JPH1093767A - Image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain the image data of an original image by optimal photometry and image pick-up in a small-sized and simple structure. SOLUTION: To an image pickup device 120, a timer 112 for inputting timing to store image information is connected, a resolution setter 114 for setting a resolution by addition of image signals is connected, and an AD converter 110 for AD converting the image signal is connected. The original image is projected on the image pickup device 120. At the time of photometry, the image pickup device 120 is set into low resolution by the addition of the image signals and the signal is stored at an optimum storing time, and the image signal in which the set number of sells of the signal is added to is outputted. The output signal is converted into image data by the A/D converter 110, and then the image data is stored in an image memory for printing. Thus, by setting the resolution, an exposure condition is precisely obtained with a high dynamic range.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus, and more particularly to an image reading apparatus for reading an original image recorded on a photographic film.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a photographic printing apparatus for producing a print from an original image of a negative image or a positive image recorded on a photographic film such as a negative film or a reversal film, a light having a color balance or the like directly adjusted on the original image is known. There is known an analog printer that irradiates a photographic paper and prints a transmitted image (or a reflected image) on photographic paper. In addition, taking an original image, converting the taken original image into digital image data,
A digital printer that exposes and prints a digital image on photographic paper using the converted image data is also known. In these printers, an original image is measured before producing a print, and the exposure conditions for producing a print corresponding to the original image are obtained using the photometric data.

Recently, a print to be created is reproduced and displayed before the print is created.
There is a simulator device that performs a simulation according to exposure conditions and reproduces and displays an original image on a display device such as a monitor. In this simulator device, an image signal obtained by capturing an original image is processed and the original image is displayed on a display device. For example, there is a small-scale film processing apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as a minilab) capable of quickly and easily creating a print from a photographic film. In this minilab, exposure conditions are obtained by measuring the original image. At the same time, an original image is captured, and desired processing such as color balance is performed according to the exposure condition for obtaining an image signal of the captured image, and the processed image is displayed on a display device. As a result, the original image recorded on the photographic film is reproduced and displayed on the display device as a display image.

However, when obtaining exposure conditions, in order to optimize the density balance and color balance, it is necessary to obtain the density value of the original image with a fine distribution of the density of each color, that is, to obtain the density in a high dynamic range. On the other hand, at the time of simulation, in order to display the original image in detail, it is necessary to obtain an image signal by finely capturing the pixel size, that is, to capture the original image at high resolution.

In order to solve this problem, a first photometric system having a high wavelength resolution corresponding to the dynamic range of density and a low spatial resolution corresponding to the resolution at the time of imaging is provided.
A second photometric system having a low wavelength resolution and a high spatial resolution is provided, and an image signal is generated by combining signals read by these photometric systems to generate an image signal, thereby obtaining an image signal having both a high wavelength resolution and a high spatial resolution. There is known an image reading apparatus capable of performing the following (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-202250).

[0006]

However, in the conventional image reading apparatus, since the optical systems for the simulation and the photometry are separate, the size of the apparatus is increased.
Increases cost. Therefore, a printer or a simulator device using an image signal obtained by capturing an original image is a complicated and large-sized device including a measuring device for photometry and an imaging device for simulation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus capable of obtaining image data of an original image by optimal photometry and imaging with a small and simple configuration in consideration of the above fact.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus for controlling an image pickup device for picking up an original image recorded on a photographic film. In the image reading apparatus having a control unit, the imaging unit is configured by a plurality of cells in the vertical and horizontal directions, accumulates image information corresponding to the density of the original image for each cell, and outputs the accumulated image information for each cell. A storage unit, and an output unit that outputs the image information output from the storage unit for each cell or combines and outputs the image information of a plurality of cells output from the storage unit, and the control unit includes: A region on the original image included in a predetermined density range is determined based on image information output from an imaging unit, and an area ratio between the region and the original image and an average density of the region are determined. And determining the accumulation time of storing image information of the cell number or the original image to the synthesized based on the area ratio and average density.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the image reading apparatus according to the first aspect is used in a photometric system for photometrically measuring the original image in order to determine an exposure condition for producing a print from the original image. It is characterized by.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the first aspect, the storage means has a maximum value and a minimum value of image information which can be stored, and the control means has a function of the storage means. Setting the image pickup means so as to output the image information output from each cell, and pre-metering the original image in order to obtain a storage time at which a maximum value of the image information stored by the storage means is obtained. And

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the third aspect, the control means performs the main photometry for obtaining the average density based on the accumulation time obtained by the pre-photometry. It is characterized in that the accumulation time at the time is obtained.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the original image recorded on the photographic film is picked up by the image pickup means having the storage means and the output means. The storage means is composed of a plurality of vertical and horizontal cells, stores image information corresponding to the density of the original image input to the storage means for each cell, and outputs the stored image information for each cell. As the storage means, a CCD image sensor, a MOS type image sensor, and an image pickup device can be used. These imaging devices and the like can accumulate light for each of the cells divided into a plurality of cells vertically and horizontally, and can photoelectrically convert the accumulated light and output the light. For this reason, the imaging device and the like accumulate the irradiated light as image information corresponding to the density or color and density of the original image, and can photoelectrically convert the accumulated light into electric charges. Therefore, the image information stored in the image sensor or the like can be changed by setting the storage time. The image sensor and the like are composed of a large number of cells divided vertically and horizontally, and accumulate and output image information for each of these cells. The output image information is output by the output unit for each cell, that is, for each cell corresponding to the pixel of the original image, or synthesized and output by adding, for example, image information of a plurality of cells output from the storage unit. I do. Therefore, 1
Image information can be output for each cell or a plurality of cells. By changing the number of cells to be synthesized by this output means,
The resolution of the imaging means can be changed. That is, when image information of a plurality of cells is combined by addition or the like, output image information is output for each number of cells combined, and the resolution is lower than when image information is output for each cell. By the way, as the number of cells belonging to the output image information increases, the resolution decreases, but the value of the output image information, for example,
By increasing the output range of the light amount value and the signal level (charge value), the density can be obtained with a high dynamic range.

The control means obtains an area on the original image included in the predetermined density range based on the image information output from the image pickup means, for example, the image information of all cells, and obtains the area ratio of the area to the original image and the area ratio of the area. Find the average density of the area. As the predetermined density range, a density range representing the characteristics of the original image, for example, an average density range of characteristic images such as a person's face and a main image at the time of shooting can be adopted. Therefore, based on the obtained area ratio and average density, the control means determines the number of cells to be combined or the storage time for storing image information. Based on the determined storage time, it is possible to combine the image information of the number of cells and control the image pickup means to store the image information of the original image for the storage time. For example, by using the average density range of the feature image, the ratio of the range estimated as the feature image to the original image and the average density of the feature image are obtained, and the optimal storage time for storing the image information of the feature image is obtained. Can be requested. Thus, the imaging unit can accumulate and output image information corresponding to the density of the characteristic image.

Meanwhile, a photographic printer that creates a print from an original image extracts the characteristic image from the original image and determines the exposure conditions so that the characteristic image can be printed with optimal density and color. The quality of the print created is determined by the obtained exposure conditions. That is, for example, it is determined whether or not a characteristic image such as a person's face or a main image at the time of shooting is reproduced faithfully or according to the position of the user. Therefore, an image reading apparatus according to the present invention is described in claim 2
As described above, the present invention can be used in a photometric system for photometrically measuring the original image in order to determine exposure conditions for creating a print from the original image. As described above, if the image reading apparatus of the present invention is used in a photometric system for determining exposure conditions, the average density of a characteristic image can be determined, and a high-quality print can be created.

The image pickup device or the like used as the image pickup means has a photoelectric conversion element. As is well known, a general photoelectric conversion element has a light amount range in which the photoelectric conversion can be performed.
When the light amount exceeds the light amount range, a so-called saturated state occurs, and a constant value is output as the output signal. For this reason, the light quantity of the original image input to the imaging means must be optimal for conversion.
Therefore, according to a third aspect of the present invention, the storage unit has a maximum value and a minimum value of image information that can be stored, and the control unit outputs the image information output from the storage unit for each cell. As described above, the original image can be pre-metered in order to set the image pickup unit and obtain the storage time at which the maximum value of the image information stored by the storage unit is obtained. By this pre-metering, the optimal light amount of the original image input to the imaging means, that is, the accumulation time at which the maximum value of the image information in a so-called saturated state can be obtained. Therefore, the area on the original image included in the predetermined density range can be obtained based on the image information of all cells that are optimal for the image pickup means with the obtained accumulation time, and the reliability of the calculation result of the area on the original image to be obtained can be improved. The performance is improved.

The accumulation time obtained by the pre-photometry is for obtaining image information of an original image suitable for the image pickup means, and the image information output from the image pickup means is used for obtaining an average density. Therefore, in the invention described in claim 4, the control unit can obtain the accumulation time for the main photometry for obtaining the average density based on the accumulation time obtained by the pre-photometry. As a result, it is possible to obtain the optimum accumulation time for obtaining the average density, and to improve the reliability of the calculated area ratio and the calculation result of the average density of this area.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is applied to a printer processor having an index print function.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer processor 1
Reference numeral 0 denotes a printer unit 58 whose exterior is covered with a casing 12 for exposing the main print and the sub print to photographic paper, and developing / fixing / washing / washing the exposed photographic paper.
And a processor unit 72 for performing each processing of drying.

A work table 14 projecting from the casing 12 (to the left in FIG. 1) is provided in the printer section 58. On the upper surface of the work table 14, a negative carrier 18 on which a negative film 16 is set is provided. , And a keyboard 1 for the operator to input commands, data, etc.
5 are arranged.

A main exposure light source section 36 is provided below the work table 14. A color correction filter (hereinafter, referred to as a CC filter) is applied to the main exposure light source unit 36 so that light emitted from the light source 38 is applied to the negative film 16 set on the negative carrier 18 located on the work table 14. ) 40 and a diffusion tube 42 are arranged in this order.
CC filter 40 includes C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y
(Yellow) filters, each of which operates under the control of the CC filter control unit 39 (FIG. 2), and is capable of protruding and retracting on the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source 38.

Above the negative carrier 18 (upper side in FIG. 1), an arm 44 is provided. In the arm 44, a main exposure optical system 46 and a sub print unit 22 for exposing a sub print such as an index print are provided. Is provided. In the present embodiment, the sub-printing unit 22 corresponds to an exposure unit for printing a digital image, which functions as a digital printer, on photographic paper using image data.

The main exposure optical system 46 includes a half mirror 43, an exposure lens 48 whose exposure magnification can be changed (in this embodiment, a preset exposure magnification), and a black shutter 50 from the light emission side of the negative film. And a mirror 51 are arranged in order, so that the original image recorded on the negative film is formed on the photographic paper 54 set in the exposure chamber 52.

The upper right side of the arm 44 and the casing 1
A mounting part 60 is provided at a corner with the upper surface of the second 2,
A paper magazine 64 that winds and stores the photographic paper 54 in a layer on a reel 62 is mounted on the mounting section 60. A roller pair 66 is disposed near the mounting section 60, and the photographic paper 54 is nipped and transported to the exposure chamber 52 by the roller pair 66.

The exposure chamber 52 has rollers 67, 68A, 68
B and 68C are further disposed, and the printing paper 54 on which the image of the negative film 16 is printed in the exposure chamber 52 is transported by each of the rollers 66, 67, 68A, 68B, and 68C, and is transported to a processor unit 72 described later. You. Note that a cutter 71 is disposed downstream of the roller 68A. The cutter 71 is for cutting the rear end of the photographic paper 54 on which the exposure processing has been completed.

The processor section 72 includes a color developing processing tank 74 storing a color developing processing liquid, a bleach-fixing processing tank 76 storing a bleach-fixing processing liquid, and a plurality of rinsing processing tanks storing a washing processing liquid. The developing, fixing, and washing processes are performed by sequentially passing through each tank. The photographic paper 54 having been subjected to the water-washing treatment is dried in the drying section 80 adjacent to the rinsing tank 78.

The photographic paper 54 is dried by the drying unit 8 after the drying process is completed.
The sheet is discharged at a constant speed from 0, is cut for each image frame by a cutter unit 84 provided on the downstream side of the drying unit 80, and is discharged to a sorter unit 92 as a photographic print. Cutter unit 84
Is a cut mark sensor 8 connected to the main control unit 20 for detecting a cut mark (given to the photographic paper 54).
6, a paper density measuring unit 90 for measuring the density of the photographic paper 54, and a cutter 88 for cutting the photographic paper 54.

As shown in FIG. 2, on the reflection side of the half mirror 43, a photometric lens 45 for changing the magnification of the photometric image and a scanner 108 as an image pickup means are arranged in order. The photometric lens 45 is fixed at a predetermined magnification in the present embodiment. Scanner 1
Reference numeral 08 denotes a MOS type imaging device and an addition circuit (details will be described later). The scanner 108 has a main control unit via a converter 56 (which will be described later in detail) which converts the image density of the original image into image data of each color as image information of each frame of the negative film 16 read by the scanner 108 and outputs the image data. 20
Is connected. The main control unit 20 includes a CPU, RA
It is configured by a microcomputer including an M, a ROM, an input / output controller and the like.

A simulator 104 is connected to the main control unit 20. The simulator 104 includes an image processing device 116 and a monitor 118. The simulator 104 uses the input image data to generate an image of each frame of the negative film 16 by using an image processing device 116 to generate image data of a print produced based on predetermined exposure conditions. The image is displayed on the monitor 118 as a simulation image.

The simulator 104 performs predetermined image processing using the input image data, assuming negative-positive conversion, gamma correction, and color development characteristics of photographic paper. In this image processing, the image processing device 116 of the simulator 104 generates image data of a positive image of a print to be produced based on standard exposure conditions from the input image data and converts the image data into a signal for the monitor 118. Output. Then, an image based on the image data is displayed on the monitor 118 as a simulation image. In the simulator 104, the provisional exposure conditions required when creating a print are obtained for the density and color of the original image using the input image data, and the image data may be processed based on the provisional exposure conditions. It is possible. By obtaining the provisional exposure conditions, the simulation image displayed on the monitor 118 is closer to the print to be produced.

An image signal processing unit 102 for performing predetermined image processing is connected to the main control unit 20. The image signal processing unit 102 is connected to an image memory 106 for storing image data.

The sub-printing section 22 has a light emitting diode (hereinafter, referred to as a B-LED) 25 that emits blue light as an exposure light source whose operation is controlled by a light source control section 24.
A light emitting diode (hereinafter, referred to as an R-LED) 26 that emits red light and a light emitting diode (hereinafter, a G-LED) 27 that emits green light are provided.
Each diode is connected to the light emitted from the R-LED 26 and the G-
The light emitted from the LED 27 is arranged by the dichroic mirror 28 so as to coincide with the exposure optical axis X of the light emitted from the B-LED 25.

G-LED 2 of dichroic mirror 28
A liquid crystal panel 31 is provided on the reflection side of the light emitted from the mirror 7.
0 and the light source light amount sensor 29 are arranged in order. The light source light quantity sensor 29 is for measuring the light quantity of the light emitted from the light source. In the liquid crystal panel 31, a large number of pixels are regularly arranged, and at a predetermined stage (in this embodiment, 25 pixels).
It is possible to transmit light (corresponding to gradation) in six steps). The liquid crystal panel 31 is connected to the sub control unit 23 via a liquid crystal panel driver 32. This sub-control unit 23
Is constituted by a microcomputer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an input / output controller, and the like, and is connected to the image memory 106.

A mirror 34 and a transmitted light sensor 33 are arranged at a position on the emission side of the liquid crystal panel 31 which does not affect the image. The transmitted light amount sensor 33 is for measuring the amount of transmitted light of the liquid crystal panel 31.

An exposure lens 35 whose magnification can be changed is arranged on the emission side of the liquid crystal panel 31, and a transmission image of the liquid crystal panel 31 is transmitted by the exposure lens 35 to the photographic paper 5.
4 at a predetermined magnification. In this embodiment, the exposure lens 35 is fixed at a predetermined magnification.

As shown in FIG. 3, the conversion device 56 connected to the scanner 108 includes an AD converter 110 and a driver including a time setting device 112 and a resolution setting device 114. Each of the AD converter 110, the time setting unit 112, and the resolution setting unit 114 is a main control unit 2
Connected to 0. The AD converter 110 is the scanner 1
A converter for converting an analog signal output from the digital signal 08 into a digital signal, and outputs the converted digital data as image data.

The time setting unit 112 sets a time such as an accumulation time for driving the scanner 108. The accumulation time refers to a time for accumulating photons for each cell (eg, a photodiode constituting one cell of the image sensor 120) for photoelectric conversion in the scanner 108, and is an integral multiple of one frame. That is, in the case of a video signal, the value is an integral multiple of the period of the vertical synchronization signal. The accumulated photons are photoelectrically converted and output as charges (read).
Is done. Here, the reading time, which is the time required to take out the charges after photoelectric conversion accumulated in the scanner 108, corresponds to the time for switching one cell of the image sensor 120. By changing the reading time, the reading time is changed. Image data can also be processed. Also, the resolution setting unit 114
Is for setting the resolution of the scanner 108. In the present embodiment, the resolution of the scanner 108 is set by adding the output signals of the cells of the image sensor 120 as described later.

As shown in FIG. 4, the scanner 108 is composed of a MOS type image pickup device 120 formed of a plurality of cells vertically and horizontally and an addition circuit 126. The image sensor 120 includes a vertical shift register 122 and a horizontal shift register 124.
It has. The vertical shift register 122 and the horizontal shift register 124 are connected to the time setting unit 112 so that a timing for storing image information in the image sensor 120 is input. That is, the horizontal shift register drive pulse signals H ₁ and H ₂ having different phases in the horizontal direction, and the horizontal shift register input pulse signal Hin as an input signal are input to the horizontal shift register 124. Similarly, the vertical shift register drive pulse signals V ₁ and V ₂ having different phases in the vertical direction, and the vertical shift register input pulse signal V
in is input to the vertical shift register 122. The cycle of the vertical shift register input pulse signal Vin corresponds to the accumulation time. Although not shown, the imaging device 120 is connected to the time setting device 112 so that power is supplied. The output side of the image sensor 120 is connected to the addition circuit 12.
6 is connected to the input side. The output side of the addition circuit 126 is connected to the input side of the AD converter 110.

The details of the adder circuit 126 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows an example in which image signals for three cells are added. In this example, the addition circuit 126
S-type FETs 130, 132, and 134 and PMOS-type FETs 136, 138, and 140 are provided. FET
The input side of 130 is connected so that the output signal CH1 of the first channel is input from the MOS imaging element 120,
The input side of T132 is connected to receive the output signal CH2 of the second channel, and the input side of the FET 134 is connected to the third side.
It is connected so that the output signal CH3 of the channel is input. The control side of the FETs 130 and 136 is a resolution setting unit 11
4 are connected so that the control signal Ctl1 of the first channel is input, and the control sides of the FETs 132 and 138 are connected so that the control signal Ctl2 of the second channel is input.
The control sides of the ETs 134 and 140 are connected such that the control signal Ctl3 of the third channel is input. FET 130,
The outputs of 132 and 134 are commonly connected to the AD converter 110. The output side of the FET 130 is connected to the other end of the FET 136 whose one end is grounded, the output side of the FET 132 is connected to the other end of the FET 138 whose one end is grounded, and the output side of the FET 134 is one end grounded. FET
140 is connected to the other end.

With the above configuration, when all the image signals of three cells are combined (added), the control signals Ctl1, Ctl2,
By setting all of Ctl3 to a high level, all of the FETs are turned on, and a signal obtained by adding the image signals of all three cells is output from the scanner 108. When outputting an image signal from each of the three cells, the control signal Ctl1,
Ctl2 and Ctl3 may be sequentially made high level signals.

As shown in FIG. 6, the liquid crystal panel 31 has an image display surface 31A in which a plurality of pixels are arranged vertically and horizontally and an image can be displayed. In this image display surface 31A, a standard display surface 31B on which an image having a standard size aspect ratio is to be displayed is set. Therefore, when the data of the standard size image is stored in the image memory 106 and the stored image is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 31, the standard size image is filled and displayed on the standard display surface 31B.

The display image (transparent image of the liquid crystal panel 31) filled in the standard display surface 31B is the width LH of the photographic paper 54.
Is formed on the photographic paper 54 so as to correspond to. That is, the magnification of the exposure lens 35 is determined in advance so that one side of the display image corresponds to the width of the photographic paper 54, and the image is projected at the determined constant magnification.

When an original image having an aspect ratio different from the standard size is simulated or printed, the image size may be set based on the standard size image by detecting the form size and the image size.

Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, a print is not created by exposure in the main exposure optical system 46, but is created in the sub print unit 22 using digital image data of the negative film 16 captured by the scanner 108. The case will be described.

When the power of the printer processor 10 is turned on,
The negative film 16 is supplied by the operator to the negative carrier 1.
When the start switch is depressed with the keyboard 15 and set to 8, the light source 38 is turned on, and the control routine of FIG. Step 200
Then, the original image of the photographed frame on which the image to be printed is recorded is conveyed to the exposure position to set the original image. In the next step 202, the set original image is pre-metered in order to determine the amount of saturated light.
In step 4, the main photometry is performed to determine the density of the optimal light quantity from the saturated light quantity, and in the next step 206, the detailed photometry is performed to accurately determine the density. In the next step 208, an exposure condition is obtained based on the density value obtained by the detailed photometry, and in the next step 210, the exposure condition and the read image data of the cell are output to the image signal processing unit 102, and the image signal processing is performed. The image data is converted into image data for print creation in the unit 102 and stored in the image memory 106. Until the above processing is completed for all the original images (step 212), steps 200 to 21 are performed.
0 is repeatedly executed. It should be noted that the printing exposure processing is originally performed after this. However, in the present embodiment, the printing exposure processing is performed under the control of the sub-control unit 23 which will be described later, and thus this routine ends with the processing of the image memory.

Next, the details of the pre-metering process in step 202 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step 220, the resolution is set to a high resolution. That is, the resolution of the scanner 108 is set to a high resolution so that the image signal output of each cell of the scanner 108 (image sensor 120) can be converted as image data in the conversion device 56. Accordingly, image data for each cell of the scanner 108 can be output from the conversion device 56. In the next step 222, pre-photometry is performed by starting projection of the original image, and in the next step 224, the accumulation time until the output signal of each cell is saturated, that is, the saturated light amount is exposed to the image sensor 120 is detected. I do. Note that the read time is a time required to take out the electric charge after photoelectric conversion accumulated in the image sensor,
It is assumed that it is set in advance at the time of manufacture. Next, at step 226, the detected accumulation time t1 is stored in the memory, and this routine ends.

Next, the details of the main photometry processing in step 204 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step 230,
The resolution of the image sensor 120 is set to a high resolution in the same manner as in step 220, and image data for each cell can be output. In the next step 232, the set accumulation time t1 is set. Thereby, the imaging device 1
At 20, there is no exposure exceeding the saturation light amount, and the image signal is not saturated (only the output upper limit value is output). In the next step 234, the scanner 108 set as described above is set.
In step 236, a density value is calculated from the output signal of each cell by starting the projection of the original image. In the next step 238, the area of the region on the original image having a preset density value or density range is determined using the calculated density value, and the address of the pixel (cell on the image sensor) on the original image is obtained. (Position). In the next step 240, it is determined whether or not the area obtained in the above step 238 satisfies the predetermined condition, and the predetermined density value or density range is sequentially reduced from the maximum density value until the area is satisfied, and the process is repeatedly executed. If the conditions are met, the next step 24
In step 2, the region is set as a feature image, and in the next step 244, the number of pixels (the number of cells) in the feature image region is determined. In the next step 246, the number of synthesized cells to be synthesized is obtained based on the number of pixels (the number of cells) obtained in the above step 244. In the next step 248, the number of synthesized cells and the address of the pixel are stored in a memory, and this routine is executed. To end.

Therefore, the storage time can be determined so that when the image data is at the saturation level, that is, near the maximum value as digital data, the density is low and the light irradiated on the scanner 108 becomes excessive, so that the storage time is shortened.
On the other hand, when the image data is near the noise level, that is, near the minimum value as digital data, the density is high and the
Since the light illuminated at 08 becomes very small, it can be determined that the accumulation time becomes long. In the present embodiment, these times are determined in association with each other in order to end the photometric time in a short time. That is, when the load on the scanner 108 and the conversion device 56 is small, the accumulation time is set short and the reading time is set long. On the other hand, when the device performance of the scanner 108 and the conversion device 56 is good and the load can be increased, the accumulation time is set long and the reading time is set short.

Next, details of the detailed photometry processing in step 206 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step 250, the address and the number of combined cells stored in step 248 are read, and in the next step 252, the resolution of the scanner 108 is set. That is, the addition circuit 126
Is set to the number of synthesized cells read. As a result, the scanner 108 outputs an image signal added by the number of combined cells. In the next step 254, the accumulation time t1 is set. In the next step 256, detailed light metering is started by starting projection of the original image on the scanner 108 set as described above. In the next step 258, the output signal of the scanner is output. Is obtained as photometric data, stored in the memory, and the routine ends. That is, the density of the original image is obtained by converting the image data into density data, and based on the obtained density of the original image, the exposure conditions (e.g., color balance) for photometry should be properly exposed. Filter section 4 for optimization
0, etc.). This exposure condition is calculated as follows. In step 248 (FIG. 9), the addresses of the pixels (cells) in the region estimated as the feature image are obtained. Therefore, if the exposure condition is determined for the area of the characteristic image, the original image should be exposed accurately and accurately, that is, an optimal image can be printed using image data read from the original image. Therefore, only the image data of the pixel (cell) corresponding to the address is extracted using the address of the feature image. As a result, the image data of the characteristic image can be extracted, and the exposure condition can be obtained by obtaining the average density, the color difference, and the like. Since the extracted image data is synthesized (added) by the set number of cells, the divided image data is divided by the number of synthesized cells (DN / n, extracted density: DN, number of synthesized cells: n), Without increasing the accumulation time, image data of one cell can be obtained equivalently to photometry of an image in a high density range with high accuracy.

Next, the processing of the sub control unit 23 will be described. When the image data is stored in the image memory 106,
A signal is output from the main control unit 20 to the sub-control unit 23, and the control routine of FIG. In step 260, the photographic paper 54 is set by transporting the photographic paper 54 to a position for exposing the image to be printed. In the next step 262, the image data stored in the image memory 106 is read and displayed in the next step 264 on the liquid crystal panel 31. Since the image data of the display image is the image data of the image that has already been subjected to the image processing for the liquid crystal panel, it is displayed as it is, and in the next step 266, each LED is turned on according to the exposure condition, and the light of each color is transmitted to the liquid crystal panel 31. Exposure is performed by an exposure lens 35 having a constant magnification by irradiation. As a result, the original image can be printed on the photographic paper in a state equivalent to exposing the negative film 16 based on the exposure conditions. After performing the above processing until all the original images are completed (step 268), the exposed photographic paper 5
4 to develop a print (step 27).
0).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the pre-metering is performed when the original image is read, and the accumulation time during which the saturated light amount is exposed to the image pickup device is obtained. Therefore, the output signal output from the scanner is saturated. Therefore, an optimal signal can always be output. By performing the main photometry with the optimal accumulation time obtained by the pre-metering, the characteristic image can be estimated from the original image, and the optimal image data can be output to obtain the exposure condition. Further, detailed photometry is performed based on image data extracted from an area of the obtained characteristic image on the original image, so that the exposure condition can be accurately obtained.

Further, in this embodiment, the resolution of the scanner at the time of photometry can be changed by providing the addition circuit inside the scanner. Therefore, at the time of photometry for obtaining exposure conditions (at the time of detailed photometry), it is possible to shorten the photometry time by reducing the number of pixels by setting a low resolution. By setting the time for photometry and obtaining the density value of the original image with a fine density distribution, it is possible to obtain a density with a high dynamic range. Therefore, the addition circuit according to the present embodiment can be regarded as a dynamic range expanding unit for expanding the dynamic range.
As a result, the photometry for obtaining the density can be made fine, and the photometry accuracy particularly in a high density range is improved. As described above, since the photometric accuracy can be improved, the accuracy of the exposure condition can be improved. In a portrait of a person or the like, the probability that the face of a person recorded on the original image is a feature image is high. This face image is often distributed in a high density area. Therefore, by using the scanner according to the present embodiment, the photometric accuracy in the high density region is improved, so that the accuracy of the exposure calculation in the high density region such as face extraction is improved, and a print with high quality can be created.

Further, the scanner is operated by a three-dimensional IC process.
By manufacturing with a chip, a dynamic range expanding means (addition circuit in the example of this embodiment) can be provided by stacking on the image sensor, so that connection wirings and the like can also be stacked and transferred to the image sensor. Since there is no need to provide a path, the area of the image sensor can be effectively used, and the scanner can be manufactured with an effective aperture ratio without reducing the aperture ratio (light receiving unit area / image sensor element area). Therefore, it is possible to improve the aperture ratio as compared with an image pickup apparatus having an independent configuration of the dynamic range expanding unit.

In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the photometry system of the printer processor has been described.
The present invention is not limited to a photometric system, and can be used separately as a photometric system unit. In this case, it can also be used as a transmission densitometer.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the photometry is performed in three steps of pre-metering, main metering, and detailed metering has been described. However, when the accumulation time for the main metering is known in advance, the pre-metering is omitted. can do. That is, the accumulation time for giving the saturated light amount is specific to the image sensor and can be obtained experimentally in advance. Therefore, this experimental data is stored in a look-up table or the like, and the stored data is read and used. can do.

In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which image data for printing is obtained using image data of an image read by a scanner. However, image data for printing is obtained based on data used during simulation. Can be sought or modified. That is, during the simulation, the operator sometimes corrects or specifies the exposure conditions so that the displayed image is appropriate or according to the conditions intended by the user (such as the specification of the color, density, and characteristic image). If the image data for printing is corrected using the corrected or specified exposure condition, an appropriate image or an image intended by the user can be printed. These processes may be performed automatically or may be performed according to an instruction such as key input by an operator.

Further, if the configuration of the analog printer is used together and the digital printer according to the above-described embodiment is operated separately as a new digital function, the conventional photographic printing apparatus can be replaced with an analog printer and a digital printer. And an optimum exposure can be performed according to the intention of the user or the operator.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a printer processor having a sub print unit has been described. However, a photographic print system having an independent configuration of an index printer and a paper processor, an image memory, The present invention can also be applied to a liquid crystal photographic printer having a liquid crystal panel for displaying image data stored in an image memory and an exposure system capable of exposing an image displayed on the liquid crystal panel.

In the above embodiment, the case where the entire image is displayed and exposed on the liquid crystal panel has been described. However, the displayed image may be divided and the printing paper may be intermittently conveyed and exposed stepwise. .

[0059]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image pickup means stores the image information corresponding to the density of the original image for each cell and outputs the image information to the storage means and synthesizes the image information. Means, the image information can be output from the imaging means for each cell or for a plurality of cells. Therefore, the output range of the output image information is increased, so that the density can be obtained with a high dynamic range. There is an effect that the accuracy of the obtained image information is improved. According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the present invention can be used for a photometric system for determining exposure conditions when a print is created from an original image, it is possible to accurately determine the average density of a characteristic image included in the original image. This makes it possible to produce high-quality prints.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the original image is pre-metered in order to obtain the maximum storage time of the image information to be stored by the storage means, the area on the original image is determined by the optimum image information. And the reliability of the calculation result of the area on the original image is improved.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the accumulation time for the main photometry for obtaining the average density is obtained from the accumulation time obtained by the pre-photometry, the optimum accumulation time for obtaining the average density is determined. This has the effect of improving the reliability of the calculation results of the area ratio and the average density.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer processor according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer unit in the printer processor.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main configuration for reading an image from a negative film during simulation or photometry.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the scanner.

FIG. 5 is a detailed diagram of an adding circuit.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a liquid crystal panel.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a control routine executed by a main control unit.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of a pre-photometry processing routine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of a photometry processing routine.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a detailed photometry processing routine.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a control routine executed by a sub control unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 printer processor 20 main control unit 22 sub-printing unit 31 liquid crystal panel 54 photographic paper 56 conversion device 108 scanner (imaging means) 110 AD converter 112 time setting device 114 resolution setting device

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04N 1/387 H04N 1/387 1/405 1/40 B

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image reading apparatus comprising: an image pickup means for picking up an original image recorded on a photographic film; and a control means for controlling the image pickup means, wherein the image pickup means is composed of a plurality of vertical and horizontal cells. A storage unit for storing image information corresponding to image density for each cell and outputting the stored image information for each cell; and outputting image information output from the storage unit for each cell or from the storage unit. Output means for combining and outputting image information of a plurality of cells to be output, wherein the control means determines an area on the original image included in a predetermined density range based on the image information output from the imaging means. At the same time, the area ratio of the region and the original image and the average density of the region are obtained, and the number of cells to be combined or the image information of the original image is stored based on the obtained area ratio and the average density. An image reading apparatus for determining an accumulation time to be stacked. 2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reading apparatus is used in a photometry system that performs photometry of the original image in order to determine an exposure condition when a print is created from the original image. 3. The storage means has a maximum value and a minimum value of storable image information, and the control means controls the imaging means to output the image information output from the storage means for each cell. 2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the original image is pre-metered in order to set and obtain an accumulation time at which a maximum value of the image information accumulated by the accumulation means is obtained. 4. The image according to claim 3, wherein the control unit calculates an accumulation time for main photometry for obtaining the average density based on the accumulation time obtained by the pre-photometry. Reader.