JP2742326B2 - Copying condition setting film and copying machine - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying condition setting film for setting copying conditions and a copying apparatus for setting copying conditions using the copying condition setting film.

[Conventional technology]

In a general photo lab, the negative film is processed by a film processor, and the image of the obtained negative film is printed and copied on paper by a color printer, which is a type of copying apparatus, and the printed paper is developed by a paper processor. The print is obtained from the film on which the image was recorded. In recent years, printer processors in which a printer and a paper processor are combined have become widespread. In this printer processor, prints are obtained by performing processes such as image printing and development in the same manner as described above.

By the way, as the developer is used for a long time, normal performance cannot be maintained due to the influence of excess or deficiency of the replenisher, air oxidation, evaporation of the solution, mixing of the solution in the previous process, etc. For this purpose, it is necessary to constantly control the developer of the film processor and the developer of the paper processor. For this reason, conventionally, a control strip for film development prepared by exposing a film in advance under a plurality of conditions is passed through a film processor, and a control strip for evaluation of paper development prepared by exposing a paper in advance under a plurality of conditions is used. , The density of the developed film or print is measured, and processing conditions such as development are managed.

In addition, in order to always obtain good quality of color prints and the like, it is necessary to appropriately set the copying conditions of the printer, that is, the exposure conditions, in the device. Therefore, in order to obtain appropriate exposure conditions (copying conditions), standard exposure conditions are initially set when the printer is installed.

Also, when using color paper with a different emulsion number, replacing the exposure lamp in the exposure section, replacing the developing solution, changing the season, etc., the content of the photograph from one with many colors to one with little color, or On the contrary, when the exposure condition changes, the appropriate exposure condition changes, so that the standard exposure condition needs to be corrected and set again. In addition, since the proper exposure condition changes due to dirt or deterioration of the light source system including the light control filter, the halogen lamp, the reflector, or the like, or replacement for the light source system, it is necessary to reset the standard exposure condition as described above. .

The setting of the standard exposure condition is performed using a copy condition setting film such as a reference negative film. For example, in the reference negative film, a plurality of images for setting exposure conditions including a portion corresponding to an average subject color are recorded around a portion corresponding to a negative of a gray subject in a different exposure amount. The exposure conditions (copy conditions) are corrected by comparing the image densities of the test prints printed and developed from the reference negative film and the reference prints, which have been printed and developed as a reference, to correct the exposure conditions (copy conditions). Had been set.

The principle of this correction will be described using the most simplified exposure calculation equation. This exposure calculation formula is as shown in the following formula (1). Here, C, M, and Y indicate the three primary colors in the subtractive color method.

Here, D _c , D _M , D _Y … measured values of negative density (LATD) to be printed I _c , I _M , I _Y … Number of color key steps (0 without correction) I _D ………… ......... density key number (from 0 when no _{correction) K c, K M, K} Y ... color key step value K _D ..................... density key step value _{B PC, B PM, B PY} ... paper Balance value (reference value is 0) Paper channel constant D _co , C _MO , C _YO ... Exposure control density value, for example, red (R) exposure amount E _R is determined by the following equation. Here, E _N is a constant is an exposure amount of the reference negative (normal) of the negative type. Green (G), and similarly C _MO exposure amount of blue (B), is determined from C _YO.

Now, assuming that the minute density change and the γ value of cyan of the color paper are ΔD _PC and γ _C , ΔD _PC = γ _c · Δlog (E _R ) (3), and from the following equations (2) and (3), 4) Equation is obtained.

ΔD _PC = γ _c · ΔD _co · log (E _N ) (4) Thus, ΔD _co can be obtained by back calculation. Assuming that the differences between the density values of the normal test print of the reference negative and the density values of the reference print are ΔD _PC , ΔD _PM , and ΔD _PY , for example, if ΔD _{PC is} to be set to zero, the calculation of the above equation (1) is performed. results of D _co is the difference becomes zero by canceling the just previous [Delta] D _PC if the _{D co '= D co -ΔD co} ... (5). Which constant is changed to do this depends on which density reference negative the negative is. (5)
Similarly _{D MO '= D MO -ΔD MO} ... (6) D YO' = D YO -ΔD YO ... (7) is obtained and wherein the exposure conditions are set as follows.

Storing case of the normal negative measured normal negative density D _c, D _M, the D _Y channel D _NC of the negative type, D _NM, the D _NY.

The normal negative print is made, and from the difference between the density value and the density value of the reference print, the above (5),
The modified values ΔD _co , ΔD _MO , ΔD _YO are obtained by the equations (6) and (7), and these are calculated as B _NC , B _NM , B _{NY of the} negative type channel.
To be stored.

In the case of over-negative printing (performed after the above), a print of the over-negative is made, and the difference between the density value of the over-negative value and the density value of the reference print is used in the above (5),
D _co ′, D _MO ′, and D _YO ′ are obtained from the equations (6) and (7), and the _overslope values are set so that the calculation results D _co , D _MO , and D _{YO of} the above equation (1) become these values. C _co , C _MO , and C _YO are back calculated and stored in the negative type channels C _co , C _MO , and C _YO .

In the same manner as in the case of the under negative (to be performed later), C _CU , C _MU , and C _YU are obtained and stored in the C _CU , C _MU , and C _YU of the negative type channel.

In the above, conventionally, the density value was manually measured, and the negative type channel was manually specified. The following table shows the constants in the negative channel.

As described above, in a copying apparatus such as a printer, copying conditions are set using a copying condition setting film such as a reference negative film.

Since the reference negative film gradually fades due to light such as fluorescent light in a room or print exposure, the life of the reference negative film is determined. For this reason, when setting exposure conditions using a reference negative film, it is determined by a human whether or not the reference negative film to be used has exceeded its useful life,
The standard negative film is managed so as not to use the reference negative film whose service life has expired.

In addition, in the above-described printer processor, in order to always maintain good quality of color print and the like, the state of the printer processor is managed by describing a standard exposure condition, a test print density, a state of a developer, and the like in a management chart. Has been done. By using such a management chart, it is possible to determine a change tendency or the like of the state of the printer processor.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

However, among the above-described setting of the copying conditions, particularly, the operation of initially setting the copying conditions at the time of installing the printer is performed by repeatedly copying the image for setting the copying conditions, so that many kinds of data values are manually and trial-and-error. This is a complicated and time-consuming operation of deciding each one and setting each in the printer.

In addition, the density of the image for setting the copy conditions recorded on the copy condition setting film such as the reference negative film has some variation for each copy condition setting film. This variation affects the setting of copy conditions, and it is not possible to set appropriate copy conditions. Further, since it is not possible to set appropriate copying conditions, the above-described management of the copying apparatus is also affected, and there has been a problem that the accurate state of the copying apparatus cannot be grasped. In order to solve this and to more accurately set the copy conditions and manage the copying apparatus, various data such as a correction value for the variation in image density and other correction values are added to each copy condition setting film. It is necessary to set copy conditions and the like by associating the copy condition setting film with the data, and the operation is complicated.

In addition, for the copy condition setting film used when setting the copy condition, since the management of the life time etc. is performed manually, the work is complicated, and if the film whose life time has expired is mistakenly used. Cannot obtain proper copying conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and has as its object to provide a copy condition setting film that can easily and accurately set copy conditions in a copying apparatus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a copy condition setting film which can easily and quickly set copy conditions in a copying apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a copying apparatus capable of setting copying conditions easily and accurately.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a copying apparatus capable of performing initial setting of copying conditions easily and in a short time.

[Means for solving the problem]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a copy condition setting film for recording an image for setting a copy condition of a copying apparatus and a data record for recording data. A copy condition setting film provided with a copy unit, wherein data for judging the expiration date of the copy condition setting film is recorded in the data recording unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a copy condition setting film in which an image for setting a copy condition of a copying apparatus is recorded and a data recording unit for recording data is provided. A setting film, wherein data representing an initial setting value of a copy condition is recorded in the data recording unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a copy condition setting film in which an image for setting a copy condition of a copying apparatus is recorded and a data recording unit for recording data is provided. A setting film, wherein data for correcting a variation of the copying condition setting film is recorded in the data recording unit.

The copying apparatus according to the present invention uses a copying condition setting film on which a copying condition setting image is recorded and a data recording section for recording data is provided. What is claimed is: 1. A copying apparatus for setting copying conditions, comprising: a photometric unit for photometrically measuring an image obtained by copying the image for setting copying conditions; and a durable film for setting the copying conditions recorded in the data recording unit. Reading means for reading data for determining the expiration date, and a life expiration time determining means for determining whether or not the copy condition setting film has expired based on the data read by the reading means,
A copying condition setting unit configured to set a copying condition using a photometric value of the image when the copying condition setting film determines that the copying condition setting film is not expired.

Further, the copying apparatus according to the invention of claim (5) uses a copying condition setting film on which a copying condition setting image is recorded and a data recording section for recording data is provided. A copying apparatus for setting copying conditions, wherein a reading unit that reads data representing an initial setting value of the copying conditions recorded in the data recording unit, and a copying condition for copying an image is initialized. Setting means for setting an initial setting value of a copy condition represented by data read by the reading means as the copy condition; and copying the image for setting the copy condition according to a copy condition for copying an image. And a copying condition setting unit that sets copying conditions using photometric values of the image.

Further, the copying apparatus according to the invention of claim (6) uses a copying condition setting film on which a copying condition setting image is recorded and a data recording section for recording data is provided. A copying apparatus for setting copying conditions, comprising: reading means for reading data for correcting variations in the copying condition setting film recorded in the data recording unit; and copying the image for setting the copying conditions. A photometric unit for photometrically measuring the image obtained by the method, and a copy condition setting unit for correcting a variation of the copy condition setting film with data read by the reading unit using a photometric value of the image to set a copy condition. And having the following.

[Action]

In the invention according to claim (1), a data recording unit for recording data is provided on the copying condition setting film, and the data recording unit is used to determine the useful life of the copying condition setting film. Data is recorded.
Thus, when the copy condition setting film is used to set the copy condition of the copying apparatus, the data recorded in the data recording section of the copy condition setting film to be used is read, and the copy condition setting film is read. Data for judging the expiration date of the film can easily be obtained, and erroneous data (for example, data corresponding to another copy condition setting film or data having an input error) can be obtained. Can be prevented. Then, it is possible to accurately determine the useful life of the copy condition setting film based on the obtained data. Therefore, it is possible to prevent improper copying conditions from being set by erroneously using a copying condition setting film whose life has expired, and to easily and accurately set copying conditions in a copying apparatus. Becomes possible.

In the invention according to claim (2), a data recording unit for recording data is provided on the copy condition setting film, and data representing an initial set value of the copy condition is recorded in this data recording unit. ing. Thereby, when the initial setting of the copy condition of the copying machine is performed using the copy condition setting film, the data recorded in the data recording unit of the copy condition setting film to be used is read,
It is possible to easily obtain data representing the initial setting value of the copy condition, and prevent erroneous data from being obtained. Then, by using the acquired data, the initial setting of the copy condition can be performed easily and in a short time. Therefore, the initial setting of the copying conditions in the copying apparatus can be performed easily and in a short time.

In the invention according to claim (3), a data recording unit for recording data is provided on the copying condition setting film, and the data recording unit is used to correct the variation of the copying condition setting film. Data is recorded. Thus, when the copy condition setting film is used to set the copy condition of the copying apparatus, the data recorded in the data recording section of the copy condition setting film to be used is read, and the copy condition setting film is read. It is possible to easily obtain data for correcting the variation of the film for use, and prevent erroneous data from being obtained. Then, it is possible to accurately correct the variation of the copy condition setting film based on the acquired data and set an accurate copy condition. Therefore, it is possible to easily and accurately set copy conditions in the copying apparatus.

In the invention set forth in claim (4), the image obtained by copying the image for setting the copy condition recorded on the film for setting the copy condition is photometrically measured by photometric means and provided on the film for setting the copy condition. The data for judging the expiration date of the copying condition setting film recorded in the recorded data recording unit is read by the reading means, so that the data for judging the expiration date of the copying condition setting film can be easily and without error. Thus, it is possible to prevent erroneous data (for example, data corresponding to another copy condition setting film or data having an error caused by an input error or the like) from being obtained.

Further, the expiration date determining means judges whether the copy condition setting film has expired based on the data read by the reading means. Therefore, the expiration date of the copy condition setting film is accurately determined, If the durable period determining means determines that the copy condition setting film is not expired, the copy condition setting is performed using the photometric value of the image. By using this, an improper copy condition is not set, and the copy condition can be set easily and accurately.

Further, as described above, since the setting of the copying condition can be accurately performed according to the invention of claim (4), the state of the copying apparatus can be accurately grasped accordingly, and the management of the copying apparatus can be performed. It is possible to do it accurately.

According to the invention of claim (5), since the data representing the initial setting value of the copying condition recorded in the data recording unit provided on the copying condition setting film is read by the reading means, the initial setting value of the copying condition is read. It is possible to easily obtain the data to be represented, and to prevent erroneous data from being obtained. The setting means sets an initial setting value of the copying condition represented by the data read by the reading means as the copying condition when the copying conditions for copying the image are initialized, and sets the photometry means to copy the image. The image obtained by copying the image for setting the copy condition is measured according to the copy condition for performing the photometry, and the copy condition setting means sets the copy condition using the photometric value of the image.

Therefore, at the time of the initial setting of the copy condition, an image for setting the copy condition is copied according to the initial set value of the copy condition, and the initial set value of the copy condition is corrected using the photometric value of the image. Since the initial setting of the copying condition is performed, the work for initial setting of the copying condition can be reduced, and the initial setting of the copying condition can be performed easily and in a short time.

In the invention according to claim (6), the data for correcting the variation of the copy condition setting film recorded in the data recording section provided on the copy condition setting film is read by the reading means, so that the copy to be used is performed. Data for correcting the variation of the condition setting film can be easily obtained, and no erroneous data is obtained.
The photometric means measures the image obtained by copying the copy condition setting image recorded on the copy condition setting film, and the copy condition setting means uses the photometric value of the image to be read by the reading means. Since the variation of the copy condition setting film is corrected based on the obtained data and the copy condition is set, the copy condition can be easily and accurately set without being affected by the variation of the copy condition setting film.

Further, as described above, the copying condition can be accurately set by the invention of claim (6), and accordingly, the state of the copying apparatus can be accurately grasped, and the management of the copying apparatus can be performed. It is possible to do it accurately.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a printer processor 64 as a copying apparatus according to the present invention. The printer processor 64 has a negative carrier 80, on which a processed negative film 78 including a reference negative film as a copying condition setting film is set.

As shown in FIG. 2, the reference negative film 10 is formed by exposing the under-exposed color negative image 12, the over-exposed color negative image 14 and the standard color negative image 16 under predetermined conditions and developing them. Each negative image is a gray part 22 corresponding to a negative of a gray subject.
And an average subject portion 24 provided around the gray portion 22 and corresponding to a negative of the average subject taken. Note that a super-overexposed color negative image may be prepared together with the three negative images 12, 14, and 16.

Further, a magnetic tape 20 applied to the surface as a data recording unit is attached to the leading end of the reference negative film 10. The magnetic tape 20 includes, as data relating to the setting of copying conditions, a hue representing the life of the reference negative film 10, data representing an initial set value of the standard exposure condition, and variation in density value of the negative image for each reference negative film 10. In response to the above, data such as density value correction data for correcting the density value of each image of the test print is recorded. Also magnetic tape 20
In addition to the above data, as data relating to the reference negative film 10, photometric value correction data for correcting the photometric value of the negative image corresponding to the variation of the density value of each negative image of the reference negative film 10, a reference negative film Ten film characteristic data are also recorded. The above-mentioned density value correction data and photometric value correction data correspond to “data for correcting variations in the copy condition setting film” described in claims 3 and 6.

By the way, each negative image of the reference negative film 10 gradually fades due to light such as fluorescent light in a room or print exposure. For this reason, the service life of the reference negative film 10 is defined by the service life and the number of service exposures from the use start date, and the service life data is, for example, three months from the service start month as the service life, the service life exposure It is recorded as data representing 200 times. The portion to which the magnetic tape 20 is attached may be the rear end or the side end as long as the image of the reference negative film 10 is not recorded. The magnetic tape 20 is also provided with a write area for writing data such as the start date of use and the number of print exposures. In addition,
The initial value of the area in which the number of print exposures is written is "0". The data of the start date of use and the number of times of print exposure correspond to the "data for judging the expiration date of the film for setting copy conditions" according to claims 1 and 4 together with the expiration date data. I have.

The data representing the initial setting value of the standard exposure condition is data for setting the standard exposure condition in the printer processor 4 when the printer processor 64 is installed, and includes data such as a color balance, a slope coefficient, and a standard exposure time. ing. The data representing the initial setting value of the standard exposure condition corresponds to the "data representing the initial setting value of the copying condition" described in claims 2 and 5.

The printer processor 64 includes a dimming filter 66 composed of C, M, and Y filters, a light source unit 72 including a light diffusion box 68 and a halogen lamp 70, and a paper magazine unit 76 containing a color paper 74. . In the vicinity of the negative carrier 80, a magnetic head 82 for reading various data recorded on the magnetic tape 20 and writing data on the magnetic tape 20 is mounted. Negative carrier 80
A photometer 84 composed of a two-dimensional image sensor or the like for measuring the average density or the like of the image positioned at the printing position is arranged near the printing position. This photometer 84 is
Exposure conditions according to the density of the image recorded on the negative film 78 are determined based on the standard exposure conditions and the photometric values, and the light source unit is determined.
It is connected to a control circuit 86 that controls the dimming filter 66 and controls the exposure conditions.

Color paper 74 drawn from paper magazine section 76
In the exposure unit 88, the image of the negative film 78 is printed, and the color development unit of the processor unit 92 is connected via the reservoir unit 90.
Supplied to 94. The color paper 74 developed in the color developing unit 94 is subjected to fixing processing in a bleach-fixing unit 96, and then washed with water in a rinsing unit 98 to produce a color print. The water-washed color print is dried in the drying unit 100 and then the cutter unit 102.
Is cut into image frames. This cutter unit 102 includes
A densitometer 104 connected to the control circuit 86 is arranged so as to sandwich the conveyed color print. Color paper 74
On the side opposite to the densitometer 104 with respect to the transport path, a reference density plate 116 having an image of a reference density is disposed to face the densitometer 104.

The control circuit 86 has a CR for displaying data and the like.
T106, a keyboard 108 for inputting data and the like are connected, and a memory area of the control circuit 86 is provided with a storage area for management data.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In addition, the flowchart of FIG. 3 shows a state where the reference negative film 10 is set on the negative carrier 80,
This is executed when a switch (not shown) for setting an exposure condition is turned on.

In step 100, the lamp of the densitometer 104 is turned on. Tens of seconds after the lamp is turned on, the density of the densitometer 104 can be measured, the density of the reference density plate 116 is measured, and the density value is written in a memory (not shown) of the control circuit 86. In step 102, various data recorded on the magnetic tape 20 of the reference negative film 10 are read by the magnetic head 82. Step 104
Then, the read data is written to the memory.

In step 106, it is determined whether or not the reference negative film 10 set on the negative carrier 80 is a reference negative film to be newly used. This determination is made by referring to the data written in the area of the reference negative film 10 where the data on the number of print exposures is written among the various read data and determining whether or not the value of the data is "0". Will be When the value of the data is "0", the negative carrier 80
Is determined to be a newly used reference negative film, and the current date is written on the magnetic tape 20 by the magnetic head 82 in step 108 as the use start date data.

In step 110, it is determined whether or not the reference negative film 10 to be used has expired. As described above, the determination of the useful life is performed by determining whether the elapsed time from the use start date has exceeded the useful life and whether the number of print exposures has reached the useful exposure number, 2 above
When at least one of the two determinations is affirmed, it is determined that the service life has expired. If the determination in step 110 is affirmative, "expiration date" is displayed on the CRT 106 in step 112, and the process ends. In this way, the management of the reference negative film 10 is automatically performed, and there is no possibility that an incorrect standard exposure condition is set by erroneously using the reference negative film 10 whose service life has expired. If the remaining period until the end of the useful life is short (for example, about one week), the alarm may be notified.

Step 110 described above corresponds to the expiration date determining means described in claim 4. If the determination in step 110 is denied (if it is determined that the copy condition setting film has not expired), the step 110 is executed. Performing the processing after step 114 (setting of standard exposure conditions, details of which will be described later) corresponds to the copy condition setting means.

If the determination in step 110 is negative, step 114
Then, it is determined whether the initial setting of the standard exposure condition is performed. The printer processor 64 of this embodiment performs initial setting of standard exposure conditions at the time of installation, and thereafter calculates exposure conditions using the standard exposure conditions. If the current exposure condition setting process is the first exposure condition setting process after the printer processor 64 is installed, the initial setting value of the standard exposure condition in the data read in step 116 is written in the memory of the control circuit 86,
Used as standard exposure conditions for the printer processor 64.
The steps 114 and 116 correspond to the setting means according to the fifth aspect.

In step 118, each negative image recorded on the reference negative film 10 is measured by the photometer 84. Photometry may be performed for each negative image, or a plurality of measurement areas may be measured simultaneously using a two-dimensional image sensor. The photometric value of the negative image is corrected based on data relating to the reference negative film 10, such as photometric value correction data for correcting variations in photometric values among the various data, and film characteristic data of the reference negative film 10. The photometric value of each negative image is written in the management data storage area of the memory together with the date.

In step 120, an exposure condition is determined based on the set standard exposure condition and the photometric value of the corrected negative image, and an optical system is controlled in accordance with the exposure condition to convert the image of the reference negative film 10 into a color paper 74. Bake. Next, the print paper 74 is subjected to development, fixing, washing with water, and drying to produce a test print.

Of the test prints created, the test print image obtained by printing the standard color negative image 16 on the color paper 74 adjusts the condition fluctuation of the printer processor 64, adjusts the color balance after replacing the print lamp, and develops. The test print image obtained by printing the underexposed color negative image 12 on the color paper 74 is used for color balance adjustment after liquid exchange, seasonal change adjustment of negative subject balance, emulsion number balance adjustment of color paper 74, etc. The test print image that is used for the under-negative balance adjustment of the currently used channel and obtained by printing the overexposed color negative image 14 on the color paper 74 is used for the over-negative balance adjustment of the currently used channel. At this time, the print exposure data recorded on the magnetic tape 20 is simultaneously counted up and written on the magnetic tape 20.

In the next step 122, the densitometer 104 is activated when the image on the color paper 74 reaches the photometry position of the densitometer 104 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the exposure, and each image density of the test print is measured. This measurement is performed in claims 4 to 6.
. The density value of each image of the test print obtained by the measurement is written in the management data storage area of the memory with the date. Step 12
In step 4, the measured density value of the test print is corrected by the density value correction data in the read data. As a result, a density value excluding the influence of the variation in the density of the negative image for each reference negative film 10 is obtained. Note that a target density value, which will be described later, may be corrected in accordance with the variation of the density value of the negative image for each reference negative film 10.

In step 126, the deviation is calculated by comparing the corrected density value with the target density value. In step 128, it is determined whether or not the deviation is within an allowable range. If it is out of the allowable range, the exposure condition is changed in step 130 and step 118
Return to step 1 until the determination in step 128 is affirmative
Steps 18 to 130 are repeated.

If the determination in step 128 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 132, in which correction values such as a slope control value and a color balance value for correcting the standard exposure condition are calculated according to the equations (5), (6) and (7). Then, the correction value is written to a predetermined channel on the memory, and the process is terminated.
An appropriate standard exposure condition is newly set by the correction value, and thereafter, a printing process is performed using the standard exposure condition. The standard exposure condition and the correction value are written in the management data storage area of the memory with the date.

In addition, among the processes of steps 118 to 132 described above, in particular, the image of the reference negative film 10 is printed on the color paper 74 under the exposure condition determined using the set standard exposure condition, and the test obtained by the printing is performed. Calculating various correction values for correcting the standard exposure condition based on the density value of each image of the print corresponds to the copying condition setting means according to claim 5, wherein the photometry value of the negative image is measured. 7. The copying condition setting unit according to claim 6, wherein the correction is performed based on the value correction data, and the correction value for correcting the standard exposure condition by correcting the density value of the test print with the density value correction data is calculated. It corresponds to.

Next, the management of the printer processor 64 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This flowchart is executed when the type of data to be displayed is specified by the keyboard 108 and a management switch (not shown) is turned on.

In step 200, the data to be displayed is determined, and the determined data is read from the management data storage area on the memory. In step 202, the read data is displayed on the CRT 106 in time series. As a display method, for example, data can be displayed on the vertical axis and the horizontal axis on the time axis. The display of data differs depending on the purpose, and may be a control chart, a histogram chart, a cumulative distribution chart, a color coordinate chart, a table, or a graph. In the next step 204, the change tendency of the displayed data is determined by a determination process such as a statistical process.
At 206, the judgment result is displayed on the CRT 106. As the determination result, a value obtained by a determination process such as a statistical process is compared with a reference value, and a result such as a caution, a warning, an abnormality, and a coping method is displayed. In the determination processing in step 204, the situation may be determined by applying an expert system in which a determination procedure for a skilled manager is implemented in software, a fuzzy logic, a neural network, or the like, in addition to the statistical processing.
In addition, it is preferable that these determinations be made comprehensively by using other management data indicating the status of the printer processor 64 in addition to the displayed data.

As described above, in this embodiment, the data recorded on the magnetic tape 20 attached to the reference negative film 10 is read to set the standard exposure conditions. The code of the reference negative film 10 to be used is determined in comparison with the case where the reference negative film 10 is stored in a single storage unit in association with the code for identifying each reference negative film 10, and the data of the reference negative film 10 is determined. It is not necessary to perform complicated processing such as searching using the code as a key, and by simply reading the data recorded on the magnetic tape 20 of the reference negative film 10 to be used, obtaining the data of the reference negative film 10 Therefore, the standard exposure conditions can be easily set. Further, the standard exposure conditions can be set more accurately by various data.

Further, in the present embodiment, the magnetic tape 20 on which various data are recorded is affixed to the reference negative film 10, so that the standard exposure conditions can be automatically set by a machine, and the already created reference The present invention can also be applied to the negative film 10.

The data recorded on the magnetic tape 20 is not limited to the above. For example, a code (so-called DX code) representing the maker name and film type of the reference negative film 10 may be stored on the magnetic tape 20 as data relating to the film, and a reference density for each printer type may be stored as data relating to the setting of copy conditions. Good. The target density (reference density) of a test print when creating a test print from the reference negative film 10 often differs depending on the printer model. This is mainly due to the fact that the configuration of the photometric system differs depending on the printer model. Further, even when the exposure control method differs depending on the printer model or when the spectral characteristics of the filters of the densitometer for measuring the print density differ, it is necessary to change the reference density. As described above, the reference density and the like for each printer model are recorded on the magnetic tape 20,
If the standard exposure condition is set using the printer-specific reference density read from the magnetic tape 20, an appropriate standard exposure condition can be set regardless of the printer model.

Further, the content of the data recorded on the magnetic tape 20 can be corrected or changed according to the region or season in which the reference negative film 10 is used. This makes it possible to set standard exposure conditions according to the region and the season.

Further, data on the reference negative film 10 such as a film type is recorded on the magnetic tape 20, and the data on the reference negative film 10 is written in a storage area of the management data. Processing and display may be performed for each film type of the negative film 10.

Further, the test print on which the image of the reference negative film 10 has been printed may be used for condition management such as the evaluation of the developing solution of the printer processor 64. As a result, an evaluation result corresponding to the actual print quality can be obtained as compared with the developer evaluation using the conventional control strip.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the magnetic tape 20 on which various data are recorded is used as the data recording unit.However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be provided directly by coating, or a transparent magnetic substance may be coated on the whole or part of the back or front of the film. Further, for example, a barcode representing data relating to the setting of the copy condition or the like may be used as the data recording unit, and the data may be read by a reading unit including an optical sensor or the like.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to the printer processor 64 has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to a copying apparatus which sets and manages copying conditions using a copying condition setting film.

〔The invention's effect〕

As described above, according to the invention of claim (1), a data recording section is provided on the copy condition setting film, and data for determining the expiration date of the copy condition setting film is recorded on the data recording section. Therefore, an excellent effect that it is possible to easily and accurately set copy conditions in the copying apparatus is obtained.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, since a data recording unit is provided on the copy condition setting film and data representing an initial set value of the copy condition is recorded in the data record unit, the copy condition initial setting in the copying apparatus is performed. , Which can be performed easily and in a short time.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a data recording section is provided on the copy condition setting film, and data for correcting a variation of the copy condition setting film is recorded on the data recording section. An excellent effect that it is possible to easily and accurately set copy conditions is obtained.

The invention according to claim (4) reads data for judging the expiration date of the copy condition setting film recorded in the data recording section of the copy condition setting film, and sets the copy condition setting based on the read data. It is determined whether or not the film for use has expired. If it is determined that the film has not expired, the copy condition is set using the photometric value of the image obtained by copying the image for setting the copy condition. An excellent effect is obtained that the setting can be easily and accurately performed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when initializing copy conditions for copying an image, an initial set value of the copy conditions represented by data read from the data recording unit of the copy condition setting film is used as a copy condition. The image obtained by copying the image for setting the copy condition is measured according to the copy condition for setting and copying the image, and the copy condition is set using the photometric value of the image. Can be performed easily and in a short time.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, an image obtained by copying a copy condition setting image described on a copy condition setting film is measured with light, and a data recording section of the copy condition setting film is provided in a data recording section. The data for correcting the variation of the recorded copying condition setting film is read, and the photometric value of the image is used to correct the variation of the copying condition setting film based on the read data to set the copying condition. Therefore, an excellent effect that the copying conditions can be set easily and accurately can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printer processor according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a reference negative film, and FIG.
FIG. 4 and FIG. 4 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the present embodiment. 10: Reference negative film, 20: Magnetic tape, 64: Printer processor 82: Magnetic head, 86: Control circuit, 104: Densitometer.

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A copying condition setting film in which an image for setting copying conditions of a copying apparatus is recorded and a data recording unit for recording data is provided. Characterized in that data for judging the end of life of the copy condition setting film is recorded. 2. A copying condition setting film in which an image for setting copying conditions of a copying apparatus is recorded and a data recording unit for recording data is provided. Characterized by recording data representing initial setting values of copying conditions. 3. A copying condition setting film in which an image for setting copying conditions of a copying apparatus is recorded and a data recording unit for recording data is provided. Characterized in that data for correcting variations in the copying condition setting film is recorded. 4. A copying apparatus in which an image for setting a copying condition is recorded and a copying condition is set by using a copying condition setting film provided with a data recording section for recording data. A photometric unit for photometrically measuring an image obtained by copying the image for setting the copying condition; and a reading unit for reading data for determining a lifetime of the film for setting the copying condition recorded in the data recording unit. A life expiration date judging unit for judging whether or not the copy condition setting film has expired based on the data read by the reading unit; and the life expiration date judging unit judges that the copy condition setting film is not expired. And a copying condition setting means for setting a copying condition by using a photometric value of the image in the case of the copying. 5. A copying apparatus in which an image for setting a copying condition is recorded and a copying condition is set using a copying condition setting film provided with a data recording section for recording data. Reading means for reading data representing an initial set value of a copy condition recorded in the data recording unit; and reading the read condition as the copy condition when initially setting a copy condition for copying an image. Setting means for setting an initial setting value of a copy condition represented by the copied data; photometric means for photometrically measuring an image obtained by copying the image for setting the copy condition according to a copy condition for copying an image; A copying condition setting means for setting a copying condition using the photometric value of the copying machine. 6. A copying apparatus in which an image for setting a copying condition is recorded and a copying condition is set using a copying condition setting film provided with a data recording section for recording data. Reading means for reading data for correcting the variation of the copy condition setting film recorded in the data recording unit, and photometry means for photometry of an image obtained by copying the image for copy condition setting A copying condition setting unit that corrects a variation of the copying condition setting film based on data read by the reading unit using a photometric value of the image and sets a copying condition. .