JP2005070764A - Printing apparatus and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing apparatus and a printing method capable of efficiently exposing.
A printing apparatus includes memories 218 and 220. The LUT for the first image to be exposed is stored in the memory 218. The first image data corresponding to the first image is converted into first exposure data using the LUT stored in the memory 218, and the first image is exposed on the photographic printing paper S based on the first exposure data. Before the exposure of the first image is completed, the LUT for the second image to be exposed following the first image is stored in the memory 220. The second image data is converted into second exposure data using the LUT stored in the memory 220, and the second image is exposed on the photographic printing paper S based on the second exposure data.
[Selection] Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method, and more particularly to a printing apparatus and a printing method used when images are continuously exposed on a photosensitive material.

  When an image is exposed to a photosensitive material with a laser, a look-up table (hereinafter also referred to as “LUT”), which is conversion information for converting image data into a desired gradation, and dimensions such as image width and length Data must be set in the printing device before exposure. Also, the LUT must be changed before exposure when it corresponds to a temperature change or the like, and the dimension data must be changed before exposure.

An example of this type of prior art is disclosed in Patent Document 1.
In Patent Document 1, when the temperature changes by a certain value or more, arithmetic processing is performed on the density data of each gradation of the LUT, and new gamma characteristic data is renewably written in the LUT. By rewriting the contents of the LUT in this way, when the laser light is modulated by an acousto-optic modulator (hereinafter referred to as “AOM”), the amount of light is corrected and the amount of light due to the temperature change of the laser generation unit. The amount of change is corrected.
JP 2003-18825 A

  In the above-described conventional technology, the LUT can be rewritten in response to a temperature change. However, since the LUT cannot be used for exposure during the LUT rewriting, the exposure cannot be started until the LUT rewriting is completed.

As described above, in the above-described prior art, since the exposure process is interrupted during LUT rewriting, the exposure efficiency decreases when the LUT needs to be rewritten. In particular, when an image is continuously exposed without leaving a space on the photosensitive material, if the exposure process is interrupted for LUT rewriting, the efficiency is lowered and the characteristics cannot be fully utilized.
Similarly, the efficiency decreases when the size of the image is not constant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method that can be efficiently exposed even when conversion information needs to be changed.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method that can be efficiently exposed even when a change in image size is required.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first conversion for converting the first image data corresponding to the first image to be exposed to the first exposure data of a desired gradation is performed. First storage means for storing information, second conversion information for converting second image data corresponding to a second image to be exposed following the first image into second exposure data having a desired gradation is stored. The second storage means converts the first image data into the first exposure data using the first conversion information stored in the first storage means when the first image is exposed, and the second image when the second image is exposed. Control means for converting the second image data into second exposure data using the second conversion information stored in the second storage means, and exposing the first image to the photosensitive material based on the first exposure data, and the second exposure. Exposure to expose the second image on the photosensitive material based on the data Provided with the means.

  The printing apparatus according to claim 2 is the printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first conversion information includes a first lookup table in which image data and exposure data are associated with each other, and the second conversion information is image data. And a second lookup table that associates the exposure data with the exposure data and is different from the first lookup table.

  4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first storage means stores first dimension data relating to the dimension of the first image to be exposed, and the second dimension data relating to the dimension of the second image to be exposed following the first image. Second storage means for storing first image data corresponding to the first image into first exposure data having a desired gradation, and second image data corresponding to the second image being converted to the second having the desired gradation. A means for converting to exposure data, and a first image having a predetermined size is exposed on the photosensitive material based on the first exposure data and the first dimension data, and the photosensitive material is exposed on the basis of the second exposure data and the second dimension data. Exposure means for exposing a second image having a predetermined size is provided.

  The printing apparatus according to claim 4 is the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the exposure unit continuously exposes the first image and the second image on the photosensitive material without any interval. It is characterized by that.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the first storage information for converting the first image data corresponding to the first image to be exposed to the first exposure data having a desired gradation is stored in the first storage means. 1st step, 2nd step of converting 1st image data into 1st exposure data using 1st conversion information memorized by the 1st storage means, 1st image exposure to photosensitive material based on 1st exposure data A second step for converting second image data corresponding to a second image to be exposed following the first image into second exposure data having a desired gradation before the exposure of the first image is completed. A fourth step of storing the conversion information in the second storage means, a fifth step of converting the second image data into the second exposure data using the second conversion information stored in the second storage means, and second exposure data Exposing a second image to the photosensitive material based on Comprising the step.

  The printing method according to claim 6 is the printing method according to claim 5, wherein the first conversion information includes a first lookup table in which image data and exposure data are associated with each other, and the second conversion information is image data. And a second lookup table that is different from the first lookup table and associates the exposure data with the exposure data. In the second step, the first image data is converted to the first exposure data using the first lookup table. In the fifth step, the second image data is gradation-converted into second exposure data using the second lookup table.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first step, first dimension data relating to the dimension of the first image to be exposed is stored in the first storage means, and the first image data is converted into first exposure data having a desired gradation. The second step of converting, the third step of exposing the photosensitive material to the first image having a predetermined dimension based on the first exposure data and the first dimension data, following the first image before completion of the exposure of the first image A fourth step of storing second dimension data relating to the dimension of the second image to be exposed in the second storage means; a fifth step of converting the second image data corresponding to the second image into second exposure data of a desired gradation; And a sixth step of exposing the second image having a predetermined size to the photosensitive material based on the second exposure data and the second dimension data.

  The printing method according to claim 8 is the printing method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein after the first image is exposed to the photosensitive material, the second photosensitive material is continuously applied to the photosensitive material without a gap. The image is exposed.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the printing apparatus includes first storage means and second storage means for storing the conversion information. Therefore, when converting the first image data into the first exposure data using the first conversion information stored in the first storage means and exposing the first image to the photosensitive material based on the first exposure data, If the first conversion information is inappropriate for the second image to be subsequently exposed, the second conversion information for the second image may be stored in the second storage means before the end of exposure of the first image. it can. Thus, unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary to set (rewrite) conversion information from the beginning after the exposure of the first image, and it is only necessary to switch the conversion information to be used. An image can be exposed, and can be efficiently exposed even when conversion information needs to be changed due to, for example, a temperature change. The same applies to the printing method according to the fifth aspect.

  If the conversion information is an LUT, the image data can be converted into exposure data of a desired gradation easily and quickly. The same applies to the printing method according to the sixth aspect.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the printing apparatus includes first storage means and second storage means for storing the dimension data. Therefore, when the first image having a predetermined dimension is exposed on the photosensitive material based on the first exposure data and the first dimension data stored in the first storage means, the dimension of the second image to be subsequently exposed is the first. If it is different from the size of one image, the second size data for the second image can be stored in the second storage means before the exposure of the first image is completed. Thus, unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary to set (rewrite) the dimension data from the beginning after the exposure of the first image, and it is sufficient to switch the dimension data to be used. The second image having a predetermined size can be exposed to the light, and the exposure can be efficiently performed even when the size of the image to be exposed is not constant. The same applies to the printing method according to the seventh aspect.

  According to the present invention, the conversion information and the dimension data can be changed without interrupting the exposure. Therefore, as described in claims 4 and 8, the first image and the subsequent second image are not spaced apart from each other (exposure interval is reduced). This is effective for continuous exposure.

  According to the present invention, after the exposure of the first image is completed, the second image can be exposed smoothly. For example, even when the conversion information needs to be changed due to a temperature change or the like, the exposure can be performed efficiently. Further, even when the size of the image to be exposed is not constant, the exposure can be performed efficiently.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
1 to 3, a printing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus that is preferably used in a large-scale developing place or the like that performs a large amount of printing. Further, it is suitably used for a separation type image printing system in which subsequent development processing, cutting, sorting, and the like are performed by separate apparatuses.

  The printing apparatus 10 includes a supply magazine 12 that winds and stores photographic paper S, which is a photosensitive material, in a roll shape, an exposure processing unit 14 that performs image exposure (printing) on the photographic paper S, and rolls the photographic paper S that has been subjected to exposure processing again. A winding magazine 16 that winds up and stores, a control unit 18 for controlling the operation of the printing apparatus 12, an input unit 20 such as a keyboard and a mouse for an operator to input data and instructions, and the printing apparatus 10 It includes a display unit 22 for displaying a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that makes it easy to perform, an image to be exposed on the printing paper S, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the exposure processing unit 14 includes a supply unit 24 for pulling out the roll-shaped photographic paper S stored in the supply magazine 12. A paper end sensor 26 for detecting the end of the photographic paper S and a joint of the photographic paper S are detected on the transport path of the long photographic paper S drawn by the supply unit 24 and on the downstream side of the supply unit 24. A splicing sensor 28, a paper cutter 30 used when ordering or forcibly cutting the photographic paper S, a guide roller 32 for changing the direction of the photographic paper S, and a loop forming portion 34 are disposed.

  The rollers in the supply unit 24 are driven by a motor 36, and the paper cutter 30 and the guide roller 32 are driven by motors 38 and 40, respectively.

The tension or the like applied to the photographic paper S is absorbed by the loop forming unit 34. In addition, sensors 42 to 48 are provided in order to detect the degree of loop of the photographic paper S by the loop forming unit 34.
The same applies to loop forming units 60 and 80 described later.

  Paper sensors 50 and 52 for detecting the position of the photographic paper S are arranged on both sides of the loop forming unit 34, and are used to determine the presence or absence of a paper jam, the position of the photographic paper S, and the like. The same applies to paper sensors 58, 78 and 84 described later.

  A guide roller 54 for changing the direction of the photographic paper S, a punch 56 for forming a punch hole as a mark in the photographic paper S, a paper sensor 58, a loop forming unit 60, and exposure are further provided on the conveyance path of the photographic paper S. A mark sensor 62 for detecting a mark for processing or the like is arranged.

  For example, the mark sensor 62 detects a cut mark H1 and an order mark H2 formed on the photographic paper S as shown in FIG. The cut mark H1 is formed for each image (frame), and the order mark H2 is formed for each order. Sensors 64 and 66 for detecting a loop of the photographic paper S are arranged in the vicinity of the loop forming unit 60.

  The guide roller 54 is driven by a motor 68, and one roller pair 60a and the other roller pair 60b of the loop forming unit 60 are driven by motors 70 and 72, respectively.

  On the downstream side of the mark sensor 62, conveyance roller pairs 74 and 76 are arranged, and further, a paper sensor 78, a loop forming unit 80, a conveyance roller pair 82, and a paper sensor 84 are arranged. A long photographic printing paper S is scanned and exposed by an exposure unit 86, which will be described later, at an exposure section P between the conveyance roller pairs 74 and 76, and a plurality of images are continuously formed as latent images. Sensors 88 and 90 for detecting a loop of the photographic paper S are arranged in the vicinity of the loop forming unit 80.

  The conveyance roller pairs 74 and 76 are driven by a motor 92, and the pressure bonding / crimp release operation of the pressure roller 74a constituting the conveyance roller pair 74 is performed by the motor 94, and the pressure bonding / pressure bonding of the pressure roller 76a constituting the conveyance roller pair 76 is performed. The releasing operation is performed by the motor 96, and the conveying roller pair 82 is driven by the motor 98.

  The photographic paper S processed by the exposure processing unit 14 is wound up in the winding magazine 16 without being developed and stored in a roll shape. As the subsequent processing, for example, the photographic paper S is manually loaded into another processing device (not shown), and development processing, cutting, and sorting are performed, and a finished print is produced.

Returning to FIG. 1, the supply magazine 12, the exposure processing unit 14, the take-up magazine 16, the input unit 20 and the display unit 22 are controlled by the control unit 18.
The control unit 18 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 104, a RAM 106, a hard disk drive (HDD: including a hard disk) 108, and a CD-ROM drive 110 connected to each other via a bus 100.

  The CPU 102 executes various programs stored in the ROM 104, the HDD 108, and the like, gives instructions to each component in the printing apparatus 10 and the scanner 114, and controls their operations.

  The ROM 104 stores a startup program and the like. The activation program is executed by the CPU 102 when the printing apparatus 10 is turned on. As a result, a program such as an operating system (OS) recorded in the HDD 108 is loaded into the RAM 106, and various processes and controls can be executed.

  A program for controlling the printing apparatus 10 is expanded in the RAM 106. The processing result of this program, temporary data for processing, and display data for displaying information on the screen of the display unit 22 (text data, image data) Etc.) and is used as a work area for the CPU 102. The display data developed on the RAM 106 is transmitted to the display unit 22, and the display unit 22 displays the display content (text, image, etc.) corresponding to the display data on the screen.

  The HDD 108 is a device for recording and reading programs, control data, text data, image data, and the like on the hard disk in accordance with instructions from the CPU 102. In this embodiment, a program for operating the printing apparatus 10 is stored in the hard disk in the HDD 108, and image data of an image to be exposed on the photographic paper S is stored.

  The CD-ROM drive 110 reads programs and data recorded on the CD-ROM 112 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 102.

  The scanner 114 is connected to such a control unit 18. The scanner 114 reads an image to be exposed on the photographic paper S as image data, and the image data is stored in the HDD 108.

  The control unit 18 includes a CPU 116 that performs image processing shown in FIG. 5 and image data memories 118R, 118G, and 118B. The CPU 116 sends and stores the image data given from the HDD 108 via an input / output unit (not shown) to the image data memories 118R, 118G, and 118B. Image data memories 118R, 118G, and 118B store R (red), G (green), and B (blue) image data, respectively.

Next, the exposure unit 86 will be described.
Referring to FIG. 5, the exposure unit 86 is configured in a laser exposure type in which laser light is scanned in a direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the photographic paper S to expose and form an image on the photographic paper S. .
The exposure unit 86 includes a CPU 200 that controls the exposure unit 86 in an integrated manner, and a ROM 201 that stores a control program for the exposure unit 86 and the like.

  Further, the exposure unit 86 includes three laser generation units 202R, 202G, and 202B for the three primary colors that are incorporated in appropriate positions in the light-shielded casing. The laser generator 202R is configured by a semiconductor laser (LD) that emits R (red) laser light having a wavelength of 680 nm, for example. The laser generator 202G includes a semiconductor laser and a second harmonic generator (SHG) that converts laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser into G (green) laser light having a wavelength of 532 nm, for example. The laser generator 202B includes a semiconductor laser and a second harmonic generator (SHG) that converts laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser into B (blue) laser light having a wavelength of 473 nm, for example.

  The level setting of the laser beam output from each of the laser generators 202R, 202G, and 202B is performed by the laser output drivers 204R, 204G, and 204B.

  AOMs 206R, 206G, and 206B, which are examples of laser light modulators, are disposed corresponding to the output sides of the laser generators 202R, 202G, and 202B, and mirrors 208R, 208G, and 208B that constitute a scanning optical system, A reflecting mirror 210, a lens 212, and a polygon mirror 214 that rotates in the A direction in the figure and scans the incident laser light in the B direction within a predetermined range are sequentially arranged. In the vicinity of the laser generators 202R, 202G, and 202B, a laser temperature detector 216 is provided for detecting the ambient temperature (atmosphere temperature) of the laser beam, and thus the temperature of the laser beam.

  Further, in the vicinity of the exposure unit P, an ambient temperature detection unit 217 for detecting the ambient temperature of the photographic paper S and thus the temperature of the photographic paper S is provided.

  Further, the exposure unit 86 includes memories 218 and 220, dimension data memories 222 and 224, and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) 226 which is an example of a programmable device.

  The memory 218 stores an R (red) LUT 218R, a G (green) 218G, and a B (blue) 218B in a rewritable manner. The memory 220 stores an R (red) LUT 220R, a G (green) 220G, and a B (blue) LUT 220B that are different from the LUT in the memory 218 in a rewritable manner. Each of the LUTs 218R, 218G, 218B, 220R, 220G, and 220B constitutes conversion information for converting image data into exposure data of a desired gradation so that a desired image can be exposed on the photographic paper S. In this embodiment, in order to convert 8-bit image data into exposure data of 12 bits (4096 gradations: 0 to 4095 gradations), this is a table in which image data and exposure data are associated with each other, and 256 × 3 = 768 data sets are required.

  Note that the amount of laser light output from the laser generators 202R, 202G, and 202B changes with changes in temperature, and the color density of the photographic paper S changes when the amount of laser light changes. Further, when the ambient temperature of the photographic paper S changes in the exposure unit P, the color density of the photographic paper S changes. In order to correct this change, a temperature-dependent LUT is prepared. In this embodiment, the two memories 218 and 220 can store the temperature-dependent LUT, and either of the two memories 218 and 220 can be stored. Data conversion is performed using the LUT stored in one side. For example, when the memory 218 is used for exposure of an image, if the temperature detected by the laser temperature detector 216 or the temperature detected by the ambient temperature detector 217 changes more than a predetermined value, the temperature change The LUT corresponding to is written in the memory 220, or the LUT in the memory 220 is rewritten to an LUT corresponding to the temperature change. Then, before the exposure of the next image is started, the memory 218 is switched to 220, and the image data is converted into exposure data using the LUT of the memory 220. As described above, by switching between the memories 218 and 220 and using the LUT corresponding to the temperature change, when the laser light is modulated by the AOMs 206R, 206G, and 206B, the amount of light is corrected, and the laser generators 202R, 202G, and A change in the amount of light due to the temperature change of 202B can be corrected. A plurality of LUTs corresponding to the temperature may be stored in the ROM 201 in advance, and an optimum LUT may be selected according to the temperature change and stored in the memory 218 or 220.

  The dimension data memory 222 stores dimension data related to the dimensions (width, length, etc.) of the image to be exposed, and the dimension data memory 224 stores dimension data different from the dimension data in the dimension data memory 222. The For example, when the dimension data in the dimension data memory 222 is used for exposure of a certain image, but the dimension of the certain image differs from the next image to be exposed, the exposure of the next image is started. Previously, the dimension data for the next image is written into the dimension data memory 224, or the dimension data in the dimension data memory 224 is rewritten with the dimension data for the next image. Then, the dimension data in the dimension data memory 224 is used when the next image is exposed. As described above, by switching between the dimension data memories 222 and 224 and using different dimension data, it is possible to continuously expose images having different dimensions.

  When image data for one image (frame) is input to the exposure unit 86 from the image data memories 118R, 118G, and 118B, the CPU 200 uses the LUT in the memory 218 or 220 to store the image data in a desired 12-bit floor. In addition to conversion to tone exposure data, the dimension data obtained from the image data is stored in the dimension data memory 222 or 224. The exposure data is output to the AOM drivers 228R, 228G, and 228B line by line based on the dimension data stored in the dimension data memory 222 or 224.

  The FPGA 226 controls switching between the memories 218 and 220 used for data conversion and switching between the dimension data memories 222 and 224 used for outputting dimension data to the AOM driver in accordance with instructions from the CPU 200.

  6A and 6B, the FPGA 226 includes a selector 230 provided at the input end of the memories 218 and 220 and a selector 232 provided at the output end of the memories 218 and 220. Connected. The selectors 230 and 232 include, for example, a selector circuit and a bus switching circuit.

  The selector 230 is used to switch the connection side on the input side of the memories 218 and 220 to each other. For example, when the input terminal of the memory 218 is connected to the CPU address bus 234 and the input terminal of the memory 220 is connected to the data input bus 236 (see FIG. 6A), by operating the selector 230, the memory The input terminal of 218 is connected to the data input bus 236, and the input terminal of the memory 220 is connected to the CPU address bus 234 (see FIG. 6B).

  Similarly, the selector 232 is used to switch the connection destinations on the output side of the memories 218 and 220 to each other. For example, when the output terminal of the memory 218 is connected to the CPU data bus 238 and the output terminal of the memory 220 is connected to the data output bus 240 (see FIG. 6A), the memory 218 is operated by operating the selector 232. The output terminal of 218 is connected to the data output bus 240, and the output terminal of the memory 220 is connected to the CPU data bus 238 (see FIG. 6B).

The FPGA 226 gives a switching signal to the selectors 230 and 232 in conjunction with the exposure start signal output from the CPU 200 after the necessary pulse after the mark sensor 62 detects the cut mark H1, and operates the selectors 230 and 232. Thus, the memories 218 and 220 are connected as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b).
In FIG. 6A, the memory 218 is connected to the CPU address bus 234 and the CPU data bus 238, and the memory 220 is connected to the data input bus 236 and the data output bus 240. In the connection mode shown in FIG. 6A, the CPU 200 can write or rewrite the LUT to the memory 218 via the CPU address bus 234, and the CPU 200 can store the contents of the LUT in the memory 218 via the CPU data bus 238. Etc. are given. Further, the image data from the image data memories 118R, 118G and 118B can be input to the memory 220 via the data input bus 236, and the exposure data from the memory 220 to the AOM drivers 228R, 228G and 228B via the data output bus 240. Output is possible.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 6B, the memory 218 is connected to the data input bus 236 and the data output bus 240, and the memory 220 is connected to the CPU address bus 234 and the CPU data bus 238. In the connection mode shown in FIG. 6B, the CPU 200 can write or rewrite the LUT to the memory 220 via the CPU address bus 234, and the CPU 200 can store the LUT in the memory 220 via the CPU data bus 238. Contents etc. are given. Further, the image data from the image data memories 118R, 118G and 118B can be input to the memory 218 via the data input bus 236, and the exposure data from the memory 218 to the AOM drivers 228R, 228G and 228B via the data output bus 240. Output is possible.

  As described above, when the FPGA 226 operates the two selectors, the dimension data memories 222 and 224 are similarly switched, and the connection mode of the dimension data memories 222 and 224 is also the same. Here, the memories 218 and 220 in FIGS. 6A and 6B are replaced with dimension data memories 222 and 224, and “12-bit exposure data” described on the right side of the data output bus 240 is replaced with “dimension data”. ", The description of the switching and connection mode of the dimension data memories 222 and 224 is omitted.

  The AOM drivers 228R, 228G, and 228B obtain a control signal (control voltage) based on the given exposure data, and drive and control the AOMs 206R, 206G, and 206B based on the control signal to modulate the laser light. A certain amount of laser light given from the laser generators 202R, 202G, and 202B to the AOMs 206R, 206G, and 206B is adjusted within a range of 0 to 100% and with 0 to 4095 gradations, and laser light corresponding to exposure data Is obtained.

  The mirror 208B is a total reflection mirror, and the mirrors 208R and 208G are half mirrors. After the laser light emitted from the AOM 206B is totally reflected by the mirror 208B and combined with the laser light emitted from the AOM 206G by the mirror 208G Further, the laser light emitted from the AOM 206R and the mirror 208R are combined to synthesize three colors of light.

  An fθ lens 242 is disposed on the laser emission side of the polygon mirror 214. Then, the laser beam scanned in the main scanning direction (arrow B direction) by the rotation of the polygon mirror 214 in the arrow A direction passes through the fθ lens 242 and is being conveyed in the sub scanning direction (depth direction in the drawing). The photosensitive material S is exposed.

  Further, a synchronization sensor 244 is disposed on the path of the laser light and downstream of the fθ lens 242 and immediately upstream of the exposure part P. When the synchronization sensor 244 detects the laser beam, it outputs a detection signal to the CPU 200, and accordingly the CPU 200 instructs the memory 218 or 220 to output exposure data to the AOM drivers 228R, 228G, and 228B at a predetermined timing. To do.

The main operation of the printing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
Here, an image to be exposed and an image to be subsequently exposed are defined as a first image and a second image, respectively.

  First, an LUT for converting image data into exposure data of a desired gradation is stored in the memory 218, and dimension data relating to image dimensions is stored in the dimension data memory 222 (step S1).

  Next, the first image data corresponding to the first image is converted into the first exposure data using the LUT stored in the memory 218 (step S3), and the first exposure data and the dimension data stored in the dimension data memory 222 are converted. Based on the above, a first image having a predetermined size is exposed on the photographic paper S (step S5). At this time, the memories 218 and 220 are connected as shown in FIG. 6B, and the CPU 200 writes the LUT for the second image in the memory 220 as necessary. The same applies to the connection mode of the dimension data memories 222 and 224, and the CPU 200 writes dimension data for the second image in the dimension data memory 224 as necessary. That is, if the LUT stored in the memory 218 is inappropriate for the second image due to temperature change or the like, the second image data corresponding to the second image is stored in the desired floor before the exposure of the first image. An LUT (corresponding to a temperature change or the like) for conversion into the second exposure data of the key is stored in the memory 220. Further, when the dimension of the second image is different from that of the first image and the dimension data stored in the dimension data memory 222 is inappropriate for the second image, the second image is displayed before the exposure of the first image. Dimension data relating to image dimensions is stored in the dimension data memory 224.

  Then, the second image data is converted into second exposure data (step S7). At this time, if the LUT for the second image is stored in the memory 220, the selectors 230 and 232 operate with the switching signal given from the FPGA 226 as a trigger. Then, the connection between the memories 218 and 220 is switched to the connection mode shown in FIG. 6A, and the second image data is converted into the second exposure data using the LUT in the memory 220. If the second image LUT is not stored in the memory 220, the second image data is converted into second exposure data using the LUT stored in the memory 218.

  Thereafter, the second image is exposed on the photographic paper S based on the second exposure data (step S9). At this time, if dimension data relating to the dimension of the second image is stored in the dimension data memory 224, the connection between the dimension data memories 222 and 224 is switched, and the dimension data stored in the dimension data memory 224 and the second exposure data are used. Then, a second image having a predetermined size is exposed on the photographic paper S. In this case, the photographic paper S is exposed with a second image having a size different from that of the first image. On the other hand, if the dimension data relating to the dimension of the second image is not stored in the dimension data memory 224, the photographic paper S has a predetermined dimension based on the dimension data stored in the dimension data memory 222 and the second exposure data. Two images are exposed. In this case, the photographic paper S is exposed with a second image having the same dimensions as the first image.

  In the operation shown in FIG. 7, the process of storing the dimension data in step S1 in the dimension data memory 222 may be performed at an arbitrary timing as long as the exposure of the first image in step S5 is not started. Further, the process of converting the second image data into the second exposure data in step S7 may be performed before the end of the exposure of the first image in step S5.

  As described above, the printing apparatus 10 includes the memories 218 and 220 for storing the LUT. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the LUT for the first image is stored in the memory 218, the first image data is converted into the first exposure data by using the LUT, and the first exposure data is converted into the first exposure data. When the first image is exposed on the photographic paper S based on this, if the LUT in the memory 218 is inappropriate for the second image to be subsequently exposed, the second image is displayed before the first image is exposed. Can be stored in the memory 220. As a result, after the exposure of the first image is completed, the second image can be exposed continuously without a gap, and for example, even when conversion information needs to be changed due to a temperature change or the like, the exposure can be performed efficiently.

  Incidentally, in the prior art, as shown in FIG. 8B, since the LUT for the second image can be stored only after the exposure of the first image is completed, the required time is increased accordingly.

  8A and 8B also show that according to the printing apparatus 10, the processing time can be shortened and the efficiency can be improved as compared with the prior art.

  Further, since the conversion information is LUT, the image data can be converted into exposure data of a desired gradation easily and quickly.

  Further, the printing apparatus 10 includes dimension data memories 222 and 224 for storing dimension data. Therefore, for example, when the first image having a predetermined size is exposed on the photographic paper S based on the first exposure data and the size data stored in the size data memory 222, the size of the second image to be subsequently exposed is determined. If it is different from the dimension of the first image, the dimension data for the second image can be stored in the dimension data memory 224 before the exposure of the first image is completed. Thereby, after the exposure of the first image is completed, the second image having a predetermined size can be exposed continuously without any interval. Therefore, continuous exposure can be performed while freely changing the size of the image to be exposed for each frame. It can be easily understood that if “LUT” in FIG. 8 is read as “dimension data”, the processing time can be shortened and the efficiency can be improved even when the image size is changed as compared with the prior art.

  In addition, when a plurality of magazines can be mounted in the printing apparatus 10, it is normal that the LUT is different for each magazine. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9A, the LUT used for one magazine X is stored in the memory 218, and the LUT used for the other magazine Y is stored in the memory 220 before the exposure of the magazine X is completed. Then, the LUT can be quickly switched, and when the exposure for the magazine X is completed, the magazine Y can be subsequently exposed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, the storage processing of the LUT used for the magazine X in the memory 218 and the storage processing of the LUT used for the magazine Y in the memory 220 are simultaneously performed, and then the magazine X is exposed and subsequently continued. The magazine Y may be exposed.

  On the other hand, in the prior art, as shown in FIG. 9C, since the LUT cannot be stored for the magazine Y unless the exposure for the magazine X is completed, the required time is increased accordingly.

  Therefore, even when a plurality of magazines can be mounted, according to the printing apparatus 10, the processing time can be shortened and the efficiency can be improved as compared with the prior art. This is particularly effective when a plurality of magazines are used alternately.

  It can be easily understood that if “LUT” in FIG. 9 is read as “dimension data”, the processing time can be shortened and the efficiency can be improved compared to the conventional technique even when the image dimensions of a plurality of magazines are different.

  Since the present invention can change the LUT and dimension data without interrupting exposure, as shown in FIG. 4, a certain image and the following image are continuously spaced without any interval (no exposure interval is provided). This is particularly effective when exposing. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a photographic processing apparatus used in, for example, a mini-laboratory where an exposure interval is provided between a certain image exposed to the photosensitive material and the subsequent image.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case in which the memory for storing the LUT and the dimension data memory for storing the dimension data is two has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be three or more.

  Further, although the LUT is used as the conversion information, the image data may be converted into exposure data by an arithmetic expression.

  The exposure unit 86 is not limited to the laser exposure type, and may be an optical shutter type using a PLZT optical shutter or a liquid crystal shutter, a CRT type, or the like.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the FPGA 226 is used as the programmable device has been described. However, a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) or the like may be used instead of the FPGA 226.

  The photosensitive material used in the present invention is not limited to photographic paper, and may be a cloth, a plastic film, or the like.

It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is an external view showing an embodiment of the present invention. It is an illustration figure which shows schematic structure of an exposure process part. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of photographic paper. It is a block diagram which shows an example of an exposure unit. It is a block diagram which shows the example of the connection aspect of two memories. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of one Embodiment of this invention. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the process timing in one Embodiment of this invention. It is an illustration figure which shows the example of the process timing in the case where a some magazine can be mounted | worn.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printing apparatus 14 Exposure processing part 86 Exposure unit 102,116,200 CPU
104,201 ROM
118R, 118G, 118B Image data memory 202B, 202G, 202R Laser generator
204B, 204G, 204R Laser output driver 206R, 206G, 206B AOM
208R, 208G, 208B Mirror 210 Reflecting mirror 212 Lens 214 Polygon mirror 216 Laser temperature detector 217 Ambient temperature detector 218R, 218G, 218B, 220R, 220G, 220B LUT
218, 220 Memory 222, 224 Dimension data memory 226 FPGA
228R, 228G, 228B AOM driver 230, 232 selector 234 CPU address bus 236 data input bus 238 CPU data bus 240 data output bus 242 fθ lens 244 synchronous sensor S photographic paper

Claims (8)

First storage means for storing first conversion information for converting first image data corresponding to a first image to be exposed to first exposure data having a desired gradation;
Second storage means for storing second conversion information for converting second image data corresponding to a second image to be exposed following the first image into second exposure data of a desired gradation;
When the first image is exposed, the first conversion information stored in the first storage means is used to convert the first image data into the first exposure data, and when the second image is exposed. Control means for converting the second image data into the second exposure data using the second conversion information stored in the second storage means; and the first photosensitive material based on the first exposure data. A printing apparatus comprising exposure means for exposing an image and exposing the second image to the photosensitive material based on the second exposure data.   The first conversion information includes a first lookup table in which image data and exposure data are associated with each other, and the second conversion information associates image data with exposure data and is different from the first lookup table. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a two-lookup table. First storage means for storing first dimension data relating to the dimension of the first image to be exposed;
Second storage means for storing second dimension data relating to the dimension of the second image to be exposed following the first image;
Means for converting first image data corresponding to the first image into first exposure data having a desired gradation, and converting second image data corresponding to the second image into second exposure data having a desired gradation. And exposing the first image of a predetermined size to the photosensitive material based on the first exposure data and the first dimension data, and the photosensitive material based on the second exposure data and the second dimension data. A printing apparatus comprising: an exposure unit that exposes the second image having a predetermined size.   4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exposure unit continuously exposes the first image and the second image on the photosensitive material without any interval. 5. A first step of storing in a first storage means first conversion information for converting first image data corresponding to a first image to be exposed to first exposure data of a desired gradation;
A second step of converting the first image data into the first exposure data using the first conversion information stored in the first storage means;
A third step of exposing the first image to the photosensitive material based on the first exposure data;
Before the end of exposure of the first image, second conversion information for converting second image data corresponding to a second image to be exposed following the first image into second exposure data of a desired gradation A fourth step of storing in the second storage means;
A fifth step of converting the second image data into the second exposure data using the second conversion information stored in the second storage means; and the photosensitive material based on the second exposure data includes the second step. A printing method comprising a sixth step of exposing two images. The first conversion information includes a first lookup table in which image data and exposure data are associated with each other, and the second conversion information associates image data with exposure data and is different from the first lookup table. Including two lookup tables,
In the second step, the first image data is gradation-converted into the first exposure data using the first lookup table,
The printing method according to claim 5, wherein in the fifth step, the second image data is gradation-converted into the second exposure data using the second lookup table. A first step of storing in the first storage means first dimension data relating to the dimension of the first image to be exposed;
A second step of converting the first image data into first exposure data having a desired gradation;
A third step of exposing the first image having a predetermined dimension to the photosensitive material based on the first exposure data and the first dimension data;
A fourth step of storing, in a second storage means, second dimension data relating to the dimension of the second image to be exposed following the first image before the exposure of the first image;
A fifth step of converting second image data corresponding to the second image into second exposure data having a desired gradation; and a predetermined dimension of the photosensitive material based on the second exposure data and the second dimension data. A printing method comprising: a sixth step of exposing the second image. The printing method according to claim 5, wherein after the first image is exposed to the photosensitive material, the second image is exposed to the photosensitive material continuously without a gap.

Images