JPH0293449A - Film kind managing device for photographic printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain an exact reference value without increasing a storage area by integrating the storage areas as the same film kind, when it is decided that image density or its combined value stored in a storage means is the same or similar. CONSTITUTION:A photometric means 28 executes photometry by dividing an image of a film to be printed into many pieces, and obtains photometric values of three colors at every picture element. A reading means 42 reads a bar-code, and classifies at every film type by a film kind classifying means 34. A storage device 32 stores image density by a photometric value of the means 28 or its combined value at every type. In a managing means 52, the image density or its combined value stored in a storage area of the storage means 32 is compared mutually and whether it is the same or similar is decided. When it is decided to be the same or similar, their film types are decided to be the same, put into the same classification, and also, the image density in one storage area is erased. In such a way, the storage areas are integrated to one, and a reference value can be derived exactly without increasing a storage channel.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a film type management device for a photographic printer, and more particularly, to a device for automatically determining appropriate printing exposure conditions for a plurality of film types based on standard printing exposure conditions. The present invention relates to a film type management device for a photoprinting device for managing a film type of the photoprinting device that can be determined.

[Prior art and problems to be solved by the invention] Color negatives have three colors of B (blue), G (green), and R (red) as a whole screen.
Although colored light is transmitted, it is known from experience that the transmission ratios of these three color components are generally approximately equal or at a constant ratio. For this reason, automatic printers determine the amount of printing light (exposure amount) based on the following equation.

fogFj=Kj+D J...(1) However, β
ogF is the logarithm of the amount of printing light, K is a constant, D is the cumulative transmission density (LATD) of the negative measured with a photometric system, and j is B, G, R
Which colored light is it?

However, if an automatic printer controls the amount of printing light based on the formula (]) above, prints from underexposed negatives will have higher overall density than prints from properly exposed negatives, and prints from overexposed negatives will have higher density. becomes lower. Therefore, by providing a slope control circuit, D of equation (1) is
The exposure amount is determined by correcting J. on the other hand,
Even in an automatic printer equipped with a slope control circuit as described above, negatives that have significantly deteriorated over time, negatives that were photographed under a light source that is significantly different from daylight (fluorescent lamp, tungsten lamp, etc.) (different light source negatives), and color area With negatives and the like, defective prints with incorrect color balance are likely to occur. Further, film types (different types of films) made by different manufacturers or having different sensitivities have different sensitivities, densities, etc. of the three photosensitive layers, and good prints cannot be made under the same printing conditions. Therefore, prints are created by determining printing conditions for each type of film through trial and error. For this reason, the exposure amount is determined by correcting Dl in equation (1) (color correction) and by changing the slope control value for different types of films.

However, in recent years, a large number of high-sensitivity films have been developed, and the number of types of films has increased to several dozen. However, as explained above, the printing exposure conditions for each film type are not necessarily the same, and there are only a limited number of condition setting films for setting automatic printer conditions for each film type. do not have. Normally, the film for setting these conditions is a negative in which a part corresponding to a negative photographing a yellow-green subject is arranged around a part corresponding to a negative photographing a gray subject, and a part corresponding to a negative photographing a yellow-green subject is placed around a part corresponding to a negative photographing a gray subject. On the other hand, only three types are prepared: proper exposure, underexposure, and overexposure, and conditions are set based on experience for film types that have different characteristics from the reference film type. Therefore, setting the printing exposure conditions for each type of film is extremely difficult and requires extensive experience and a lot of time.

Furthermore, in order to maintain high quality, it is essential to control the printing exposure conditions for each type of film, but this is difficult when there are many types of films.

For this reason, the following technology has been proposed for automatically determining the appropriate printing exposure amount for each film type from one reference printing exposure condition.

First, the correction amount for each film type is stored in memory in advance for the printing exposure conditions of the reference film, and the film type is determined by reading the bar code (so-called DX code) recorded on the film to be printed. There is a method of determining the exposure amount by reading out the correction amount for this film type (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 85235/1983). However, in this technique, the amount of correction for each film type must be determined in advance, so when there are a large number of film types as there are today, it is time consuming and the accuracy is insufficient. Also,
A new correction amount must be set for a new film type. To do this, it is necessary to associate a film code with each film type and store it in memory, and it is very time-consuming to manage a large number of film types, the increase in new films, and the discontinuation of old film types. It takes a lot of effort.

In addition, the film screen is divided into many parts, photometrically measured, each photometric data (photometric value) is analyzed, and the standard printing exposure conditions are corrected using the selected photometric data to determine the exposure conditions of the film image to be printed. There is a known technology to
-94927 publication, JP-A-52-20024 publication,
JP-A-59-220761, JP-A-61-198
144, etc.). According to this conventional technology, when the photometric partial light sensitivity distribution of the photometric system of an automatic printer matches the spectral sensitivity distribution of the printing sensitive material with very high accuracy, the characteristics can be determined based on the printing exposure conditions of the reference film type. It is possible to print multiple different types of films.

By the way, when the spectral sensitivity distribution of the photometric system and the spectral sensitivity distribution of the exposure system match as described above, the straight line portion of the three curves R, G, and B of the film characteristic curve corresponds to the reference film type. It is possible to properly print and expose each film type according to the printing exposure conditions of the reference film type only when the curves are approximately parallel to the straight line portions of the three curves R and GSB. For this reason, the above method has a problem in that good printed images cannot be obtained in the exposure range corresponding to the non-linear portion of the characteristic curve. Further, when selecting photometric data, a reference value (neutral color) is required, and it is essential that this reference value is accurate.

Further, in order to make the above-mentioned reference value accurate, there is a method of determining the above-mentioned reference value based on photometric data for one film. However, if many of the images for one film are deviated from the average image, an error will occur in the reference value and the selected photometric data will be incorrect.

Furthermore, when the number of frames in one film is small, there is little photometric data, so the accuracy of the reference value also deteriorates.

In order to solve the above problem, the film is classified by the barcode recorded on the film, the image density of a large number of frames is stored for each film type, and the above reference value is calculated from this image density. However, as the number of film types increases, the number of data also continues to increase, resulting in a shortage of storage capacity.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a film type management device for a photographic printer that can obtain accurate reference values with a small storage capacity.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a photometric means for photometrically measuring a film image of a film to be printed in terms of three primary colors, a reading means for reading a code indicating the film type recorded on the film to be printed, and a reading means for reading a code indicating the film type recorded on the film to be printed. A classification means for classifying films to be printed by film type based on the code and a different storage area corresponding to the film type, and the three primary color image densities determined from the photometric values or the combination value of the image densities are determined by the film type. The storage means stored in the storage area and the three primary color image densities or the combination value of the image densities stored in the storage area are compared with each other to determine whether the image densities or the combination value of the image densities are the same or similar. determining means for determining whether or not the three primary color image densities or the combination value of the image densities are the same or similar, controlling the classification means to classify as the same film type, and storing one of the compared ones; The image forming apparatus is configured to include a control means for erasing the image density of the area.

Further, a setting means is further provided for setting, in the storage means, a storage area for storing the image density of the new film type by setting the film on which the new code is recorded as a new film type when the new code is read. be able to.

[Effect]

The present invention will be explained in detail below. The photometer measures the light by dividing the film image of the film to be printed into a large number of parts. With this, it is possible to obtain three color photometric values for each pixel. The reading means reads a code indicating the film type recorded on the film to be printed. Usually, a bar code is recorded on the film, indicating the film manufacturer's name indicating the film type, the film sensitivity, the film product name, etc., so the reading means can read this bar code. The sorting means sorts the films to be printed into film types based on the codes read by the reading means. Further, the storage means stores image densities or combination values of image densities determined from photometric values measured by the photometry means for each film type. Therefore, the storage means stores a large number of image densities or combinations thereof for each film type. The determining means mutually compares the image densities or the combination values thereof stored in the storage area of the storage means to determine whether the image densities or the combination values thereof are the same or similar. When it is determined that the image densities or their combination values are the same or similar, it is assumed that these film types are the same film type. For this reason, the control means controls the classification means to classify film types having the same or similar image density or a combination thereof as the same film type, and also erases the image density of one of the compared storage areas. As a result, storage areas for storing image densities of the same film type are integrated into one.

When a new code is read, the film on which the new code is recorded is defined as a new film type, and a storage area is provided to store the image density of this new film type. can also be accommodated.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the storage areas of the same film type are integrated into one, the reference value can be accurately determined without increasing the number of storage channels. This effect can be obtained. Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is no need to make a correspondence between a film name and a film code.
Management of integration and abolition can be automated, and the benefits include being freed from administrative work, eliminating erroneous work, and allocating appropriate storage space.

〔Example〕 Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

First, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an additive type automatic color photographic printing apparatus will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, a mirror box 18 and a lamp house 10 equipped with a halogen lamp are sequentially arranged below a negative film 20 loaded in a negative carrier and transported to a printing section. A rotating disk 14 rotated by a motor 16 and an infrared cut filter 12 are inserted between the mirror box 18 and the lamp house 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the rotating disk 14 is provided with color separation filters consisting of a G filter 15, a B filter 17, and an R filter 19 near its circumference. These G
The filter 15, B filter 17 and R filter 19 are
As shown in FIG. 3 (1), one of white glass 23 coated with dielectric multilayer film 25 and RSGSB
It is constructed by arranging colored glasses 21 in parallel.

Figure 4 shows a colored glass filter (manufactured by Hoya Glass Co., Ltd., R-64).
This figure shows how a short wavelength of R is formed by a filter) 21 and a dielectric multilayer film 25, and a long wavelength of R is formed by a thermally stable infrared cut filter 12.

The G filter 15, B filter 17, and R filter 19 may be constructed by coating the surface of a colored glass 21 with a dielectric multilayer film 25, as shown in FIG. 3(2). The coated surface of the body multilayer film and the white glass may be bonded together using a heat-resistant epoxy adhesive.

Lenses 2, 2, a black shutter 24, and color paper 26 are arranged in this order above the negative film 20, and the lamp house 10 illuminates the infrared cut filter 12, the filter on the rotating disk 14, and the mirror box 18. And the light beam transmitted through the negative film 20 is transmitted through the lens 2
2 to form an image on color paper 26.

A two-dimensional image sensor 28 is arranged in a direction oblique to the optical axis of the above-mentioned imaging optical system and at a position where the image density of the negative film 20 can be measured photometrically. This two-dimensional image sensor 28 includes a storage type photoelectric conversion element such as COD or MOS, an optical system that forms an image of the negative film 20 on this photoelectric conversion element, and processes the output of the photoelectric conversion element and outputs it as image information. It is equipped with a signal processing circuit. The photoelectric conversion element of this image sensor 28 divides the negative image into a large number of pixels and measures the 33 colors of R, G, and B. The signal processing circuit converts the output of the photoelectric conversion element into a digital signal, and then converts the reciprocal into a logarithm. Convert and output as a concentration signal.

The characteristics of the infrared cut filter 12 are as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 5 (3), and the relative spectral transmittance of the three-color light separation filter for rotating disks is as shown in the solid line in FIG. 5 (3). become. The relative spectral sensitivity distribution of the two-dimensional image sensor 28 is shown by the solid line in FIG. 5 (2), and the spectral sensitivity distribution of the two-dimensional image sensor 28 in the additive color method is shown by the broken line in FIG. 5 (2). It becomes like this. The relative spectral sensitivity distribution of the color paper becomes as shown by the solid line in FIG. 5(1), and the spectral sensitivity distribution of the color paper in the additive coloring method becomes as shown by the broken line in FIG. 5(1).

The two-dimensional image sensor 28, as shown in FIG.
, B is connected to a photometric value memory 30 that stores each density signal. The photometric value memory 30 includes a film type density storage memory 32 that stores image densities for each film type.
and a photometric value selection means 38. A management means 52 , a film type classification means 34 , and a barcode reading means 42 are connected in this order to the density storage memory 32 for each film type, and the density storage memory 32 for each film type selects photometric values via the film characteristic determining means 36 . It is connected to means 38. The photometric value selection means 38 is connected to the exposure amount determination means 44 via the exposure control value calculation means 40. A print condition input means 46 is connected to the exposure amount determination means 44 via a print condition memory 48 . The exposure amount determining means 44 controls the exposure amount by controlling the motor 16 to rotate the rotary disk 14.

The operation of this embodiment will be explained below while explaining each of the blocks shown in FIG. 1.

The film type classification means 34 determines the film sensitivity, film family, and manufacturer name based on the barcode (so-called DX code) read by the barcode reader 42, and also determines the manufacturer, sensitivity, gradation, base density, Negative films or film types that share some of the photographic characteristics such as sensitivity and the shape of a characteristic curve are considered to be the same film type, and the films or film types are classified by film type. The DX code is a barcode that displays information indicating the film type, such as the film manufacturer's name, film sensitivity, and film family.
By using a barcode reader, it is possible to detect the film type, and by this, the film to be printed is primarily a film type with the same or similar printing exposure conditions (film type, often one film type is one film type). However, in the present invention, there is no strict distinction between film type and film type, nor is there any need to do so.)

The film type density storage memory 32 accumulates and stores the output values from the photometric value memory 30 for each film type classified by the film type classification means 34.
For example, the technique described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 61-267749 can be used. That is, the density of each photometric point or selected photometric value, each part of the screen, or the entire screen is determined for RSG and B of one frame, and as shown in the table below, the film type A, B, C, etc. Separately, three primary color image densities a, b, c, . . . are stored. Instead of the three primary color image densities, a combination value of the three primary color image densities, for example, an image density difference or an image density ratio of two colors may be used.

To further explain the above blocks, the barcode reading device 42 reads the barcode stored on the side edge of the color negative film set in the negative carrier 20. The barcode read by the barcode reader 42 is manually input to the film type classification means 34. The film type classification means 34 is previously provided with a memory that associates barcodes with film types, and the film type classification means 34 determines which film type the barcode read by the barcode reader 42 belongs to. The film type is classified by determining the .

The film type information classified by the film type classification means 34 is manually input to the management means 52.

Next, the management routine by the management means 52 will be explained with reference to FIG. In step 110, it is determined whether the classified film is an unknown type or a known type, and if it is determined to be a known type, in step 112, the film is stored in the photometric value memory 30 in the film type density accumulation memory 32 corresponding to the classified film type. The stored photometric values are converted into image density and stored. The film type density accumulation memory 32 is provided with storage areas for each film type, and therefore stores image densities for each film type. This image density includes, in addition to the screen average density, a density selectively determined from the screen density,
That is, the average density of the high density part of the screen, the average density of the middle density part of the screen, the average density of the low density part of the screen, the lowest density of the screen, etc. can be used. In the next step 114, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of films have been processed. When it is determined that a predetermined number of films have been processed, in step 116, the image density for each film type in the film type density accumulation memory 32 is , J is RSG, 1 of B
(1) The image densities stored in the storage area as different film types are compared with each other to determine whether the film types are the same or similar. In other words, the film type can be determined by determining whether the image densities (Dj) and (Dj') in two storage areas or the combination of image densities of two or more colors are the same or similar. determine whether they are the same, similar, or dissimilar.

For example, when comparing the combined values of image densities of two or more colors, l
(D, -DG) -(DRDc')I and l (
D, -D, ) -(D.

D, ') etc. may be determined depending on whether the density difference is less than a predetermined value.
= Di + DG + DB) etc. may be determined based on whether or not the concentration ratios are similar. Incidentally, image densities may be calculated upon transfer from the photometric value memory 30 to/from the film type density storage memory 32, and part or all of the image densities may be stored as a combination value of image densities of two or more colors as described above. . If the image densities Dj by film type or their combination values are not similar to each other, a print permission signal is output in step 122. on the other hand,
If there is an identical or similar image density or a combination thereof among the image densities Dj or combinations thereof for each film type, it is determined that these film types are of the same type, and the image density or its combination is determined in step 118. Film types with the same or similar combination values will be considered the same type.

First, the correspondence between the film type and the barcode in the film type classification means 34 is changed. As a result, step 1
Films belonging to film types whose image densities or combination values are determined to be the same or similar in step 16 belong to one of the film types. Next step 1
At step 20, by integrating the film types, one of the film type density storage memories 32 is used to erase the data in the area storing unnecessary image densities and film types, and the process proceeds to step 122.

To integrate two film type density storage memories, you can either erase the data in one area and use the remaining area, or erase the data in the two areas by adding it to the data in one area. It's okay.

On the other hand, if the film type classification means 34 determines that the film to be printed is of an unknown type,
In step 124, the address of this unknown film type is set in the film type density accumulation memory 32, and a storage area for storing the image density corresponding to the unknown film type is set. and step 1
The photometric values stored in the photometric value memory 30 are converted into image density and stored in the storage area set in step 26. In the next step 128, the number of stored data is set to a predetermined value (
For example, it is determined whether or not the density has reached 1,000 or more, and when the density has reached 1000 or more, in step 130, the image density of the known film type stored in the film type specific density storage memory 32 and the image density of the unknown type film type are determined. The concentration is compared using the method described in step 116 above. On the other hand, if the number of data does not reach a predetermined value, it may be displayed in step 127 that the film is of an unknown type. This allows the operator to first convey the negative film, measure the film image, store the image density in the film type density storage memory 32, and increase the number of data without printing.

If the image density of the unknown film type is not similar to any of the image densities of each film type stored in the film type density storage memory 32, a message is displayed to the operator to set conditions in step 140. Instructing by an alarm and step 142
Alternatively, a print prohibition signal may be output at the time. This prohibits printing exposure until the conditions are set. However, it is preferable to print the standard film type based on the exposure conditions without setting new conditions.

On the other hand, if the image density of the known type film type and the image density of the unknown type film type are the same or similar, in step 132, the image density of the unknown type film is Alternatively, the operator may be asked to confirm whether or not the image is to be burned. In this case, the operator manually turns on the burn-in permission switch or the burn-in prohibition switch. In step 134, it is determined whether or not the burn-in permission switch has been turned on, and when it is determined that the burn-inhibition switch has been turned on, the process proceeds to step 140, where a condition setting is requested, and it is determined that the burn-in permission switch has been turned on. In some cases, in step 136, the relationship between the film type and the barcode in the film type classification means 34 is changed so that the unknown type film belongs to a known type film type with the same or similar image density, and in step 138, printing permission is granted. Output a signal. In this case, the image density of the unknown film type may be merged with the storage area of the image density of the known film type and then erased, or it may be stored as is. If the image density of a known type is stored as is, steps 114 to 120 are performed.
will be merged into image densities of the same or similar type. As described above, the display to request the operator to set conditions and to permit printing is necessary when various films cannot be printed under the same printing conditions for the reference film type. The present invention can also be applied to such cases.

Furthermore, for film types that have been discontinued, or film types that are rarely printed due to different sales regions, the storage area must be consolidated with the most similar film type, or deleted and a display or warning can be sent to the operator when discovered. It is better to give. For this purpose, it is necessary to judge based on the amount or percentage of the total number of films or frames. To this end, it is preferable that each film type density storage memory has a memory area for counting the number of films or frames.

The following information will increase one after another with this function: 1. You can also press the key area.

The film characteristic determination means 36 determines the density by film type (
image density) R, G, B stored in the storage memory 32
The properties of the film are determined depending on the concentration of the film.

An example in which the slope (γ value) of a film characteristic curve is used as the film characteristic will be described below. First, the RSG stored in the film type density storage memory 32,
Standard value of film to be printed based on Ba degree (for example, G density or average density of R, GSB (R〇+B)
/3, etc.) and calculate the ratio of each R, G, and B density stored in the film type density storage memory 32 to this reference value to determine the film characteristic curve R, G, and B.
Find each G and B. Figure 6 (1) shows Ra versus Ga degree.
FIG. 6(2) shows a characteristic curve of R concentration with respect to (R100B)/3 concentration.

To determine the characteristics of the film from these characteristic curves, the slope γ1 of the underexposed portion and the slope T0 of the overexposed portion can be used, for example, as shown in FIG. 7(1). Further, it is also possible to use the average gradient value (rl+γ2+γ3)/3 as shown in FIG. 7(2) or the gradients γ1 and γ2 shown in FIG. 7(3). Although the method for automatically determining film characteristics using the film type density storage memory 32 and the film characteristic determining means 36 has been described above, it is also possible to omit both means and memorize the film characteristics in advance (film characteristic memory means). The photometric value selection means 38 may be manually read out from the film characteristic memory means by the film type classification means.

The photometric value selection means 38 selects the photometric value used for calculating the density value for exposure control according to the film characteristics, and selects the difference R between R and G according to the film characteristics determined by the film characteristics determination means 36. '-G', difference G' between G and B
A photometric value belonging to a specific color area assumed on color coordinates with -B' as an axis, for example, a color area including neutral color (gray) and skin color, is selected from the photometric value memory. A method for extracting photometric values corresponding to a specific color area will be described below.

First, the density R8 of the three colors of an average negative film, Go −
Bo Average density of 13 colors Do = (Ro + G.

+Bo)/3 to convert the curve shown in Figure 8 to R8, Go
, Bo. In addition, in order to extract data in an area close to a specific color area, offset amounts dll, d12, d21, d22, d31, d with respect to the above straight line are added.
3□ is fixed for each of underexposure, normal exposure, and overexposure, and the area shown by the broken line in FIG. 8 is determined.

And photometric values R, G.

The average value of B is determined by (R+B)/3, and it is determined whether the photometric value R for the average value is included in the area indicated by the broken line in FIG. Similarly, it is determined whether or not the photometric values G and B are included in the area within the broken line as shown in FIG. 8 regarding GSB. Only when the photometric values of all three colors R, G, and B are included in the area determined as shown in Figure 8 with respect to the average negative film density R85Go SBo, that photometric value is selected for exposure control. Used for concentration value calculation. Note that among the photometric values R, G, and B, the photometric values that are not included in the above area are not used for the density value calculation for exposure control, or the average value of the photometric values R, G, and B is used as the broken line in FIG. It is converted into the average value of the photometric values belonging to the area shown by and is commonly used for the exposure control density value of the three colors. In addition, the above offset ff1dz-dsz depends on the film type or gradient Ro/Do, Go/Do
, Bo/Do.

Moreover, the selection of measurement values may be performed as follows.

That is, the characteristic curve explained in FIG. 8 for the average negative film density R85Go sBo is determined as shown in FIG. In a way. to obtain R', G', and B'. Through this conversion, photometric values having the same color balance as an average negative film are converted into equal R', G', and B' densities. Then, it is determined on the chromaticity diagram whether or not these R', G', and B' are to be used for density value calculation for exposure control.

In addition, when selecting photometric values to be used in density value calculation for exposure control, selective weighting of photometric values as described in JP-A-61-198144 and JP-A-61-223731 may be performed. good.

The exposure control value calculation means 40 includes the photometry value selection means 3
The density value for exposure control is calculated using the photometric value selected in step 8, and is disclosed in JP-A-61-198144, JP-A-61-223731, and JP-A-61-23.
Using the method disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2442, the photometric values are classified and the density values for exposure control are calculated from the density values obtained based on the classification. That is, the photometric value selection means 38
As shown in FIG. 10, in step 100, the density value of each pixel is normalized by setting the point corresponding to the specific color area as the origin. In the next step 102, using the normalized density values R', G'B', R'-G', G'
-B' is calculated. In the next step 104, the color area shown in FIG. 11 is determined from the color coordinate table at each measurement point (
each pixel). The color of a closed area on color coordinates that includes a neutral color or skin color, or the color of a closed area on color coordinates that includes a neutral color and a skin color (for example, the 11th
00 (neutral color) and 1.3 (skin tone)) (the above steps are performed by the measurement value selection means). Then, the exposure control value calculation means 40 adds the density values of the selected measurement points before normalization, and R
,G.

The average value of each of B is determined, and this average value is used as the exposure control density value. Since this density value for exposure control does not include a density value that causes color fade, it can be used to determine the exposure amount without reducing the degree of color correction.

Print condition manual means 46 and print condition memory 48
is for inputting and storing R, G, and B printing conditions (printing exposure conditions) of a reference film type, for example, Super HR100 (manufactured by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., trade name).

As this printing condition, at least one of exposure amount, exposure time, filter amount, light source brightness, light source voltage, and slope control value can be used. In addition,
In setting the printing exposure conditions, a condition setting film is used.

The exposure amount determination means 44 determines the exposure amount of the film to be printed using the print conditions of the reference film type stored in the print condition memory 48 and the exposure control density value calculated by the exposure control value calculation means 40. The exposure amount is calculated according to the following equation (9).

The calculation formula for the exposure amount will be explained. Standard film type R
, G, and the normal density for setting the printing conditions for 883 colors (corresponding to the printing exposure conditions of the standard film type) are RN, G, respectively.
Assuming that the exposure control density values for the 883 colors of N, BN, R and G of the negative to be printed are DRSDGSDB, the exposure amounts er, eg, and eb of the 883 colors of RSG are expressed as follows.

Here, dR=DR-RNSdG=DG-GN.

dB=DB-BN, and Xll-X33 is a coefficient expressed by the following formula.

However, SC, 5M5SY are slope control values for RSGSB, and dR>01dG>0, d
When B>O, 5c=sco, 5M-3M O, S Y
= S Y O (however, 0 represents overslope)
, when dR is 0, dG<01dB<O, S C=S
CU, S M = S M U, S Y =
S Y U (U represents under slope).

Further, AR, Ac, and An (represented by Aj as a general formula) are color correction values (color correction) of R, G, and B, respectively.

Next, expand equation (3) above, substitute equation (4), and (d
If the above equation (3) is modified by setting R (10 dG, 10 dB)/3=dW, the following equation (5) is obtained.

Here, when Aj=1.0, normal correction, A
When j>1.0, it means a high correction, and when Aj<1.0, it means a lower correction. In this embodiment, this color correction AJ (ARlAa, As) is determined as shown in the following formula.

However, 0≦11, K12, K13<1.0.0.5
<K21, K22, K23<2.0 and when DR<RN, AR=21, when DG<GN, AG=22, DB<
When BN, AB = K 23 and ROSGOlB
O is the over-density value for condition setting of the reference film.

According to the above equation (6), the value of color correction Aj increases as the density increases from medium density to high density, and greatly influences the high density nonlinear exposure range to correct the printing exposure conditions of the reference film type.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gamma balance correction value P is set as the color balance standard for the standard film of the reference film type.
Use J. As this correction value Pj, a value corresponding to the reciprocal of the r value of the reference film type may be used, and as shown in FIG.
, G, the average value dWo of 83 colors is dWO = ((RO-RN) + (Go-GN) + (B
O-BN))/3...(7), then Pj(
Pi, Pc, Pa) are as follows.

Therefore, the exposure amounts er, eg, and eb are as shown in the following equation (9).

Then, the exposure control values Er, Eg, and Eb can be determined by determining parameters specific to the automatic printer, parameters of the copying sensitive material, etc. for the exposure amounts er, eg, and eb of the above equation (9).

In addition, for the above RO, Go, BO, RU, GU, BU
By applying this method, the method can be applied to low concentration areas as well.

Then, the exposure amount determining means 44 controls the printing exposure amount by controlling the motor 16 based on the exposure control values Er, Eg, and Eb determined as described above.

As a result of the above, the difference in the color balance of the three colors of the film to be printed with respect to the color balance of the three colors of the standard film type is corrected, so that the characteristic curve of one color of the film to be printed, as shown in Figure 14, is corrected. is relatively high on the high-density side with respect to the characteristic curve of the standard film (when the gradation is high contrast), the exposure amount of this one color is increased compared to the exposure amount of the other two colors, and the color balance is improved. Corrected to match. Conversely, if the characteristic curve of one color is relatively lower than the characteristic curve of the reference film (the gradation is soft), the exposure amount of this one color will be lower than the exposure amount of the other two colors. The color balance is corrected so that the color balance matches, and a good color balance can be obtained.

Next, an internal light subtraction type automatic color photographic printing apparatus to which the present invention is applicable will be described. In addition, in Fig. 12, the first
Portions corresponding to those in the figures are given the same reference numerals and explanations will be omitted. Note that the exposure amount determining section 50 is the same as that shown in FIG. In this internal light subtraction type automatic color photographic printing apparatus, a light control filter 60 and a color light regulation filter 62 are arranged between the lamp house 10 and the mirror box 18. As is well known, the light control filter 60 is composed of three filters: a Y (yellow) filter, an M (magenta) filter, and a C (cyan) filter, and is controlled by the exposure amount determining section 50 to determine the exposure. Amount controlled. The color light regulation filter 62 also includes a BG regulation filter color that regulates B light long waves and G light layer waves, a GR regulation filter color that regulates G light long waves and R light layer waves, an ultraviolet cut filter C, and a red light regulation filter color. It is composed of four filters including an outer cut filter d. In this color light regulation filter 62, B light is formed by the combination of the ultraviolet cut filter C and the BG regulation filter color, G light is formed by the combination of the BG regulation filter color and the GR regulation filter color, and the infrared cut filter R light is formed by the combination of d and the GR regulation filter color. The transmission characteristics of the color light regulation filter 62 are shown in FIG.
3).

Further, the following filter is attached to the two-dimensional image sensor 28. That is, a B filter has a transmittance long wave edge in the BG regulation filter color absorption band, and a G filter has a transmittance short wave edge in the BG regulation filter color absorption band and a transmittance long wave edge in the GR regulation filter color absorption band. An R filter having a transmittance at the short wave end in the absorption band of the filter, GR regulation filter b, is used. The transmittance characteristics of these R, G, and B filters are shown by the solid line in FIG. 13 (2), and the transmittance distribution when combined with the color light regulation filter 62 is shown by the broken line in FIG. 13 (2). It becomes like this. These R, G, and B filters are used by arranging each color in a mosaic pattern, stripe pattern, checkerboard pattern, etc. as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 61-22155. Further, as shown in FIG. 13(1), the spectral sensitivity of the color paper when corrected by the color light regulation filter 62 is shown by a broken line with respect to the spectral sensitivity (solid line) of the color paper before correction, 13th
This substantially matches the spectral sensitivity distribution of the photometric system shown in Figure (2).

After matching the spectral sensitivity distribution in this way, photometry is performed using a color light regulation filter, and as explained above, printing conditions for the standard negative film type are corrected and printed using a YSMSC filter, which results in different characteristics. Film types can also be printed well by the internal light subtraction method. Naturally, the present invention can be applied even if the photometric system and the exposure system are arranged separately in the internal light subtractive color printing method.

As explained above, according to this embodiment, various films can be printed well by correcting the printing conditions of the reference film type according to the film characteristics. It is possible to print with high quality from underexposure to overexposure. In addition, since various films are printed based on the printing conditions of the standard film type, even if various characteristics of the negative developing machine, negative film, automatic color photo printing device, etc. change, the same printing conditions will apply. That is, since it is only necessary to manage the printing conditions of the reference film type, appropriate management can be easily performed. Additionally, since the appropriate conditions for each type of film are automatically corrected, appropriate prints can be made for each type of film. Note that the photometry method, exposure control method, etc. in the above embodiments can be variously modified in implementing the present invention, and are not limited in any way.

The color correction AJ may be determined by a DJ function and a table value of AJ for image density, and Da j and Db j in determining Aj are ROlRN.

Not limited to the concentration of GO, etc., but also XO, XN,
Even if it is determined from the function of U (X=R, G, B, o is the i-bar density, N is the normal density, and U is the under density),
It may be a value obtained from a large amount of image data, or it may be an appropriate constant. Also, instead of determining AJ,
The value of j×slope control value or the value of AJ−PJ×slope control value may be determined.

Further, as the image density determined from the photometric value, in addition to the screen average density, an average density such as a high density part average density, a medium density part average density, or a low density part average density of the screen may be selectively used. In the above, the color deviation is expressed using dW, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of dW, dG or another color may be used, or the color ratio of each color may be used. Aj may be set as IJ Lux by adding other correction factors. The exposure dose function equation is not limited to the above embodiment. The determination of Pj is not limited to the above formula, for example,
Another concentration value may be used instead of GO-GN or GOXGN instead of dWo.

Furthermore, although an example in which R, G, and 83 colors are corrected has been described above, a difference in color balance may be detected and correction by AJ may be performed only for colors for which the difference exceeds a predetermined value.

Furthermore, in the above example, the exposure amount is determined by storing one printing exposure condition for the standard film type, but it is also possible to store a plurality of printing exposure conditions for each film type and determine the exposure amount as the standard printing exposure condition. Good too.

In addition, correction values are calculated from the film characteristics of the standard film type and the film characteristics of the film to be printed, that is, the difference and ratio of image densities between the two, the difference and ratio of gradients calculated from the image density, etc., and the standard printing exposure conditions are calculated. The exposure amount may be determined from the image density values of the three colors and this correction value.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an additive type automatic color photo printing apparatus to which the present invention is applicable, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the rotating disk of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the filter of FIG. 2. Figure 4 (1
), (2), and (3) are diagrams showing the characteristics of the R filter, and Figure 5 (1), (2), and (3) are color paper in the additive color method, spectral sensitivity distribution of a two-dimensional image sensor, etc. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the characteristic curve, Figure 7 (1),
(2) and (3) are diagrams for explaining film characteristics,
Figure 8 is a diagram showing the area for selecting photometric values, Figure 9 is a diagram of the curve for converting photometric values, Figure 10 is a flowchart for determining the density value for exposure control, and Figure 11 is the color area. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an internal light reduction type automatic color photographic printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied, and FIG. 13 (1).
(2) and (3) are color papers in the subtractive color method, diagrams showing the spectral sensitivity distribution of a two-dimensional image sensor, etc., Figure 14 is a diagram showing the characteristic curve of paper with G biased toward the high density side, Figure 15 is a diagram for explaining gamma balance values,
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the routine in the management means. Infrared cut filter, rotating disk, mirror box, negative film, color paper.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) Photometering means for photometering the film image of the film to be printed in terms of three primary colors, reading means for reading the code indicating the film type recorded on the film to be printed, and the film to be printed based on the read code. 3, which is equipped with a classification means for classifying by film type, and has a different storage area corresponding to the film type, and which is calculated from photometric values.
storage means for storing primary color image densities or combination values of the image densities in the storage area for each film type; determining means for determining whether image densities or combination values of the image densities are the same or similar; A film type management device for a photographic printing apparatus, comprising: control means for controlling the classification means and erasing the image density of one of the compared storage areas. (2) further comprising a setting means for setting, in the storage means, a storage area for storing the image density of the new film type by setting the film on which the new code is recorded as a new film type when a new code is read; A film type management device for a photographic printer according to claim (1).