JPH0448209B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

(Industrial Application Field) The present invention converts an image signal read by photoelectrically scanning an image original into a density signal, performs color processing on the density signal, and then reproduces a control signal for controlling a light source for image formation. The present invention relates to an image processing device that outputs. (Prior art) A density signal is obtained by photoelectrically scanning a color image original, and the density signal is subjected to color processing such as color correction, sharpness enhancement, and gradation conversion. Accordingly, an image reproducing apparatus is known that controls the amount of light from a reproduction light source to obtain a desired image. In the past, it was common for such image reproduction devices to obtain a positive reproduced image from a positive color original, but in recent years, it has been possible to obtain an internegative from a positive color original, a positive image from a negative original, and an internegative from a screw original. The desire to obtain such products is also becoming stronger. However, if a conventional signal processing system for generating a positive image from a positive original is used as is to create an internegative from a positive original, a positive image from a negative original, and an internegative from a negative image, various problems arise. For example, when creating an internegative from a positive original or a negative original, an operator who manipulates various parameters during the color processing stage can use the same method as when creating a positive image from a positive original to produce a final image from the completed internegative. When printing on a standard printing photosensitive material, an image with the desired density cannot be obtained due to the difference in spectral sensitivity between the internegative photosensitive material and the final printing photosensitive material. Therefore, when forming an image on the internative photosensitive material, the operator must take into account the spectral absorption of the dye of the intanegative photosensitive material, the spectral sensitivity of the final printing photosensitive material, the spectral intensity of the printer light source, etc. , the burden on the operator increases and the operator's skill is required. Furthermore, if the original is a negative and a density signal corresponding to a negative image is sent to the color processing section, there is a problem in that it becomes difficult for the operator to manipulate parameters. (Objective of the Invention) In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, the present invention is applicable to all cases of converting a positive original to a positive image, a positive original to an inter-negative, a negative original to a positive image, and a negative original to an inter-negative. To provide an image processing device in which an operator's operations in a color processing section are almost the same as those for obtaining a positive image from a positive original even when obtaining an internegative from a negative original, a positive image from a negative original, and an internegative from a negative original. The purpose is to (Structure of the Invention) A negative/positive compatible image processing device according to the present invention includes:
A positive input signal processing section receives an image signal from a positive original and outputs a density signal equivalent to a positive image, and a negative input signal processing section receives an image signal from a negative original and outputs a density signal equivalent to a positive image. It is equipped with Further, a color processing section is provided that performs various color processing on the density signals from the two input signal processing sections and outputs the results. Furthermore, there is a positive image output section which receives the density signal from the color processing section and outputs a light amount control signal to form a density equivalent to a positive image on the output sensitive material, and a positive image output section which receives the density signal from the color processing section and outputs it. It includes a negative image output section that outputs a light amount control signal for forming a density equivalent to a negative image on the photosensitive material. In the color processing section, when it is desired to form a density equivalent to a positive image on the output sensitive material, color processing is performed to form a density equivalent to that positive image, and the density equivalent to a negative image is formed on the output sensitive material. When printing is desired, color processing is performed to form the desired density on the final printed photosensitive material. The negative image output section uses the density signal output from the color processing section, that is, the density signal that forms the density desired to be achieved on the final print sensitive material, to create an internegative image for printing the density desired on the final print sensitive material. After converting into a density signal that forms a density equivalent to a negative image, the density signal that forms a density equivalent to that negative image is converted into a light amount control signal. In addition, output photosensitive materials for forming a density equivalent to a positive image include color paper, duplex film, reversal film, G (large size) print film, etc., and final print photosensitive materials usually include G print film, color paper, etc. The printed sensitive material is used. Furthermore, the output photosensitive material for forming a density equivalent to a negative image includes not only a so-called negative film but also the above-mentioned output photosensitive material for forming a density equivalent to a positive image. In addition, in order to perform accurate and simple color processing, Y, M, C
There may be cases where it is necessary to always keep the weight ratio of the three primary color signals at 1:1:1, so the negative original input signal processing section and the positive original input signal processing section convert the image signals into Y, M, C. It is desirable to convert the three primary color signals into density signals corresponding to a positive image so that the weight ratio is always 1:1:1. (Effects of the Invention) According to the apparatus of the present invention, colors can be adjusted not only when forming a positive image from a positive original, but also when forming an internegative from a positive original, a positive image from a negative original, and an internegative from a negative original. The operator's operations in the color processing unit in all of the above cases can be performed in the same way as when obtaining a positive image from a positive original, making it extremely convenient and reducing the system scale. can do. Further, since the density signal inputted to the color processing section is always equivalent to a positive image regardless of the type of the negative/positive original, it is easy for the operator to handle it intuitively and the parameters in the color processing section are easy to operate. In addition, in the negative image output unit, the density signal for forming the desired density on the final print sensitive material is converted into a density signal for forming the density of an internegative for printing the density on the final print sensitive material. In the color processing section, there is no need to perform such density conversion processing, and the color processing can be performed by focusing only on the density that is desired to be achieved on the final print sensitive material. This simplifies the process for an operator who manipulates parameters for processing. Therefore, the operator is not required to have a high degree of skill. (Embodiments) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail using the drawings. Overall Configuration of Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image reproduction system using an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
This system includes an input drum 1 that loads an image original, performs photoelectric scanning, and outputs an image signal, two input signal processing units 2 and 3 that convert this image signal into a positive density signal and output it, and this positive density signal. A color processing section 4 that performs color processing such as color correction on the signal and outputs the result, and two image output sections 5 that convert the output positive density signal from this color processing section into a light amount control signal for obtaining a reproduced image and output it. , 6, a light source 7 and an acousto-optic modulator (AM) 8 for converting light amount control signals from the image output units 5 and 6 into light amount, and an output drum 9 for loading a photosensitive material for forming a reproduced image. It is made up of In addition, this embodiment has a minicomputer 10, which is operated by the minicomputer 10 to perform calculations in the two signal processing units 2 and 3, the color processing unit 4, and the two image output units 5 and 6. It is now possible to send the coefficients used for conversion and the table data used for conversion from outside.
Further, the coefficients and data handled by the color processing section 4 can be changed manually by the operator. In addition, the image signal obtained by photoelectrically scanning a positive original is the positive original input signal processing signal 2.
Image signals obtained by photoelectrically scanning a negative original are respectively input to a negative original input signal processing section 3, and when it is desired to obtain a positive image on an output photosensitive material, they are sent to a positive image output section 5. When it is desired to obtain a negative image on the output photosensitive material, output signals from the color processing sections 4 are input to the negative image output section 6. Since this embodiment has the above-described configuration, color processing of density signals can be performed by the same color processing section 4 for all combinations of positive and negative types of originals and reproduced images. Note that each of the processing units 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 shown in FIG. 1 includes independent and equivalent processing means for each of the three primary color signals of Y, M, and C. Therefore, in the following description of each processing unit 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 in FIG. 1, except for the description of the color processing unit 4, Y,
Only the processing of one of the M and C primary color signals will be described. <Configuration of positive original input signal processing unit> As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 2, the positive original input signal processing unit 2 receives an image signal obtained by photoelectrically scanning a positive original, and converts this image signal into a positive image. Logarithmic conversion circuit 11 that converts into a corresponding concentration signal and outputs it.
Then, the density signal equivalent to this positive image is input, converted to a density signal equivalent to a digital positive image, and output.
The AD converter 12 converts the density signal from this AD converter 12, that is, the integrated density signal, into an analytical density signal to convert the density signal equivalent to a digital positive image from which the color turbidity of the dye in the positive original is removed. Masking processing calculation means 13 outputting to the processing unit 4
It is made up of 〓Configuration of the negative original input signal processing section〓 On the other hand, the negative original input signal processing section 3
As shown in the block diagram in the figure, there is a logarithmic conversion circuit 14 that receives an input image signal obtained by photoelectrically scanning a negative original, converts this image signal into a density signal equivalent to a negative image, and outputs the signal, and An AD converter 15 receives a corresponding density signal, converts it into a density signal equivalent to a digital negative image, and outputs it, and converts the density signal from the AD converter 15, that is, the integrated density signal, into an analytical density signal. masking processing calculation means 1 for outputting a density signal equivalent to a digital negative image from which the color turbidity of the dye in the negative original has been removed.
6, an exposure correction table generation means 17 that generates an exposure correction table, and a density equivalent to a negative image from the masking processing calculation means 16 based on the exposure correction table sent from the exposure correction table generation means 17. Exposure amount correction means 18 converts the signal into a density signal equivalent to a negative image when the same subject is photographed with proper exposure and outputs it, and converts the density signal from the exposure amount correction means 18 into a density signal equivalent to a positive image. Negative/positive conversion means 19 that converts into a density signal and outputs it; correction calculation means 20 that assists this negative/positive conversion means 19 and performs minute density correction; and a density signal corresponding to a positive image from the negative/positive conversion means 19 and correction calculation means 20. The adder 21 adds the correction values from the . . . Differences between positive and negative original input signal processing units As can be seen from the above configuration description, the apparatus of this embodiment processes two input signals: the positive original input signal processing unit 2 and the negative original input signal processing unit 3. Different signal processing is performed on each image signal depending on the type of the image original photoelectrically scanned by the input drum 1, whether positive or negative. As described above, the positive original input signal processing section 2
The reason why the signal processing in the negative original input signal processing unit 3 is more complicated than that is because the image signal obtained by photoelectrically scanning a positive original only needs to be converted into a density signal equivalent to a positive image. On the other hand, an image signal obtained by photoelectrically scanning a negative original must be converted into a density signal equivalent to a negative image and then converted into a density signal equivalent to a positive image. Furthermore, negative originals are photographed under various exposure conditions (for example, arbitrary values in the range of aperture -2 to +4), and depending on a certain exposure correction table, a density signal with proper exposure and equivalent to a negative image can be obtained. That's because you can't. Note that the setting of which input signal processing section 2 or 3 the image signal obtained by photoelectrically scanning the document is input to is determined in advance by the operator by looking at the document and determining whether the image signal is negative or negative.
This is done by determining whether it is positive or positive and setting the changeover switch. Signal Processing in Negative Original Input Signal Processing Unit Next, signal processing in the negative original input signal processing unit 3 will be described. As described above, unlike positive originals, negative originals are photographed under various exposure conditions, so it is not possible to obtain a density signal with proper exposure and equivalent to a negative image by using a fixed exposure amount correction table. That is, the exposure amount correction table used by the exposure amount correction means 18 should be set for each document. Therefore, in the apparatus of this embodiment, before a negative original is photoelectrically scanned, the original is roughly pre-scanned, the density signal is subjected to masking processing, and then transferred to the exposure correction table generating means 17, so that the original is photographed. Determine the exposure conditions when Based on this determination, a table is created to convert the density signal into a density signal when the subject is photographed using a negative photosensitive material with proper exposure, and is set in the exposure amount correction means 18. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the minicomputer 10 is used as the table generating means 17, and the table is created according to (2) shown below. That is, let D _S be the shadow density of the original calculated from the density cumulative histogram of the pre-scanned density, D _SO be the shadow density of a normally properly exposed original, and let the characteristics of the input original photosensitive material as shown in Figure 4 be used. When the curve (exposure - horizontal axis, density - vertical axis) is expressed as D = f _(x) ... (1) (where x = logE), D' = f _(f ^-1 (D) ₊ △ _{x )} ...(2) (where Δx=f ^-1 _(DSO) -f ^-1 _(DS) ) The table value (D') can be obtained by formula (2) given by: After all, the exposure amount (△X) corresponding to the density difference between D _SO and D _S on the characteristic curve in Figure 4
The overall density is shifted in parallel by the same amount, thereby making it possible to obtain a density signal corresponding to proper exposure and a negative image. The settings of the negative/positive conversion means 19 are as follows: First, gray Macbethiat is converted into a negative and a positive sensitive material.
For example, about 90 pairs of data of the density on the negative light-sensitive material and the density on the positive light-sensitive material, each photographed with proper exposure, are prepared. Next, this data is interpolated and smoothed, and given the density of a gray subject photographed with a negative photosensitive material at the proper exposure, a conversion is performed to convert the density of the same subject to the density obtained when the same subject was photographed with a positive photosensitive material at the proper exposure. Create curves for each of the three primary colors (Y, M, C). This conversion curve (D′ _i = f _{i (Di)} , where i
=Y, M, C) are shown in FIG. This conversion curve is set in the negative/positive conversion means 19. The correction calculation means 20 corrects the portion that cannot be corrected by the conversion means 19 alone. This calculation means 20
To set this up, first photograph a color Macbeth chart on a negative and positive photosensitive material at appropriate exposure, and then collect, for example, about 100 pairs of data for the density on the negative photosensitive material and the density on the positive photosensitive material for each color. .
When these data are plotted on Fig. 5, there will be a slight deviation from the conversion curve in Fig. 5 because the data is not for gray, but in order to correct this deviation, a minimum of 2. Equation (3) shown below with coefficients derived by multiplication
Using this, the correction calculation means 20 generates a desired correction value (ΔDi). △Di=D′i−fi(Di)=a _0i +a _1i D _Y +a _2i D _M +a _3i D _C +
a _4i D _Y D _M +a _5i D _M D _C +a _6i D _C D _Y +a _7i D _Y ² +a _8i D _M ² +a _9i D _C ² ...(3) (i = Y, M, C, a _0i , a _1i ...a _9i is a coefficient) Negative-positive conversion means 19 and correction calculation means 20
is set as described above, the density signal corresponding to normal exposure and a negative image outputted from the exposure amount correction means 18 is converted into the density signal corresponding to normal exposure and a positive image, and sent to the color processing section 4. . Therefore, in the negative original input signal processing unit 3 described above, the density signal of the input negative original is converted into a density signal corresponding to normal exposure and a negative image in the first half of the processing unit 3. In the second half of the processing section 3, the signal is converted into a density signal corresponding to normal exposure and a positive image, so even for negative originals whose exposure conditions deviate from the normal values to some extent, the desired density can be obtained with extreme precision. I can get a signal. 〓Configuration of Color Processing Section〓 As shown in FIG. 6, the color processing section 4 has a positive original input signal processing section 2 or a negative original input signal processing section 3.
Color correction processing means that accurately discriminates the hue from the density signal corresponding to a positive image, in which the weight ratio of the three Y, M, and C signals is always 1:1:1, and performs color correction on the density signal. 22. Sharpness enhancement processing means 23 that performs sharpening processing on the density signal, and then on the target photosensitive material (output photosensitive material in the case of positive image output, final print photosensitive material in the case of negative image input) The gradation conversion processing means performs gradation conversion processing on the density signal so that a desired gradation can be realized. This color processing section 4 processes the density signal equivalent to a positive image in which the Y, M, and C three signals outputted from the input signal processing sections 2 and 3 have a weight of 1:1:1 to output a positive image onto an output positive sensitive material or an internegative. Color processing such as the above-mentioned color correction, sharpness enhancement, or gradation conversion is performed so that a desired density can be obtained on the final printed photosensitive material to be printed. Note that each processing means 22,
The parameters and table contents handled by the processing means 23 and 24 are transferred as data from the minicomputer 10 before photoelectric scanning of the original, and are sent to each processing means 2.
2, 23, and 24, the data is changed as necessary based on the judgment of the operator. Each processing means 22, 23, 24 of this color processing section 4
What should be noted when setting and changing data is that
The density that the operator should handle in the color processing section 4 is always equivalent to a positive image through signal conversion in the input signal processing sections 2 and 3, and the desired type ( Since the signal conversion to positive and negative is performed, the output density from the color processing section 4 is always equivalent to a positive image, and since color processing is always performed in a positive-positive system, the operator can handle the density intuitively. It means it's easy. In other words, the fact that color processing is performed on a positive-positive basis means that the operator must pay attention only to the color processing (color correction, sharpness emphasis, gradation conversion) of the density formed on the photosensitive material that is of most interest. This means that all you have to do is change the data. For example, when forming an internegative directly on the output photosensitive material using the density signal output from this device, and printing this internegative to achieve the desired density on the final printed photosensitive material, the final This saves the operator the trouble of calculating the density on the output photosensitive material to achieve that density from the density on the photosensitive material from the print. Here, the sensitive materials of most interest to the operator are (1) the final print photosensitive material in the case of negative image output, and (2) the direct output photosensitive material in the case of positive image output. Hereinafter, the color correction processing means 22, sharpness enhancement processing means 23, and gradation conversion processing means 24 described above will be explained in detail using specific examples. Outline of each processing means in the color processing unit The color correction processing unit 22 always maintains a weight ratio of 1:1 for the Y, M, and C primary color signals input to the color processing unit 4.
Hue signals yellow (Y), green (G), cyan (C), blue from a 1:1 density signal (hereinafter referred to as equivalent neutral density signal)
(B), agenta (M), and red (R), and by multiplying each of these hue signals by a correction coefficient and adding them, Y,
This is a means for color correction of M and C primary color signals.
The sharpness enhancement processing means 23 generates an unsharp mask signal from the unsharp signal obtained from the image original and the equivalent neutral density signal, and then multiplies this unsharp mask signal by a coefficient and adds it to the Y, M, and C three primary color signals. This is a means for performing sharpness enhancement processing on the three primary color signals of Y, M, and C. The gradation conversion processing means 24 has a data table with a one-to-one correspondence between input and output for each of the three primary color signals of Y, M, and C. In this data table, arbitrary data is preset as a value corresponding to an address by the minicomputer 1.
Write from 0, and according to this data, Y,
This is means for performing gradation conversion processing on the M and C three primary color signals. <Specific Circuit of Color Processing Unit> Next, a specific circuit of this color processing unit 4 will be explained with reference to FIG. Note that this circuit includes a circuit that converts the three primary color signals of Y, M, and C into an equivalent neutral density system, but when performing equivalent neutral density conversion in the color processing section 4 in this way, the input signal processing section 2,
3, it goes without saying that this conversion is not necessary. The digital density signals Y ₁ -C ₁ output from the input signal processing units 2 and 3 are input to the data selector 115, respectively. Further, the digital unsharp signal U ₁ read from the image original and digitally converted is input to the unsharp mask signal generation circuit 116 together with the digital density signal M ₁ , and the unsharp mask signal generated here is inputted to the unsharp mask signal generation circuit 116.
U ₂ is input to data selector 115. Also, the output of the data selector 115 (X ₁₁ to _{X 31} )
are input to multipliers/accumulators 120-122, and outputs _P1 - _P3 of multipliers/accumulators 120-122 are inputted to registers 126-128 via slice circuits 123-125, respectively, and data selectors 133-135. is input. Thus, the outputs Y _E ′ to C _E ′ of the registers 126 to 128 are input to the hue discrimination circuit 129, and the hue signal CL discriminated by the hue discrimination circuit 129 is sent to the data selector 115.
The hue address signal CAD indicating which hue is being output is input to the memory address generation circuit 131,
The memory address signal MAD output from 31 passes through the data selector 132 to the memories 117 to 11.
9 is input. On the other hand, the output of data selectors 133 to 135
ASY to ASC are input to memory tables 136 to 138 for gradation conversion, respectively, and hue data Y ₃ is gradation converted in memory tables 136 to 138.
~C ₃ through registers 142 to 144 respectively
The signals are input to DA converters 145 to 147, converted into analog quantities, and output as color-corrected hue signals _Y4 to _C4 . Note that the outputs of the memories 117 to 119 are X ₁₂ to _{X 32}
are input to multipliers/accumulators 120 to 122, and address data for memories 117 to 119 are input to address buses connected to minicomputer 10.
AB, the data (coefficients) input via the data selector 132 and transmitted via the data bus DB to the address position specified by this address data are stored via the input lines DI ₁ to DI ₃ . ing. Similarly, memory tables 136-1
38 is a data bus at an address position specified by address data inputted from address pulse AB via data selectors 133 to 135.
Data transmitted via DB is sent to gates 139-1.
The information is stored by inputting it through 41. These memories 17 to 19 and memory tables 136 to 138 are RAM (Read Write).
Memory). Further, the timing of the memory address generation circuit 131 and the hue discrimination circuit 129 is controlled by the timing control circuit 130, and the timing signal T (t ₁ to t ₂₀ ) output from the timing control circuit 130 is transmitted to the data selector 1.
15, memory 117-119, data selector 1
32-135, gates 139-141, memory tables 136-138, registers 126-128
and 142 to 144 are controlled at predetermined timings. In such a configuration, the digital density signals Y ₀ , M ₀ , C ₀ of the color original image measured through the three-color color separation filter contain incorrect absorption related to the pigments and filters that make up the color original image, and these three The weights of the two digital concentration signals Y ₁ to C ₁ are not necessarily equal. However, by performing the following equivalent neutral concentration conversion calculation, the above 2
One imperfection can be removed. That is, the following calculation is performed: Y _E M _E C _E =b ₁₁ b ₁₂ b ₁₃ b ₂₁ b ₂₂ b ₂₃ b ₃₁ b ₃₂ b ₃₃ Y ₁ M ₁ C ₁ (4). The matrix element bij in equation (4) above is a constant determined by the pigment system and color separation filter that make up the color original, and when measuring the black color of the color original, Y _E , ME, and C _E are the same. It is set to a value that corresponds to the level. Here, the calculation of equation (4) above is, for example, Y _E =b ₁₁・Y ₁ +b12・
Constant bij and signals Y ₁ , M ₁ , C ₁ as M ₁ + _b13・C 1
Since it has the form of a sum of products, it can be executed by sequentially performing the product and sum operations for Y _E , ME, and C _E . In the three memories 117 to 119, the coefficient data DI1 (b11 ~
b14 and k11~k16), DI ₂ (b21~b24 and k21~
k26) and DI ₃ (b31 to b34 and k31 to k36) are written in advance. In addition, coefficients b14, b24, b34, k11 ~
k16, k21 to k26, and k31 to k36 will be described later. The multipliers/accumulators 120-122 all receive the digital concentration signals Y1 _{- C1} transmitted via the data selector 116 and the memories 117-122.
119, and the multiplication results are accumulated. Here, the timing control circuit 130
First, the digital density signal _Y1 is selected from among the input signals by the timing signal _t1 of the data selector 115, and is input to the multipliers 120, 121, and 122. And memory address generation circuit 13
The memory address data from memory 1 passes through the data selector 132 according to the timing signal _t5 .
17 to 119 address lines, and as a result, the coefficient b11 from memory 117 is transferred to memory 118.
The coefficient b21 is output from the memory 119, and the coefficient b31 is output from the memory 119, respectively, and the multiplier/accumulators 120, 121,
122. As a result, the multiplier/accumulator 1
The outputs P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃ of 20, 121, 122 are as follows.
The multiplication values b11·Y ₁ , b21·Y ₁ , and b31·Y ₁ are output, respectively (this is the timing). Then, at the next timing, the digital density signal _M1 is selected from the data selector 115 and inputted to the multiplier/accumulators 120 to 122, and the memory address signal MAD from the memory address generation circuit 131 is passed through the data selector 132 to the memory 117. Select the coefficient b12 stored in
Coefficient b22 stored in memory 118, memory 11
The coefficients b ₃₂ stored in 9 are selected and input to multipliers/accumulators 120, 121, and 122, respectively.
Thus, the multipliers/accumulators 120-122 multiply the digital density signal _M1 by the coefficients b12-b32, and the multiplication results are added to the previous results. Therefore, the multiplier/accumulators 120, 121, 122
The outputs P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃ are respectively b11・Y ₁ +b12・M ₁ ,
b21・Y ₁ +b22・M ₁ and b31・Y ₁ +b32・M ₁ will be output. Similarly at the next timing, data selector 1
A digital concentration signal C ₁ is selected from 15 and input to multipliers/accumulators 120 to 122, and
Coefficients b13, b23, b33 from memories 117 to 119
are outputted to the multiplier/accumulators 120 to 12, respectively.
2, the multiplier/accumulator 120, 12
Result of multiplication and accumulation in 1,122 P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃
are respectively b11・Y ₁ +b12・M ₁ +b13・C ₁ ,
b21・Y ₁ +b22・M ₁・b23・C ₁ , b31・Y ₁ +b32・
M ₁ + b33・C ₁ . In this way, the outputs P ₁ to _{P 3} of the multipliers/accumulators 120 to 122 at the timing ~ contain the equivalent neutral concentrations Y _E , M _E , and C _E of equation (5), which is a modification of equation (4) above. This will be obtained as follows. Y _E =b11・Y ₁ +b12・M ₁ +b13・C ₁ M _E =b21・Y ₁ +b22・M ₁ +b23・C ₁ C _E =b31・Y ₁ +b32・M ₁ +b33・C ₁ ……(5) Equivalent neutral concentration Y _E , M obtained in this way
E and C _E are slice circuits 123 to 12, respectively.
5 (as Y _E ′, ME′, C _E ′) register 1
26 to 128. Here, each of the slice circuits 123 to 125 operates when the input (Y _E to C _E ) exceeds a predetermined maximum value or minimum value.
It operates to output the set maximum value or minimum value. Furthermore, during the above timing ~, the unsharp mask signal _U2 is generated in the unsharp mask signal generation circuit 116. In this analogy, the unsharp mask signal
U ₂ is calculated using the formula U ₂ =M ₁ −U ₁ . Then, at the next timing, the unsharp mask signal _U2 is output from the data selector 115, and is sent to the multiplier/accumulators 120-120 together with the coefficients b14-b34 selected and output from the memories 117-119.
is input. Therefore, the multiplier/accumulator 120
~122 is the input unsharp mask signal
Since U ₂ is multiplied by the coefficients b14 to b34 and the multiplied value is added to the cumulative values Y _E to C _E , the output P ₁
~ _P3 outputs the results Y _S ~C _S of the following equation. Y _S =Y _E +b14・U _S M _S =M _E +b24・U _S C _S =C _E +b34・U _S ……(6) Selective color correction calculation is performed at the following timing, but selective color correction With Y _CC , M _CC , C _CC as correction signals, Y _C = Y _S + Y _CC , M _C = M _S + M _CC , C _C =
It is expressed as C _S +C _CC , and the correction signals Y _CC , M _CC , and C _CC are expressed by the following equation (7). Y _CC =k11・(Y)+k12・(G)+k13・(C)+k14・
(B)+15・(M)+k16・(R) Y _CC =k11・(Y)+k12・(G)+k13・(C)+k14・
(B)+15・(M)+k16・(R) M _CC =k21・(Y)+k22・(G)+k23・(C)+k24・(B)+k25・
(M)+k26・(R) Y _CC =k11・(Y)+k12・(G)+k13・(C)+k14・
(B)+15・(M)+k16・(R) M _CC =k21・(Y)+k22・(G)+k23・(C)+k24・(B)+k25・
(M)+k26・(R) C _CC =k31・(Y)+k32・(G)+k33・(C)+k=34・(B)+k3
5・(M)＋k36・(R)……(7) Here, (Y), (G), (C), (B), (M), and (R) are all hue signals, and the total The hue is divided into equal parts as shown in FIG. Hue signal (Y) ~ (R)
is the hue discrimination circuit 129 during the above-mentioned timing.
However, as is clear from Fig. 8, at most two hue signals out of the six hue signals are output for each tone, so these two hue signals are multiplied by the coefficient kij and added. The calculations may be performed by the multipliers/accumulators 120-122. That is, under the timing control of the timing control circuit 130, first one of the hue signals (Y) to (R) is output from the hue discrimination circuit 129.
is output (CL) and provided to multipliers/accumulators 120 to 122 via data selector 115.
The coefficient kij is set by the operator to an appropriate value for forming a density equivalent to a positive image that the operator desires to realize on the output photosensitive material or the final print photosensitive material. Which hue signal is output is determined by the hue address signal from the hue discrimination circuit 129.
The signal is transmitted as CAD to the memory address generation circuit 131, and the memory address generation circuit 131 outputs a memory address signal MAD for reading out the coefficient kij corresponding to the output hue signal. This memory address signal MAD is the data selector 132
The coefficients kij stored in the memories 117 to 119 in advance are selectively outputted to the memories 117 to 119 through the multipliers/accumulators 120 to 1.
22. Then, the multiplication result of the hue signal and the coefficient kij in the multiplier/accumulator is added to the cumulative values Y _S , M _S , C _S up to the previous time. Then, at the next timing, a similar operation is performed on another hue signal, and the multipliers/accumulators 120 to 1
Y _C , M _C , and C _C are outputted to the outputs P ₁ to _{P 3} of 22. The hue discrimination circuit 129 described above can be realized with a configuration as shown in FIG. 9, for example. The operation of this circuit will be explained below. Y _E ′, M _E ′, and C _E ′ are input to a comparator 148 and a data selector 150. Comparator 148 is
A 3-bit signal is sent to the control circuit 149 based on the magnitude relationship of Y _E ', M _E ', and C _E '. For example, Y _E ′>
When there is a relationship of M _E ′>C _E , the output signals of the comparator 148 are “D ₁ (Y _E ′>M _E ′), D ₂ (M _E ′>C _E , D ₃ (C _E ′,
Y _E ')' are 1, 1, and 0, respectively. Control circuit 14
9 is based on this, at the first timing, the data selector 150 selects Y _E ′ and M _E ′ and outputs X ₁ , X ₂
A control signal such that the data selector selects and outputs M _E ′ and C _E ′ at the second timing.
Send CT to data selector 150. Y _E ′ and M _E ′ output to the outputs X ₁ and X ₂ of the data selector 150 at timing 1 are input to the addition input and subtraction input of the subtracter 151, respectively, and the subtraction result CL is input to the output of the subtracter 151. ＝Y _E ′−M _E ′ is obtained. Next, at timing 2, the data selector 15
M _E ′ and C _E ′ are obtained from the outputs X ₁ and X ₂ of 0, and the subtracter 15
The subtraction result CL=M _E ′−C _E ′ is obtained at the output of 1. The signals CL output at the first and second timings correspond to hue signals (Y) and (R), respectively. A series of operations such as multiplication and addition are completed, and the obtained corrected color signals Y _C , M _C , C _C are sent to slice circuits 123 to 125 and data selectors 133 to 133.
Memory tables 136 to 13 for tone conversion
8 address signals ASY, ASM, and ASC. Therefore, the memory tables 136 to 138 are data tables in which input and output correspond to each other on a one-to-one basis, and by writing arbitrary data in advance as a value corresponding to an address, a desired gradation conversion can be performed. It can be done. These memory tables 1
Corrected color signal Y ₃ gradation-converted from 36 to 138,
M ₃ and C ₃ are registers 142 to 142 for latch, respectively.
It is outputted from the color processing section 4 via step 144. Note that when writing coefficient data to the memories 117 to 119, the address signal is output from the computer etc. to the address bus AB, and the memory 11
Data selector 132 is connected to address lines 7 to 119.
At the same time, the coefficient data is output to the data bus DB and stored in the memories 117 to 119.
are applied to the data input lines DI ₁ to DI ₃ of the write strobe signals (t ₂ to t ₄ ), and the coefficient data is sequentially written to the addresses designated by the input of the write strobe signals (t 2 to t 4 ). At this time, the data selector 132 operates to select an external address signal. Similarly, when writing data to memory tables 136 to 138, the address signal on address bus AB passes through data selectors 133 to 135 to memory table 1.
36 to 138 address lines (ASY to ASC), and the data on the data bus DB is applied to the gate 13.
Memory tables 136 to 138 via 9 to 141
is applied to the data input/output line of the write strobe signal (t ₁₂ to _{t 14} ), and the gradation conversion data is sequentially written to the address specified by the input of the write strobe signal (t 12 to t 14 ). As the coefficients to be stored in the memories 117 to 119 and the data to be stored in the memory tables 136 to 138, coefficients and data corresponding to various combinations of image originals and reproduced images are stored in advance in the minicomputer 10. , coefficients and data are selected or generated by a separate selection generation means (manual or automatic) based on various information regarding the original image and the reproduced image, and are stored in memories 117 to 119. . Further, a digital switch (not shown) is provided on the front panel of this device for convenience of operator operation, so that the above-mentioned coefficients and data can be changed. In the color processing section 4 described above, a density signal corresponding to a positive image of an equivalent neutral density system is sent to a hue discrimination circuit 129.
Since the input data is inputted into the image, hue discrimination is performed accurately, and therefore color correction processing is performed accurately. 〓Image output section〓 Next, a positive image output section converts the density signal corresponding to a positive image, which has been color-processed and outputted by the color processing section 4, into a light amount control signal for the exposure light source that exposes the output sensitive material. 5 and the negative image output section 6 will be explained using the block diagrams of FIGS. 10 and 11. Configuration of Positive Image Output Unit The positive image output unit 5 converts the density signal corresponding to the positive image on the output sensitive material output from the color processing unit 4 into a light amount control signal of the exposure light source necessary to form the density. It consists of a light amount control signal converting means 25 having a light amount control signal conversion table for converting the light amount control signal into an analog signal and a DA converting means 26 for converting the light amount control signal into an analog signal and outputting the converted light amount control signal. Configuration of Negative Image Output Unit In addition, the negative image output unit 6 converts the density signal equivalent to the positive image on the final printed photosensitive material output from the color processing unit 4 into the direct output photosensitive material necessary to achieve that density. A printing density conversion means 27 for converting into a density signal equivalent to an upper negative (internegative) image and a positive negative calculation means 2
8. A light amount control signal conversion means 29 having a light amount control signal conversion table for converting the density signal of the negative image signal on the directly output sensitive material into a light amount control signal of the exposure light source necessary to form the density; It consists of a DA conversion means 30 that converts the light amount control signal into analog and outputs it. Differences between positive and negative image output units As can be seen from the above configuration description, the apparatus of this embodiment is equipped with two image output units, a positive image output unit 5 and a negative image output unit 6, and is capable of direct output. Depending on the type of positive/negative density to be formed on the photosensitive material, an image output section 5 corresponding to each type,
At step 6, the density signal output from the color processing section 4 is processed and output to the outside of the apparatus. As mentioned above, the reason why the signal processing of the negative image output section 6 is more complicated than that of the positive image output section 5 is because
The signal output from the color processing unit 4 is a density signal equivalent to a positive image, and in the positive image output unit 5, the density signal is converted into a light amount control signal for directly forming a positive density on the output sensitive material. On the other hand, in the negative image output unit 6, the density signal is converted into a density signal equivalent to a negative image, and then converted into a light amount control signal for directly forming a negative density on the output sensitive material. Because it has to be.
Furthermore, the density signal corresponding to the negative image in the negative image output unit 6 is a density signal that can form a negative (internegative) image that can print a desired positive density on the final printing sensitive material, This is because complex signal processing is required to perform such conversion into a concentration signal. The setting of which image input section 5 or 6 the output signal from the color processing section 4 is input to is determined by the operator's desired density on the output photosensitive material (density equivalent to a positive image or density equivalent to a negative image). ) The operator sets the changeover switch in advance according to the type of the switch. Signal Processing of Negative Image Output Unit Next, signal processing of the negative image output unit 6 will be described in detail. The density signal corresponding to a positive image to be realized on the printing sensitive material outputted from the color processing section 4 is input to the printing density converting means 27, and is converted into printing density for the printing sensitive material by the printing density conversion table. . This printing density signal is input to the positive/negative calculation means 28 and converted by the positive/negative calculation circuit (multiplier/accumulator) into a density signal corresponding to a negative image on the output sensitive material. This density signal corresponding to a negative image is a density signal that can form an internegative for printing a desired density on a printing sensitive material. The arithmetic circuit described above performs the following arithmetic operations. Di=C _0i +C _1i P _Y +C _2i R _M +C _3i P _C +C _4i P _Y P _M +C _5i P _M P _C +C _6
i P _C P _Y +C _7i P _Y ² +C _8i P _M ² +C _9i P _C ² ...(8) (i = Y, M, C) Here, Di is the negative image equivalent density on the output sensitive material C _0i , C _1i
...C _9i is a coefficient. Thereafter, the density signal output from the calculation means 28 is input to the light amount control signal conversion means 29 and converted into a light amount control signal for controlling the light amount of the exposure light source 7 using a light amount control signal conversion table. Here, equation (8) is used for setting the memory table in the above-mentioned printing density conversion means 27 and for calculations performed in the positive/negative calculation means 28.
The settings of the coefficients (C _0i , C _1i ..., C _9i ) will be explained in detail. First, regarding the setting of the memory table, it is sufficient to simply set the inverse function of the characteristic curve in the form of digital memory in the printing density conversion means 27. Here, the characteristic curve is a curve representing the characteristics of the photographic light-sensitive material, with the common logarithm of the exposure amount E on the horizontal axis and the photographic density D on the vertical axis. Next, when setting the coefficients (C _0i , C _1i ..., C _9i ) in equation (8), if the printing conditions for printing on the print sensitive material are known, the print sensitivity is determined from the density on the output sensitive material under those conditions. Integral calculations to calculate the burning density for the material are performed in advance (for example, using a minicomputer) on several hundred sets of output densities (D _Y , D _M , D _C ) on the material. . From the hundreds of data obtained in this way, coefficients (C _0i , C _1i ...
C _9i ) can be determined. The integral formula used for the above-mentioned integral calculation is shown below. P=−log∫S〓J〓T〓d〓／∫S〓J〓T _B 〓d〓……(9
) Here, λ: Wavelength, S: Spectral sensitivity of printing sensitive material J〓: Spectral intensity of printer light source T〓: Spectral transmittance of output sensitive material (However, when the spectral density of output sensitive material is D〓, T〓=10 ^{- D} 〓) T _B 〓: Output sensitive material base spectral transmittance In addition, in the above formula (9), if the output sensitive material is a negative sensitive material, T _B, 〓 is the negative sensitive material orange mask spectral transmittance. . Further, when the output photosensitive material is not a screw photosensitive material (for example, a duplex film, etc.), there may be a case where the density corresponding to the orange mask is also desired to be colored using the Y, M, and C3 primary color signals. In such a case, the spectral transmittance of the orange mask represented by the Y, M, and C3 primary color signals (approximately equal to the spectral transmittance of the negative photosensitive material) may be substituted for T _B, . As a result, the density Di on the output photosensitive material, which is calculated by equation (8) using the coefficient Cij obtained from those sample data, is the density that takes into account the orange mask that corrects incorrect absorption on the output photosensitive material. is output as That is, it is possible to obtain an image with an orange mask, similar to an image formed on a negative photosensitive material. Also, for more information about burn-in density, see
Theory of the photographic process (edited by James)
Macmillan, 1977), pp. 519-523. After being subjected to the signal processing as described above, the digital light amount control signal output from the negative image output unit 6 is input to an acousto-optic modulator (AM) 8,
As a result, the amount of light from the exposure light source 7 is controlled, and a desired negative image is formed on the output photosensitive material loaded on the output drum 9. A digital light amount control signal outputted from the positive image output unit 5 is also input to an acousto-optic modulator (AM) 8, thereby controlling the light amount of the exposure light source 7 and loading the image onto the output drum 9. A desired positive image is formed on the output photosensitive material. The apparatus of this embodiment is provided with two image output sections as described above, and when it is desired to form a density equivalent to a positive image on the output sensitive material, the positive image output section 5 sends a light amount control signal to form the density. is output, and when it is desired to form a density equivalent to a negative image on the output photosensitive material, the density desired to be achieved on the final printed photosensitive material is converted by the negative image output section 6 into a density equivalent to a negative image on the output photosensitive material. After that, a light amount control signal for forming the density is output. Therefore, when color processing is performed in the color processing section 4 described above, care must be taken only regarding the density equivalent to a positive image that is desired to be formed on the output photosensitive material or the density (equivalent to a positive image) that is desired to be achieved on the final printed photosensitive material. The conversion coefficients and conversion data can be set by paying . In particular, when forming a density equivalent to a negative image on an output photosensitive material, when an operator sets or changes conversion coefficients and conversion data, it is difficult to change the density from the density that the operator wants to achieve on the final printed photosensitive material as in the past. There is no need to calculate the desired density to be formed on the output photosensitive material, reducing the burden on the operator, and the desired density equivalent to a negative image can always be formed on the output photosensitive material regardless of the operator's skill level. The desired density can always be achieved on the final printed material. In addition, since the positive image output section 5 and the negative image output section 6 can output an appropriate light amount control signal depending on the type of output photosensitive material, for example, it is possible to output an appropriate light amount control signal depending on the type of output photosensitive material. Materials used as positive photosensitive materials can also be used. <Effects of the Embodiments> The configuration of each part, signal processing, effects, etc. have been described in detail above. In addition, in the apparatus of this embodiment, signal processing is performed at high speed and in real time by a digital circuit using a memory table and a multiplier, and a huge image memory or a circuit for performing integral calculations is not required. , the system can be configured in a small size and at low cost. 〓Changes in Embodiment〓 In the apparatus according to the embodiment described above, a positive original input signal processing unit 2 and a negative original input signal processing unit 3 are independently provided as input signal processing units, and a positive original input signal processing unit 3 is provided as an image output unit. An output section 5 and a negative image output section 6 are provided independently. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the positive original input signal processing section 2 and the negative original input signal processing section 3 are formed by a common circuit, and similarly, the positive original input signal processing section 5 and the negative original input signal processing section 3 are formed by a common circuit. The image output section 6 is also formed by a common circuit. As mentioned above, the positive original input signal processing section 2 and the positive image output section 5 have a simpler circuit configuration than the negative original input signal processing section 3 and the negative image output section 6, so that the positive original input signal processing section 2 and the positive image output section 5 are simpler in circuit configuration than the negative original input signal processing section 3 and the negative image output section 6. In such cases, some of the memory tables and arithmetic circuits become unnecessary, but in such cases, commonality of circuits is achieved by performing identity processing. Here, identity processing refers to processing in which the input signal and the output signal become equal. Table 1 shows the roles to be played by each means in the input signal processing section and the image output section depending on the type of positive negative of the input document and positive negative of the output image.

[Table] In addition, in the embodiment described above, a correction calculation circuit that performs minute density correction is provided to perform color correction. However, if there is no need for strict color correction or if the negative original is black and white In some cases, the exposure amount correction table of the exposure amount correction means 18 and the negative/positive conversion table of the negative/positive conversion means 19 may be cascaded and combined into one table. In addition, the equation performed in the correction calculation means 20
The calculation in (3) may be modified, for example, as follows, depending on the required precision. If high precision is not required, the correction is made as Di′=a _0i +a _{0i DY} +a _{2i DM} +a _3i D _C (i=Y, M, C). When high accuracy is required, Di′=a _0i +a _1i D _Y +a _2i D _M +a _3i D _C +a _4i D _Y D _M +a _5i D _M D _C +
a _6i D _C D _Y +a _7i D _Y ² +a _8i D _M ² +a _9i D _C ² +a _10i D _Y D _M D _C +a _11i D _Y D _M ²
+a _12i D _Y ² D _M +... Modify. In addition, when it is necessary to generate a black signal in the color processing unit 4, Y _S , M _S , C _S are extracted from the outputs P ₁ to _{P 3} when the calculation up to the timing is completed, and the black signal is generated separately. By inputting the signal into the circuit and performing calculations to generate the black signal at the timing, it is possible to generate the black signal in parallel with selective color correction. Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the memory 17
Although the coefficients to be stored in .about.19 are stored in advance in the minicomputer, it is of course possible to store the coefficients in RAM, ROM, or the like. Furthermore, when it is desired to form a negative three-color separation plate on a black-and-white photosensitive material using the output signal from the negative image output section 6 described above, it is not necessary to generate an orange mask as in the case of color negative image formation. That is,
The formula is the spectral transmittance in a state where no color is developed.
Just substitute it for T _B, 〓 in (9). Further, in the apparatus of the embodiment described above, signal processing is performed by a digital circuit, but it is of course possible to perform signal processing by an analog circuit.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an image reproducing device using an image processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
The figure is a block diagram showing the inside of the positive original input signal processing unit shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the inside of the negative original input signal processing unit shown in Fig. 1, and Figs. A graph for explaining the conversion process in the negative original input signal processing section shown in the figure, FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the inside of the color processing section of FIG. 1,
7 is a block diagram showing an example of a specific circuit of the color processing section shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a graph showing the state of each hue signal generated by the hue discrimination circuit shown in FIG. 7.
9 is a block diagram showing an example of the hue discrimination circuit shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the inside of the positive image output section shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the inside of the positive image output section shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the inside of the DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Input drum, 2... Positive original input signal processing section, 3... Negative original input signal processing section, 4... Color processing section, 5... Positive image output section, 6... Negative image output section, 7 ...Light source, 8...AM (acousto-optic modulator), 9...Output drum.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A positive original input signal processing unit that converts a positive image signal obtained by photoelectrically scanning a positive original into a density signal equivalent to a positive image; The positive original input signal processing section or the negative original input signal processing section is provided with processing means such as a negative original input signal processing section for converting into a density signal corresponding to an image, a gradation conversion means, a color correction means, a sharpness enhancement means, etc. Color processing is performed on the density signal equivalent to the positive image inputted from the output photosensitive material or on the final printed photosensitive material so that the desired density is obtained, and the density signal equivalent to the positive image that has been subjected to the color processing is processed. a color processing section that outputs the output signal as an output signal; a positive image output section that converts the output signal of the color processing section into a light amount control signal for a light source that exposes the output sensitive material for forming a positive image; and an output signal of the color processing section. The negative image output unit converts the density signal into a density signal of a negative image signal, and then converts the density signal corresponding to the negative image into a light amount control signal of a light source for exposing an internegative forming photosensitive material, and outputs the signal. The density of the negative image obtained by the negative image output unit exposing the internegative forming photosensitive material according to the light amount control signal output from the output unit is determined by the density of the negative image obtained when the negative image is printed on the final printing photosensitive material. A negative/positive image processing apparatus, characterized in that the output signal of the color processing section is converted into a density signal corresponding to a negative image so that the desired density can be obtained. 2. The negative original input signal processing section processes the negative image signal so that the weight ratio of the three primary color signals of Y, M, and C is always 1:
The positive original input signal processing section converts the positive image signal into a density signal equivalent to a positive image so that the ratio of the weights of the three primary color signals of Y, M, and C is always 1:1:1. 2. The negative/positive image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus converts into a density signal corresponding to a positive image so that the following is obtained.