JP2001222068A - Photo printing equipment and photo processing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To realize a large-size print using an existing image display device without increasing the cost. SOLUTION: On an LCD 12, a plurality of images A and B are displayed side by side in a direction corresponding to a transport direction X of a printing paper P. Then, printing lenses 13a and 13b that guide the light corresponding to each of the images A and B at least to different positions in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P, and the photographic paper P
And a light-shielding mask 14 that shields part of the light guided to each position so that the display images A and B can be printed on the different positions. Printing lenses 13a and 13b
Are provided corresponding to each of the different positions.
The light-shielding mask 14 is provided corresponding to each of the different positions, and includes an opening 14a that transmits only light corresponding to the image A and an opening 14b that transmits only light corresponding to the image B. .

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an LCD (Liquid C
The present invention relates to a photographic printing device for printing an image displayed on the image display device on photographic paper using an image display device such as a crystal display (DMD) or a digital micromirror device (DMD), and a photographic processing device provided with the same. In particular, the present invention relates to a photographic printing apparatus and a photographic processing apparatus capable of easily realizing high-resolution and large-size printing using an existing image display apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various photographic printing apparatuses called digital exposure devices have been proposed. In this type of photographic printing apparatus, each pixel of an LCD is driven based on digital image data to expose photographic paper. For example, a photographic film such as a negative film is once read by a scanner, and image processing such as color correction and gradation correction is performed on the obtained image data by an image processing apparatus. Exposure of photographic paper with a photographic printing apparatus can provide a high quality image (photograph). Therefore, in recent years, such digital exposure type photographic printing apparatuses have become very active.

As a method of exposing photographic paper in such a photographic printing apparatus, there are a method in which photographic paper is stopped for each frame of an image to perform exposure, and a method in which exposure is performed while conveying the photographic paper. . The former exposure method is a so-called surface exposure method, in which an image is printed using the entire display area of an image display device having a two-dimensional pixel arrangement.

The latter method is a so-called scanning exposure method. For example, in an image display device having a two-dimensional pixel arrangement, the photographic printing paper transport direction is perpendicular to the photographic paper transport direction (hereinafter referred to as the main scanning direction). The image is printed using the pixels or all the pixels arranged in (described below). LCS (Liquid Crystal Shutter)
, The head itself is elongated in the main scanning direction, and scanning exposure can be performed using a pixel in which pixels are arranged one-dimensionally or in a staggered manner in the above-described direction.

For example, an LCD having a two-dimensional pixel arrangement
, A black matrix (hereinafter, referred to as BM) in which light transmission cannot be controlled is provided between pixels serving as light transmitting portions.
Are abbreviated as a lattice. Therefore,
When surface exposure is performed using an LCD, B
Blocking the light at M results in the formation of a grid-shaped non-photosensitive area, which may degrade image quality.

In the surface exposure method, the print quality can be improved by employing a technique called pixel shift. The pixel shift is a method in which one of the image display device and the printing paper is shifted relative to the other, for example, by half a pixel, so that the non-photosensitive area is exposed to light to expose the area. is there. However, in this case, since a mechanism for moving the image display device or the photographic paper is newly required, the configuration of the device is complicated.

On the other hand, in an LCS in which pixels are arranged in a staggered manner in the main scanning direction, for example, one pixel in the main scanning direction is used.
Since the pixels on the adjacent line are adjacent to each other between the pixels on the line, by performing the scanning exposure, it is possible to fill the space between the pixels exposed on one line. In addition, it is possible to prevent a non-photosensitive area from being formed on the photographic paper as in the above-described surface exposure. Therefore,
In this case, good image quality can be obtained.

As described above, the scanning exposure method is very effective when performing exposure with a simple configuration and emphasizing image quality as compared with the surface exposure method.

[0009]

However, in recent years,
The demand for large-size prints from customers is also increasing. To realize such a large-sized print with a scanning exposure type photographic printing apparatus capable of printing high-quality images with a simple configuration, for example, by increasing each pixel of the LCS in the main scanning direction and increasing the size of the LCS It is easy to consider a method of increasing the size.

However, if a large special LCS corresponding to a large-sized print is to be newly manufactured for photographic printing, the manufacturing cost is high, and the cost of the photographic printing apparatus and thus the price of the photographic processing apparatus is increased. Occurs. It should be noted that the same problem as described above occurs when a large-size print is to be handled using an LCD having a two-dimensional pixel arrangement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to perform a large-size print using an existing image display device without increasing the cost. An object of the present invention is to provide a scanning exposure type photographic printing apparatus and a photographic processing apparatus.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic printing apparatus, wherein an image displayed on an image display device is transferred to a photosensitive material while the photosensitive material is being conveyed. A photographic printing apparatus that prints the image on a photosensitive material by projecting the plurality of images displayed side by side in a direction corresponding to a conveying direction of the photosensitive material on an image display device, and collects at least the photosensitive material. A projection unit for projecting each of the different positions in the width direction, and a light source corresponding to each of the images projected on each of the positions so that the display images can be printed on the different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material. And a light shielding means for shielding the portion from light.

According to the above arrangement, a plurality of images (for example, the first image and the second image) are displayed on the image display device (for example, LCD or DMD) in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the photosensitive material is conveyed. Then, these images are integrally projected by the projection means on each of at least different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material. As a result, at each of the different positions, the first image and the second image are projected side by side in the transport direction of the photosensitive material. The different position in the width direction may be different in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material.

The light corresponding to the second image is shielded by one of the different positions in the width direction, and the first light is shielded by the other in the different position in the width direction.
The light corresponding to the image is blocked. As a result, only the light corresponding to the first image and the light corresponding to the second image respectively reach different positions in the width direction. As a result, the first image and the second image, which are display images, are printed at different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material.

That is, as a result, the first image and the second image displayed side by side in the direction corresponding to the conveying direction of the photosensitive material on the image display device are projected by the projecting means and the light shielding means. It is printed at least at different positions in the width direction. Note that the first image and the second image may be printed at the same position in the transport direction of the photosensitive material, or may be printed at different positions.

In any of the above cases, when the exposure is performed while the photosensitive material is being conveyed, the width of the printed image on the photosensitive material is (the width of the first image + the width of the second image). .
In other words, this means that even if an image display device having a number of pixels that cannot display an image of (the width of the first image + the width of the second image) is used, the large-sized image is printed on the photosensitive material. Means you can do it. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a special image display device having a large number of pixels when performing large-size printing.

In addition, the number of pixels exposed in the width direction of the photosensitive material is the sum of the number of pixels constituting the first image and the second image. The resolution is definitely improved as compared with the case of printing on a material. In the above, two types of images, a first image and a second image, have been described as the plurality of images, but the same can be said for three or more types of images.

Therefore, according to the above configuration, a high-resolution and large-size print can be realized even with an existing image display device having a very small number of pixels.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic printing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein:
The projector is characterized in that the projection means comprises only printing lenses provided at least at different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material.

According to the above arrangement, since the projection means comprises only a printing lens, the configuration of the projection means is smaller than that in the case where the projection means comprises a combination of, for example, one printing lens and a plurality of mirrors. It is simple and the present invention can be easily realized. Further, since each printing lens corresponds to at least a different position in the width direction, each printing lens reliably projects an image displayed on the image display device at least at each of the different positions in the width direction. be able to. Further, since the printing lens itself is inexpensive, the price of the apparatus does not rise.

Further, if the projection means comprises only printing lenses, the position of each printing lens can be easily adjusted.
Therefore, for example, even when the magnification of each printing lens is changed, for example, by separating each printing lens in the width direction of the photosensitive material, images printed on the photosensitive material through the respective printing lenses are prevented from being blurred. It is possible,
There is also an effect that it is possible to easily cope with a change in magnification of each printing lens.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic printing apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein:
Each of the printing lenses is provided so as to correspond to a different position in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material.

For example, if each printing lens is provided at a different position in the width direction of the photosensitive material and corresponding to the same position in the transport direction, each printing lens is arranged side by side in the width direction. Will be done.
For this reason, if the magnification of each printing lens is extremely reduced, the plurality of display images may be printed on the photosensitive material apart from each other in the width direction even if the printing lenses are arranged in contact with each other.

However, by providing each printing lens not only in the width direction of the photosensitive material but also in a position different from the above-mentioned conveying direction, each printing lens is compared with the case where the printing lenses are arranged side by side in the width direction. The optical axes of the light obtained through the printing lens can be made closer to each other in the width direction. Thus, for example, if each image printed on the photosensitive material is separated in the width direction, when scanning exposure is performed, stripe unevenness due to a non-exposed area is formed in the transport direction of the photosensitive material. According to this, even when the magnification of each printing lens is extremely reduced, each printing lens can be positioned so that each image printed on the photosensitive material is connected in the width direction, and as a result, in the transport direction, It is possible to improve the image quality without striping unevenness.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic printing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the light shielding means is provided at least at different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material. And an opening for guiding light corresponding to each display image to the photosensitive material.

According to the above arrangement, for example, only the light corresponding to the first image is guided to at least one of the different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material through the opening of the light shielding means, and to the other position. Means that only light corresponding to the second image is guided through the different openings. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably print each display image at each of the different positions.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic printing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein:
The projection means is provided with printing lenses provided at least corresponding to at least different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material, and each printing lens is provided so that each display image can be printed at the same timing on the same line in the width direction. Optical path changing means for changing the optical path of light traveling from the light source to the photosensitive material.

For example, assuming that each printing lens is provided at a different position in the width direction and the conveying direction of the photosensitive material, a plurality of display images can be originally formed by each printing lens. Projected at the different positions. However, in the above configuration, the display path projected on the photosensitive material is uniformly printed in the width direction by changing the optical path of light traveling from each printing lens to the photosensitive material by the optical path changing unit.

Thus, even if there is uneven transport of the photosensitive material, all the display images printed at different positions in the width direction are printed on the photosensitive material transported at the same transport speed. Therefore, unlike the case where each display image is printed not only in the width direction but also in a different position in the transport direction, each image does not shift due to uneven transport between the different positions in the width direction. As a result, according to the above configuration, it is possible to reliably avoid image quality deterioration due to uneven transport of the photosensitive material.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic printing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein:
The light shielding means is located at different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material,
In addition, an opening for guiding only light corresponding to each display image to the photosensitive material is provided at the same position in the transport direction.

According to the above arrangement, for example, only light corresponding to the first image is guided to one of the same position in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material and different in the width direction through the opening of the light shielding means. Will be. Then, only the light corresponding to the second image is guided to the other position through the opening. Thus, it is possible to reliably print each display image at each of the same position in the conveying direction and the different position in the width direction of the photosensitive material.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention irradiates light corresponding to an image displayed on an image display device to the photosensitive material while transporting the photosensitive material. This is a photographic printing device for printing the image on a photosensitive material, wherein the image display device has a plurality of micromirrors arranged two-dimensionally, and each micromirror is turned on / off by an ON / OFF signal corresponding to image data. A digital micromirror device (hereinafter, referred to as DMD) that displays an image by changing the tilt of the mirror, and displays at least a first image to be printed on a photosensitive material by the turned on micromirror. On the other hand, at least the second image to be printed on the photosensitive material by the turned off micromirror is transferred in the transport direction of the photosensitive material. The first image is displayed side by side with the first image in a corresponding direction, and light obtained through the micromirror turned on and light obtained through the micromirror turned off are separately separated from each other. Projecting means for respectively guiding at least different positions in the width direction of
The light corresponding to the first image out of the light obtained through the micromirror turned N and the light corresponding to the second image out of the light obtained through the turned off micromirror are sensitized. Light-blocking means for blocking other light reaching the photosensitive material so as to reach each of the different positions of the material.

According to the above arrangement, the light obtained through the micromirror in the ON state of the DMD and the light obtained through the micromirror in the OFF state are separately separated by the projection means in at least the width direction of the photosensitive material. Are guided in different directions. Note that the micromirror in the ON state displays the first image if at least the first image is displayed.
An image other than the above image may be displayed. Similarly, OF
The micromirror in the F state may display an image other than the second image as long as at least the second image is displayed.

Then, of the light obtained through the micro mirror in the ON state, only the light corresponding to the first image is
Guided to one of the different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material and turned off
Of the light obtained through the micromirror in the state, the second
The other light is blocked by the light blocking means so that only the light corresponding to the image is guided to the other of the different positions.
As a result, only the light corresponding to the first image and the light corresponding to the second image respectively reach different positions in the width direction.

Therefore, as a result, the first image and the second image displayed side by side in the direction corresponding to the conveying direction of the photosensitive material on the DMD are converted into at least the width of the photosensitive material by the projection means and the light shielding means. Each is printed at a position in a different direction. Note that the first image and the second image may be printed at the same position in the transport direction of the photosensitive material, or may be printed at different positions.

In any of the above cases, when the exposure is performed while the photosensitive material is being conveyed, the width of the printed image on the photosensitive material is (the width of the first image + the width of the second image). .
In other words, this means that even if a DMD having no micromirrors by the number capable of displaying the image of (the width of the first image + the width of the second image) is used, the large-sized image can be used as the photosensitive material. It means that it can be burned. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a special DMD having a large number of micromirrors when performing large-size printing.

In addition, the number of exposed pixels in the width direction of the photosensitive material is the sum of the number of pixels constituting the first image and the second image. The resolution is surely improved as compared with the case of printing.

Therefore, according to the above configuration, high-resolution and large-size printing can be realized even when an existing DMD having a very small number of micromirrors is used as an image display device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a photographic printing apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention,
The projection means includes two printing lenses provided at least at different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material, and one of the printing lenses emits light obtained through the micromirror turned on. The printing lens is directed to the photosensitive material, and the other printing lens is directed to guide the light obtained through the OFF micromirror to the photosensitive material.

According to the above configuration, each printing lens is provided corresponding to each of the ON state micromirror and the OFF state micromirror, and each printing lens is obtained via the micromirror in each state. The light is guided to at least different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material.

Therefore, the photosensitive material can be exposed using both the light obtained through the ON state micromirror and the light obtained through the OFF state micromirror.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the configuration of the seventh or eighth aspect, if the data used when turning on an arbitrary micromirror is positive data, The image display device drives a micromirror that displays a first image with positive data of the first image, and drives a micromirror that displays a second image with negative data of the second image. And

According to the above configuration, when the micro mirror for displaying the first image is driven, a positive image of the first image is displayed when the micro mirror is turned on. On the other hand, when the micromirror for displaying the second image is driven, a positive image of the second image is displayed when the micromirror is turned off.
Therefore, the first image and the second image, both of which are aligned positive, are displayed on the DMD, so that the positive images of the first image and the second image can be printed on the photosensitive material. .

The photographic printing apparatus according to the invention of claim 10 is
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the projecting unit may be configured so that the images printed on different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material are connected to each other in the width direction. It is characterized in that light from an image display device is guided to a photosensitive material.

If the printed images on the photosensitive material are separated from each other in the width direction, stripe unevenness due to the non-exposed area is formed in the photosensitive material transport direction during scanning exposure. However, according to the above configuration, the projection unit guides the light from the image display device to the photosensitive material so that the respective printed images are connected to each other in the width direction. In this configuration, for example, the projection unit is constituted by a plurality of printing lenses, and each printing lens is provided corresponding to each of at least different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material, and the position of each printing lens is set in the width direction. It is feasible by adjusting to.

As a result, the printed images are connected to each other in the width direction, so that the non-exposed area is not formed between the printed images. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of the line unevenness in the transport direction and to surely improve the image quality of the printed image.

A photographic printing apparatus according to the invention of claim 11 is:
In order to solve the above problem, in the configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the image display device intersects a row direction and a column direction of a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix to display an image. Each image is displayed using the pixels in the directions, and the crossing direction is arranged so as to correspond to the width direction of the photosensitive material.

According to the above arrangement, each image is displayed using pixels in a direction intersecting the row direction and the column direction of a plurality of pixels in the image display device, and the intersecting direction is the width direction of the photosensitive material. When the image display device is arranged so as to correspond to the above, the width of the region for displaying the first image and the second image is smaller than the width of the image display device in the row direction and the column direction. A large width can be obtained. Thus, for example, the width of the image to be printed on the photosensitive material is compared with the case where the image display device is arranged and the scanning exposure is performed so that the row direction and the column direction of the pixel correspond to the transport direction and the width direction of the photosensitive material, respectively. Can be further expanded, and a higher-resolution and larger-sized print can be obtained.

The photographic printing apparatus according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the image display device displays each image using pixels that are arranged in a staggered relationship in the width direction of the photosensitive material. Features.

If scanning exposure is performed using pixels that are staggered in the width direction of the photosensitive material, two pixels in an arbitrary line in the width direction and two corresponding pixels on the photosensitive material in the image display device are aligned. Exposure can be performed by pixels on a line adjacent to the line. As a result, the non-photosensitive area is not formed on the photosensitive material, and the image quality (resolution) of the printed image can be reliably improved.

A photographic printing apparatus according to the invention of claim 13 is
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the light-shielding means is characterized in that it also functions as a transport guide for transporting the photosensitive material.

According to the above configuration, since the light shielding means also functions as the transport guide, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed as compared with a configuration in which the light shielding means is newly provided separately from the transport guide. As a result, the configuration of the device can be simplified, and the size of the device itself can be reduced.

The photographic processing apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the photographic printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and a developing unit that develops an image printed on a photosensitive material by the photographic printing apparatus are provided. Features.

A large-size image is printed on a photosensitive material by the photographic printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and this image is developed in a developing section. Can be obtained reliably.

[0055]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 shows a photographic processing apparatus according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, a printing unit 1 (photo printing device) 1, a photographic paper storage unit 2, a developing unit 3, a drying unit 4, and a PC (Personal Com
puter) 5.

The photographic paper storage unit 2 stores photographic paper P (see FIG. 3) as a photosensitive material to be supplied to the printing unit 1, and includes, for example, two papers for storing roll-shaped photographic paper P. The magazines 2 a and 2 b are provided above the printing unit 1. The paper magazines 2a and 2b store photographic papers P of different sizes (widths).
The printing paper P corresponding to the size of the output image is supplied to the printing unit 1 from the paper magazine 2a (or 2b).

As shown in FIG. 3, the printing section 1 has an exposure section 6
And transport rollers R1 to R5. The printing unit 1 is an image display device (described later) provided in the exposure unit 6.
Is irradiated on the photographic paper P while transporting the photographic paper P supplied from the photographic paper storage unit 2, thereby printing the image on the photographic paper P. The details of the exposure unit 6, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described later.

The transport rollers R1 to R5 are provided in the photographic paper storage unit 2.
The photographic paper P supplied from the printer is sent to the developing unit 3 via the exposure unit 6. For example, the photographic paper P stored in the paper magazine 2a is transported by rollers R1.
The printing paper P transported in order by R2, R3, and R4 and stored in the paper magazine 2b is transported by a transport roller R5.
-It is transported in order by R2, R3, and R4.

The developing section 3 develops an image printed on the photographic paper P by transporting the photographic paper P subjected to the printing processing in the printing section 1 while immersing the photographic paper P in various developing solutions. . In the present embodiment, an exposure unit 6 described later is used.
Thus, a large-sized image can be printed on the photographic printing paper P, and the developing unit 3 develops the large-sized printed image, so that a large-sized print can be reliably obtained finally.

The drying section 4 is for drying the photographic paper P developed in the developing section 3 by blowing hot air, for example. The PC 5 is a control unit that controls all operations of the photo processing apparatus, and is a central part of the photo processing apparatus. In addition, the PC 5 has a function of storing image data of an original image,
It has a function of performing data processing on image data.

As described above, the photographic processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured to continuously perform the exposure, the development processing, and the drying processing of the photographic paper P under the unified management. Therefore, it is possible to print a large number of photographs continuously without putting a burden on the user in operation.

Next, the configuration of the exposure section 6 which is a characteristic part of the present invention will be described.

The exposure section 6 has B (blue), G (green), R
(Red).
The exposure heads are arranged side by side in the photographic paper transport direction to perform exposure of each color, thereby forming a color image on the photographic paper P. The configuration of each exposure head is the same except that the colors of the filters arranged on the optical path are different. Hereinafter, details of each exposure head will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, each exposure head includes a light source 11, an LCD 12 (image display device),
3a and 13b (projection means) and a light-shielding mask 14 (light-shielding means). On the optical path between the light source 11 and the LCD 12, a filter (not shown) of any one of B (blue), G (green), and R (red) is arranged.

The light source 11 includes, for example, a halogen lamp for emitting light, and a reflector for reflecting light emitted from the halogen lamp to the side opposite to the LCD 12 toward the LCD 12. When light from the light source 11 passes through a filter of an arbitrary color (for example, B) directly or through a reflector, only the light of the above color is supplied to the LCD 12.

As shown in FIG. 4, the LCD 12 is a light modulation element including a plurality of pixels 15 in a matrix (a plurality of pixels 15 are arranged in a row direction a and a column direction b). More specifically, the LCD 12 has a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a transparent substrate on which a switching element (for example, a TFT) is disposed for each pixel 15 and a transparent counter substrate on which a counter electrode is formed. The voltage applied to the liquid crystal is
Thus, the transmission of light from the light source 11 is controlled for each pixel 15.

In the LCD 12, scanning lines and signal lines for driving the respective pixels 15 via the switching elements run perpendicular to each other. Then, a black matrix (hereinafter abbreviated as BM) 16 is formed so as to cover the scanning lines, the signal lines, and the switching elements.
Therefore, the BM 16 is formed to extend in the row direction a and the column direction b adjacent to each pixel 15.

Polarizing plates are provided on the outside of the transparent substrate and the opposite substrate (the side opposite to the liquid crystal layer) of the LCD 12, and only linearly polarized light enters the LCD 12 or exits the LCD 12. It has become. The polarization directions of the polarizing plates on the light incident side and the light output side are
It is set according to the drive mode of the liquid crystal layer. That is, in the normally white mode, the polarization directions of the two polarizing plates are set to be perpendicular to each other, and in the normally black mode, the polarization directions of the two polarizing plates are set to be parallel to each other. The present invention may be in either drive mode.

When the LCD 12 whose light transmission is controlled for each pixel 15 according to the image data is viewed from the light exit side polarizing plate, the light transmitted through the light exit side polarizer corresponds to the image data. Images can be observed. This means that the image is displayed on the LCD 12.

The LCD 12 used in the present embodiment is not a special one having a large number of pixels and compatible with a large-sized print, but an existing one which is widely available on the market. This is because the object of the present invention is to realize a large-size print using such an existing image display device.

The LCD 12 has a TN (Twisted Nema
tic) -LCD, STN (Super Twisted Nematic)-
It may be an LCD or the like. MI instead of TFT
An LCD using M (Metal Insulator Metal) as an active element may be used. In the present embodiment,
The LCD 12 is of a transmissive type, but may be of a reflective type.

In FIG. 4, the pixels 15 are arranged in a square array L
Although the CD 12 is shown, a rectangular array may be used. The square array refers to a pixel array in which a figure connecting the centers of four adjacent pixels (vertical 2 pixels × horizontal 2 pixels) is a square, and the rectangular array refers to a pixel array in which the figure is a rectangle. I have. When the LCD 12 is of a transmissive type, it is usual to form a rectangular array in order to increase the aperture ratio as much as possible. However, here, a square array will be described as an example for easy understanding of the present invention. It is just doing. Also,
The LCD 12 is not limited to the number of pixels shown in FIG.

Next, the positional relationship between the LCD 12 and the printing paper P will be described. FIG. 5 is a plan view when the LCD 12 is viewed from the light source 11 side. It should be noted that the illustration of the printing lenses 13a and 13b and the light shielding mask 14 is omitted in FIG. In the present embodiment, the LCD 12 is arranged such that the direction intersecting the row direction a and the column direction b of the plurality of pixels 15 arranged in a matrix corresponds to the width direction Y of the photographic paper P.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pixels 15 in the direction crossing each of the row direction a and the column direction b of the pixel 15 at an angle of, for example, 45 ° are arranged in the direction corresponding to the width direction Y of the printing paper P. In the case where the LCD 12 is provided, the pixel 15 of the line adjacent to the above-mentioned line is located at a position adjacent to and between the pixels 15 in an arbitrary line in the direction along the width direction Y of the printing paper P in the LCD 12. Will be. Therefore, if the photographic paper P is exposed while being transported using the pixels 15 which are arranged in a staggered relationship in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P, the pixels 15 on the arbitrary line and the corresponding pixels on the photographic paper P are exposed. The space between (the pixels exposed by the pixels 15) is exposed by the pixels 15 on the line adjacent to the line. Therefore, pixel 15.1
The non-photosensitive area corresponding to the BM 16 between 5 is not formed on the photographic paper P, and the image quality (resolution) of the printed image can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the LCD 12 uses the photographic paper P
A plurality (for example, two) of images are displayed using the pixels 15 in a staggered relationship in the width direction Y.
Here, for convenience of description below, a set of pixels 15 used to display one image is referred to as a pixel group 15A,
The image displayed by the pixel group 15A is referred to as an image A. A set of pixels 15 used to display the other image is referred to as a pixel group 15B, and an image displayed by the pixel group 15B is referred to as an image B.

The LCD 12 displays the plurality of images A and B described above.
Are displayed side by side in a direction corresponding to the transport direction X of the photographic paper P. Therefore, the pixel group 15A-1
5B are in a positional relationship arranged in the above-described direction. LCD12
Adopts such a display mode because the present invention prints a plurality of images arranged in the transport direction X of the photographic paper P at different positions in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P, thereby providing a large-size image. This is because they are trying to realize printing.

In this embodiment, even if the LCD 12 displays an image which is not related to the printing on the photographic paper P, the light corresponding to the image is shielded by the light-shielding mask 14 described later. Therefore, in the LCD 12, all the pixels 15 may be driven and controlled, or the pixel group 15A.
Only the pixels 15 of 15B may be drive-controlled. In any of the above cases, only the images A and B displayed on the LCD 12 can be printed on the photographic paper P.

Next, returning to FIG. 1, the remaining components, the printing lenses 13a and 13b and the light-shielding mask 14, will be described.

The printing lenses 13a and 13b are
The light corresponding to each of the plurality of images displayed on the photographic paper P is collectively guided to different positions at least in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P. Therefore,
The printing lenses 13a and 13b are provided corresponding to the different positions of the printing paper P, respectively. In the present embodiment, the printing lenses 13a and 13b are provided at positions different from each other in the transport direction X of the printing paper P.

In this embodiment, the printing lens 1 of the photographic paper P is used.
Since a light-shielding mask 14 described later is provided so as to cover at least the sides 3a and 13b, the images A and B displayed on the LCD 12 are integrally projected on the light-shielding mask 14 via the printing lens 13a. Projected onto
The light is projected onto the projection area M2 on the light shielding mask 14 via the printing lens 13b. The projection areas M1 and M2 are areas corresponding to different positions in the transport direction X and the width direction Y of the photographic paper P, respectively. As a result, the line-shaped images A and B are projected on the projection areas M1 and M2 in the width direction Y of the photographic printing paper P in a state of being arranged in parallel.

That is, by arranging the printing lenses 13a and 13b at different positions in the width direction Y of the printing paper P, the printing lenses 13a and 13b
Light from LCD 12 (light corresponding to each of images A and B)
Can be integrally guided to different positions in the width direction Y of the printing paper P.

The printing lens 1 corresponds to the same position in the transport direction X of the photographic paper P and different positions in the width direction Y.
When the lenses 3a and 13b are arranged, the printing lenses 13a and 13b
13b are arranged side by side in the width direction Y.
An image printed on the photographic paper P may be separated in the width direction Y because the light directed from the lens 12 to the individual printing lenses 13a and 13b has an incident angle.

However, in the present embodiment, the printing lenses 13a and 1a correspond to different positions in the transport direction X of the printing paper P.
3b, that is, by disposing the printing lenses 13a and 13b in the transport direction X,
The optical axis of the light guided from the lens 12 to the photographic paper P via the printing lenses 13a and 13b is shifted in the transport direction X. Thus, when the scanning exposure is performed, the printing paper P
Each light can be guided to the photographic paper P so that the images to be printed at different timings above are connected in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P. If the respective printed images on the photographic paper P are separated in the width direction Y, stripe unevenness due to the non-exposed area is formed in the transport direction X of the photographic paper P during scanning exposure. It is possible to improve the image quality by eliminating the line unevenness in the transport direction X.

The light shielding mask 14 shields a part of the light guided to each position so that each of the images A and B can be printed one by one at each of the different positions in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P. Is what you do. In order to realize this configuration, the light-shielding mask 14 is provided with an opening 14a for guiding only light corresponding to one of the images A and B projected on the projection areas M1 and M2 to the photographic paper P.・ It has 14b.

The opening 14a is provided at the position of the image A projected on the projection area M1 in the light shielding mask 14, and its shape corresponds to the shape of the pixel group 15A for displaying the image A on the LCD 12. I have. Therefore,
In the projection area M1, only light corresponding to the image A
4a. On the other hand, the opening 14
b is provided on the light shielding mask 14 at the position of the image B projected on the projection area M2, and its shape is LC
D12 corresponds to the shape of the pixel group 15B that displays the image B. Therefore, in the projection area M2, the image B
Is allowed to pass through the opening 14b. The openings 14a and 14b are provided corresponding to the different projection areas M1 and M2 in the transport direction X and the width direction Y of the photographic paper P.

That is, the light-shielding masks 14 are provided corresponding to at least different positions in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P, and the openings for guiding the light corresponding to the respective display images A and B to the photographic paper P are provided. It has the parts 14a and 14b.

The light-shielding mask 14 of the present embodiment is
And also serves as a conveyance guide for conveying without bending. That is, the light-shielding mask 14 is provided on the surface of the conveyance guide on the side covering the emulsion surface of the photographic paper P by the opening 14.
a and 14b. Since the light-shielding mask 14 also serves as a transport guide,
An increase in the number of parts can be suppressed. The light-shielding mask 14 and the transport guide may be provided separately as a matter of course.

Next, the operation of the exposure section 1 will be described.

When the light source 11 is turned on, light from the light source 11 passes through a filter of an arbitrary color (for example, B) and is
Reach twelve. At this time, the pixel group 15A of the LCD 12
By controlling the transmission of light of each pixel 15 of 15B according to the image data, the LCD 12 displays images A and B extending linearly along the width direction Y of the photographic paper P.
Are displayed side by side in the transport direction X of the photographic paper P.

The light corresponding to each of the images A and B thereafter reaches the projection area M1 on the light-shielding mask 14 integrally by the printing lens 13a, and the projection area on the light-shielding mask 14 integrally by the printing lens 13b. Reach M2.
As a result, the images A and B are respectively stored in the projection areas M1 and M2.
Are projected in parallel.

In the projection area M1, the projected images A and B
Out of the light corresponding to the image B, the light corresponding to the image B is shielded by the light shielding mask 14, and only the light corresponding to the image A
The printing paper P is reached via 4a. As a result, LCD1
Of the images A and B displayed in 2, only the image A is printed on the photographic paper P via the printing lens 13 a.

On the other hand, in the projection area M2, of the light corresponding to the projected images A and B, the light corresponding to the image A is shielded by the light shielding mask 14, and only the light corresponding to the image B is opened by the opening 14b. And reaches the photographic paper P via. As a result, L
The printing lens 1 of the images A and B displayed on the CD 12
Only the image B is printed on the photographic paper P via 3b.

That is, the openings 14a and 14a of the light-shielding mask 14 are so arranged that light corresponding to different images reaches at least different positions in the width direction Y of the printing paper P.
By providing b, a plurality of images A and B displayed on the LCD 12 are printed one by one at the different positions of the photographic paper P. Therefore, a plurality of the same images are not printed at different positions on the printing paper P.

As described above, since the images A and B are printed at different positions at least in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P, the exposure of the photographic paper P by the LCD 12 is not performed.
By performing while carrying the photographic paper P, finally,
For example, an image whose entire width is (the width of the image A + the width of the image B) is printed on the printing paper P.

By sequentially printing such an image for each exposure head corresponding to each color of BGR, a color image is printed on the printing paper P. Thereafter, the image printed on the photographic paper P is developed by the developing unit 3 and then dried by the drying unit 4 and discharged outside the machine.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the LCD 1
2, a plurality of images A and B are displayed side by side in a direction corresponding to the transport direction X of the photographic paper P, and the printing lens 1 is displayed.
Since the images A and B are printed at different positions in the width direction Y of the printing paper P by providing the 3a and 13b and the light shielding mask 14, the image displayed on the LCD 12 (for one line)
Compared to printing on photographic paper P as it is
Is reliably spread in the width direction Y of the printing paper P. Moreover, since the number of exposed pixels in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P is the sum of the number of pixels 15 constituting the images A and B, compared to a case where the display image on the LCD 12 is simply enlarged and printed on the photographic paper P. As a result, the resolution is definitely improved.

Therefore, according to the configuration of the present embodiment,
Even if a large-sized print head (array) dedicated to line exposure is not made, high-resolution and large-size printing can be realized by using the LCD 12, which is an existing display panel having no particularly large number of pixels. Moreover, since the existing LCD 12 can be used, the cost of the apparatus itself does not increase as in the case of using a large and expensive LCD having a large number of pixels.

Further, for example, a combination of one printing lens and a plurality of mirrors allows the photographic paper P
Considering a configuration in which the optical path of the light to the image is changed in a complicated manner and the display images are printed one by one on the photographic paper P, it is necessary to separate each light corresponding to the images A and B by the projection means.

However, according to the present invention, it is possible to separate each of the above-mentioned lights in the light-shielding mask 14 without separating them in the projection means, so that it is not necessary to dispose the above-described light path changing means. That is, in the present invention, by using the light-shielding mask 14, the means for projecting the images A and B onto the photographic paper P can be constituted only by the printing lenses 13a and 13b. As a result, the configuration of the projection unit is greatly simplified, and the present invention can be easily realized.
Moreover, since the printing lenses 13a and 13b are inexpensive, there is also an effect of reducing the price of the apparatus.

In the present embodiment, the images A and B are displayed using the pixels 15 in a direction crossing the row direction a and the column direction b of the plurality of pixels 15 arranged in a matrix for displaying the image. At the same time, the LCD 12 is arranged such that the cross direction corresponds to the width direction Y of the printing paper P. Thereby, the width of each display area of the images A and B (the photographic paper P
LCD in the direction corresponding to the width direction Y)
It is possible to obtain a width larger than the width in the row direction a and the width in the column direction b.

For example, the LCD 12 is arranged so that the diagonal direction of the LCD 12 corresponds to the width direction Y of the photographic paper P, and the image A is formed by using the pixels 15 located at a position close to the diagonal line.
・ If B is displayed, (width of images A and B) ² ≒ (LCD1
2 width in the row direction a) ² + (width of the LCD 12 in the column direction b)
A relationship of ² is obtained, and the width of the images A and B is the largest.

Therefore, by arranging the LCD 12 obliquely as described above and performing exposure while widening the display area of the images A and B, the LCD 12 is not arranged obliquely, that is, the pixel 15 of the LCD 12 Of the image printed on the photographic paper P as compared with the case where the LCD 12 is arranged so that the row direction a of the photographic paper P corresponds to the width direction of the photographic paper P.
Can be further widened in the width direction, and a high-resolution and large-size print can be obtained.

Even if the row direction a or the column direction b of the pixels of the LCD 12 is arranged so as to correspond to the width direction Y of the photographic paper P, the plurality of images A and B displayed on the LCD 12 are Is printed at different positions in the width direction Y of
The number of exposed pixels in the width direction Y also increases as compared with the case where the image is simply enlarged and printed on the photographic paper P. Therefore, even in the case of the above arrangement, at least the effect of the present invention that a high-resolution and large-size print can be obtained can be obtained.

However, in the case of the above arrangement of the LCD 12, streak unevenness corresponding to the BM 16 of the LCD 12 is formed in the transport direction X of the photographic paper P, and the image quality may be deteriorated. In this case, as the image display device, for example, if a reflection type LCD that can take a large aperture ratio (the width of the BM 16 is small) is used,
The above-mentioned stripe unevenness can be reduced as much as possible.

In this embodiment, the pixels 15 for displaying the images A and B are the pixels 15 which are completely arranged in a zigzag manner in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P. Pixels 15 slightly varying in X may be used.
The pixels 15 of one line (two lines corresponding to the images A and B) arranged in the width direction Y may be used. In short, image A
It is sufficient to use a pixel 15 for displaying B in a direction corresponding to the transport direction X.

In the present embodiment, the pixel groups 15A.1
5B are set to have the same shape (outer shape and width), but may be set to be different from each other as shown in FIG. 6, for example. At this time, the pixel group 15A and the shape of the opening 14a of the light shielding mask 14 correspond to each other, and the pixel group 15B and the opening 14a of the light shielding mask 14 correspond to each other.
It suffices if the shape of b corresponds.

By the way, according to the structure of this embodiment, it is possible to easily cope with a change in the magnification of the printing lenses 13a and 13b. That is, if the magnification of the printing lenses 13a and 13b is increased, the centers of the linear images A and B printed on the photographic paper P at the time of enlargement will be the respective centers of the images A and B (the width direction Y of the photographic paper P). In the middle).
In this case, when the scanning exposure is performed with the magnification increased, a portion where the image A and the image B overlap on the photographic paper P occurs, so that line unevenness along the transport direction X of the photographic paper P occurs. In this case, the width of the printed image in the width direction Y of the printing paper P is smaller than (the width of the image A + the width of the image B), which is not efficient for increasing the size.

However, in this embodiment, the projection means for projecting the display image on the LCD 12 onto the photographic paper P is provided by the printing lens 1.
3a and 13b, the printing lens 13
The positions of a and 13b can be easily adjusted. For example, by separating the printing lenses 13a and 13b in the width direction Y, the above-described inconvenience can be easily solved.

Also, such printing lenses 13a, 13a
By adjusting the position of b, the width direction Y of the photographic paper P of the images A and B
Can be adjusted, the printing lens 13a
Depending on the position 3b, for example, it is possible to guide the light from the LCD 12 to the photographic paper P such that the images printed at different positions in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P are connected in the above-described direction. In this case, the printing lens 13 of the present embodiment
a.13b is an LC value such that images printed at different positions in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P are connected to each other in the above direction.
It can be said that the light from D12 is guided to the photographic paper P.

The size of the printed image is adjusted not only by changing the magnification of the printing lenses 13a and 13b as described above, but also by adjusting the display area (pixel group 1) on the LCD 12, for example.
5A and 15B), that is, the pixel group 15A
It is also possible to adjust by adjusting the number of pixels 15 constituting 15B. In this case, the printed images are connected to each other in the width direction Y of the printing paper P (separated,
It is necessary to select the pixels 15 to be driven and controlled so that they do not overlap.

The exposure method described in this embodiment can be called the following first to third exposure methods.

The first exposure method is an exposure method of projecting a display image of a flat panel (surface head) on a photosensitive material and performing scanning exposure. In the exposure method, a plurality of display images of the flat panel are projected on the photosensitive material. This is a method of performing scanning exposure using an oblique line as a main scanning direction.

The second exposure method is the same as the first exposure method, wherein the plurality of display images are displayed side by side in the transport direction of the photosensitive material, and at least the photosensitive material is provided by a printing lens provided corresponding to each display image. This is an exposure method for printing each display image at a different position in the width direction.

The third exposure method is a method of exposing the photosensitive material in the second exposure method such that images printed at different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material are connected to each other in the width direction.

In this embodiment, the number of images displayed on the LCD 12 is two, that is, the images A and B. However, the present invention is not limited to this number. Openings of the light-shielding mask 14 are provided in the same number as the number of display images, and the width direction Y of the photographic paper P is
If each opening is provided in the light-shielding mask 14 so that light corresponding to different images reaches different positions, and the shape of each opening is formed corresponding to the shape of the display area of each display image, By displaying three or more images on the LCD 12 and performing scanning exposure, it is possible to realize a larger-sized print.

In the present embodiment, the exposure unit 6 has a BGR
A so-called tandem-type photoprinting apparatus that includes an exposure head corresponding to BGR and sequentially performs each exposure of the BGR while transporting the photographic paper P has been described.
The present invention can also be applied to a system in which light in the three directions from the CD 12 is combined into one by a combining prism and the photographic paper P is exposed. In this case, for example, the LCD 12 of FIG.
Will be arranged at the position where the images A and B are displayed.
Since the image must be used in common for printing GR images, the shape of the image display area on each LCD 12 must correspond to the shape of the openings 14a and 14b of the light-shielding mask 14.

Also, as in the present embodiment, even if each exposure head corresponding to BGR is not provided,
It is also possible to obtain a color image with one exposure head. That is, for example, the LCSs in which pixels are arranged in two lines (a total of four lines) in a staggered manner in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P are arranged in the transport direction X of the photographic paper P for BGR (three in total), and the LCSs of each LCS are staggered. 2 types of images A for each line (2 lines in total)
・ Display B. Then, in the projection area M1 of the light-shielding mask 14, three openings corresponding to the BGRs are individually provided so that only the BGR light of the image A reaches the photographic paper P.
Are provided side by side in the transport direction X, and the image B
The three openings of the BGR are provided in the transport direction X of the photographic paper P so that only the BGR light reaches the photographic paper P.

In the present embodiment, the LCD 12 is used as the image display device. However, the LCD 12 may be any device that is not specially manufactured for a large size.
It may be a PLZT, EL, LED panel, FOCRT, CRT, or the like.

The additional requirements described above are of course also applicable to the second and third embodiments.

[Embodiment 2] The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. For convenience of description, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The photographic printing apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the photographic printing apparatus according to the first embodiment, except that the exposure unit 6 is replaced by the one shown in FIG.
The configuration is exactly the same as that of the first embodiment except that the exposure unit 21 shown in FIG. The exposure unit 21 uses a light-shielding mask 22 (light-shielding means) in place of the light-shielding mask 14 in the exposure unit 6, and prints the lens 13 a of the light-shielding mask 22.
The mirrors 23a and 23b (optical path changing means) are provided upright on the 13b side.

The light-shielding mask 22 shields a part of the light guided to each position so that the display images A and B can be printed one by one at different positions in the width direction Y of the printing paper P. Thus, it has the same function as the light shielding mask 14 of the first embodiment. However, the light shielding mask 22 differs from the light shielding mask 14 of the first embodiment in the following points.

That is, the light-shielding mask 14 has openings 14a and 14b corresponding to different positions in the transport direction X and the width direction Y of the photographic paper P. ), A rectangular opening along the width direction Y of the photographic paper P is only one opening 2
Only provided as 2a. Moreover, this opening 22
a in the width direction Y is equal to the length of the opening 14a.
b is almost the same as the sum of the lengths in the width direction Y. Note that FIG. 7B shows the LCD shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the light shielding mask 14 when viewed from the side 12, but illustration of the LCD 12 and the printing lenses 13 a and 13 b is omitted.

The above-mentioned openings 22a are located at different positions in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P and at the same positions in the transport direction X, and each display image obtained via mirrors 23a and 23b described below. It functions to guide only light corresponding to A and B to the photographic paper P.

The mirrors 23a and 23b are provided at different positions in the transport direction X and the width direction Y of the photographic paper P. Moreover, the mirror 23a is located on the upstream side in the transport direction X of the photographic paper P with respect to the opening 22a, and the mirror 23b is located on the downstream side in the transport direction X with respect to the opening 22a. It is provided at a point symmetrical position with respect to the portion 22a. Therefore, assuming that light is incident on the surfaces of the mirrors 23a and 23b on the side of the opening 22a, each light is reflected by each of the mirrors 23a and 23b.
23b reflects the light toward the opening 22a.

In this embodiment, the printing lenses 13a and 13
b is provided so as to correspond to each of the mirrors 23a and 23b, and is provided so that light from the LCD 12 can be applied to the surfaces of the mirrors 23a and 23b on the opening 22a side. Therefore, in the present embodiment, such an arrangement of the printing lenses 13a and 13b is an arrangement corresponding to different positions in the transport direction X and the width direction Y of the photographic paper P.

Further, the mirror 23a is
Are arranged so that, for example, only the light corresponding to the image B, out of the light incident on the light shielding mask 22, can be guided to the opening 22a of the light shielding mask 22. On the other hand, the mirror 23b is arranged so that, of the light incident on the mirror 23b, only the light corresponding to the image A can be guided to the opening 22a.

Since only one opening 22a is provided in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P in the form of a single line, the mirrors 23a and 23b of the present embodiment allow the image A
B from the printing lenses 13a and 13b so that B can be printed on the same line in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P at the same timing via the opening 22a.
It can be said that the light path is changed by reflecting the light traveling toward.

In the above configuration, light corresponding to each of the images A and B emitted from the LCD 12 is emitted from the printing lens 1.
The light enters each of 3a and 13b as a unit. The light incident on the printing lens 13a reaches the mirror 23a via the printing lens 13a, and is reflected by the mirror 23a toward the opening 22a of the light shielding mask 14. On the other hand, the light that has entered the printing lens 13b reaches the mirror 23b via the printing lens 13b, and is reflected by the mirror 23b toward the opening 22a of the light-shielding mask 14.

At this time, due to the above arrangement of the mirrors 23a and 23b, the light corresponding to the image A reflected by the mirror 23a is radiated to, for example, a portion other than the opening 22a of the light shielding mask 22, and Is shielded from light. Therefore, the printing lens 13a and the mirror 23a
Is not printed on the printing paper P. On the other hand, the light corresponding to the image B reflected by the mirror 23a is guided toward the opening 22a and reaches the printing paper P. Therefore, the printing lens 1
The light corresponding to the image B obtained via the mirror 3a and the mirror 23a is printed on the printing paper P.

The image B reflected by the mirror 23b
Light corresponding to, for example, the opening 22a of the light-shielding mask 22.
Irradiation is performed on other parts, and the light is shielded by the light shielding mask 22. Therefore, the printing lens 13b and the mirror 23
The light corresponding to the image B obtained through b is not printed on the printing paper P. On the other hand, the light corresponding to the image A reflected by the mirror 23b is guided toward the opening 22a and reaches the printing paper P. Therefore, the light corresponding to the image A obtained via the printing lens 13b and the mirror 23b is printed on the printing paper P.

As a result, the image A displayed on the LCD 12
B is printed on the same line in the width direction Y of the printing paper P at the same timing at different positions in the width direction Y of the printing paper P.

As described above, also in this embodiment, images A and B displayed side by side in the direction corresponding to the transport direction X of the photographic paper P on the LCD 12 are similar to the first embodiment.
Since printing is performed at least at different positions in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P, a large-sized print can be obtained.

Further, in this embodiment, the exposure lines on the photographic paper P are aligned using the optical path changing means (for example, mirrors 23a and 23b), that is, the images A and B displayed on the LCD 12 are converted to the width of the photographic paper P. Since the printing is performed in the same line shape in the direction Y, even if the photographic printing paper P has transport unevenness, the influence of the transport unevenness on the image quality can be almost eliminated.

That is, as in the first embodiment, the printing paper P
When printing the images A and B at different positions not only in the width direction Y but also in the conveyance direction X, the width direction Y
, Adjacent images are images printed at different timings. Therefore, if the transport speed of the photographic paper P is different at the time of printing each image, the adjacent images will be in the transport direction X of the photographic paper P. To be printed relatively shifted. In this case, the width direction Y
The image is shifted like a tomogram on both sides of the line connecting the contact points of the images adjacent to each other in the transport direction X, thereby deteriorating the image quality. Therefore, in order to prevent the image quality from deteriorating due to such transport unevenness, it is necessary to provide a mechanism for eliminating the transport unevenness.

However, in the present embodiment, since the images A and B are printed at the same timing in the same line shape in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P, even if the photographic paper P is transported unevenly, the image is printed in the width direction Y. Image A to be printed next to
B does not relatively shift in the transport direction X. Therefore, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, it is possible to avoid a deterioration in the image quality of a printed image, not to mention a case where there is no transport unevenness of the photographic paper P, even if there is such a transport unevenness. That is, it is possible to eliminate the pixel shift due to the transport unevenness.

In this embodiment, since the presence or absence of the transport unevenness has little relation to the image quality, it is not necessary to newly provide a mechanism for eliminating the transport unevenness. Further, since it is only necessary to provide the light-shielding mask 22 instead of the light-shielding mask 14 of the first embodiment and to dispose the mirrors 23a and 23b,
The configuration of the device is not significantly complicated.

In this embodiment, for example, LC
Image using all pixels 15 of D12 (including images A and B)
Is displayed, the image is not focused on the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors 23a and 23b, but for each line in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P in the image,
Even if the optical path is changed by the mirrors 23a and 23b, the printing paper P
You can focus on the top. Therefore, in the present embodiment in which the linear images A and B are printed, the arrangement of the mirrors 23a and 23b causes the images A and B on the photographic paper P to be printed.
The images A and B can be reliably printed on the photographic paper P with good image quality without blurring of B.

[Embodiment 3] Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. For convenience of description, the same components as those in Embodiments 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The photographic printing apparatus according to this embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that the exposure section 6 is replaced by the exposure section 31 shown in FIG. is there. Exposure unit 31 uses LC in exposure unit 6
In this configuration, a DMD 32 is arranged in place of D12. In this embodiment, the light source 11 is attached to the DMD 32 so that the DMD 32 can be irradiated with light.
It is arranged on the 3a / 13b side.

The DMD 32 has a plurality of micromirrors arranged two-dimensionally, and has an ON / OF according to image data.
This is a digital micromirror device that controls the exposure of photographic paper by changing the inclination of each micromirror according to the F signal and changing the reflection direction of light incident on each micromirror. Each micromirror corresponds to one pixel 15 of the LCD 12 shown in the first and second embodiments, and the DMD 32 is similar to the LCD 12 of the first embodiment.
The plurality of micromirrors 33 arranged in a matrix are arranged such that the direction intersecting the row direction a and the column direction b corresponds to the width direction Y of the photographic paper P.

Here, FIGS. 9A and 9B show DMD 32
1 shows an ON state and an OFF state in one pixel. Hereinafter, details of the DMD 32 will be described.

The DMD 32 has a structure in which a plurality of micro mirrors 33 each having a small size and capable of swinging are provided on a substrate 35 via corresponding posts 34. Also, D
The MD 32 has a memory cell (not shown) corresponding to each micro-mirror 33 on the substrate 35, and supplies a binary signal to the memory cell according to image data, and the micro-cell corresponding to the memory cell. A controller (not shown) for swinging the mirror 33 is further provided.

By supplying a signal of "1" corresponding to an ON signal or "0" corresponding to an OFF signal to each memory cell from the controller according to image data, a memory cell and a micro mirror 33 corresponding thereto are supplied. Electrostatic attraction and repulsion occur between the two. Thus, the inclination of each micromirror 33 changes with the post 34 as a fulcrum with respect to the surface of the substrate 35.

In other words, in FIGS. 14A and 14B, when the counterclockwise direction is considered to be positive, the O
In the N state, the micromirror 33 tilts by −θ with respect to the surface of the substrate 35 with the post 34 as a fulcrum (tilts clockwise by + θ). On the other hand, the O
In the FF state, the micro mirror 33 is
Incline by + θ with the post 34 as a fulcrum relative to the surface (tilt clockwise by −θ).

Here, when the DMD is viewed from the reflection direction of the micro mirror in the ON state, for example, a positive image corresponding to the image data can be observed. At this time, DMD
When viewed from the reflection direction of the micro mirror in the OFF state,
A negative image obtained by inverting the positive image can be observed. In each case, although the observation position is different,
It can be said that an image is displayed on the DMD. For example, the DMD 32 is arranged to expose the photographic paper P so that light can be supplied to the photographic paper P only via the micromirror 33 in the ON state. Thus, the above positive image can be printed on the printing paper P. Note that the gradation of the image printed on the photographic paper P depends on each micromirror 3.
It is controlled by the time when 3 is ON.

In the present embodiment, the DMD 32 displays at least the image A (first image) to be printed on the photographic paper P by the micromirror 33 turned on, and at least prints the image A by the micromirror 33 turned off. Image B to be printed on paper P (second image)
Is displayed side by side with the image A in a direction corresponding to the transport direction X of the photographic paper P. In addition, each of the images A and B is the same as in the first embodiment, in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P.
Is a line-shaped image extending in the direction corresponding to.

Here, the micro mirror 33 turned ON
May be displayed at least when the mirrors other than the micromirror 33 that displays the image A (except for the mirror that displays the image B) are turned on. Means This is because, in the present embodiment, even if there is a micromirror 33 that is ON other than the micromirror 33 that displays the image A, light obtained through the micromirror 33 is blocked by the light-blocking mask 14 described later. This does not affect the printing of the image on the photographic paper P. Further, the image B is turned on by the micromirror 33 turned off.
Is displayed at least for the same reason as described above.

If the data used to turn on any micro mirror 33 is positive data, the DMD 3
2 drives the micromirror 33 that displays the image A with the positive data of the image A, and drives the micromirror 33 that displays the image B with the negative data of the image B. Thereby, when the micro mirror 33 for displaying the image A is driven,
When 3 is ON, the positive image of the image A is displayed. On the other hand, when the micromirror 33 that displays the image B is driven, a positive image of the image B is displayed when the micromirror 33 is turned off. Therefore, since the images A and B aligned with the positive are displayed on the DMD 32, the positive images of the images A and B can be printed on the photographic paper P.

In this embodiment, the printing lens 13a
13b are provided respectively corresponding to different positions in the width direction Y of the printing paper P, and one of the printing lenses 1
3a guides the light obtained through the turned on micromirror 33 to the photographic paper P, and the other printing lens 13b
It is arranged to guide the light obtained through the micromirror 33 turned off to the photographic paper P. That is, the printing lenses 13a and 13b separately separate the light obtained through the micromirror 33 turned on and the light obtained through the micromirror 33 turned off in the width direction Y of the printing paper P. Each is led to a different position.
Therefore, the printing lens 13a and the micromirror 33 in the ON state have a one-to-one correspondence with the printing lens 13b and the micromirror 33 in the OFF state.

In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the printing lenses 13a and 13b are provided not only in the width direction of the photographic paper P but also in different positions in the transport direction X. I have.

Here, the projection area N1 in FIG.
When all the micromirrors 33 of the MD 32 are turned on, the image displayed on the micromirrors 33 is projected onto the light shielding mask 14. On the other hand, the projection area N2 includes all the micro mirrors 33 of the DMD 32.
Indicates an area where the image displayed on the micromirror 33 is projected onto the light-shielding mask 14 when is turned off. The projection areas N1 and N2 correspond to different positions in the transport direction X and the width direction Y of the photographic paper P, respectively. Therefore, the image A projected in the projection area N1 and the image B projected in the projection area N2 can be printed at least at different positions in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P.

In the present embodiment, the light shielding mask 14 is used.
Is the light corresponding to the image A among the light obtained through the micromirror 33 in which the DMD 32 is turned on, and the light corresponding to the image B in the light obtained through the micromirror 33 in which the DMD 32 is turned off. The other light reaching the printing paper P is blocked so as to reach each of the different positions of the printing paper P.

For this reason, the light-shielding mask 14 is provided with openings 14a and 14b corresponding to the different positions of the photographic paper P as in the first embodiment. Then, of the light obtained through the micromirror 33 turned on and the printing lens 13a, only the light corresponding to the image A is guided to the photographic paper P through the opening 14a, and turned off.
Of the light obtained through the micromirror 33 and the printing lens 13b, only the light corresponding to the image B is guided to the photographic paper P through the opening 14b.

That is, the opening 14a of the light shielding mask 14
Are provided at positions and shapes corresponding to the positions and shapes of the micromirrors 33 that display the image A, and the openings 14 b are provided at positions and shapes corresponding to the positions and shapes of the micromirrors 33 that display the image B. Is provided.

Next, images A and B displayed on DMD 32 are displayed.
The principle of printing at different positions in the width direction Y of the printing paper P will be described. In the following, for convenience of description, each micromirror 33 that displays the image A is described as a first pixel group, and each micromirror 33 that displays the image B is described as a second pixel group. Further, the discussion will proceed on the assumption that all the micro mirrors 33 other than the first and second pixel groups are always in the OFF state.

First, the light source 11 is turned on to irradiate the DMD 32 with light, and the micromirrors 3 of the first pixel group are turned on.
3 is driven by the positive data of the image A, and each micromirror 33 of the second pixel group is driven by the negative data of the image B. Thereby, each micro mirror 33 of the first pixel group
Is turned ON, and a positive image of the image A is displayed on the micromirror 33 when viewed from the reflection direction. On the other hand, each micro mirror 33 of the second pixel group is turned off, and a positive image of the image B is displayed on the micro mirror 33 when viewed from the reflection direction.

When the DMD 32 is irradiated with light, it turns ON.
Is only the micromirror 33 of the first pixel group, the light reflected by the micromirror 33 enters the printing lens 13a and passes through the printing lens 13a and the opening 14a of the light shielding mask 14. To reach the photographic paper P. Therefore, a positive image of the image A displayed in the first pixel group is printed on the photographic paper P.

On the other hand, the light reflected by the OFF micro mirror 33 enters the printing lens 13b,
The image A is guided to a position different from the image A in the width direction Y of the printing paper P via the printing lens 13b. At this time, due to the arrangement of the openings 14b of the light-shielding mask 14, only the light reflected by the micromirrors 33 of the second pixel group among the micromirrors 33 that are turned off is opened.
, Only the light reaches the photographic paper P via the opening 14b, while the light reflected by the micromirrors 33 other than the second pixel group is shielded by the light shielding mask 14. As a result, in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P, the image A
A positive image of the image B is printed at a position different from the position shown in FIG.

When the micromirror 33 of the second pixel group is turned on after the printing of the image B on the photographic paper P is completed, a negative image B 'of the image B is displayed on the micromirror 33. However, the negative image B ′ is not printed on the printing paper P. This is because when the micro mirror 33 of the second pixel group is turned on, the micro mirror 3
The light reflected at 3 goes to the direction of the printing lens 13a and is guided by the printing lens 13a in the direction of the printing paper P. The opening 14a of the light shielding mask 14 is provided at a position corresponding to the first pixel group. Since only the light corresponding to the image A is transmitted, the light corresponding to the negative image B ′ is
Since the light cannot enter the opening 14a,
This is because the light is shielded by.

After the printing of the image A on the printing paper P is completed, the micromirror 33 of the first pixel group is turned off.
Then, the negative image A ′ of the image A is displayed on the micromirror 33, but the negative image A ′ is not printed on the printing paper P for the same reason as described above.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the DMD 32 is used as the image display device in the configuration of the first embodiment, and the ON / O of the micro mirror 33 of the DMD 32 is used.
The FF direction is made to correspond to the printing lenses 13a and 13b, respectively.
The photographic paper P is exposed using the reflected light from the micromirror 33 in the state. Even in such a configuration, by selectively irradiating the photographic paper P with the light by the light-shielding mask 14, the images A and D displayed side by side in the direction corresponding to the transport direction X of the photographic paper P on the DMD 32.
B can be printed at different positions in the width direction Y of the photographic paper P. Therefore, also in the present embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

Further, the configuration of the present embodiment uses the photographic paper P by using both the ON light and the OFF light in the DMD 32.
, The light use efficiency can be improved as compared with the configuration in which the DMD is arranged instead of the LCD 12 in the first embodiment. Therefore, by employing the configuration of the present embodiment in a photographic printing apparatus, a printer having a high processing capability can be obtained.

Note that the effects of the present invention can be obtained even when the micromirrors 33 other than the first and second pixel groups are always in the ON state or the ON state and the OFF state are mixed. be able to. This is because light obtained through the micromirrors 33 other than the first and second pixel groups is transmitted through the apertures 14a and 14a provided corresponding to the first and second pixel groups.
This is because the light is not transmitted through 14b and is always shielded by the light-shielding mask 14, so that it does not contribute to the printing of the image on the printing paper P at all. That is, the ON / OFF state of the micromirror 33 has no effect on the present invention.

Further, the exposure method of the present embodiment can be expressed as follows. In other words, the exposure method according to the present embodiment uses projection means (for example, the printing lens 13) on a photosensitive material.
a and 13b), the flat panel is a DMD, and the DMD ON / OFF mirror direction (each inclination) corresponds to each of the two projection means.
When D is ON, the photosensitive material is exposed through one projection unit, and when DMD is OFF, the photosensitive material is exposed through the other projection unit.

It is of course possible to combine the present embodiment with the second embodiment.

[0168]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic printing apparatus.
As described above, in the image display device, a plurality of images displayed side by side in the direction corresponding to the transport direction of the photosensitive material are collectively, and a projecting unit that projects the images at least at different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material, Light shielding means for shielding a part of light corresponding to each image projected at each position so that each display image can be printed at a different position in the width direction of the photosensitive material. .

Therefore, the first image and the second image displayed side by side in the direction corresponding to the conveying direction of the photosensitive material on the image display device are projected by the projection means and the light shielding means at least in the width direction of the photosensitive material. Printed in different locations. Note that the first image and the second image may be printed at the same position in the transport direction of the photosensitive material, or may be printed at different positions.

In any of the above cases, when the exposure is performed while the photosensitive material is being conveyed, the width of the printed image on the photosensitive material is (the width of the first image + the width of the second image). .
In other words, this means that even if an image display device having a number of pixels that cannot display an image of (the width of the first image + the width of the second image) is used, the large-sized image is printed on the photosensitive material. Means you can do it. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a special image display device having a large number of pixels when performing large-size printing.

In addition, the number of exposed pixels in the width direction of the photosensitive material is the sum of the number of pixels constituting the first image and the second image. The resolution is definitely improved as compared with the case of printing on a material. Further, in the above, two types of the first image and the second image are given as the plurality of images. However, the same applies to three or more types of images.

Therefore, according to the above configuration, there is an effect that a high-resolution and large-size print can be realized even by using an existing image display device having a very small number of pixels.

As described above, in the photographic printing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, the projection means are respectively provided at at least different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material. It is a configuration that is configured only with the configuration.

Therefore, the configuration of the projecting means is simpler than the case where the projecting means is composed of, for example, a combination of one printing lens and a plurality of mirrors. As a result, claim 1
In addition to the effects of the configuration described above, the present invention can be easily realized. Further, the images displayed on the image display device can be reliably projected at least at the different positions in the width direction by each printing lens. Further, since the printing lens itself is inexpensive, the price of the apparatus does not rise.

Further, if the projection means comprises only printing lenses, the position of each printing lens can be easily adjusted.
Therefore, for example, even when the magnification of each printing lens is changed, for example, by separating each printing lens in the width direction of the photosensitive material, images printed on the photosensitive material through the respective printing lenses are prevented from being blurred. It is possible,
This also has the effect of easily coping with a change in magnification of each printing lens.

In the photographic printing apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, as described above, in the configuration of the second aspect, each of the printing lenses is provided corresponding to a different position in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material. Configuration.

Therefore, by providing each printing lens not only in the width direction of the photosensitive material but also in a position different from the above-mentioned conveying direction, each printing lens is compared with the case where the printing lenses are arranged side by side in the width direction. The optical axes of the light obtained through the respective printing lenses can be made closer to each other in the width direction. Thus, for example, if each image printed on the photosensitive material is separated in the width direction, when scanning exposure is performed, stripe unevenness due to a non-exposed area is formed in the transport direction of the photosensitive material. According to this, even when the magnification of each printing lens is extremely reduced, each printing lens can be positioned so that each image printed on the photosensitive material is connected in the width direction. As a result, in addition to the effect of the configuration of claim 2, the unevenness in the transport direction is eliminated,
There is an effect that the image quality can be improved.

In the photographic printing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, as described above, in any one of the first to third aspects, the light shielding means corresponds to at least different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material. And an opening for guiding light corresponding to each display image to the photosensitive material.

Therefore, for example, only the light corresponding to the first image is guided to at least one of the different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material through the opening of the light blocking means, and the second position is provided at the other position. Only the light corresponding to the image of (i) is guided through the different openings. Thus, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to third aspects, there is an effect that each display image can be reliably printed at each of the different positions.

As described above, in the photographic printing apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, the projection means are respectively provided at at least different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material. And optical path changing means for changing the optical path of light from each printing lens toward the photosensitive material so that each display image can be printed on the same line in the width direction at the same timing.

Therefore, by changing the optical path of light from each printing lens to the photosensitive material by the optical path changing means, each display image projected on the photosensitive material is printed uniformly in the width direction. Thus, even if the photosensitive material is transported unevenly, all the display images printed at different positions in the width direction are printed on the photosensitive material transported at the same transport speed. Therefore, unlike the case where each display image is printed not only in the width direction but also in a different position in the transport direction, each image does not shift due to uneven transport between the different positions in the width direction. As a result, according to the above configuration, in addition to the effect of the configuration of the first aspect, there is an effect that the deterioration of image quality due to uneven transport of the photosensitive material can be reliably avoided.

As described above, in the photographic printing apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the fifth aspect, the light shielding means is provided at different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material and at the same position in the transport direction. The configuration has an opening for guiding only light corresponding to each display image to the photosensitive material.

Therefore, for example, only light corresponding to the first image is guided to one of the same position in the conveying direction of the photosensitive material and different in the width direction through the opening of the light shielding means. Then, only the light corresponding to the second image is guided to the other position through the opening. Thereby, in addition to the effect by the structure of Claim 5,
This has the effect that each display image can be reliably printed at each of the same position in the transport direction of the photosensitive material and at a different position in the width direction.

As described above, in the photographic printing apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the image display apparatus has a plurality of micromirrors arranged two-dimensionally.
A digital micromirror device (hereinafter, referred to as DMD) for displaying an image by changing the inclination of each micromirror according to the / OFF signal, and at least the photosensitive material should be printed by the micromirror turned on. While displaying the first image, O
At least a second image to be printed on the photosensitive material by the micromirror that has become the FF is displayed side by side with the first image in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the photosensitive material is conveyed. The light obtained through the micromirror turned on and the light obtained through the micromirror turned off are separately obtained through projection means for guiding the light to at least different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material. The light corresponding to the first image of the light and the light corresponding to the second image of the light obtained through the turned off micromirror reach each of the different positions of the photosensitive material. Thus, the light-shielding means is provided with light-shielding means for shielding other light reaching the photosensitive material.

Therefore, the first image and the second image displayed side by side in the direction corresponding to the conveying direction of the photosensitive material on the DMD are positioned at different positions in at least the width direction of the photosensitive material by the projection means and the light shielding means. Each is baked. Note that the first image and the second image may be printed at the same position in the transport direction of the photosensitive material, or may be printed at different positions.

In any of the above cases, when the exposure is performed while the photosensitive material is being conveyed, the width of the printed image on the photosensitive material is (the width of the first image + the width of the second image). .
In other words, this means that even if a DMD having no micromirrors by the number capable of displaying the image of (the width of the first image + the width of the second image) is used, the large-sized image can be used as the photosensitive material. It means that it can be burned. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a special DMD having a large number of micromirrors when performing large-size printing.

Moreover, the number of exposed pixels in the width direction of the photosensitive material is the sum of the number of pixels constituting the first image and the second image. The resolution is surely improved as compared with the case of printing.

Therefore, according to the above configuration, even when an existing DMD having a very small number of micromirrors is used as an image display device, a high-resolution and large-size print can be realized. To play.

As described above, in the photographic printing apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the seventh aspect, the projection means are provided at two positions respectively corresponding to at least different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material. Equipped with a baked lens,
One printing lens guides light obtained through the turned on micromirror to the photosensitive material, and the other printing lens guides light obtained through the turned off micromirror to the photosensitive material. It is a configuration that is

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the structure of claim 7, the light-sensitive material can be used by utilizing both the light obtained through the ON state micromirror and the light obtained through the OFF state micromirror. This has the effect that exposure can be performed.

In the photographic printing apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, as described above, if the data used to turn on an arbitrary micromirror is positive data in the configuration of the seventh or eighth aspect, , A micromirror for displaying a first image is driven by positive data of the first image, while a micromirror for displaying a second image is driven by negative data of the second image.

Therefore, when the micro mirror for displaying the first image is ON, a positive image of the first image is displayed on the micro mirror. On the other hand, when the micromirror for displaying the second image is OFF, a positive image of the second image is displayed on the micromirror. Therefore, DM
In D, the first image and the second image, both of which are aligned positive, are displayed. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the configuration according to claim 7 or 8, the first image and the second image are formed on the photosensitive material. There is an effect that a positive image can be printed.

The photographic printing apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention
As described above, in the configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the projecting unit is configured to control the image display device so that images printed at different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material are connected in the width direction. Is guided to the photosensitive material.

Since the printed images are connected to each other in the width direction, no stripe unevenness is formed in the non-exposed area in the transport direction of the photosensitive material during the scanning exposure. Accordingly, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to ninth aspects, an effect that the image quality of the printed image can be surely improved.

A photographic printing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention
As described above, in the configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the image display device includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix for displaying an image in a direction intersecting a row direction and a column direction. Each image is displayed by using the same, and the cross direction is arranged so as to correspond to the width direction of the photosensitive material.

Therefore, for example, printing is performed on the photosensitive material as compared with the case where the image display device is arranged so that the row direction and the column direction of the pixel correspond to the conveying direction and the width direction of the photosensitive material, respectively, and the scanning exposure is performed. The width of the image can be further increased. As a result, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to tenth aspects, it is possible to obtain a higher-resolution and larger-sized print.

A photographic printing apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention
As described above, in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the image display device is configured to display each image using pixels that are arranged in a staggered relationship in the width direction of the photosensitive material.

Therefore, the non-photosensitive area is not formed on the photosensitive material. As a result, claims 1 to 11
In addition to the effects of any one of the above configurations, there is an effect that the image quality (resolution) of the printed image can be reliably improved.

The photographic printing apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention
As described above, in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the light shielding means is configured to also serve as a transport guide for transporting the photosensitive material.

Therefore, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed as compared with the configuration in which the light shielding means is newly provided separately from the transport guide. As a result, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the configuration of the device can be simplified, and the device itself can be downsized.

A photographic processing apparatus according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention
As described above, a photographic printing apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects and a developing unit for developing an image printed on a photosensitive material by the photographic printing apparatus.

A large-size image is printed on a photosensitive material by the photographic printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and this image is developed in a developing section. This has the effect that it can be obtained reliably.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of an exposure unit in a photographic printing apparatus (printing unit) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a photographic processing apparatus having the printing unit.

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

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration of an LCD provided in the exposure unit.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship between the LCD and printing paper.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the shape of each pixel group displaying different images on the LCD.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of an exposure unit in a photographic printing apparatus (printing unit) according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a plan view of a part of the exposure unit.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an exposure section in a photographic printing apparatus (printing section) according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views respectively showing the degree of tilt of the micromirror at the time of ON / OFF in the DMD provided in the exposure unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 printing unit (photo printing device) 3 developing unit 12 LCD (image display device) 13a printing lens (projection unit) 13b printing lens (projection unit) 14 light-shielding mask (light-shielding unit) 15 pixel 22 light-shielding mask (light-shielding unit) 23a mirror (Optical path changing unit) 23b Mirror (optical path changing unit) 32 DMD (image display device) 33 Micromirror A image (first image) B image (second image) P Photographic paper (photosensitive material) X transport direction Y width Direction a Row direction b Column direction

Claims (14)

[Claims] An image displayed on an image display device is projected onto the photosensitive material while the photosensitive material is being conveyed,
A photoprinting apparatus for printing the image on a photosensitive material, wherein a plurality of images displayed side by side in a direction corresponding to a conveying direction of the photosensitive material on an image display device are grouped together.
Projecting means for projecting at least each of different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material, and corresponding to each image projected at each position so that the display images can be printed on the different positions of the photosensitive material in the width direction. A photographic printing apparatus, comprising: a light-shielding unit that shields a part of light to be emitted. 2. A photographic printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said projection means comprises only printing lenses provided respectively corresponding to at least different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material. 3. The photographic printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of said printing lenses is provided corresponding to a different position in a conveying direction of the photosensitive material. 4. The light-shielding means is provided at each of different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material, and has openings for guiding light corresponding to each display image to the photosensitive material. The photographic printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: 5. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein said projection means is provided with printing lenses provided at least at different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material, and prints respective display images on the same line in the width direction at the same timing. 2. A photographic printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an optical path changing means for changing an optical path of light from each printing lens toward the photosensitive material. 6. The light-shielding means is provided at different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material and at the same position in the transport direction.
The photographic printing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an opening for guiding only light corresponding to each display image to the photosensitive material. 7. A photographic printing apparatus for printing an image on a photosensitive material by irradiating the photosensitive material with light corresponding to an image displayed on an image display device while conveying the photosensitive material. The display device is a digital micromirror device in which a plurality of micromirrors are two-dimensionally arranged, and an image is displayed by changing the inclination of each micromirror by an ON / OFF signal corresponding to image data. The micromirror is turned on to display at least a first image to be printed on the photosensitive material, and the turned off micromirror displays at least a second image to be printed on the photosensitive material according to the transport direction of the photosensitive material. The image is displayed side by side with the first image in a corresponding direction. And the light obtained Te, O
Projecting means for separately guiding the light obtained through the micromirror which has become the FF to at least different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material; and the first means out of the light obtained through the micromirror which has been turned on. The light corresponding to the second image and the light corresponding to the second image out of the light obtained through the turned off micromirrors reach the different positions of the photosensitive material so that the light corresponding to the image of the photosensitive material reaches each of the different positions. A photographic printing apparatus, comprising: a light-shielding unit that shields other light that arrives. 8. The projection means includes two printing lenses provided respectively corresponding to at least different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material, and one of the printing lenses is provided via a micro mirror which is turned on. 8. The light-emitting device according to claim 7, wherein the light obtained through the micro-mirror is turned off to guide the light obtained through the turned-off micromirror to the light-sensitive material. Photo printing equipment. 9. When the data used to turn on an arbitrary micromirror is positive data, the image display device drives a micromirror for displaying a first image with the positive data of the first image, 9. The photographic printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the micro mirror for displaying the second image is driven by the negative data of the second image. 10. The light projection device according to claim 1, wherein the projection means guides light from the image display device to the photosensitive material such that images printed at different positions in the width direction of the photosensitive material are connected in the width direction. A photographic printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9. 11. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix for displaying the image is displayed using pixels in a direction intersecting a row direction and a column direction. 11. The photographic printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the direction is arranged so as to correspond to the width direction of the photosensitive material. 12. The photographic printing device according to claim 1, wherein said image display device displays each image using pixels in a staggered relationship in the width direction of the photosensitive material. apparatus. 13. The light shielding means according to claim 1, wherein said light shielding means also serves as a transport guide for transporting the photosensitive material.
13. The photographic printing apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 12. 14. A photograph, comprising: the photographic printing apparatus according to claim 1; and a developing section for developing an image printed on a photosensitive material by the photographic printing apparatus. Processing equipment.