JPH11282096A - Photographic printing device and electronic image inputting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily adjust irregular density and irregular color. SOLUTION: Plural LEDs 11 are used as a light source radiating light to negative film 7 where an original image is recorded. Respective LEDs are mutually different in spectroscopic characteristics, and are provided in a state where they are inclined to the optical axis L so as to be directed to the optical axis L. Thus, outgoing light from each LED possesses directivity, so that the light quantity of light cast on the peripheral part of photographic paper 8 is increased. Then, the irregular density and the irregular color on the photographic paper 8 are easily discriminated without diffusing the light from each LED more than required. Thus, control to obtain diffused light such as the extension of the exposure time of each LED and the improvement of light emission luminance is unnecessitated. Also, the need of arranging many LEDs is eliminated, so that the emitted light quantity of each LED is easily controlled.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a negative film on which an original image is recorded, a liquid crystal display element driven by an image signal corresponding to the original image, and a PLZT exposure head, for example, provided in a photographic processing device or a photographic printer. , DMD
A photographic printing apparatus for printing the original image on a photosensitive material by irradiating the photosensitive material with light through an information carrier such as a (digital micromirror device); and
CCD (charge coupled device) for the above photo printing device
The present invention relates to an electronic image input device provided with an image pickup device such as described above.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a negative film on which an original image is recorded is disposed on the front surface of a photosensitive material, and light is irradiated on the photosensitive material through the negative film to print the original image on the photosensitive material. Various devices have been proposed.

[0003] In such a photographic printing apparatus, a halogen lamp is mainly used as a light source for irradiating the photosensitive material. Then, by inserting three types of cut filters having different spectral characteristics corresponding to each color of red, green and blue into the optical path, the light of the halogen lamp is adjusted to light suitable for printing. .

However, a photographic printing apparatus using a halogen lamp as a light source has the following disadvantages.

[0005] Halogen lamps generate a large amount of heat that is unnecessary for photographic printing, and therefore require forced cooling means such as a cooling fan. If a cooling fan is installed,
Peripheral dust is caught in the optical system, which hinders good printing.

Since a DC stable power supply for stabilizing the spectral characteristics of the halogen lamp, a dimming filter, and a cut filter for removing infrared light and ultraviolet light are separately required, the size of the apparatus is increased.

If a certain amount of time has not elapsed since the halogen lamp was turned on, a desired amount of light required for printing cannot be obtained. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the halogen lamp on even when printing is not performed. For this reason,
The power consumption of the halogen lamp increases. Further, in order to prevent the light of the halogen lamp from reaching the photographic paper, which is a photosensitive material, when the printing is not performed, it is necessary to arrange a shutter mechanism between the photographic paper and the halogen lamp, and the number of components increases. .

Since the light amount difference between the optical axis and its periphery is large, the loss of light amount is large when a diffusing device for diffusing light from a halogen lamp to produce a surface light source required for printing is formed.

If the halogen lamp is always turned on, the heat of the halogen lamp adversely affects the negative film when the number of printed images is large.

On the other hand, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
In the photographic printer disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No.
A plurality of light emitting diodes having different spectral characteristics (hereinafter, referred to as
Simply abbreviated as LED).
The above-mentioned disadvantages caused by the halogen lamp are avoided. Hereinafter, the configuration of the exposure projection unit of the photographic printing apparatus disclosed in the above publication will be schematically described.

As shown in FIG. 20, the photographic printing apparatus includes an LED light source 51, a diffusion plate 52, and a printing lens 53.

The LED light source 51 has a plurality of LEDs 51a for emitting red, green, and blue light, respectively, arranged in a matrix. At this time, each LED 51a is provided so that the directivity direction is parallel to the optical axis L, as shown in FIG. Each LED 51a is individually turned on / off by a light source driving unit (not shown).
The light emission time and / or the light emission luminance are controlled for each LED 51a.

The diffusion plate 52 is disposed on the light emission side of the LED light source 51 and diffuses the light emitted from the LED light source 51. The printing lens 53 forms an incident light image on a color paper 55 as a photosensitive material.

In such a configuration, the LED light source 51
When each LED 51a is turned on, the light emitted from each LED 51a is diffused by the diffusion plate 52, and then the negative film 54 set at the print position, the printing lens 5
3 sequentially pass and reach the color paper 55. Thus, the original image recorded on the negative film 54 is formed on the color paper 55 and printed.

[0015]

However, in the photographic printing apparatus disclosed in the above publication, each LED 51a is provided so that the directional direction is parallel to the optical axis. Due to the effects of the above, the amount of light irradiated on the peripheral edge of the color paper 55 is inevitably reduced, and uneven density and color unevenness occur at the center and the peripheral edge.

As a method of avoiding such inconvenience, for example, the following method is conceivable. One is the diffusion plate 5
While the central portion of the color paper 55 is formed thicker and thinner toward the periphery, the light is more diffused to reduce the amount of light at the center of the color paper 55, while the amount of light at the periphery of the color paper 55 is increased. is there. Another method is a method in which the diffusion plate 53 is made of ground glass having a roughness that is hardly visible to the naked eye, and diffuses light in the same manner as described above.

However, such a method of diffusing light causes a large loss of light amount, so that, for example, the exposure time of each LED 51a must be lengthened, and the light emission luminance of each LED 51a must be increased. As a result, there is a problem that it takes time to adjust the density unevenness.

FIG. 21 shows the intensity distribution of each LED light applied to the color paper 55, showing that the intensity is high near the center of the light spot and decreases as the distance from the center increases. I have.

In the photographic printing apparatus disclosed in the above publication,
Since each LED 51a is provided so that the directivity direction is parallel to the optical axis, the light spot of each LED 51a is
D51a is scattered in accordance with the arrangement, and color unevenness becomes conspicuous. That is, the color unevenness is caused by the fact that the light spot irradiated on the color paper 55 appears one by one with each LED 51a.

Therefore, as a method of reducing such color unevenness, a method of irradiating the negative film 54 with diffused light by using an LED 51a having a wide directivity can be considered. However, even with this method, the principle of diffusing light is not changed. Therefore, in order to reduce the loss of light amount, the exposure time of each LED 51a must be lengthened or each LE 51
It is necessary to increase the light emission luminance of D51a. As a result, there is a problem that it takes time to adjust color unevenness.

On the other hand, a method is conceivable in which, for example, a LED having a narrow directivity is used as the LED 51a and the number of LEDs 51a is increased as much as possible, thereby concentrating the light spots and eliminating color unevenness. However, it is very difficult to arrange a large number of LEDs 51a so as to reduce color unevenness, and even if they are arranged, it is practically impossible to precisely control the large number of LEDs 51a.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a photographic printing apparatus capable of easily adjusting the density unevenness and color unevenness on photographic paper, and the photographic printing apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic image input device including an image pickup device in a printing device.

[0023]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic printing apparatus, comprising: a light source for irradiating a light to an information holding member holding original image information; In a photographic printing apparatus for printing the original image on the photosensitive material by irradiating the photosensitive material with light through the holding member, the light source includes a plurality of light emitting units having different spectral characteristics from each other. , So as to be directed toward the optical axis.

According to the above arrangement, the light emitted from each light emitting means has directivity. Therefore, even if aberrations and the like occur in the optical system, the directing direction is parallel to the optical axis. Compared with the conventional case in which the light emitting means is arranged, the amount of light applied to the peripheral portion of the photosensitive material via the information holding member increases. As a result, unevenness in density and unevenness in color of the photosensitive material can be easily determined without diffusing light from the light emitting means more than necessary as in the related art.
Therefore, there is no need to extend the exposure time of each light emitting means or increase the light emission luminance, or to perform control for obtaining diffused light.

Further, since each light emitting means is inclined with respect to the optical axis, the photosensitive material has one-to-one correspondence with each light emitting means.
No corresponding light spot appears. As a result, color unevenness can be suppressed to some extent, so that it is not necessary to diffuse light from the light emitting means more than necessary,
There is no need to arrange a large number of light emitting means.

Therefore, according to the above configuration, since the control of each light emitting means becomes easy, it is possible to easily adjust the density unevenness and the color unevenness.

The information carrier to which the light from the light source is supplied includes, for example, a film on which the original image itself is recorded, and a liquid crystal display for controlling the transmission or reflection of light according to an image signal corresponding to the original image. Elements include a PLZT exposure head having a two-dimensional array of light output units, a DMD (digital micromirror device), and the like. When the above-mentioned film, transmission type liquid crystal display element or PLZT exposure head was used as an information carrier, light from a light source was transmitted through the information carrier and guided to a photosensitive material, whereby the light was recorded on the film. The original image or the original image displayed on the transmissive liquid crystal display device is printed on a photosensitive material. On the other hand, a reflective liquid crystal display element or DM
When D is used, light from a light source is reflected by the information carrier and guided to the photosensitive material, whereby an original image corresponding to image information held by the information carrier is printed on the photosensitive material.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic printing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein:
The light source includes a plurality of groups each including a plurality of light emitting units, and a light irradiation area on the photosensitive material is determined for each of the groups.

According to the above arrangement, the density unevenness and color unevenness of the entire photosensitive material can be adjusted by adjusting the light emitting means for each group corresponding to each light irradiation area. As a result, the density unevenness and color unevenness of the entire photosensitive material can be more easily adjusted.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in addition to the first or second aspect, the photographic printing apparatus further comprises a light-emitting device provided between the light source and the information holding member. A light condensing means for condensing light is provided.

According to the above configuration, the efficiency of use of light emitted from the light source can be increased, and the light amount loss can be reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic printing apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein:
The condensing means is a condensing lens.

According to the above arrangement, the layout of the optical system can be simplified as compared with the case where the light condensing means is constituted by, for example, a concave mirror. Therefore, the optical system can be easily designed, and the configuration of the optical system can be simplified to reduce the size of the device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic printing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the light emitting means is a light emitting diode. It is characterized in that at least one of a light emission amount, a viewing angle, a tilt, and a wavelength is adjustable.

According to the above configuration, by adjusting at least one of the amount of light emitted from the light emitting diode, the viewing angle, the inclination, and the wavelength, it is possible to obtain a region having a uniform density distribution in the photosensitive material over a wide range. As a result, color unevenness can be more easily determined, and color unevenness can be adjusted more easily.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic image input apparatus provided with the photographic printing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects via the information holding member. It is characterized by comprising an image pickup means for picking up light from the light emitting means.

According to the above construction, if the photosensitive material is replaced with an image pickup means in combination with the photographic printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, for example, the adjustment of density unevenness and color unevenness before the printing processing can be performed. This can be performed directly based on the output from the imaging means. That is, if the imaging means is, for example, C
In the case of a CD, the CCD outputs an electric signal corresponding to the amount of light received for each pixel, so that it is possible to recognize the density distribution of the light image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD based on the detection signal from the CCD. it can. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform a test print for detecting the density unevenness and the color unevenness, and as a result, the density unevenness and the color unevenness can be quickly adjusted.

[0038]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] The following will describe one embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the photographic printer 1 according to the present embodiment includes a printing unit 2, a developing unit 3, and a drying unit 4 corresponding to the photographic printing apparatus of the present invention. The developing unit 3 develops the image printed on the photographic paper 8 as the photosensitive material by the printing unit 2. The drying unit 4 dries the photographic paper 8 after the development processing.

The printing section 2 includes a light source section 5 as shown in FIG.
And a printing lens 6. The light source unit 5 irradiates light to a negative film 7 on which an original image is recorded. In this case, the negative film 7 functions as an information holder holding original image information. The detailed configuration of the light source unit 5 will be described later.

The printing lens 6 forms an incident light image on the printing paper 8. In the present embodiment, a plurality of printing lenses 6 are provided according to the size of the printing paper 8, and are located in the optical path between the light source unit 5 and the printing paper 8 at a predetermined distance from the printing paper 8. In addition, it is adapted to be appropriately inserted and removed. The single printing lens 6 may be moved in the optical axis direction according to the size of the printing paper 8. The printing lens 6 is provided with an aperture 6a (see FIG. 14), and the amount of light transmitted through the printing lens 6 is appropriately adjusted.

In the upper part of the printing section 2, a paper magazine 9a, 9 for storing photographic papers 8 of different sizes.
b is provided. The photographic paper 8 stored in the paper magazine 9a is transported by rollers 10a, 10b, 10c, 1
It is transported to the exposure position by the rotation of 0d. On the other hand, the printing paper 8 stored in the paper magazine 9b is transported to the exposure position by rotation of the transport rollers 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10e. The size of the printing paper 8 to be printed is appropriately selected by the operator.

The photographic printer 1 having such a configuration
Are connected to the unevenness correction device 21 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2B, the unevenness correcting device 21 includes a plurality of densitometers 22..., And Y (yellow), M in a gray test print 23 obtained by the photographic printer 1. The density distribution of (magenta) and C (cyan) is detected for each quadrant described below. The detection signal from each densitometer 22 is input to the control unit 24 inside the photographic printer 1 or the unevenness correction device 21 as shown in FIG. The control unit 24, based on the detection signal,
The light emission amount of the light source unit 5 is controlled so that the density unevenness and the color unevenness are corrected.

The correction of the density unevenness and the color unevenness by the test print 23 is performed when the apparatus is started or periodically (for example, every week).

For example, in a photograph taken at a ski resort,
Since the contrast between white and black is clear, if the printing process is performed as it is, for example, the face of a person becomes darker than usual. In this case, so-called dodging is performed in which the negative film 7 is inserted into the optical path, and density correction is performed only on a specific portion (in this example, a human face) of the original image recorded on the negative film 7.

In this embodiment, the photographic printer 1 and the unevenness correcting device 21 are separately provided. However, as shown in FIG. The correction device 30 may be configured.

Next, the operation of the photographic printer 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, before printing and development by the photographic printer 1, a test print (solid printing) is performed (step 1; steps are abbreviated to S hereinafter). In this test print, for example, when the photographic printer 1 is started up, the negative film 7 is not inserted into the optical path, or the negative film 7 dedicated to one-color test print is inserted into the optical path, and the light from the light source unit 5 is emitted. Is a process for printing a gray color on one surface of the photographic paper 8.

Next, the test print 23 obtained by developing the photographic paper 8 is inserted into the unevenness correcting device 21, and the density distribution for each quadrant is detected by the plurality of built-in densitometers 22. (S2). When the detection signal from each densitometer 22 is input to the control unit 24, the control unit 24
Recognizes the density distribution in the test print 23 and determines whether the density unevenness and color unevenness are within the allowable range (S3). In S3, if each of the irregularities is within the allowable range, the irregularity correction process itself is completed without performing the irregularity correction (S4).

On the other hand, if the unevenness is not within the allowable range in S3, for example, the control unit 24 controls the light emission amount of the light source unit 5 so that unevenness in density and unevenness in color are corrected (S5). In addition, in addition to this, the operator operates the LEs of the light source unit 5 to be described later.
There is also a method of adjusting the inclination (mounting angle) of D11R, 11G, and 11B (see FIG. 7) and the viewing angle, and this method will be described later.

When dodging is performed, a desired negative film 7 is arranged in the optical path. Then, so that the density is corrected only in a specific portion of the negative film 7,
For example, the control unit 24 controls the light emission amount of the light source unit 5.

As described above, when the unevenness is corrected in S5, the processes in S1 to S3 and S5 are repeatedly performed until the unevenness is within the allowable range, and the unevenness correction is completed (S4).

Thereafter, the negative film 7 is inserted into the optical path (or as it is), for example, a paper magazine 9.
When the printing paper 8 is conveyed from a to the exposure position, a normal printing process is performed. That is, the light source unit 5 is turned on based on the control of the control unit 24, and the light of the light source unit 5 is applied to the negative film 7. The light transmitted through the negative film 7 reaches the photographic paper 8 via the printing lens 6. Thus, the original image recorded on the negative film 7 is printed on the photographic paper 8. The photographic paper 8 on which the printing process has been completed is then transferred to the developing unit 3.
And the printed image is developed. Then, the photographic paper 8 after development is dried in the drying unit 4.

Next, regarding the configuration of the light source unit 5 described above,
This will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the light source unit 5 includes a plurality of L
LED group 11 composed of ED (light emitting means) and LED group 1
1, a diffusion plate 13, and an aperture 14
(See FIG. 9). FIG. 7 is a plan view of the LED group 11 in FIG. 1 when viewed from the diffusion plate 13 side. As shown in FIG. 7, the LED group 11 includes a plurality of LEDs that respectively emit red, green, and blue light. LED11R ・ 11G ・
11B. That is, LED11R · 1
1G and 11B have different spectral characteristics. The control unit 24 (see FIG. 4) controls the LEDs 11R, 11G, and 11B to be turned on when performing printing, and to be turned off when not performing printing. The details of the LED group 11 will be described later.

The holding unit 12 includes LEDs 11R, 11G, 1
1B is provided with an LED substrate 12a to which each bottom portion is fixed. A wall 12b that protects the LED group 11 is formed on the periphery of the LED substrate 12a.

A reflective film is adhered to the surface of the LED substrate 12a on the LED fixed side, so that the loss of the amount of light emitted from the LED group 11 can be reduced.

That is, most of the light emitted from the LED group 11 is emitted from the head, and most of the light is emitted toward the photographic paper 8. However, although small, LED
There is also light emitted from the heads of 11R, 11G, and 11B toward the LED substrate 12a. Therefore, the LED substrate 12a
By providing the reflective film on the surface, the light emitted toward the LED substrate 12a is reflected in the photographic paper 8 direction, so that the amount of light in the photographic paper 8 direction increases. Therefore, LED group 1
1 can be effectively used, and as a result,
It is possible to reduce the light amount loss of the emitted light.

The diffusion plate 13 is made of ground glass having a roughness such that it can be seen through by the naked eye, and its peripheral edge is fixed to the wall portion 12b so as to be disposed near each head of the LED group 11. In the present embodiment, the LEDs 11R, 11G, and 11B having a viewing angle of 45 ° or less are used.
Light from the EDs 11R, 11G, and 11B is appropriately diffused by the diffusion plate 13. Note that the LED 11R having an appropriate viewing angle (for example, around 180 °)
If 11G / 11B is used, there is no need to provide the diffusion plate 13.

As shown in FIG. 9, the aperture 14 is
Openings 14a... Corresponding to 11R, 11G, 11B are provided. The inner diameters of the openings 14a are different for each stop 14. Therefore, LED11R / 11G
The viewing angle of each of the LEDs 11R, 11G, and 11B can be appropriately adjusted by selectively disposing the stop 14 having the opening 14a having a predetermined inner diameter in the optical path between the 11B and the diffusion plate 13. It has become.

Instead of selectively inserting a predetermined stop 14 into the optical path, a stop having a variable inner diameter of the opening is provided for each of the LEDs 11R, 11G, and 11B, and the opening is adjusted. Each LED11R ・ 11G ・
The viewing angle of 11B may be adjusted.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the LEDs 11R, 11G, and 11B are used as the light emitting means,
The following operations and effects are obtained.

When a halogen lamp was used as the light emitting means, a cooling fan, a heat ray absorbing filter,
No dimming filter, cut filter, etc. are required. Therefore, the configuration of the light source unit 5 can be simplified. In addition, since there is no cooling fan, good baking can be performed without surrounding dust being drawn into the optical system.

Since the spectral characteristics are stable, the DC power supply may be a simple one that applies a voltage to an IC (integrated circuit) control board. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a special DC power supply, and it is possible to avoid an increase in the size of the device. Further, since the spectral characteristics are stable, L
Dimming management can be easily performed by ON / OFF control of the EDs 11R, 11G, and 11B.

LED 11R / 11G / 11B ON /
Because it is OFF control, LED11R
It is not necessary to turn on 11G and 11B. Therefore,
Power consumption can be greatly reduced as compared with the case where a halogen lamp is used. When printing is not performed, the LEDs 11R, 11G, and 11B are turned off, so that there is no need to provide a shutter mechanism between the printing paper 8 and the LEDs 11R, 11G, and 11B. As a result, the number of components can be reduced and the configuration of the photographic printer 1 can be simplified.

The difference in light quantity between the optical axis and its periphery is not as large as that of a halogen lamp. Therefore, the light amount loss can be reduced as compared with the case where a halogen lamp is used as the light source.

LED 11R / 11G / 11B ON /
LED 11R, 11G, 11
B does not continue to light more than necessary. Therefore, even when the number of printed images is large, the LEDs 11R, 11G,
Damage to the negative film due to the heat of 11B can be avoided.

Next, the details of the LED group 11 will be described.

Here, in FIG. 7, the LED substrate 12a
When the divided into four of the first to fourth quadrants, LEDs 11R ₁ · 11G ₁ · 11B ₁ an LED belonging to the first quadrant,
LEDs belonging to the second quadrant are represented by LEDs 11R ₂ .11G _2.
11B ₂ , the LED belonging to the third quadrant is LED 11R _3.
11G ₃ · 11B _3, the LED belonging to the fourth quadrant LED
And _{11R 4 · 11G 4 · 11B 4} .

As shown in FIG. 7, in the vicinity of the center of the LED group 11, the same number of LEDs for each color are densely arranged in total of 12 LEDs. More specifically, four LEDs 11R ₁ to R ₄ constituting the LED group 11, LED substrate 1
2a are arranged in contact with each other near the center of L2a.
In a state of being in contact with ED11R ₁ ~R _{4, 4} pieces of LED11
G _{1 to} G ₄ are arranged point-symmetrically (in other words, symmetrical with respect to the optical axis L of the printing lens 6), and the four LEDs 1
1B _{1 to} B ₄ are arranged point-symmetrically. Thus, L
The three EDs 11R ₁ , 11G _1, and 11B ₁ make up one set, and the remaining LEDs also make up one set of three for each color. Therefore, L is determined by a total of four sets of LEDs.
The ED group 11 is configured.

In each of the LEDs 11R, 11G, and 11B, the ratio of the light emission time when the luminance is constant is determined by the photographic paper 8
In consideration of the sensitivity of each color in
B: LED 11 G: LED 11 R = 1: 2: 5 to 6 are set. With such a ratio, each LED 11
By causing R, 11G, and 11B to emit light, it is possible to replenish the red light, which is the shortest in the amount of light, and to perform a good printing process.

The above ratio may be a luminance ratio when the light emission time is fixed. Therefore, LED group 1
The number of LEDs of one LED is not limited to 12 in this embodiment, and the product of the luminance of the LED and the light emission time for each of the colors of blue, green, and red is 1: 2: 5- 6 may be determined in consideration of the arrangement space.

Further, each LED 11R, 11G, 11B
Is provided at an angle θ with respect to the optical axis L so as to be directed toward the optical axis L. This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 shows, for example, the LED 11R _{4 in} the fourth quadrant.
· 11G ₄ · 11B ₄ shows a perspective view of an excerpt only. As can be seen from the horizontal projection plane X in FIG.
D11G ₄ · 11B ₄ are each inclined by an angle theta ₁ to the horizontal direction with respect to the optical axis L. Similarly, as can be seen in vertical projection plane Y, LED11R ₄ · 11G ₄ are each inclined by an angle theta ₂ in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis L. Note that the angle θ ₁ may be equal to the angle θ ₂ .

Although not shown, the same applies to the other LEDs 11R, 11G and 11B in the first to third quadrants. The angles θ, θ ₁ , and θ ₂ are set to 0 in consideration of various conditions such as the type of lens (focal length, aperture, etc.) used in the optical system, print size, and printing magnification.
It is set within a range of about 30 °.

As described above, the LEDs 11R, 11G, 11
By arranging B at a predetermined angle θ with respect to the optical axis L, as shown in FIG. 1, even if aberration or the like occurs in the optical system, the light emitted from the light source 5 Irradiation is ensured to the peripheral area.

As a result, the LED 11R
It is not necessary to diffuse light from 11G / 11B more than necessary. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform control to lengthen the exposure time or increase the light emission luminance in order to compensate for the light amount loss caused by the diffusion of light.

Also, the LEDs 11R, 11G, and 11B are
By arranging it at a predetermined angle θ with respect to the optical axis L, the photographic paper 8 is provided with
A light spot corresponding to 1G · 11B on a one-to-one basis does not appear. As a result, color unevenness can be suppressed to some extent, so that it is not necessary to diffuse light from the LEDs 11R, 11G, and 11B more than necessary, as described above. Therefore, LE
By arranging the D11R, 11G, and 11B at a predetermined angle θ with respect to the optical axis L, it is possible to easily adjust uneven density and uneven color.

Incidentally, the inclination angle of each LED 11R, 11G, 11B is determined at the time of manufacture, for example, by each LED 11R, 1G, 11B.
It can be adjusted appropriately at the stage of fixing the 1G / 11B to the LED substrate 12a. The inclination angle can also be adjusted by, for example, fixing the legs of the LEDs 11R, 11G, and 11B made of wire to the LED board 12a and then bending the legs by a predetermined amount.

Next, a set of three LEDs 11R, 11G,
The fact that the light irradiation area on the photographic paper 8 is determined for each 11B will be described.

The light source unit 5 includes a plurality of LEDs 11R and 11G.
11B, and is divided into a plurality of groups of first to fourth quadrants. The light irradiation area on the photographic paper 8 is determined for each group. In the present embodiment, the LEDs 11R and 11G in the first to fourth quadrants are used.
11B and the light irradiation area on the photographic paper 8 have a symmetrical positional relationship with respect to the center of the printing lens 6.

That is, the LED 11 in the first quadrant shown in FIG.
Light from R ₁ · 11G ₁ · 11B _1, as shown in FIG. 9, the diaphragm 14, the diffusion plate 13, the negative film 7, passes through the printing lens 6 in this order, and is irradiated to the region I in the printing paper 8 . In FIG. 1, an area I is an area at the lower left of the printing paper 8 toward the printing lens 6. Similarly, the light from the LEDs 11R ₂ , 11G _2, and 11B ₂ in the second quadrant is applied to the region II of the photographic paper 8 by the LE in the third quadrant.
Light from the _{D11R 3 · 11G 3 · 11B 3} , printing paper 8
The region III in, the fourth quadrant LEDs 11R ₄ · 11
Light from the G ₄ · 11B ₄ is applied to the region IV of the photographic paper 8. The areas II to IV are areas formed counterclockwise from the area I toward the printing lens 6 on the photographic paper 8.

[0083] Here, FIG. 10 (a), the light emission amount of the LEDs 11R ₃ · 11G ₃ · 11B ₃ belonging to the third quadrant, and greater than the amount of light emission of LEDs 11R · 11G · 11B belonging to another quadrant test The density distribution on the photographic paper 8 when printing is performed is shown. On the other hand, FIG.
(B) is, LED11R ₃ · 11G ₃ belonging to the third quadrant
LED 11R belonging to another quadrant with the viewing angle of 11B ₃
A density distribution on the photographic paper 8 when test printing is performed with a viewing angle smaller than 11G / 11B. In the concentric multiplex circles in these figures, the density is higher near the center of the circle, and the density decreases as the distance from the center increases. In the photographic paper 8, the density distribution in each of the regions I to IV is synthesized to obtain one density distribution.

The light emission amount of each LED can be adjusted based on the brightness of the LED and / or the light emission time of the LED.
In addition, the light emission amount of each LED can be adjusted based on the wavelength of the irradiation light. In this case, an LED having a plurality of peaks of a wavelength that can be emitted by one light source (for example, a multicolor LED manufactured by Optrance, VLA101RGB) is used, and each peak wavelength is individually turned on / off, thereby obtaining a light emission amount. Variable. Thus, the exposure amount on the photographic paper 8 can be controlled.

That is, the adjustment of the light emission amount of each LED is performed by LE
It is performed by changing at least one of the brightness of D, the light emission time of the LED, and the wavelength of the irradiation light. When changing two or more of these three physical quantities,
The change of each physical quantity may be optimized so that density unevenness and color unevenness do not occur.

As described above, the LEDs 11 in the first to fourth quadrants
If the light irradiation area on the photographic paper 8 is determined for each of R, 11G, and 11B, it is possible to adjust the density unevenness and the color unevenness of the photographic paper 8 for each of the areas I to IV. That is, in the present embodiment, the unevenness correction of the entire photographic paper 8 can be reliably performed only by adjusting the light emission amount, the viewing angle, and the like of the set of three LEDs corresponding to the predetermined area of the photographic paper 8. Therefore, it is possible to more easily adjust density unevenness and color unevenness of the entire photographic paper 8.

FIG. 11A shows each LED 11R.
This shows the density distribution on the printing paper 8 when test printing is performed with the inclination angles of 11G and 11B reduced. On the other hand, FIG. 11B shows each of the LEDs 11R, 11G,
11 shows the density distribution on the photographic paper 8 when test printing is performed with the inclination angle of 11B increased.

FIG. 11A shows that the light spots of the light emitted from the quadrants are concentrated at the center of the photographic paper 8, and that the density distribution at the center is almost uniform. On the other hand, in FIG. 11B, the light spots of the light emitted from each quadrant are concentrated at four corners of the photographic paper 8, but also in this case, the density distribution at the center is almost uniform.

The reason why a region having a uniform concentration distribution can be obtained in this way is that the irradiation region of light emission of a set of three LEDs of red, green, and blue corresponds to FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b). As can be seen, this is due to being relatively limited to one of each of regions I-IV. This, needless to say, corresponds to each area I
This is because the LEDs are inclined such that the direction of the set of three LEDs of red, green, and blue corresponding to 〜IV intersects the optical axis L.

The LEDs 11 corresponding to the respective regions I to IV
By adjusting the light emission amounts or viewing angles of R, 11G, and 11B, the density distribution in the central portion of the photographic paper 8 becomes substantially uniform as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B.

Therefore, the LE corresponding to each of the regions I to IV
By adjusting at least one of the light emission amounts, viewing angles, inclinations, and wavelengths of the D11R, 11G, and 11B, a region having a uniform density distribution in the photographic paper 8 can be obtained in a wide range. As a result, color unevenness can be easily determined, and color unevenness can be easily adjusted.

When the tilt angle is small, a small light spot appears although it is not noticeable. Therefore, it is preferable to increase the tilt angle.

In the photographic printer 1 of the present invention, the LE
Even if D group 11 is composed of only 12 LEDs, FIG.
As shown in (a) and (b), the density distribution of the printing area of the photographic paper 8 can be made uniform. as a result,
The number of LEDs to be controlled is small, and it is extremely easy to correct uneven density and uneven color by controlling the brightness and emission time of each LED.

Further, even if an LED having a narrower directivity than the LED used in the conventional light source (for example, a viewing angle becomes 45 degrees or less) is used, a set of three LEDs of red, green and blue is used.
Is relatively limited to one of the quadrants I to IV, the effect of the present invention of obtaining a region having a uniform concentration distribution can be sufficiently obtained. As a result, the diffusion rate of the diffusion plate 13 can be similarly reduced, so that the light amount loss of the LED group 11 can be suppressed. Thereby, even if the number of LEDs constituting the LED group 11 is small, the problem that the exposure time is long does not occur.

In this embodiment, the light emitting means is L
Although an ED is used, a semiconductor laser or the like may be used.

[Embodiment 2] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Members having the same functions as the members used in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 12 (b), a photographic printer 1 'according to the present embodiment includes a printing unit 2, a developing unit 3 and a drying unit 4, and the unevenness correcting device shown in FIG. 2 (a). 2
1 is connected. Note that the photographic printer 1 'is the same as the photographic printer 1 described in the first embodiment except for the configuration of the printing unit 2, and therefore, in the present embodiment, the configuration of the printing unit 2 and the overall operation will be mainly described. .

As shown in FIG. 12B, the photographic printer 1 'has a configuration in which only one paper magazine 9a is provided, but as shown in the first embodiment, the paper magazine 9b ( (See FIG. 3) may also be arranged to accommodate photographic papers 8 of different sizes. Also,
FIG. 12A shows the transport path of the photographic paper 8 when the photographic printer 1 'in FIG. 12B is viewed from the side (the direction E).

As shown in FIG. 13, the printing unit 2 in this embodiment includes a condenser lens 15 (condenser), an ANM (auto nega mask) in an optical path between the light source unit 5 and the printing paper 8.
16, the printing lens 6, and the reflection mirror 17 are arranged in this order in the light emitting direction. The light source unit 5 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and is provided on the side surface of the photographic printer 1 '(see FIG. 12B).

The condenser lens 15 collects light from the light source unit 5. As a result, the light use efficiency is increased, and the light amount loss is drastically reduced. When the condenser lens 15 is used, the light source unit 5 is positioned based on a condenser light source design in consideration of the positional relationship between the printing lens 6 and the condenser lens 15 and the focal length.

The light from the light source unit 5 may be condensed by using, for example, a concave mirror other than the condensing lens 15. However, in this case, the layout of the optical system accompanying the arrangement of the concave mirror becomes very complicated. Therefore, by using the condenser lens 15 as the condenser means, the optical system can be easily designed, and the configuration of the optical system can be simplified to reduce the size of the apparatus.

The ANM 16 automatically conveys the negative film 7 to a predetermined position in the optical path. Reflection mirror 17
Is for reflecting the light emitted from the light source unit 5 in the direction of the printing paper 8.

In the above configuration, when the correction of the density unevenness and the color unevenness by the test print is completed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, the negative film 7 is automatically conveyed by the ANM 16 and inserted into the optical path. Then, the photographic paper 8 is transported from the paper magazine 9a to the exposure position, and a normal printing process is performed. That is, the light source unit 5 is turned on based on the control of the control unit 24, and the light of the light source unit 5 is condensed by the condenser lens 15, and is irradiated on the negative film 7 transported by the ANM 16. The light transmitted through the negative film 7 reaches the photographic paper 8 via the printing lens 6 and the reflection mirror 17. Thus, the original image recorded on the negative film 7 is printed on the photographic paper 8. Thereafter, the same processing as in the first embodiment is performed.

As described above, the photographic printer 1 'uses the same light source unit 5 as that of the first embodiment, although the configuration of the printing unit 2 is different from that of the photographic printer 1 shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

In this embodiment, since the condenser lens 15 is used, the LEDs 11R, 11G, 1 in the first quadrant are used.
Light emitted from 1B is applied to the region I of the first quadrant of the photographic paper 8 via the reflection mirror 17. The area I is an upper right area when viewed from the reflection mirror 17 side. Similarly, LEDs 11R and 11G in the second to fourth quadrants
Light emitted from 11B is applied to regions II, III, and IV in the second to fourth quadrants of photographic paper 8 via reflection mirror 17. The areas II to IV are areas formed counterclockwise starting from the area I as viewed from the reflection mirror 17 side.

FIGS. 14 to 16 show the areas of light reaching the upper, central and lower portions of the printing paper 8, respectively. In each of the figures, the area sandwiched by a pair of two-dot chain lines is shown. Each of them means reaching one point of the paper 8. Note that the illustration of the reflection mirror 17 is omitted in FIG.

Assuming that a point of intersection between the central axis of light reaching each point of the photographic paper 8 and the optical axis L is a point P (a point at a distance L ₂ from the condenser lens 15), the light source unit 5 is arranged at this point P. if, within the range of the width L ₃ of the area, it can be arranged most the LED. However, in the present embodiment, without disposing the light source unit 5 to the point P, it is arranged the light source unit 5 at a distance L ₁ from the condenser lens 15. The position at a distance L ₁ from the condenser lens 15 is opposite to the photographic paper 8 with respect to the condenser lens 15 and is such that light from the light source unit 5 is irradiated to one point of the photographic paper 8. This is the position closest to the condenser lens 15 in the range. Thus, the length of the light source unit can be reduced, that is, the size of the light source unit 5 can be reduced, and as a result, the size of the photographic printer 1 'can be reduced.

In FIG. 14, when the light source unit 5 is viewed from the position A corresponding to the upper part of the printing paper 8, the LED group 11 can be viewed as shown in FIG. . In this case, the LED group 11 is projected below the light transmitting portion of the printing lens 6.

Similarly, in FIG. 15, when the light source unit 5 is viewed from the position B corresponding to the center of the photographic paper 8, the diffusion plate 13
, The LED group 11 projected on the central portion of the light transmitting portion of the printing lens 6 can be seen. In FIG. 16, the light source unit 5 is moved from a position C corresponding to a lower portion of the photographic paper 8.
Can be seen, the LED group 11 projected above the light transmitting portion of the printing lens 6 through the diffusion plate 13 can be seen.

[Embodiment 3] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Members having the same functions as those used in the first or second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B,
The electronic image input device 31 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which a CCD camera 32 (imaging means) for imaging light from the light source unit 5 transmitting through the negative film 7 is arranged in the printing unit 2 described in the second embodiment. It is. The electronic image input device 31 may be configured by disposing the CCD camera 32 in the printing unit 2 described in the first embodiment. Also, in the figure,
A region surrounded by a pair of two-dot chain lines indicates a region of light reaching one point of the photographic paper 8.

The electronic image input device 31 includes the control unit 24 (see FIG. 4) described in the first embodiment.
For example, by controlling the light emission amount of the light source unit 5 by the control unit 24 based on the output signal from the CCD camera 32, the same uneven density and uneven color correction as in the first embodiment is performed.

The CCD camera 32 is housed and held in the holding section 33 together with the printing lens 6, and is moved in the vertical direction (up and down sliding in the same drawing) of the holding section 33 with respect to the optical axis L to connect with the light source section 5. It is inserted and removed in the optical path between the photographic paper 8. The holding unit 33 is configured to allow the light from the light source unit 5 to pass through the printing lens 6 and reach the photographic paper 8 when the holding unit 33 slides so that the printing lens 6 is positioned on the optical axis L. The printing lens 6 has an opening 33a on the light incident side and the printing lens 6 has an opening 33b on the light exit side. In addition, the holding unit 33
The holding unit 33 so that the CD camera 32 is located on the optical axis L.
When the light source unit 5 slides, the light from the light source unit 5 is transmitted through the negative film 7 and guided to the CCD camera 32.
The D camera 32 has an opening 33c on the light incident side.

As described above, the printing lens 6 and the CC
Instead of unitizing the D camera 32, as shown in FIG. 18, the printing lens 6 and the CCD camera 32 are independently provided, and a CCD having the same configuration as the light source unit 5 described above is provided.
Light source unit 5a dedicated to camera 32 and condenser lens 15
The electronic image input device 31 ′ may be configured by providing “a”.
In this case, a common negative film transport path w may be provided for a printing system centered on the optical axis L for the photographic paper 8 and a monitor system centered on the optical axis L 'for the CCD camera 32. Alternatively, different transport paths for transporting different negative films for the print system and the monitor system may be provided.

The C shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B and FIG.
The CD camera 32 includes a zoom type objective lens 34 movable along the optical axis L or L ′ and a CCD 35. The objective lens 34 forms an image of the incident light on the CCD 35. The CCD 35 has a plurality of light receiving elements, and detects the amount of light incident through the objective lens 34 for each light receiving element. Each of the light receiving elements outputs an electric signal corresponding to the light amount to the control unit 24, and a monitor display is performed based on the electric signal.

Next, the operation of the electronic image input device 31 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the above configuration, before printing on the photographic printing paper 8, first, as shown in FIG. 17B, the CCD camera 32 is inserted into the optical path by moving the holding unit 33. At this time, the printing paper 8 may have already been transported to the exposure position.

When the light source unit 5 is turned on (S11), light from the light source unit 5 enters the CCD 35 via the condenser lens 15, the negative film 7, and the objective lens. here,
The CCD 35 detects the amount of light incident on each light receiving element, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the amount of received light to the control unit 24 (S12). Thereby, the control unit 24 recognizes the density distribution on the light receiving surface of the CCD 35.

Next, the control section 24 determines whether or not the density unevenness and the color unevenness are within an allowable range based on the density distribution (S13). In S13, if each of the irregularities is within the allowable range, the irregularity correction process itself is completed without performing the irregularity correction (S14).

On the other hand, if the unevenness is not within the allowable range in S13, for example, the control unit 24 controls the light emission amount of the light source unit 5 so that unevenness in density and unevenness in color are corrected (S15).
In addition, similarly to the first embodiment, the operator
This may be achieved by adjusting the inclination and the viewing angle of each of the LEDs 11R, 11G, and 11B of the light source unit 5.

As described above, when the unevenness is corrected in S15, S11 to S11 are performed until the unevenness is within the allowable range.
13 and S15 are repeated, and the unevenness correction is completed (S14).

Next, after the light source unit 5 is once turned off, the printing lens 6 is inserted into the optical path by the movement of the holding unit 33 as shown in FIG. Then, while the light source unit 5 is turned on and the light emission amount is controlled by the control unit 24, the same printing process as in the first embodiment is performed.

The structure shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B is
This method is suitable for a case where density unevenness and color unevenness are corrected before printing, and printing of each frame image is performed continuously and collectively after the correction is completed.

On the other hand, the configuration shown in FIG. 18 corrects the density unevenness and the color unevenness before printing, and checks the image picked up by the CCD camera 32 for each frame image on a monitor while checking the correction data. Suitable for manual input.
This is because, in the configuration shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, when the correction data is manually input for each frame image, the holding unit 33 must be reciprocated for each frame image.
This is because, according to the configuration shown in FIG. 18, printing and correction based on the monitor can be performed simultaneously.

As described above, the electronic image input device 31
Since the printing unit 2 has a CCD camera 32,
For example, CCD unevenness adjustment and color unevenness adjustment before printing
This can be performed directly based on the output from the camera 32. In addition, when the operator manually inputs the correction amount, the above adjustment can be performed at the same time while looking at the image displayed on the monitor. Therefore, since it is not necessary to perform the test print as performed in the first embodiment, it is possible to quickly adjust density unevenness and color unevenness.

Further, since the frame image of the negative film 7 or the positive film can be displayed on the monitor, the monitor image can be viewed at once by a large number of persons without printing on the photographic paper 8 as a photographic print. Thereby, it can be used for presentations for appreciation and meetings.

Also, LE is used so that there is no density unevenness or color unevenness.
With the amount of light emission of D properly controlled, the CCD camera 3
2 can be recorded on a recording medium such as an MO (magneto-optical recording medium) or a DVD (digital video disk) and stored in place of a photo album. Further, by controlling the light emission amount of the LED, image data in which the visual effect is variously changed can be recorded on the recording medium.

In each of the embodiments described above,
Although the negative film 7 on which the original image itself is recorded is taken as the information carrier holding the original image information, the invention is not limited to this. As an information carrier, for example,
Liquid crystal display element for controlling transmission or reflection of light according to an image signal corresponding to an original image, PLZT exposure head, DMD
(Digital micromirror device) or the like.

The above-mentioned liquid crystal display element has, for example, a transparent substrate (referred to as a TFT substrate) in which TFTs (Thin Film Transistors) as active elements are arranged in a matrix corresponding to each pixel, and a counter electrode. A liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between a transparent counter substrate and a reflective liquid crystal display element. In this case, a reflective plate is further provided outside the liquid crystal panel. In such a liquid crystal display device, the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer is controlled for each pixel in accordance with an image signal corresponding to the original image, and the transmittance of light from the light source unit 5 passing through the liquid crystal layer is changed for each pixel. By doing so, the original image is displayed. Therefore, the displayed original image can be printed on the photographic paper 8. If the liquid crystal panel has R, G, and B color filters, a color image can be printed. The liquid crystal panel may be a TN (Twisted Nematic) liquid crystal panel, an STN (Super Twisted Nematic) liquid crystal panel, or the like.

The PLZT exposure head has a PLZT element made of a transparent ferroelectric ceramic material disposed between a pair of polarizing plates (a polarizer and an analyzer), and transmits light according to an image signal. Multiple shutter units (light output units) to be controlled
In the present invention, it is preferable that the shutter section is provided two-dimensionally. The above-mentioned PLZT element includes lead zirconate (PbZrO ₃ ) and lead titanate (Pb
TiO ₃ ) and a solid solution in an appropriate ratio (PZ
To T), obtained by hot pressing by adding lanthanum _{(Pb 1-x La x)} (Zr y Ti 1-y) is a _{1-x /} 4 O ₃ solid solution. On the other hand, a DMD is a photosensitive material in which a plurality of micro-sized swingable micromirrors are arranged two-dimensionally and the direction of light reflection is changed by adjusting the inclination of each micromirror according to image data. To control the supply of light to the

When a transmissive liquid crystal display element or a PLZT exposure head is used as the information carrier, light from the light source unit 5 passes through the information carrier and is guided to the photographic paper 8, while the light is reflected as the information carrier. Liquid crystal display device or DM
When D is used, light from the light source unit 5 is reflected by the information holding member and guided to the photosensitive material. In any case, the original image corresponding to the image information held by the information holding member is exposed to light. It will be baked on the material.

The shape, structure, number and the like of each member described in each embodiment are not limited to the above.

[0133]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic printing apparatus.
As described above, a light source for irradiating light to an information carrier holding original image information, and irradiating light to a photosensitive material through the information carrier, prints the original image on a photosensitive material. In the apparatus, the light source includes a plurality of light emitting units having different spectral characteristics, and each light emitting unit is provided to be inclined with respect to the optical axis so as to be directed toward the optical axis. .

Therefore, even if the light from the light emitting means is not diffused more than necessary, the amount of light applied to the peripheral portion of the photosensitive material increases. Therefore, the conventional control required when diffusing the light is not required. Also, there is no need to arrange a large number of light emitting means. Therefore, according to the above configuration, since the control of each light emitting unit is facilitated, there is an effect that the uneven density and the uneven color can be easily adjusted.

As described above, in the photographic printing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, the light source is composed of a plurality of groups constituted by a plurality of light emitting means. In this configuration, the light irradiation area in the photosensitive material is determined.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the configuration of claim 1, it is possible to adjust the density unevenness and color unevenness of the entire photosensitive material by adjusting the light emitting means for each group corresponding to each light irradiation area. As a result, there is an effect that the density unevenness and color unevenness of the entire photosensitive material can be more easily adjusted.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, as described above, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect, the light from the light source is condensed between the light source and the information holding member. This is a configuration in which a light condensing means is provided.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the structure of claim 1 or 2, the use efficiency of the light emitted from the light source can be increased, and the effect of reducing the light amount loss can be obtained.

As described above, the photographic printing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is the photographic printing apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein the condensing means is a condensing lens.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the configuration of claim 3, compared with the case where the condensing means is constituted by, for example, a concave mirror,
Since the layout of the optical system is simple, the optical system can be designed easily, and the configuration of the optical system can be simplified to reduce the size of the device.

In the photographic printing apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, as described above, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the light emitting means is a light emitting diode, and the light emission amount of the light emitting diode and the visual field. In this configuration, at least one of the angle, the tilt, and the wavelength is adjustable.

Therefore, a region having a uniform density distribution in the photosensitive material can be obtained in a wide range. As a result, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the color unevenness can be more easily determined, and the color unevenness can be adjusted more easily.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic image input apparatus comprising: This is a configuration including an image pickup unit that picks up light.

Therefore, by combining with the photographic printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and replacing the photosensitive material with the image pickup means, for example, the adjustment of the density unevenness and the color unevenness before the printing processing can be performed by the image pickup means. This can be done directly based on the output. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform a test print for detecting density unevenness and color unevenness.
This produces an effect that color unevenness can be adjusted quickly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of a printing unit in a photographic printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the photographic printer is connected to an unevenness correction device, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view illustrating an internal structure of the unevenness correction device.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the printing section.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a flow of signals from the unevenness correction device to a light source unit of the printing unit.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an apparatus in which the photographic printer and the unevenness correction apparatus are integrated.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an unevenness correction operation.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an arrangement of LEDs in the light source unit.

FIG. 8 shows an LED belonging to a fourth quadrant in the light source unit.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the inclination of the optical axis relative to the optical axis.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the printing section.

FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a light density distribution on photographic paper when the light emission amount of an LED belonging to a predetermined area is larger than the light emission amount of an LED belonging to another area.
FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a light density distribution on photographic paper when the viewing angle of an LED belonging to a predetermined area is smaller than the viewing angle of an LED belonging to another area.

FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram showing a light density distribution on photographic paper when the inclination of the LED with respect to the optical axis is small. (B) is an explanatory view showing the light density distribution on the printing paper when the inclination of the LED with respect to the optical axis is large.

12A is an explanatory diagram showing a photographic paper transport path in the photographic printer shown in FIG. 12B, and FIG.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a photographic printer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a printing unit of the photographic printer.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an optical path of light reaching one point of photographic paper in the printing unit.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an optical path of light reaching another point of the printing paper in the printing unit.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an optical path of light reaching another point of the printing paper in the printing unit.

17A is an explanatory view showing a state in which a printing lens is located in an optical path and printing on photographic paper is performed in an electronic image input apparatus having a CCD camera in a printing unit; FIG. (B) shows that the CCD camera is located in the optical path,
It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which is measuring the LED light with the D camera.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of another electronic image input apparatus in which a printing lens and a CCD camera are independently provided, and a light source unit and a condenser lens are provided for each of them.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an operation of unevenness correction in the electronic image input apparatus.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing unit in a conventional photographic printer.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an intensity distribution of each LED light applied to color paper in the photographic printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Printing Unit (Photo Printing Apparatus) 5 Light Source Unit (Light Source) 7 Negative Film (Information Holder) 8 Printing Paper (Photosensitive Material) 11 LED Group (Light Emitting Unit) 11R LED (Light Emitting Unit) 11G LED (Light Emitting Unit) 11B LED (Light emitting means) 15 Condensing lens (Condensing means) 31 Electronic image input device 32 CCD camera (Imaging means) L Optical axis

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A photoprinting apparatus comprising: a light source for irradiating an information carrier holding original image information with light; and irradiating the photosensitive material with light through the information carrier to print the original image on the photosensitive material. In the device, the light source includes a plurality of light emitting units having different spectral characteristics, and each light emitting unit is provided to be inclined with respect to the optical axis so as to be directed toward the optical axis. Photo printing equipment. 2. The light source according to claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of groups each including a plurality of light emitting means, and a light irradiation area on the photosensitive material is determined for each of the groups. Photo printing equipment. 3. A photographic printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a light condensing means for condensing light from said light source between said light source and said information holding member. . 4. A photographic printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said focusing means is a focusing lens. 5. The light emitting means is a light emitting diode,
5. The photographic printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a light emission amount, a viewing angle, a tilt, and a wavelength of the light emitting diode is adjustable. 6. A photographic printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image pickup means for picking up light from said light emitting means obtained through said information holding member. Electronic image input device.