JPH0862739A - Image forming method and photographic printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To efficiently perform processing in a short time and to reproduce various kinds of edited pictures having high quality on a photographic paper by setting the condition of exposing and printing for obtaining an optimum photographic print based on data in the process of forming an exposure mask, and simplifying work for forming the mask. CONSTITUTION: An image inputting part A is constituted of a scanner device; an image processing part B in consistuted of a personal computer; and an image outputting part C is constituted of a printing printer and a developing device. The image inputting part A reads a color mask original and inputs image data, and the image processing part B converts the inputted image data to digital data, corrects the output characteristic of a scanner, performs such correcting processing as color correction and gradation correction for monitor display and the exposure of the printing printer, and performs various kinds of image editing such as photo-retouch, so that the exposure mask is formed. The image outputting part C performs the monitor display preceding to the photographic printing, and prints the photographic print based on the formed exposure mask and a photographic negative film.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming method and a photographic printing apparatus for printing a desired image on, for example, a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material, and more particularly to efficiently forming an exposure mask and The present invention relates to a technique for reproducing a high quality image on photographic paper.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material (hereinafter referred to as a photographic paper) is used for a normal photographic image (landscape,
When printing with a mixture of color illustration images (company logos, marks, etc.) and character images (greeting characters, etc.), create an exposure mask that contains both color illustration images and character images, and then print in the printer. The burn-in portion of the color illustration image and the character image (hereinafter referred to as the sub-exposure portion)
Place this exposure mask in the exposure mask holder of
By setting a piece of normal negative film in the negative holder of the photographic image printing section (hereinafter referred to as the main exposure section), and exposing the photographic paper in two steps, main exposure and sub-exposure. , A photographic print in which a photographic image, a color illustration image, and a character image are mixed is obtained.

Further, in order to print a large amount of an image of a document, an exposure mask is created and printed. In the process of creating an exposure mask (transmissive negative film, etc.) for printing color illustration images,
Generally, a silver halide photosensitive film is used for imagewise exposure by illuminating from the back of an exposure mask.

[0004]

In the process of making the exposure mask, first, the original design image is separated into three colors by the scanner, and three black and white masks corresponding to the images of respective colors are made without data processing. Next, this black and white mask and B, G,
Using the light source divided into R, the same silver halide photosensitive film is exposed three times to form a color image. The exposed silver halide photosensitive film is developed, and an exposure mask for printing a color image is completed.

There is also a method of forming an image by exposing R, G, and B three times on a photographic printing paper, but it takes about 10 seconds to print one sheet due to the limitation of the light quantity of the CRT, and it is necessary to print many sheets. Is an unsuitable way. The method of creating an exposure mask and baking it using a light source is suitable for printing a large number of sheets with an exposure time of about 0.2 seconds, but complicated steps are required to create the above-mentioned exposure mask, and it is easy to create. It was difficult to do.

Therefore, there is a problem in that it is limited to only the designs prepared in advance by the photofinishing laboratory, and it is difficult to meet the detailed requests from customers.

Further, in the unlikely event that the color balance on the exposure mask is not matched, there is a problem that it takes time to set the exposure time of the photoprinting apparatus and the filter conditions.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the exposure and printing conditions for obtaining an optimum photographic print are set by setting data in the exposure mask making process.
Further, it is possible to provide an image forming method and a photo printing apparatus capable of efficiently processing in a short time by simplifying the work involved in mask making and reproducing various edited images with high quality on photographic paper. To aim.

[0009]

Therefore, the present invention provides
In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, an image input means for reading and inputting an original image to obtain an image signal is provided, and after this image signal is digitally converted, an overnight processing is performed. The image data is formed by exposing and printing a printing paper using an exposure mask created based on the obtained image data.

Further, it has an image input means for reading and inputting an original image to obtain an image signal, and after the image signal is digitally converted, data processing is performed, and based on the image data obtained by this data processing. When exposing and printing using the created exposure mask, after adjusting and controlling the light amount to be constant without setting the exposure mask,
The exposure mask is set and exposed and printed on photographic paper to reproduce the original image.

Further, it has an image input means for reading and inputting an original image to obtain an image signal, and after the image signal is digitally converted, data processing is performed, and it is created based on the image data obtained by this data processing. The test patch may be formed on the exposure mask, the transmitted light of the test patch may be measured to adjust the printing conditions for the printing paper, and then the printing process may be performed on the printing paper to reproduce the original image.

Here, the image input means uses the analog image recorded on the transmissive original or the reflective original as a digital signal, or obtains a combined image from digital signals input from an image output medium. can do.

Further, the digital image data obtained by the data processing may be converted into analog image data, and an exposure mask may be created based on the analog image data.

The silver salt photographic film on which a photographic image is recorded may be combined with the exposure mask to perform exposure and printing on the same photographic paper.

The exposure mask may be formed by forming a dye image corresponding to the image data on the transparent support with a heat diffusible dye.

The exposure mask may be formed by forming a dye image corresponding to the image data on a transparent support with a photothermographic material.

The exposure mask may be formed by forming a dye image corresponding to the image data on the transparent support by the ejected ink particles.

The image formed on the exposure mask may be a negative image.

The thickness of the exposure mask is 51 [μ
m] to 200 [μm].

Further, the image receiving layer formed on the exposure mask may have a thickness of 0.5 [μm] to 20 [μm].

Further, in a photographic printing apparatus which exposes photographic paper with at least an exposure mask, a light quantity adjusting means for adjusting the light quantity in the absence of the exposure mask and an exposure means for exposing and printing the photographic paper are provided. The exposure unit may be configured so that the exposure unit and the exposure unit are adjusted so that the light amount is constant.

[0022]

Therefore, according to the image forming method of the present invention, since data processing is performed after the input image signal is digitally converted, data processing is performed on the digital image data when an exposure mask is created. It becomes possible to easily perform processing and correction.

Further, according to the preferable image forming method of the present invention, when the exposure mask is exposed and printed,
Adjustment control is performed so that the amount of light is constant in order to achieve color balance without setting the exposure mask, so it is possible to specify the exposure time and filter conditions of the printing printer, and the setting work for these conditions can be done in a single time. I can do it.

According to the preferred image forming method of the present invention, a test patch is also prepared at the time of forming the exposure mask, and the test patch is measured to adjust the printing condition of the printing paper. As a result, even if the exposure characteristics of the printing printer change over time, the exposure characteristics can always be set to the optimum exposure conditions for printing, and a stable image can be reproduced on photographic paper. .

Here, the image input means uses the analog image recorded on the transmissive original or the reflective original as a digital signal, or inputs a combined image from digital signals input from an image output medium. In, it is possible to input and edit an analog image such as a photograph or a digital image from an external image output medium.

Further, in the case where the exposure image is created by converting the digital image data obtained by the data processing into analog image data, the form of the input image data relating to the creation of the exposure mask is digital image data. Both can support analog image data.

It is also possible to expose and print the photographic paper through the exposure mask on which a negative image is formed, or to combine the silver salt photographic film and the exposure mask to perform the exposure and baking on the photographic paper. it can.

Further, the exposure mask can be prepared by a method such as thermal sublimation recording, thermal development recording or ink jet recording.

The thickness of the exposure mask is 51 [μm].
.About.200 [.mu.m] makes it possible to improve the handleability in producing this exposure mask, and the thickness of the image receiving layer of the exposure mask is 0.5 [.mu.m].
With the thickness of 20 [μm], a good image can be obtained in printing on printing paper.

Further, according to the photographic printing apparatus of the present invention, when the exposure mask is exposed and printed, adjustment control is performed so that the light amount of the exposed portion is constant in order to achieve color balance without setting the exposure mask. Therefore, the exposure time and the filter condition of the printing printer can be defined in the exposure unit, and the setting work of the above condition can be completed in a short time.

For example, the B, G, and R balance (spectrum) of the light of the exposure unit of the printing printer is measured by an optical sensor and the amount of light is measured, and the exposure amount is set constant to achieve color balance. A photographic printing paper can be used as a light-sensitive optical sensor, and the photographic printing paper is a highly sensitive sensor capable of simultaneously measuring the spectrum and the light amount. The exposure unit conditions are set so that the light from the exposure unit of the printing printer becomes a certain density and color on the printing paper as an optical sensor.The gray exposure mask is set by setting the specific exposure conditions of the printing printer. Put in. This is because the sensitivity of the photographic paper as an optical sensor is too high, so that the sensitivity is reduced to, for example, 1/10 by a gray exposure mask so that the light amount falls within the measurable range of the photographic paper. You can

[0032]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A color image forming system constituted by including a scanner, a mask output device, a printing printer, etc. in a personal computer will be described below as an example of an exposure mask forming apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the main parts of a color image forming system using an embodiment of the present invention, which is composed of an image input section Λ, an image processing section B, and an image output section C. Specifically, the image input unit A is composed of a scanner device, the image processing unit B is composed of a personal computer, and the image output unit C is composed of a printing printer and a developing device.

In the image input section A, the color mask original is read and the image data is input, and the image processing section B converts the image data into digital data, and the output characteristics of the scanner are corrected and the monitor display and printing are performed. Correction processing such as color correction and gradation correction for exposure of the printer, and various image editing such as photo retouching are performed to create an exposure mask, and the image output unit C performs monitor display prior to photo printing. Photoprint printing is performed based on the created exposure mask and photographic negative film.

Each section will be described in detail below.

First, in the image input section Λ, the reflection original 1
(Printed matter, silver salt photographic print, etc.) and transparent original 2 (silver salt photographic negative film, etc.) are originals for making an exposure mask in which color illustration images and character images are mixed (hereinafter,
These are referred to as mask originals), each of which is optically scanned by the scanner 3, and the mode is switched depending on whether the original is a reflective mask original or a transmissive mask original.

That is, when the original is a transparent original 2 (transparent mask original), a light source and a reading sensor (not shown) are arranged inside the scanner 3 so as to face each other with the original as a boundary, and the reading sensor is The transmitted light is photoelectrically converted and output as an analog image signal which is separated into three colors. On the other hand, in the case of the reflective original 1 (reflective mask original), the reading sensor receives the reflected light from the original. The light source and the reading sensor are arranged inside the scanner 3,
The color-separated analog image signal is obtained. In addition,
The scanner 3 may be one in which a reflective scanner and a transmissive scanner are separately provided.

Next, the processing of the image processing section B will be described.

The analog image signal of the color mask original output from the scanner 3 is input to the image data editing unit 10 where image editing such as digital conversion and photo retouching is performed. This detailed block diagram is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 2, the A / D converter 11 converts the input analog image signal into 8-bit digital image data and outputs it to the scanner image data converter 12.

The scanner image data conversion unit 12 has a conversion table memory 13, and converts the read image data by a data conversion table prepared in advance for each scanner or for each color mask document to obtain a fixed image. It can be processed as data.

That is, even if the same color mask original is read by using the scanners of different manufacturers, the output characteristics thereof are different. Both the reflective original and the transparent original have a surface property due to the paper quality, and the color density due to the ink forming the image is also high. It will be different.

Therefore, by converting the density / hue of the input image data by using the data conversion table, various factors of changing the image data depending on the type of the scanner / document are corrected.

The digital arithmetic unit 14 is the image data editing unit 1.
0, which controls the image data conversion unit 12 for the scanner described above according to an editing program written in a readable / writable memory (not shown) such as a hard disk provided inside beforehand, In addition to controlling input / output of digital image data to / from the monitor image data conversion unit 16 and the printer image data conversion unit 17 connected to the
Photo retouching that combines multiple types of original images,
You can freely change the hue and density of the read color mask original, and perform editing processing such as writing.

For example, when the user inputs the scanner type and the document type from the keyboard 50 prior to the reading of the color mask original by the scanner 3, the type information is input to the digital calculation section 14 and the scanner image data conversion section 12 is entered. It is controlled so that a predetermined conversion table in the conversion table memory 13 is selected via. When the color illustration image and the character image are drawn on different color mask originals, these images are read by the scanner 3 and temporarily stored in the image memory 15, and the mouse (not shown) attached to the image processing unit B is shown. No.) is used to determine the layout of each image, and the hue and density are designated to perform the above-mentioned editing process.

Even if the document type is different or the analog image signal or the digital image signal is mixedly input from the external image output device or the like, the analog image signal is digitized and the above-mentioned editing process is performed.

The editing program may be dedicated to this system or may be commercially available graphic software, and the editing program is usually protected by software so that it cannot be rewritten.

The digital image data for each color thus obtained is output to the monitor image data conversion unit 16 and the printer image data conversion unit 17.

In FIG. 3, which shows a look-up table relating to the display of the monitor 19, B and G are stored in a readable / writable memory (not shown) such as a hard disk or a RAM provided inside the monitor image data conversion section 16. -The three look-up tables of R are written in advance.

By the way, a color CRT is used for the monitor 19 because of its color expression area and price.
Although it is displayed on the monitor with system image data, since the colors are reproduced by additive color mixing, there is no effect between the primary colors and BG
・ R can independently create a lookup table. The correction may be performed using an arithmetic expression.

As the process of the monitor image data conversion unit 16, a control unit may be independently provided to control the input / output of digital image data from the memory, and the image data editing unit 10 is configured to control only the memory. The digital arithmetic unit 14 may be additionally provided to perform the same control. On the other hand, the printer image data conversion unit 17 performs data conversion in the following order.

1. It is converted into the B, G, and R image digital data Y, M, and C density values representing the gradation levels output from the image data editing unit 10.

2. Corrects and converts the improper absorption caused by Y, M, and C color mixture.

3. When the sublimation type thermal transfer printer is used as an exposure mask printer, the reverse transfer amount is corrected and converted.

4. Converts Y, M, and C densities into Y, M, and C image digital data that represents the gradation level.

As described above, there are many kinds of corrections in the printer image data conversion section 17, and two kinds of corrections are made for three colors.
Since it is necessary to perform 56 steps of correction, conversion is performed using an arithmetic expression relating to the recording characteristics of the printing printer 30 as shown in FIG. Especially when correcting irregular absorption, Y
It is difficult to convert the digital image data of M / C system independently, and if the conversion is performed in the form of a lookup table, the data amount of this table becomes enormous, so an arithmetic expression or a lookup table is used. And a combination of arithmetic expressions can be used.

In FIG. 4, first, using the density value conversion equation, the B, G, and R image digital data representing the gradation levels output from the image data editing unit 10 are density values Y ₀ , M _0. , C ₀ . By converting to the density value, it is possible to perform the addition / multiplication operation without using the exponential function in the subsequent correction operation, and it is possible to accelerate the operation speed.
Note that B, G, and R are image digital data representing gradation levels, and α, β, and γ are calculation coefficients.

Next, the correction conversion of the irregular absorption is carried out. Here, the irregular absorption will be explained together with the exposure mask 27 with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 shows the light transmission spectrum of the exposure mask 27, where the vertical axis represents the light absorbance (transmission density) and the horizontal axis represents the wavelength of light. The wavelengths corresponding to the maximum values of the spectral sensitivities of regular, ortho, and panchromatic of the printing paper 41 are A [nm], B [nm], and C [nm], and each layer is blue (B), green (G), It has a dye that develops red (R). That is, the photographic paper 41 is the exposure mask 2
7 is used as a transmission filter and is exposed using a white light source.
In the case of the exposure mask of No. 2, the M and C dyes are subtractively mixed by the G and R lights passing through this mask to develop B, and in the case of the exposure mask of M, there are Y due to the B and R lights passed through this mask. , C dye subtractively mixes to produce G, and if it is a C exposure mask, Y and M are generated by B and G light passing through this mask.
The dyes subtractively mix to produce R.

Therefore, the reproducibility on the photographic printing paper 41 can be improved by matching the color development characteristics of the photographic printing paper 41 with the amount of light (in other words, the transmission density) that has passed through the exposure mask 27 for each color. The transmission densities of the Y, M, and C colors of the exposure mask 27 used in this embodiment are the maximum sensitivity wavelength 470 (A) [nm], 550 (of the photographic paper 41 (Konica QA Paper manufactured by Konica). B) [nm], 69
At 0 (C) [nm], the gradation expression capability of the photographic printing paper 41 can be brought out by setting it to 1.5 (measured in the status M mode of the X-light densitometer X-light) or more, preferably 1.7 or more. Was confirmed experimentally.

Further, the regular, ortho, panchromatic of the photographic printing paper 41 used for printing is in the wavelength region showing 80% or more, preferably 90% or more of the maximum transmission density of each color of Y, M and C of the exposure mask 27. Experiments have also revealed that the color saturation of photographic prints can be improved by selecting the dye of the exposure mask so that the maximum sensitivity wavelengths A [nm], B [nm], and C [nm] of the respective spectral sensitivities can be entered. It was

In FIG. 5, in the wavelength range J [nm] to K [nm] showing the transmission density H of 80% or more of the maximum transmission density F of Y of the exposure mask 27, the regular of the photographic printing paper 41 is used. A wavelength A [nm] having the maximum value of the spectral sensitivity is included, and similarly, M and C of the exposure mask 27 are also in the wavelength range showing a transmission density of 80% or more of the maximum transmission density, and the ortho or panchromatic printing paper 41. Wavelength B of the maximum value of spectral sensitivity
[Nm] and C [nm] are included.

Therefore, the density value-converted Y ₀ , M ₀ , and Y ₀ , M ₀ , are obtained by using the matrix-type asymmetric absorption correction conversion equation set with reference to the characteristics clarified from the above-described experimental results in FIG. C ₀ is the correction value for irregular absorption Y ₁ ,
Converted to M ₁ and C ₁ . In addition, a, b, c, d, e,
f is a calculation coefficient.

As described above, the correction of irregular absorption is conventionally empirically taken at the time of printing by printing, but the calculation is performed by using the preset formula, so that the mask is made and the photograph is printed. It can be corrected easily and efficiently.

Next, the reverse transfer amount is corrected and converted, and the reverse transfer will be described here.

In this embodiment, the mask output unit 20
The sublimation-type thermal transfer printer (to be referred to as a sublimation printer hereinafter) described later is used because the image quality is good and the personal computer can be directly connected to the sublimation printer. While having advantages, there are drawbacks peculiar to the image forming method.

The Y dye previously transferred to the image receiving layer is
It is a phenomenon in which the density is lowered due to the heat applied to transfer another M dye to the image receiving layer at the same position later, because of the reason that the dye partially escapes from the image receiving layer.

The amount of this reverse transfer tends to increase substantially in proportion to the amount of the dye transferred to the image-receiving layer. In the case of directly outputting a positive image using sublimation thermal transfer, the low / medium density region Even if there is a large concentration fluctuation in the high concentration region,
In the first place, human luminosity characteristics do not become a big problem because the sensitivity in the high density region is low. However, in the case of outputting a negative image as in this embodiment, if the density is reduced in the high density area, the density variation in the low / medium density area is directly maintained when the image is inverted to the positive image via the printing printer 30. And become noticeable.

Therefore, when a negative image is created by a sublimation printer, the image quality is extremely deteriorated unless the dye density reduction is corrected. Therefore, the reverse transfer amount correction conversion function shown in FIG. By performing a correction calculation using the correction values Y ₁ , M ₁ , C _{1 for} the irregular absorption correction, the correction values Y ₂ , M ₂ of the reverse transfer amount can be obtained. This is because if C is not corrected, the C dye is transferred last by the sublimation printer and reverse transfer does not occur.

The correction conversion function shown in FIG.
The calculation is performed as an approximate expression of a quadratic function as shown below.
It When printing from Y to M, and then C, print M
The density of Y decreases due to
If the density of Y decreases, ΔYc
If the density that decreases is ΔMc, ΔY_M= A₁M ₁ ²+ B ₁M₁+ D₁ A₁= A₁Y ₁ ² + A₂Y₁+ A₃ B₁= B₁Y₁ ²+ B₂Y₁+ B₃ D₁= D₁Y₁ ²+ D₂Y₁+ D₃ △ Y_c= A₂C ₁ ² + B₂C₁+ D₂ A₂= A_FourY₁ ²+ A_FiveY₁+ A₆ B₂= B_FourY₁ ²+ B_FiveY₁+ B₆ D₂= D_FourY₁ ²+ D_FiveY₁+ D₆ △ M_c= A₃C₁ ²+ B₃C₁+ D₃ A₃= A₇M₁ ²+ A₈M₁+ A₉ B₃= B₇M₁ ²+ B₈M₁+ B₉ D₃= D₃M₁ ²+ D₈M₁+ D₉ Therefore, the density value obtained by correcting the decrease in density is Y₂= Y₁+ △ Y_M+ △ Y_c M₂= M₁+ △ M_cCan be expressed as

Here, a _{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9} , b
_{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9} and d _{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9} are calculation coefficients.

As described above, the sublimation printer can be used as the exposure mask output printer of the exposure mask making apparatus by taking advantage of the above advantages by performing the calculation of the density decrease using the preset expression. .

Finally, by using the digital image data value conversion formula, the corrected and converted density values Y ₂ and M _{2 of} the reverse transfer amount and the corrected and converted density value C ₁ of the irregular absorption are gradation level. Is converted into Y, M, and C digital image data and output to the mask output unit 20.

As described above, in the correction in the printer image data conversion unit 17, the reverse transfer amount is corrected after the irregularity absorption correction conversion, so that the reverse transfer amount can be corrected more appropriately, so that the image quality is further improved. Can be achieved.

Further, the correction of the irregular absorption and the reverse transfer amount is not simply performed by the mask output unit 20, but is corrected so that the influence of the irregular absorption and the reverse transfer is finally eliminated on the photographic print. I am doing it. Then, the calculation coefficient for performing the series of data conversion described above is set in consideration of various characteristics relating to the reproducibility such as the color characteristic and the density characteristic of the developing unit 4, the printing printer 30, and the printing paper 41. If the setting is made with, it becomes possible to easily adjust the entire system in a short time.

The mask output section 20 inputs the digital image data for each of Y, M and C output from the printer image data conversion section 17 and sets the negative image exposure mask 27 by the sublimation type thermal transfer system described above. To create.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of the mask output unit 20, that is, the sublimation printer. The sublimation printer will be described below with reference to FIG.

The ink sheet 21 is repeatedly coated with the Y, M, and C heat diffusing dyes in order on each transfer surface having the same size as the transparent image receiving sheet 22, and each dye is applied to a digital image data representing a gradation level. Accordingly, the images are transferred and recorded on the transparent image receiving sheet 22 in order.

As a specific example of the sublimation printer, the recording density is 3
A thermal head with a heating element of 00 DPI is used. This sublimation type thermal transfer printer can express the density of 256 gradations for each color of Y, M and C for each dot by changing the energy applied to the thermal head. The relative movement distance of each time in the sub-scanning direction of the sublimation type printer is 85 [μm].

Further, the ink sheet 21 is a 6 [μm] polyethylene terephthalate support having a fusion preventing layer on the back surface and each Y, M, C layer provided thereon. A transparent polyethylene terephthalate support having a thickness of [μm] was prepared by dissolving 1 part of silicone oil and 60 parts of vinyl chloride resin in 300 parts of methyl ethyl ketone so as to have a dry weight of 15 g / m ² . It is a thing.

As for the recording characteristics, there are cases where the output density with respect to the 256 input gradation levels shows a substantially direct proportional relationship and cases where the output density shows a quadratic curve relationship. By setting, it is possible to deal with the recording characteristics of the sublimation printer. At the time of transfer recording, for example, if the transparent image receiving sheet 22 is an A4 plate, each of the Y, M, and C surfaces of the ink sheet 21 is also an A4 plate, and when the ink sheet 21 is pulled out from the ink sheet supply roll 23, Then, the Y surface and the transparent image receiving sheet 22 are superposed on each other, and the platen roller 24 is rotated in the direction of the arrow to sequentially move below the thermal head 25.

During this period, since the digital image data representing the Y gradation level is input to the thermal head 25, the Y heat diffusible dye in the ink of the ink sheet 21 is transferred to the transparent image receiving sheet 22 by applying heat. A dye image, which is waiting for gradation, is formed in the image receiving layer by the dye transfer amount according to the heat pulse amount.

When the transfer recording of Y is completed, the ink sheet 2
No. 1 is wound on the take-up roll 26 to the beginning of the M surface, and the transparent image receiving sheet 22 is returned again so that its front end comes to the recording position of the thermal head 25, and this time the M image surface of the ink sheet 21 is replaced. The transparent image receiving sheets 22 are superposed on each other to prepare for M transfer recording. In this way, the same M / C recording process is repeated a total of three times to record a color image on the image receiving layer of the transparent image receiving sheet 22 and output it as the exposure mask 27.

The ink sheet 21 is coated with three kinds of thermal diffusible dyes Y, M and C, but black (B
The dye of K) may be added. Also, the exposure mask 2
7 has a transparent support for supporting the image-receiving layer, and the thickness thereof is in the range of 50 μm to 200 μm from the viewpoint of handleability, and particularly 75
The range of μm to 150 μm is preferable. That is, if it is too thick, it will be difficult to cut it to the specified size,
The price will also increase. On the other hand, if it is too thin, the printing printer 30
This makes it difficult to insert the hair into the hair and increases the possibility of a jam. Therefore, the above range is set in consideration of both sides. Further, when the exposure mask 27 is created, a test patch may be created in the non-image area in order to adjust the color balance in the printing printer 30.

As the transparent support, a resin obtained by stretching a resin into a film or sheet shape and heat setting is used from the viewpoint of dimensional stability. Examples of the resin include acrylic resins such as acrylic acid ester and methacrylic acid ester, and polyethylene. Polyester resin such as terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate and polyarylate, polyolefin resin such as polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene and polystyrene, nylon , Polyamide resin such as aromatic polyamide, polyether ether ketone, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyimide, polyetherimide, polyparabanic acid, fluorine resin, silicone resin There are, in particular, PET terms above handling, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyester resins polyarylate and the like.

On the other hand, FIG. 7 showing a cross section of the exposure mask 27.
In view of the image quality, the thickness of the image receiving layer is 0.5 μm
It is set in the range of 20 μm. That is, when the exposure mask is used in a contact exposure type printing printer, the image becomes extremely blurred as compared with an image receiving layer having a thickness of 20 μm or less when it is too thick (specifically 25 μm or more).
On the contrary, it has been clarified by experiments that if the thickness is too thin (specifically, 0.4 μm or less), the required transmission density of 1.5 cannot be obtained. Therefore, the above range is a preferable range from the viewpoint of both characteristics.

Another embodiment of the sublimation printer is to use a laser instead of the thermal head.
FIG. 8 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the recording apparatus.

In this case, the exposure mask 2 is placed on the drum.
The image-receiving sheet 29 and the sheet-shaped dye-donor element 28 for forming 7 are wound and irradiated with laser light for transfer recording.

First, the dye-donor element 28 is made to contain a substance exhibiting strong absorption in the laser wavelength region. When the dye-donor element 28 is irradiated with a laser, the absorbing substance converts light energy into heat energy and heats the Y, M, and C dyes immediately below the absorbing substance to the vaporization temperature to dye the image-receiving sheet 29. The image is transferred to the image receiving element. This absorbing material may be placed in the layer directly below the dye in the photothermal conversion layer containing carbon and having a thickness of about 1 [μm], or may be mixed with the dye.

The laser light is adjusted by an electric signal corresponding to the shape and color of the image, and by performing such adjustment, the image is reproduced on the image receiving sheet 29 and the exposure mask 27 is obtained. The conditions of the laser light used are as follows: the spot diameter is 30 [μm], the exposure time is 5 [msec], the wavelength is 830 [nm], and the laser light is 0 to 44 [] while rotating the drum 29 at 180 [rpm]. The scanning is performed with the applied energy of [μw / μm ² ].

Here, in addition to the above-mentioned thermal sublimation recording type, the mask output section 20 is a case where an exposure mask is similarly used in a contact exposure type printing printer, in which light-heat conversion is performed on the transparent support. Thermal development recording type in which an exposure mask is obtained by applying a dye that develops color and irradiating light according to image data (JP-A-4-316040, JP-A-6-4361).
No. 8) or a so-called inkjet recording type in which an image is obtained by ejecting ink particles according to image data onto a transparent support. These recording techniques are already known.

In the heat development recording, the image receiving layer is
Further, in ink jet recording, the thickness of the layer formed by the ejected ink is 0.5 μm to 20 μm, respectively.
If the range is set to, the image quality at the time of printing exposure is good.

Further, a transmission densitometer is periodically provided in the mask output section 20 to measure the transmission density of the exposure mask 27 which is output and fed back to the printer image data conversion section 17 to obtain a design value. If the calculation coefficient is rewritable so as to detect and correct the deviation, even if the mask output unit 20 changes with time, it can be surely corrected and a stable image can be reproduced on the printing paper.

Next, the image output section C will be described with reference to FIG.

The digital image data converted by the monitor image data converter 16 is input to the monitor 19 and displayed. On the other hand, the exposure mask 27 output from the mask output unit 20 and the silver halide photographic negative film 45 for the photographic image are arranged at predetermined positions of the printing printer 30 and the photographic paper 41 is provided.
Perform a baking exposure on top.

In FIG. 9 showing a schematic configuration diagram of the printing printer 3O, the roll-shaped printing paper 41 is set in advance on the printing paper supply roll 31, and is moved to the printing paper winding roll 32 at each printing exposure. It will be wound. The exposure unit 33 is divided into a main exposure unit 34 and a sub-exposure unit 35, the exposure mask 27 is arranged in an exposure mask holder 36 of the sub-exposure unit 35, and the silver halide photographic negative film 45 for a photographic image is a main exposure unit. Of the negative holder 37. Light from the light sources 38 and 39 provided separately passes through the exposure mask 27 and the silver halide photographic negative film 45, and is irradiated onto the photographic paper 41 through the prism 40 and the lens 42 for a predetermined time. By doing so, printing exposure is performed.

A photometric sensor 46 for measuring the exposure amount and the hue is provided between the exposure mask holder 36 and the prism 40, and data concerning the exposure amount and the hue measured without the exposure mask 27 set. Is output to the control unit 47. On the other hand, the control unit 47 has reference data for adjusting printing exposure in an internal memory (not shown), and controls the drive unit 48 based on the amount of deviation from the output data of the photometric sensor 46 to control the light source. The light control filter 49 provided in the vicinity of the light source 38 is adjusted to finely adjust the light amount of the light source 38, the color balance, and the like.

Although the main exposure unit 34 and the sub-exposure unit 35 have both exposure units in the same drawing, only one of the exposure units has a configuration in which the exposure mask 27 is not provided. Similarly, the amount of light may be adjusted to print on the photographic printing paper 41. Here, a description will be given using the flowchart of the adjustment processing of the printing printer 30 shown in FIG.

First, since the exposure mask 27 may or may not have a test patch, the presence or absence of the test patch is detected by the photometric sensor 46, and if there is no test patch, the exposure mask 27 is judged to be a normal exposure mask 27 and exposed. It is determined whether or not the exposure mask 27 is set in the mask mask holder 36 (S
1, S2). And, if set, the light source 3
Since the exposure amount of 8 cannot be measured, the flow chart ends without issuing an alarm and performing adjustment processing (S3).

On the other hand, an exposure mask 2 with a test patch
In the case of 7, the light quantity and color balance are measured (S
4) If the light amount and the color balance have been adjusted, the process ends as it is, and if the light amount and color balance deviate from the specified values, the control unit 47
Controls the drive unit 48 to adjust the light control filter 49 to adjust the light amount and color balance of the light source 38 (S5). Then, the light amount and color balance are fed back to the photometric operation again, and the adjustment process and the photometric process are repeated several times to complete the adjustment of the light amount and color balance.

As described above, since the printing printer 30 in this embodiment has the function of independently adjusting the light quantity and the color balance, even if the exposure characteristics of the printing printer 30 change with time, fine adjustment can be made. By doing so, it is possible to always set and maintain the optimum exposure conditions when printing on a print, and it is possible to reproduce a stable image on photographic paper.

In the printing exposure, both the main exposure and the sub-exposure may be used to print the composite image on the printing paper 41, or only the sub-exposure may be used to print the printing paper 41. The printed photographic printing paper 41 is subjected to subtractive color mixing so as to obtain the complementary colors B, G, and R of Y, M, and C, respectively. Then, development processing is performed in the developing section 43 to obtain a photographic print 44.

As described above, in the image processing section B,
For exposure of the photographic print 44, the calculation coefficient is set so as to perform a series of data conversion in consideration of various characteristics relating to reproducibility such as the color characteristic and the density characteristic of the developing unit 43, the printing printer 30, and the printing paper 41. Images such as a color illustration image and a sentence image corresponding to the mask 27 faithfully reproduce the density and hue of a color mask document, and each image from reading to printing when a transmissive document or a reflective document is used. Color matching of the processing unit can be easily and quickly achieved.

Next, the adjustment for setting the correction value and the calculation coefficient in the image processing section B will be described.

[Embodiment 1] In the adjustment performed in the manufacturing stage of this system, in the color test chart used in place of the color mask original, the display output of the monitor 19 and the photographic print 44 are substantially equal to each other. Reproducible.

First, when the color test chart is a transmission type (negative), a printing printer 30 is used to print a reference photographic paper (QA Paper TYPE: A6 manufactured by Konica Corporation) on the basis of the reference exposure conditions in Example 2 described later. A positive image is obtained by baking and developing in the developing unit 43, and a standard densitometer (X-light densitometer manufactured by X-Light Co., Ltd.) is used to obtain 12-step reflection density A _nega (maximum density 1.8, minimum density for each color of the color test chart 0) is measured. When the color test chart is a reflection type (positive), the 12-step reflection density A _posi is directly measured for each color of the color test chart with a reference densitometer.

Next, the color test chart is read by the scanner 3 to display an image on the monitor 19, the 12-step density B is measured by the reference densitometer, the exposure mask 27 is prepared, and the printing printer 30 is used. A 12-step reflection density C is measured by measuring a positive image obtained by printing on a standard photographic paper under the standard exposure conditions and developing it in the developing section 43 with a standard densitometer.

Then, the data conversion table values of the scanner image data conversion unit 12 are set so that A _nega and A _posi have the same scanner output value even if the types of scanner / document are different. This setting eliminates fluctuations due to differences in scanner / document types.

Further, by setting the look-up table of the monitor image data conversion section 16 so that A _nega and A _posi = B, the color test chart and the monitor 1 are displayed.
The displayed images in 9 are the same, and A _nega and A
By setting the calculation coefficients of the printer image data conversion unit 17 so that _posi = C and B = C, the color test chart and the image of the portion corresponding to the exposure mask 27 of the photographic print 44 and the monitor 19 are displayed. The displayed images are equal.

The color types of the color test chart are usually Y, M, C and Bk, but MY, MC and CY may be added or only Bk may be added.

[Second Embodiment] Similar to the first embodiment, the adjustment of the second embodiment is performed as a basic adjustment in the manufacturing stage of this system.

A. Setting of Exposure Conditions of Printing Printer A printing printer 5N3 manufactured by Konica was used as the printing printer 30 shown in FIG. 9, and the exposure conditions of the sub-exposure part were set as follows. Prepare a gray exposure mask whose transmission densities measured by a densitometer (X light 310, X light 310, stator M) are B, G, and R = 1.0. Printing paper (QA Paper T manufactured by Konica Corporation
The image was printed on YPE: A6). The printed standard printing paper was developed under standard development conditions, and the density of the image was measured as a reflection density with a densitometer (X Light 310, X Light 310, Stator A). The reflection density of the image is B, G, R = 0.
The exposure condition of the sub-exposure part was set so as to be 8, and it was set as the reference exposure condition.

B. Verification of output section conversion specifications A personal computer is used as the image data editing section 10 in FIG. 1 B = 0, 64, 128, 192, 255 G = 0, 64, 128, 192, 255 R = 0, 64, 128, 192 , 255 signals were combined to form 125 (5 × 5 × 5) reference image signals. An exposure mask of color patches as shown in FIG. 11 corresponding to the 125 types of reference image signals was prepared by a sublimation type thermal transfer printer capable of expressing each color of Y, M, and C at 25 D gradation at 300 DPI. This exposure mask is installed in the sub-exposure section of the printing printer 5N3, and a standard printing paper (QA Paper T manufactured by Konica Corporation) is used.
A color patch was printed on YPE: A6) under the standard exposure conditions defined above. This reference photographic paper was developed under the standard development conditions, and color patches corresponding to the above data were created on the reference photographic paper. This color patch was measured for color (tristimulus value) with a colorimeter (Murakami Color Research Laboratory CMS-500 spectroreflectometer). Thus, the relationship between the reference image signal of the image output unit and the tristimulus value was obtained.

C. Verification of input part conversion specifications Color patches as shown in Fig. 11 are printed on a standard printing paper (QA Paper TY manufactured by Konica Corporation) using a laser printer.
It was prepared on PE: A6) and the color (tristimulus value) of each patch was measured with the above colorimeter. Further, the color of each patch was read by a scanner. Thus, the relationship between the tristimulus value and the read data of the scanner which is the image input unit was obtained.

D. CRT Assay Chromaticity of CRT B, G, R phosphors and white chromaticity were measured with a spectroradiometer (Topcon SR1). B, G, R
The relationship (γ curve) between the input signal (digital value) and the emission brightness at that time was obtained. The relationship between the input signal (digital value) and the color (tristimulus value) was calculated by matrix calculation.

D. Creating a conversion table from the input part to the output part Based on the test of the output part conversion specifications and the test result of the input part conversion specifications, the colors (tristimulus values) of 33 ³ input parts and output parts should be reproduced. LUT (look-up table) related to the above. That is, with the tristimulus value as a reference, a conversion table of the reference image signal of the image output unit and the read data of the scanner having the same tristimulus value was created. As a result, the read data of the scanner which has read the color of a certain tristimulus value is converted into a reference image signal for obtaining the color of the same tristimulus value. As a result, an exposure mask capable of obtaining a color having the same tristimulus value as the read color is created.
Here, the output value of the input data not included in the LUT is calculated by the interpolation calculation formula.

As described above, by incorporating the LUT (look-up table), the interpolation calculation formula, and the matrix calculation formula obtained above into the personal computer of the image data editing unit 10, the color of the original read by the scanner and the CRT are read. It is possible to match the color of the image of the original read data displayed on the screen with the color of the image printed on the paper by the exposure mask created using the original read data. By the way, as a result of the color reproduction test, the color reproduction accuracy between the color of the input original and the color of the copy original formed on the paper is ΔE ≦.
It was 5.

In this embodiment, as a conversion method of image data for reproducing an input original under constant exposure conditions of a printing printer, the relationship between input data and output data is experimentally obtained, and Conversion table (LUT)
In this method, the input data and the finally output data are directly related by thinking that the middle is a black box, so the effect of improper absorption on the way, reversal in sublimation printer There is no need to consider the effects of copying. However, the number of colors is enormous, and enormous memory is required to put all the colors in a table and store them in a personal computer. As a method of solving this, there is a method in which an input / output table is created at a certain interval and the calculation is performed during that interval. For the interpolation calculation method and the data conversion table (LUT) creation method, see USP (5,06).
5,234), Japanese Patent Application No. 61-314636, Japanese Patent Application No. 62.
-89006, Japanese Patent Application No. 62-89008, Japanese Patent Application No. 63-
What is described in 238507 etc. can be utilized.

According to the first and second embodiments of the present invention described above, the color reproduction of the original can be performed under the constant exposure conditions of the printing printer. That is, if the sub-exposure unit is initially set to the reference exposure condition, it is not necessary to adjust the exposure condition for each exposure mask because the exposure mask is created based on the reference exposure condition thereafter.

For comparison of print creation time, the working time when the color reproduction of the original is performed under the constant exposure condition of the present invention and the exposure condition for each sheet as in the conventional exposure mask. The working time was compared. According to the method of the present invention, a negative full-color image exposure mask (100
(mm × 150 mm) was prepared. Same image 50
Types were made in the conventional manner with conventional silver salt photographic film. An exposure mask was set on the sub-exposure part of the Konica printing printer 5N3, and 50 sheets of each exposure mask were printed on QA Paper TYPE: A6 manufactured by Konica Corporation. Table 1 below shows the measurement results of the processing time of 50 kinds of exposure masks for each method. In the pre-exposure, the exposure masks are printed one by one, the print results are visually observed, and the exposure conditions are set. In the method of the present invention, the pre-exposure and the setting of the exposure conditions are not necessary, so that the working time is greatly shortened.

[0121]

[Table 1] By changing the image data so that the read original is reproduced on the final copy while keeping the exposure condition of the printing printer constant as in the present invention, the working time can be greatly reduced.

[0122]

As described above, according to the image forming method of the present invention, an exposure mask is created for digital image data in order to process the data after digitally converting the input image signal. In doing so, it becomes possible to easily perform data processing and correction.

Further, according to the image forming method of the present invention, when the exposure mask is exposed and printed, the exposure amount is adjusted and controlled so that the light amount is constant in order to achieve color balance without setting the exposure mask. It is possible to specify the exposure time and filter conditions of the printer, and the setting work for these conditions can be completed in a single time.

In addition, one of the image forming methods according to the present invention
According to the embodiment, the test patch is also prepared at the time of creating the exposure mask, and the test patch is measured to adjust the printing condition of the printing paper, so that the exposure characteristic of the printing printer does not change with time. Even if it occurs, it is possible to always set the exposure characteristic to the optimum exposure condition for printing by printing, and it is possible to reproduce a stable image on the photosensitive material.

Here, the image input means uses the analog image printed on the transmissive original or the reflective original as a digital signal, or an image obtained by combining the digital signals input from the image output medium. As an input, a digital image can be input and edited from an analog image such as a photograph or an external image output medium.

Further, in the case where the exposure mask is created by converting it into the analog image data obtained by the data processing, even if the form of the input image data relating to the exposure mask creation is digital image data, the analog image data is generated. Even if you can.

It is also possible to expose and print the photosensitive material through a negative image-forming exposure mask, or to combine the silver salt photographic film and the exposure mask to perform exposure and baking on the photosensitive material. .

Further, the exposure mask can be prepared by a method such as thermal sublimation recording, thermal development recording or ink jet recording.

The thickness of the exposure mask is 51 [μm].
If the thickness is set to 200 [μm], the handling property can be improved in producing the exposure mask, and the thickness of the image receiving layer of the exposure mask is 0.5 [μm] to 20 [μm].
m] makes it possible to obtain a good image in printing on a light-sensitive material.

Further, according to the photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention, when the exposure mask is exposed and printed, the exposure part light quantity is adjusted and controlled so as to keep the color balance without setting the exposure mask. Therefore, the exposure time and filter conditions of the printing printer can be specified in the exposure section, and the setting work for these conditions can be shortened.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of a color image forming system.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of an image data editing unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a lookup table relating to display on a monitor.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a correction transfer function of a reverse transfer amount.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a light transmission spectrum of an exposure mask.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sublimation printer.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an exposure mask.

FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a laser recording device.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing printer.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of adjustment processing of the printing printer.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an exposure mask of a color patch.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Reflective Original 2 Transparent Original 3 Scanner 10 Image Data Editing Section 16 Monitor Image Data Converting Section 17 Printer Image Data Converting Section 19 Monitor 20 Mask Output Section 27 Exposure Mask 30 Printing Printer 41 Printing Paper 43 Developing Section 44 Photo Print 45 Silver halide photographic negative film A Image input section B Image processing section C Image output section

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An image is input by an image input means for reading and inputting an original image to obtain an image signal, the image signal is digitally converted and data processing is performed, and an image data obtained by this data processing is processed. In the image forming method of forming an exposure mask based on the exposure mask to obtain a print by using the exposure mask, the data processing is performed so as to create the exposure mask in accordance with the exposure amount of the exposure printing. An image forming method characterized by performing. 2. The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of the original images, and a plurality of prints to be exposed and printed are obtained in order to obtain a plurality of prints corresponding to the plurality of original images. An image forming method, wherein the exposure amount for printing is constant without changing in the state where the exposure mask is not used. 3. An image input means for reading and inputting an original image to obtain an image signal, wherein the image signal is digitally converted, then data processing is performed, and the image is created based on the image data obtained by this data processing. An image characterized by reproducing the original image by making a test patch on the exposure mask, measuring the transmitted light of the test patch, adjusting the baking conditions of the photosensitive material, and then exposing and baking the photosensitive material. Forming method. 4. The image input means uses an analog image recorded on a transmissive original or a reflective original as a digital signal,
Alternatively, a combined image is obtained from digital signals input from the image output medium.
~ The image forming method according to claim 3. 5. A digital image data obtained by the data processing is converted into an analog image data, and the exposure mask is created based on the analog image data. Item 4. The image forming method according to Item 4. 6. A combination of a silver salt photographic film on which a photographic image is recorded and the exposure mask to perform exposure and printing on the same light-sensitive material.
The image forming method described in 1 .. 7. The image according to claim 1, wherein a dye image corresponding to the image data is formed on a transparent support with a heat diffusible dye to prepare the exposure mask. Forming method. 8. The image according to claim 1, wherein a dye image corresponding to the image data is formed on a transparent support with a photothermographic material to form the exposure mask. Forming method. 9. The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein a dye image corresponding to the image data is formed on the transparent support by the discharged ink particles to form the exposure mask. Method. 10. The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein the image formed on the exposure mask is a negative image. 11. A thickness of the exposure mask is 51 [μm].
To 200 [μm], the image forming method according to claim 1. 12. The image forming method according to claim 7, wherein the image receiving layer formed on the exposure mask has a thickness of 0.5 [μm] to 20 [μm]. . 13. A photographic printing apparatus for exposing a photosensitive material using at least an exposure mask, comprising: a light quantity adjusting means for adjusting the light quantity in the absence of the exposure mask; and an exposing means for exposing and baking the photosensitive material. A photographic printing apparatus comprising: an exposure unit, wherein the exposure unit is adjusted so that the amount of light is constant. 14. An image forming method according to claim 1, wherein the photosensitive material is a silver halide photographic photosensitive material. Or photo printing equipment.