104 to output the corrected final exposure condition. Then, the image information conversion unit 103 converts the image information of the next 6 frames or 28 frames and displays it on the monitor MT. The operator observes the monitor display and continues to input the correction instruction.

If the display mode instruction at the time of step # 11 is the cinema view mode, the image information for the four frames from the beginning is displayed from the image information display area J at the left end to the image information display area J at the center. . At this time, as described above, the image information in the central image information display area J is enlarged and displayed in the enlarged display area K. When the correction instruction for the image information displayed in the enlarged display area K is input from the operation console O, the exposure condition calculation unit 102 receives the correction instruction and executes the correction calculation of the exposure condition. Then, the image information converted again by the image information conversion unit 103 is displayed on the monitor MT. When the correction instruction for the image information for one frame is completed, the image information conversion unit 103 monitors the monitor MT.
The image information displayed in the image information display area J is sequentially forwarded to the right, and the image information of the next frame is newly displayed in the image information display area J at the left end. Along with this, the image information displayed in the enlarged display area K, that is, the image information to be the correction instruction from the console O is also updated.

In this way, when the operator sequentially executes the correction instruction for the exposure condition and the image information overflows from the image information display area J at the right end,
The exposure condition calculation unit 102 sequentially sends final exposure conditions to the exposure control unit 104 in the order of overflowed frames. Therefore, in the cinema view mode, as shown by the period Q in the timing chart of FIG. 10, the operator's instruction to correct the exposure condition is continuously performed for one film 2. Regarding the image information displayed in the three image information display areas J on the right side of the center, the console O
However, since the final exposure condition has not yet been sent to the exposure control unit 104, the image information display is sent back to the central image information display area J, and the exposure is performed again. It is possible to give an instruction to correct the condition.

After instructing the start of acceptance of the correction instruction in step # 11, the exposure condition calculation unit 102 is operated as described above.
While the image information conversion unit 103 responds to the correction instruction from the console O, the control unit 100 confirms that the return transport of the film 2 is completed (step # 1).
2) If the correction mode in which the index print is produced under the exposure condition after correction by the correction instruction is set (step # 13), whether or not the input of the correction instruction from the console O is completed While checking (step # 14), the exposure process of steps # 17 to # 21 is performed. When the input of the correction instruction is completed (step # 1
4) The image information conversion unit 103 is caused to perform a synthesis process of image information for index printing, and the video printer V
Instruct P to print the combined image (step # 16). However, if the production of the index print has already been instructed after the input of the correction instruction, the production instruction of the index print is not repeated (step # 15).

In the exposure processing of steps # 17 to # 21, when the exposure control unit 104 receives the final exposure condition from the exposure condition calculation unit 102 (step # 17), the frame of the film 2 is positioned in the exposure optical path. The film 2 on the photographic printing paper 3 in a state where the exposure control unit 104 controls the operations of the shutter 14 and the light control filter 11 based on the received exposure conditions.
The image information of is exposed (step # 20).

Therefore, when the display mode is the 6-frame display mode or the 28-frame display mode, after completion of the exposure condition correction instruction for the image information of 6 frames or 28 frames from the leading frame of the film 2, Since the exposure condition is sent to the exposure control unit for the first time, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 8, after the period P required for the instruction to correct the exposure condition for the image information for the first 6 frames or 28 frames is completed, The exposure operation starts. On the other hand, when the display mode is the cinema view mode, the exposure operation starts after the correction instruction for the four frames from the beginning is completed in the period Q required for the instruction to correct the exposure condition for the image information.

When the exposure control unit 104 receives the exposure conditions, the exposure of the photographic printing paper 3 and the conveyance of the photographic printing paper 3 and the film 2 are repeated. When the remaining frames that need to be exposed disappear and the exposure process for one film 2 is completed (step # 21), the film 2 is discharged (step # 22), and the exposure operation is completed.

The image information of the frame for which the correction instruction has been completed can be sequentially transferred to the video printer VP, and the frame can be exposed in parallel for photographic printing. or,
After the image information for one film is transferred to the video printer VP, index printing is started. Further, during the index printing, the correction of the exposure condition of the next film, the exposure, and the transfer of the image information can be performed in parallel.

Therefore, as described above, the projection exposure unit 5 and the exposure control unit 104 function as the exposure unit S, and the exposure condition calculation unit 102 calculates the exposure condition based on the image information read by the reading unit RD. The console O functions as the means T and as the correction instruction input means V for inputting the correction instruction for correcting the exposure condition and the correction unnecessary instruction. The image information conversion unit 103 obtains the image information read by the reading unit RD on the photographic printing paper 3 when the image information of the film 2 is exposed on the photographic printing paper 3 under the exposure condition obtained by the exposure condition calculating unit T. Functioning as image information converting means U for converting into image information predicted to occur, and functioning as image combining means CB for combining the image information of a plurality of frames converted by the image information converting means U into one image information. By doing so, it also functions as a part of the printing means PR for producing the index print.

[Other Embodiments] Other embodiments will be listed below. (1) In the above embodiment, the image storage means 101 is capable of storing the image information read by the reading means RD for a plurality of frames, but it may be capable of storing only one frame of image information.

(2) In the above embodiment, the reading means RD is C
Although the CD image sensor 18 is used, a CCD line sensor or a MOS image sensor may be used instead of this. Further, the rotary color filter 17 is used to read the image information by performing color separation into R, G and B, but a dedicated CCD image sensor may be provided for each color of R, G and B.

(3) In the above embodiment, the number of frames of the image information displayed in the three display modes is 6, 28 or 7, but the number of these frames can be appropriately increased or decreased.

(4) In the above embodiment, the light source 10 is shared by the reading means RD and the exposing means S to simplify the structure. However, if the light sources are separate light sources, the image information on the film is read. After that, there is no need to rewind the film once, which is efficient.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, in the cinema view mode, what is displayed in the enlarged display area K is the image information in the central image information display area J, but the bar-shaped cursor 40 is moved to the console O. Alternatively, the frame displayed in the enlarged display area K may be freely selected from the image information display area J.

(6) In the above embodiment, the video printer V
P uses a CRT printer as the video printer VP to display the image information transferred from the controller CO on the CRT and prints the index print using the CRT printer as the video printer VP.
If the image information displayed on T is exposed on the photographic printing paper 3 shown in FIG. 1 and the index print is printed, a dedicated sheet for producing the index print is not required, and the apparatus can be simplified.

(7) In the above embodiment, the printing means PR is
Although it is composed of the video printer VP and the controller CO, the printing means PR is formed by projection exposure or by so-called solid printing, and image information for a plurality of frames of the film 2 is printed as one printing object which is one printing object. It may be configured to be printed on paper. Alternatively, the printing means PR may directly print on a photosensitive material such as photographic paper. The exposure condition at the time of printing is determined according to the exposure condition in the projection exposure unit 5, that is, the exposure condition after the correction calculation by the input of the correction instruction from the correction instruction input means V to produce the index print. It can also be configured to do so. By doing so, it is possible to obtain an index print closer to photo printing.

(8) In the above embodiment, the image information conversion unit 1
03 separately executes the image information synthesizing process for displaying on the monitor MT and the image information synthesizing process for printing on the video printer VP. The configuration may be simplified by sending the data to the printer VP for printing. Furthermore, if a CRT printer is used as the video printer VP, the CRT for printing is driven by a video signal, so the load of signal processing required for the video signal sent from the image information conversion unit 103 is reduced. It is convenient.

(9) In the above embodiment, since the printing means PR is constituted by the video printer VP, the image information converting section 103 combines the image information of a plurality of frames into one image information and outputs the video signal. However, the composite image information may be output to the printing unit PR via various interfaces for a computer without being converted into such a video signal. The printing means P
As R, any CRT printer, thermal printer, ink jet printer, electrostatic printer or the like capable of color printing can be used. Further, in the case of a monochrome printer, it is desirable that halftone is produced.

(10) In the above embodiment, the exposure condition calculating means T determines the exposure condition based on the image information of one frame of the film 2, but for example, the DX code recorded on the film 2 is used. Alternatively, the exposure condition of each frame may be obtained based on only the image information of each frame.

(11) In the above embodiment, the image information conversion unit 1
In step 03, the image information for a plurality of frames is sent to the video printer VP in a state of being combined into one image information. The image information conversion unit 103 outputs the image information of each frame separately, and the video printer VP outputs the image information. Alternatively, the image information may be combined into one image information, or the image information of each frame may be printed and combined into one print object while shifting the position of each frame.

It should be noted that reference numerals are added to the claims for convenience of comparison with the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the structures of the accompanying drawings by the entry.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram according to an embodiment of a photographic printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of main parts according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of a monitor display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram of a monitor display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram of a monitor display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a monitor display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a print example of an index print according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart according to the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart according to the embodiment of the invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 film 3 photosensitive material S exposure means T exposure condition calculation means U image information conversion means V correction instruction input means IM image synthesis means MT monitor PR printing means RD reading means

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A reading means (RD) for reading image information of a film (2), and an exposure for obtaining an exposure condition for exposing a photosensitive material (3) based on the image information read by the reading means (RD). The image information read by the condition calculating means (T) and the reading means (RD) is converted into the image information of the film (2) under the exposure condition obtained by the exposure condition calculating means (T). Image information converting means (U) for converting into image information expected to be obtained on the photosensitive material (3) when exposed to 3), and image information converted by the image information converting means (U) A photoprinting apparatus provided with a monitor (MT) for displaying the image and an exposure unit (S) for exposing the photosensitive material (3) based on the exposure condition calculated by the exposure condition calculation unit (T). And image information for multiple frames Printing means for printing by combining the single printing object (PR) is, the exposure condition computing means (T)
Photographic printing provided so that the printing result is the same as the exposure result to the photosensitive material (3) by the exposing means (S) based on the exposure condition calculated by apparatus. 2. With respect to the image information displayed on the monitor (MT), a correction instruction input unit (V) for inputting a correction instruction for correcting the exposure condition or a correction unnecessary instruction to the exposure condition calculation unit (T). ) Is provided, the exposure unit (S) performs the exposure based on the exposure condition obtained by the correction calculation by the exposure condition calculation unit (T) based on the correction instruction from the correction instruction input unit (V). The printing means (PR) is configured to expose a material (3), and the correction instruction input means (V).
The exposure condition calculation means (T) based on the correction instruction from
2. The printing is performed so that the printing result is the same as the exposure result of the exposure unit (S) to the photosensitive material (3) based on the exposure condition obtained by the correction calculation. Photo printing equipment. 3. An uncorrected mode in which the printing means (PR) outputs a print instruction before an input operation from the correction instruction input means (V), and an input operation from the correction instruction input means (V). The photographic printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the photographic printing apparatus is configured to be switchable to a corrected mode in which a print instruction is output after the printing. 4. The printing means (PR) is provided with an image synthesizing means (IM) for synthesizing the image information of a plurality of frames converted by the image information converting means (U) into one image information, 4. The photo printing apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the printing means (PR) is configured to print the image information synthesized by the image synthesizing means (IM) on one print target. .