JPH0980642A - Method for exposure and photographic printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the storage capacity required of an image memory for storing image data for auxiliary printing. SOLUTION: In an auxiliary exposure part 22, image data about image frames exposed at a main exposure part 21 are stored in a predetermined image memory, and index prints are exposed (auxiliary exposure) at the auxiliary exposure part 22 as images are exposed (main exposure) at the main exposure part 21; i.e., when image data for one line (five frames) is stored in the image memory, index prints for that line are exposed. After this exposure is finished, image data for the line exposed no longer needs to be stored in the image memory, and the image memory can be used for storing new image data. Therefore, the amount of image data to be stored in the image memory at a certain point of time can be reduced.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photographic printer and an exposure method, and more particularly, to a main exposure section that exposes an image recorded on a photographic film with a predetermined stretch size onto a photosensitive material, and the main exposure section. The present invention relates to a photographic printer having a sub-exposure unit that exposes sub-print data based on an image or the like exposed on the photosensitive material at a predetermined timing, and an exposure method in the photographic printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an index in which reduced frame images are arranged in a matrix at predetermined intervals and printed so that it is possible to easily search what kind of photograph is taken on one developed negative film. The print is known.

As a technique for exposing the index print, an image of each frame of a negative film is read by a scanner at the time of main exposure (exposure for main print) of the negative film, and the image data is stored in a predetermined image memory. Then 1
After the main exposure for all the frames of the negative film of the book is completed, the image data of several frames (for example, 5 frames = 1 column) in the index print is read from the image memory and displayed on the liquid crystal panel. A technique has been proposed in which light from a light source is applied to the formed images of several frames and the transmitted light exposes the photographic paper for each of the images of the several frames.

Thus, until the main exposure for all the frames of the target negative film is completed, the index print exposure is not performed and the image data of each frame is stored in the image memory one after another. As a result, it is necessary to store in the image memory the image data of all the frames recorded on the target negative film each time the index print is exposed, and it is necessary to provide the image memory having a large storage capacity. .

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is a memory required for an image memory for storing image data for sub printing such as index printing. An object of the present invention is to provide an exposure method capable of reducing the capacity, or a photographic printer capable of executing the exposure method.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a main exposure unit for exposing an image recorded on a photographic film with a predetermined stretch size to a light-sensitive material, Exposure in a photographic printer having a sub-exposure unit that stores sub-print data based on an image exposed in the main-exposure unit in a predetermined memory and reads the sub-print data from the memory at a predetermined timing to expose a photosensitive material The method is characterized in that sub-print data is exposed in the sub-exposure unit in parallel with image exposure in the main-exposure unit.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the sub-exposure section, sub-print data based on the image exposed by the main-exposure section is stored in a predetermined memory. Then, since the sub print data is exposed, when the sub print data is stored in the memory to some extent, the sub print data is exposed. This eliminates the need to store the exposed sub print data in the memory, and the memory can be used for storing new sub print data. That is, the amount of sub-print data to be stored in the memory at a temporary point can be reduced, and the storage capacity required in the memory can be reduced.

Further, since the sub print data is exposed in parallel with the image exposure in the main exposure section, the sub print data is exposed after the image exposure in the main exposure section is completed as in the conventional case. The total processing time can be shortened.

As the sub print data, image data of a frame image used to make an index print, exposure time and exposure conditions in a main exposure unit used to make an exposure information print, etc. Information can be applied. Further, the above memory is not limited to what is called an image memory for storing only image data, and various memories that store not only image data but also text data and the like can be applied.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 2 has a main exposure section for exposing an image recorded on a photographic film with a predetermined stretch size onto a photosensitive material, and the main exposure section. A photographic printer, comprising: a sub-exposure unit that stores sub-print data based on an exposed image or the like in a predetermined memory and reads the sub-print data from the memory at a predetermined timing to expose a photosensitive material. The exposure unit, in parallel with the exposure of the image in the main exposure unit,
Sub-exposure control means for controlling the exposure of the sub-print data, and sub-exposure for conveying the photosensitive material on which the sub-print data has been exposed under a predetermined conveyance path under the exposure control by the sub-exposure control means. Part conveying means and the photosensitive material,
Transport control means for controlling the transport by the sub-exposure portion transport means so as to return to the transport path of the photosensitive material exposed in the main exposure portion.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the sub-exposure section, the sub-exposure control means controls the sub-exposure data to be exposed in parallel with the image exposure in the main exposure section. When the sub print data is stored to some extent, the sub print data is exposed. As a result, it is not necessary to store the exposed sub-print data in the memory, and the amount of sub-print data to be stored in the memory at a temporary point can be reduced as in the first aspect of the invention. Therefore, the storage capacity required for the memory can be reduced.

Further, in the second aspect of the invention, the photosensitive material on which the sub print data has been exposed is conveyed by the sub exposure unit conveying means along a predetermined conveying path. Therefore, even when the sub print data is continuously exposed, it is possible to immediately evacuate the exposed photosensitive material and start the exposure of new sub print data. Accordingly, in continuous exposure of sub print data, the idle time between exposures can be shortened, and exposure can be performed efficiently.

By the way, the exposed photosensitive material conveyed through a predetermined conveying path is returned to the conveying path of the photosensitive material exposed in the main exposure section under the control of the conveying control means. Subsequent processing such as development processing is smoothly executed on the photosensitive material.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The configuration of the printer processor 10 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. The printer processor 10 whose outside is covered with the casing 12 exposes the printing paper of the main print and the sub-print to the printing paper 58, and develops and exposes the exposed printing paper.
A processor unit 72 for performing fixing, washing, and drying processes;
It has.

First, the structure of the printer unit 58 will be described.
The printer unit 58 includes a main exposure unit 21 (see FIG. 2) for exposing a main print and a sub-exposure unit 22 (see FIG. 3) for exposing a sub-print such as an index print.
It is composed of

The printer processor 10 includes a work table 14 protruding leftward from the casing 12 in FIG.
Is installed, and on the upper surface of the work table 14, a negative carrier 18 for setting the negative film 16 and a keyboard 15 for the operator to input commands, data and the like are arranged.

A main exposure light source section 36 is provided below the work table 14. A light source 38 is installed in the main exposure light source section 36, and the light emitted from the light source 38 is
Color correction filter (hereinafter, Color-Correction Filter: C
The negative film 16 set on the negative carrier 18 is reached via a C filter 40) and a diffusion tube 42.
The CC filter 40 has C (cyan), M (magenta), Y
It is composed of three sets of (yellow) filters, and each filter operates under the control of the CC filter control unit 39,
The light emitted from the light source 38 can appear and disappear on the optical axis.

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

A half mirror 43 is arranged at the lowermost part of the main exposure optical system 46, and light transmitted through the negative film 16 set on the negative carrier 18 reaches the half mirror 43. In the traveling direction of the light passing through the half mirror 43, an exposure lens 48 for changing the magnification of an image to be exposed, a black shutter 50 for blocking the exposure light, and a mirror 51 for reflecting the exposure light in a substantially right angle direction.
Are arranged in order. The exposure light reflected by the mirror 51 is applied to the photographic printing paper 54 set in the exposure chamber 52, whereby the photographic printing paper 54 is exposed.

On the other hand, in the traveling direction of the light reflected by the half mirror 43, a photometric lens 45 for changing the magnification of the photometric image and a half mirror 47 are sequentially arranged. In the direction in which light is reflected by the half mirror 47,
A scanner 108 configured by an image sensor or the like is arranged, and the scanner 108 is connected to an image signal processing unit 102 that performs predetermined image processing on image data of each frame of the negative film 16 read by the scanner 108. There is.

A simulator 104 as an image display device is connected to the image signal processing unit 102, and the simulator 104 displays images of each frame of the negative film 16 when the images are produced based on the set conditions. A print simulation image is displayed.

An image memory 106 for storing image data is connected to the image signal processing unit 102, and the image signal processing unit 102 stores the image data of each frame of the negative film 16 read by the scanner 108. It is stored in the image memory 106.

A negative density measuring section 56 for measuring the image density of each frame of the negative film 16 is provided in the traveling direction of the light passing through the half mirror 47, and the negative density measuring section 56 has an image sensor. Scanner 56B composed of the like and the negative film 1 read by the scanner 56B
Negative density measuring device 56A for measuring the image density of each frame of 6
And are installed.

In the sub-exposure unit 22, as a light source for exposing the index print, a light emitting diode (hereinafter, referred to as B-LED) 25 that emits a blue component of light and a light emitting diode (hereinafter, R-) that emits a red component of the light are emitted. Called LED) 2
6 and a light emitting diode that emits a green component (hereinafter, G
-LED) 27 are provided, and their operations are controlled by the light source controller 24. B-LED25
Is arranged on the exposure optical axis X, and the dichroic mirror 2 is arranged in the traveling direction of the light emitted from the B-LED 25.
8 are arranged so that the optical axis of red light emitted from the R-LED 26 and the optical axis of green light emitted from the G-LED 27 are aligned with the exposure optical axis X.

On the downstream side of the dichroic mirror 28 in the light traveling direction, the end portion of the optical path (a position not affecting the image)
A light source light sensor 29 for measuring the light amount of the light emitted from the light source is arranged in the direction in which the mirror 30 reflects light.

On the downstream side of the arrangement position of the mirror 30,
The liquid crystal panel 31 is arranged on a surface perpendicular to the exposure optical axis X. On the image display surface of the liquid crystal panel 31, a large number of pixels capable of displaying white, black and their intermediate colors (for example, 256 gradations) by electrical means are regularly arranged in a matrix. . LCD panel 31
Is connected to a liquid crystal panel driver 32 that drives image display on the liquid crystal panel 31, and the liquid crystal panel driver 32 monitors various processing conditions in the sub-exposure unit 22.
The sub-control unit 23 for controlling is connected.

The sub control unit 23 is a CPU, RA (not shown).
M, a ROM, an input / output controller, and the like, and are connected to the image memory 106 via the input / output controller. The sub control unit 23 reads out the image data of each frame of the negative film 16 stored in the image memory 106, forms one piece of index image data in which the frame images are arranged according to a predetermined rule, and forms one piece of the formed index. An image corresponding to image data of a predetermined number of frames of the image data, for example, five frames (one column) is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 31 by the liquid crystal panel driver 32. In addition, among the image data for one column, R color, G
An image corresponding to the image data of only the color components of the colors B and B can be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 31.

On the downstream side of the position where the liquid crystal panel 31 is arranged, a mirror 34 is provided at the end of the optical path (a position that does not affect the image).
Is disposed, and a transmitted light amount sensor 33 for measuring the amount of light transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 31 is disposed in the direction in which light is reflected by the mirror 34.

On the downstream side of the arrangement position of the mirror 34,
An exposure lens 35 for changing the magnification of the image of the sub-print to be exposed is arranged, and an index print image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 31 by the exposure lens 35 and projected by exposure light is provided on a photographic paper 54 by a predetermined amount. An image is formed at a magnification.

Further, the sub-exposure section 22 is provided with a photographic-paper setting section 112 for receiving the sub-exposure photographic printing paper 54A conveyed from the main exposure section 21 and setting it at the exposure position.
Along the downstream side of the exposure lens 35 (right side in FIG. 2)
The sub-control unit 23 is connected to the printing paper setting unit 112.

The light source control unit 24, the light source light amount sensor 29 and the transmitted light amount sensor 33 are further connected to the sub control unit 23, and the sub control unit 23 has the light source light amount sensor 29.
An appropriate correction amount of light amount is calculated based on the light amount value of each of R, G, and B measured by the B-LED 25, R-LE.
The light amount of the light emitted from the D26 and the G-LED 27 is corrected by the light source control unit 24. Similarly, the sub control unit 23
Has a function of controlling the liquid crystal panel driver 32 based on the transmitted light amount value measured by the transmitted light amount sensor 33 to adjust the density of the image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 31 so as to obtain an appropriate transmitted light amount.

Like the sub-control unit 23, the main control unit 20 for controlling and monitoring the entire printer processor 10 is provided.
Is provided below the exposure chamber 52. The main control unit 20 includes a CPU (not shown), a RAM, a ROM, an input / output controller, and the like. The main control unit 20 includes:
The above-described CC filter control unit 39 and the negative density measuring device 56
A, the image signal processing unit 102, the photographic paper supply unit 110, and the sub-control unit 23 are connected to monitor and control the operation of each of these components.

A mounting portion 60 is provided at a corner portion between the upper right side surface of the arm 44 and the upper surface of the casing 12, and the mounting portion 60 is a paper for accommodating the photographic printing paper 54 wound around the reel 62 in layers. The magazine 64 is mounted.

A roller pair 66 is arranged near the mounting portion 60, and holds the photographic printing paper 54 in a horizontal state to expose the exposure chamber 52.
Transport to The photographic paper 54 is placed on the roller 6 before the arm 44.
It is wound around 7, turned 90 degrees, and hangs down. A first stock unit 69 is provided between the roller 66 and the roller 67 to guide and stock the photographic paper in a substantially U-shape.

A roller 68 is provided below the exposure section of the exposure chamber 52.
A, 68B, and 68C are arranged, and the printing paper 54 on which the image of the negative film 16 is printed in the exposure chamber 52 is turned by approximately 90 degrees by each of the rollers 68A, 68B, and 68C, and is turned to a processor unit 72 described later. Conveyed.

A cutter 71 is arranged on the downstream side of the roller 68A, and the cutter 71 cuts the rear end of the photographic printing paper 54 after the exposure processing. The cutter 7
The photographic printing paper 54 that has been cut in 1 and left in the exposure chamber 52 can be rewound into the paper magazine 64 again. Further, the cutter 71 cuts the photographic printing paper 54 into a length for index printing under the control of the main controller 20. This cut printing paper is referred to as sub-exposure printing paper 54A.

In the vicinity of such a cutter 71, the sub-exposure printing paper 54A is conveyed to the printing paper setting unit 112 of the sub-exposure unit 22 under the control of the main control unit 20, and the exposed sub-exposure printing paper 54A. A printing paper supply unit 110 that collects 54A from the printing paper setting unit 112 is installed.

Further, between the rollers 68A and 68B, there is provided a second stock section 73 for guiding and stocking the printed printing paper 54 in a substantially U-shape. The second stock section 73 stocks the printing paper 54 to absorb the difference in processing time between the printer section 58 and the processor section 72.

Next, the configuration of the processor section 72 will be described. The processor section 72 is provided with a color developing processing tank 74 storing a color developing processing liquid, a bleach-fixing processing tank 76 storing a bleach-fixing processing liquid, and a plurality of rinsing processing tanks 78 storing a washing processing liquid. The photographic printing paper 54 is sequentially transported through the color developing tank 74, the bleach-fixing tank 76, and the plurality of rinsing tanks 78, so that the developing, fixing, and rinsing processes are sequentially performed. Photographic paper 54 that has been washed
Is transported to the drying section 80 adjacent to the rinsing tank 78,
In the drying section 80, the photographic paper 54 is wound around rollers and exposed to high-temperature air to be dried.

The photographic printing paper 54 is nipped by a pair of rollers (not shown), and is discharged from the drying section 80 at a constant speed after the completion of the drying process. A cutter unit 84 is provided on the downstream side of the drying unit 80, and the cutter unit 84 has a cut mark sensor 86 for detecting a cut mark applied to the photographic printing paper 54.
A paper density measuring unit 90 for measuring the density of the printing paper 54 and a cutter 88 for cutting the printing paper 54 are installed.

The cut mark sensor 86, the paper density measuring unit 90, and the cutter 88 are connected to the main control unit 20, respectively. In the cutter unit 84, the photographic printing paper 54 is cut by the cutter 88 for each image frame, and the photographic print is completed.

The completed photographic prints are discharged to the sorter unit 92, sorted in the sorter unit 92, and subjected to a predetermined inspection work. By this verification work, after defective prints such as so-called out-of-focus images are extracted, normal photographic prints are returned to the customer together with the negative film.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. When the operator uses the keyboard 15 to instruct to start the print processing of the negative film frame image including the index print, the main control unit 20 executes the control routine shown in FIG. 5, and the sub-control unit 23 executes the control routine shown in FIG. Execution starts.

In step 202 of FIG. 5, the photographic printing paper 54 is cut into the length for index printing by the cutter 71, and in the next step 204, by the photographic printing paper supply unit 110 as indicated by an arrow A shown in FIG. The cut printing paper (printing paper 54A for sub-exposure) is conveyed to the printing paper setting unit 112 of the sub-exposure unit 22.

In the next step 206, the negative film 16
The first one image frame is set at a predetermined printing position on the negative carrier 18, and the printing paper 54 is set at a predetermined exposure position. At this point, the black shutter 50
Is closed, the photographic printing paper 54 is not exposed.

At the next step 208, the exposure conditions for the set image frames are set as follows.
First, light is emitted from the light source 38, and the image recorded on the image frame is read by the scanner 56B. Next, the density of the read image is measured by the negative density measuring device 56A, and the exposure condition is set in the main controller 20 based on the measured density. In the next step 210, the image of the image frame is exposed on the photographic printing paper 54 according to the exposure conditions set as described above.

After the exposure is completed, the image recorded in the image frame is read by the scanner 108 in step 212, and in the next step 214, the image signal processing unit 102 performs predetermined image processing on the read image. The processed image data is stored in the image memory 106.

The above steps 206 to 214 are executed for each image frame of the negative film 16. When the processing up to step 214 is completed for one image frame and there is a remaining image frame, the printing paper 54 is conveyed by one frame in step 218, and then the process returns to step 206.

In this way, in the main exposure section 21, FIG.
As shown in the time chart of (1), the image frames of the negative film 16 are sequentially exposed one by one.

When the execution of all the image frames of the negative film 16 is completed, the process proceeds to step 220, the exposed photographic printing paper 54 is conveyed to the processor section 72, and the following processing is performed in the processor section 72. . Photographic paper 54
The color developing processing tank 74, the bleach-fixing processing tank 76, and the plurality of rinsing processing tanks 78 of the processor unit 72 are sequentially conveyed, so that the photographic printing paper 54 is sequentially developed, fixed, and washed. The photographic printing paper 54 that has been washed with water is conveyed to the drying unit 80 and is dried with high temperature air. The dried photographic paper 54 is conveyed to the cutter unit 84,
The cutter 88 cuts each image frame into a photographic print. Then, the photographic prints are discharged to the sorter unit 90 and sorted in the sorter unit 90.

Thereafter, in step 222, the sub-control unit 23 waits for reception of an end notification indicating that the exposure of the index print is completed.

On the other hand, FIG. 6 executed by the sub-control unit 23.
In step 252 of the control routine shown in FIG.
It waits for receipt of the sub-exposure printing paper 54A from. When receiving the sub-exposure printing paper 54A, the process proceeds to step 254, where the sub-exposure printing paper 54A is set at the exposure position by the printing paper setting unit 112.

At the next step 256, it is checked whether the image data for one row (5 frames) is stored in the image memory 106, and the image data for one row (5 frames) is stored in the image memory 106. If not, the process waits until one row (5 frames) of image data is stored.

When one row (5 frames) of image data is stored in the image memory 106 (at time T1 in the time chart of FIG. 11), the process proceeds to step 258, and the one column (5 frames) of image is stored. The data is read from the image memory 106. Then, in the next steps 260 to 266, the image data for one column (for five frames) is exposed on the sub-exposure printing paper 54A for each of the R, G, and B color components.

That is, first, one color component of R, G, and B is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 31 (step 260), and the LED corresponding to the color component is turned on for a predetermined exposure time (step 262). This completes the exposure for the color component. Then, after the display of the liquid crystal panel 31 is canceled (step 264), steps 260 to 264 are sequentially executed for other color components.

The above steps 256-266 are performed for each of the eight columns that make up the index print. When the processing up to step 266 is completed for one row and there is a remaining row, the sub-exposure printing paper 54A is conveyed by one row in step 270, and then step 256 is performed.
Return to. Here, when the processing up to step 266 is completed for the first column (time T2 in FIG. 11), the image data of the first to sixth frames are stored in the image memory 106. Since the image data of the 1st to 5th frames have already been exposed and are not necessary, the image data of the 5
It is possible to reuse the storage area storing the image data for the frames for storing new image data. Similarly,
Even when the processing up to step 266 is completed for the second column (time T4 in FIG. 11), the storage area for storing the image data of the sixth to the tenth frames in the image memory 106 is stored for the new image data. Therefore, it can be reused. The same applies to the subsequent columns.

When the execution is completed for all eight columns, the process proceeds to step 272, where the main controller 20 is notified that the index print exposure is completed.

Upon receipt of this end notification, the main controller 20 releases the reception waiting in step 222 of FIG. 5 and proceeds to step 224.

In step 224, the sub-exposure printing paper 54A exposed with the index print is collected from the sub-exposure section 22 as indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 4A, and in the next step 226, the sub-exposure printing paper 54A is collected. 54A to processor unit 72
To the processor unit 72 and the sub-exposure printing paper 5
4A is subjected to the above-mentioned development, fixing, washing with water and drying to produce an index print.

According to the first embodiment described above, in parallel with the exposure of each frame image in the main exposure unit 21, the sub-exposure unit 2 is exposed.
2, the exposure of the index print is performed for each column, so that the negative film 16 is stored in the image memory 106.
It is not necessary to store the image data of all the frames, and the storage area of the image data after the exposure of the index print can be used for storing new image data. That is, the amount of image data to be stored in the image memory 106 at a temporary point can be reduced, and the storage capacity required for the image memory 106 can be reduced.

Further, since the exposure of the index print is performed in the sub-exposure unit 22 in parallel with the exposure of each frame image in the main exposure unit 21, the index print is performed after the exposure of the image in the main exposure unit is finished as in the conventional case. The total processing time can be shortened as compared with the case of performing exposure.

In the first embodiment, the sub exposure unit 22
In the above, the example in which the exposure of the index print is performed for each one column (= 5 frames) is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and when the exposure is performed for each two columns (= 10 frames). It can also be applied when exposing each frame.

Further, in the first embodiment, the sub-exposure unit 22
Although the example in which the index print is exposed has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and the exposure information such as the exposure time and the exposure condition of each image frame in the main exposure unit is used as the sub print data. The present invention can also be applied to the case of exposing the print data in the sub-exposure unit 22 to produce an exposure information print.

[Second Embodiment] The second embodiment according to the present invention will be described below.
An embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the sub-exposure section 22 is provided with a sub-exposure printing paper conveyance path and conveyance means.
As shown in (B), an example is shown in which the exposed sub-exposure printing paper 54A is immediately evacuated after the exposure is completed, and continuous exposure of a plurality of index prints is efficiently performed. The configuration of the second embodiment is almost the same as the configuration of the above-described first embodiment, and the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, the sub-exposure unit 22 receives the sub-exposure photographic paper 54B conveyed from the main exposure unit 21, instead of the photographic paper setting unit 112 in the first embodiment, and receives the exposure position. And a printing paper transport unit 114 that transports the exposed sub-exposure printing paper 54A in the direction of arrow P along a predetermined transport path. In addition,
The sub-exposure printing paper 54A conveyed in the direction of arrow P is collected by the printing paper supply unit 110 (see FIG. 2) of the main exposure unit 21.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described. It should be noted that the same processing as that of the first embodiment has "A" added to the end of the step number, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the main exposure section 21, the main control section 20 executes the control routine shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, in order to produce a photographic print and an index print of a plurality of negative films, as shown in FIG. 8, the photographic paper is cut for all the target negative films in steps 202A and 203, and the next step All of the cut printing paper is conveyed to the sub exposure unit 22 at 204A (FIG. 4B).
Arrow C).

Similarly, steps 206A to 218A are performed.
The exposure and image data reading / storing process for each frame image of the negative film is performed for each of the target negative films.

On the other hand, in the sub exposure unit 22, the sub control unit 23 executes the control routine shown in FIG. Steps 254A-270A of FIG. 9 for one negative film
When the index print exposure process is completed, it is determined in step 273 whether or not the index print exposure process is completed for all target negative films, and if it is not completed for all negative films, step 2
75, the exposed sub-exposure printing paper 54A is conveyed in the direction of arrow P in FIG. 7 along the sub-exposure transport path in the printing paper transport unit 114 to expose the exposed sub-exposure print paper 54A to the exposure position. Evacuate from. As a result, when the index print exposure process of steps 254A to 270A in FIG. 9 is completed for one negative film, the next sub-exposure printing paper 54B can be immediately set at the exposure position.

At the next step 277, an end notification indicating that the exposure of the index print for one negative film has been completed is transmitted to the main control section 20, and step 254A.
Return to step 25 in Figure 9 for the new negative film
An index print exposure process of 4A to 270A is performed.

By the way, when the main controller 20 receives the end notification transmitted from the sub controller 23 in step 277, the interrupt processing routine shown in FIG. 10 is executed.
In step 224A of FIG. 10, the exposed sub-exposure photographic paper 54A conveyed in the arrow P direction of FIG.
It returns to the main exposure part 21 by 10 (arrow D of FIG. 4 (B)). Here, as shown in FIG. 4B, the sub-exposure printing paper 54A is returned to a position downstream of the exposure stage of the main exposure unit 21 in the transport direction, and in the next step 226A, the returned sub-exposure paper is returned. The photographic printing paper 54A is conveyed to the processor section 72.

As is apparent from FIG. 4B, the sub-exposure printing paper 54A is returned to the main exposure section 21, and the processor section 72 is used.
The transport to the main exposure unit 21 does not hinder the exposure process, and can be performed concurrently with the exposure process in the main exposure unit 21.

In step 226A, the processor unit 72
The sub-exposure printing paper 54A conveyed to is subjected to the above-described processing of developing, fixing, washing with water, and drying in the processor section 72 to produce an index print.

In this way, every time the exposure of the index print for each negative film is completed, the exposed sub-exposure printing paper is immediately retracted from the exposure position, and the next sub-exposure printing paper is exposed. And the index print exposure process is performed. The retracted exposed sub-exposure printing paper is returned to the main exposure unit 21 by the printing paper supply unit 110 in the interrupt process of FIG. 10, and then conveyed to the processor unit 72, where it is developed and fixed.・ Each process of washing and drying will be performed. In addition,
When the index print exposure process is completed for all target negative films, an affirmative decision is made in step 273 and the control routine of FIG. 9 is ended.

According to the second embodiment described above, every time the exposure of the index print for each negative film is completed, the exposed sub-exposure printing paper is immediately retracted from the exposure position and the next sub-exposure is performed. Since the printing paper for printing can be set at the exposure position and the exposure of new index prints can be started, the idle time between exposures can be shortened in continuous exposure of index prints. Exposure can be efficiently performed.

In the above first and second embodiments, the example in which the present invention is applied to the printer processor provided with the sub-printing section is shown. However, the photographic printing system constituted by a separate index printer and paper processor. Or
It can also be applied to a liquid crystal photographic printer having an image memory, a liquid crystal panel for displaying the image data stored in the image memory, and an exposure system capable of exposing the image displayed on the liquid crystal panel.

[0078]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since it is not necessary to store the exposed sub print data in the memory, the data amount of the sub print data to be stored in the memory at a temporary point can be set. The effect is that it can be reduced, and the storage capacity required for the memory can be reduced. Further, since the sub print data is exposed in parallel with the image exposure in the main exposure unit, the total processing is performed more than when the sub print data is exposed after the end of the image exposure in the main exposure unit as in the conventional case. There is also an effect that the time can be shortened.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is not necessary to store the exposed sub print data in the memory. Therefore, the data amount of the sub print data to be stored in the memory at a temporary point is set. The effect is that it can be reduced, and the storage capacity required for the memory can be reduced. Further, in the continuous exposure of the sub print data, the idle time between the exposures can be shortened, and the effect that the exposure can be efficiently performed can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer processor according to first and second embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main exposure unit in the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sub-exposure unit in the first embodiment.

4A is a conceptual diagram of an exposure method in the first embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a conceptual diagram of an exposure method in the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a control routine executed by a main control unit in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a control routine executed by a sub control unit in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sub-exposure unit in the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a control routine executed by a main control unit in the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a control routine executed by a sub control unit in the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an interrupt routine executed by a main control unit in the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a time chart showing the progress of processing of main exposure and sub-exposure.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Printer Processor 16 Negative Film (Photographic Film) 20 Main Control Section 21 Main Exposure Section 22 Sub-Exposure Section 23 Sub-Control Section 54 Printing Paper (Photosensitive Material) 106 Image Memory (Memory) 110 Printing Paper Supplying Section 112 Printing Paper Setting Section 114 Printing paper transport section

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A main exposure unit for exposing an image recorded on a photographic film with a predetermined stretched size to a photosensitive material, and sub print data based on the image exposed by the main exposure unit is stored in a predetermined memory. And a sub-exposure unit that reads the sub-print data from the memory and exposes the photosensitive material at the timing of the sub-exposure process in parallel with the exposure of the image in the main exposure unit. An exposure method, characterized in that sub-print data is exposed in a copy section. 2. A main exposure unit that exposes an image recorded on a photographic film with a predetermined stretched size on a photosensitive material, and sub print data based on the image exposed by the main exposure unit is stored in a predetermined memory. A sub-exposure unit that reads out the sub-print data from the memory and exposes the photosensitive material at the timing of the sub-exposure unit, wherein the sub-exposure unit is parallel to the exposure of the image in the main exposure unit, Sub-exposure control means for controlling the exposure of the sub-print data, and sub-exposure for conveying the photosensitive material on which the sub-print data has been exposed along a predetermined conveyance path under the exposure control by the sub-exposure control means. And a transport control unit that controls transport by the sub-exposure unit transport unit so that the photosensitive material returns to the transport path of the photosensitive material exposed in the main exposure unit. Photo printer characterized by Rukoto.