JP3421015B2 - Exposure method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0001] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
Related to focus processing, especially soft
Forming a focused image on a photosensitive material
To an exposure method that can be performed. [0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an analog slit exposure system is provided.
In image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, soft focus
When forming a processed image, the image recorded in the original
After irradiating the photosensitive material directly with the light of
Original image light obtained through the focus filter
Is applied to the photosensitive material to expose the photosensitive material. [0003] A soft focus filter
Light is scattered, so the light
The resulting image is an image having an expanded imaging width. As mentioned above
Exposure of photosensitive material with image light recorded on the original
And the scattering obtained through the soft focus filter
And sequentially exposing the photosensitive material with the selected image light 2
Form soft-focused image by double exposure
Can be On the other hand, in addition to the above method, a liquid crystal cell is used.
To form a soft-focused image.
Wear. This liquid crystal cell exhibits a light scattering phenomenon,
The scattering state and the non-scattering state can be controlled more. Follow
The original image obtained through a liquid crystal cell exhibiting a non-scattering state
Exposure of photosensitive material with image light from
Material by scattered image light obtained through a crystal cell
The exposure of the material is soft-
An image subjected to focus processing can be formed. [0005] Soft focus processing using a liquid crystal cell
Are described in, for example, JP-A-59-29236,
JP-A-214837 and JP-A-1-257820
It is disclosed in the gazette. JP-A-59-29236
The liquid crystal cell disclosed in
And the non-scattering state are controlled, whereby the photosensitive material
Is irradiated with uniformly scattered image light. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-214837 and
And a liquid crystal cell disclosed in JP-A-1-257820
The liquid crystal cell is
The scattering state and the non-scattering state are controlled for each region of the
As a result, the desired image area is scattered on the photosensitive material.
Light is irradiated. Furthermore, in recent years, software
Image that has been subject to soft focus and a normal clear image.
Mixed or different degrees of soft focus processing
There is also a demand that mixed images be mixed. For example, using a soft focus filter
Satisfy the above demands with the soft focus processing
If you try to do so, the main scanning direction of the soft focus filter
Can be dealt with by changing the degree of diffusion. Also liquid
The soft focus processing using crystal cells
In order to satisfy the desire, the area of the liquid crystal cell in the main scanning direction
This can be dealt with by changing the degree of scattering for each region. [0008] As described above, the analog
In an image forming apparatus having a slit slit exposure system,
The formation of an image that has been focused
Through a liquid crystal cell exhibiting light scattering or light scattering
Image light scattered by the
And irradiate the photosensitive material sequentially to achieve double exposure
Is done. However, a soft focus filter is used.
Soft focus processing, for example,
When changing the degree of focus processing, soft
A focus filter must be prepared. Ma
Also, a soft focus filter is inserted in the optical path for each exposure.
It must be done and quick processing cannot be desired. one
On the other hand, in soft focus processing using liquid crystal cells
Is controlled by controlling the electric field applied to the liquid crystal cell.
Although image light with a degree of scattering can be obtained, still non-scattered light and scattering
Soft exposure by double exposure of light and
Focused image is formed for fast processing
Can not hope. In addition, the liquid crystal cell
Since drive control is required, drive control of the liquid crystal cell becomes complicated.
You. [0010] As described above, the soft-for
It is difficult to expect quick processing in the waste processing.
You. In the image area, soft focus processing was performed.
Mix images and clear images, or
Trying to mix soft-focused images
The soft focus filter or liquid crystal cell
By changing the degree of diffusion or scattering in the main scanning direction
Can be dealt with. However, using a soft focus filter
Diffusion in the main scanning direction
Prepare soft focus filters with different degrees
Is unrealistic. In addition, software using liquid crystal cells
For focus processing, for example,
The degree of scattering in the main scanning direction of the liquid crystal cell by the electrode
Can do it. However, what is the image corresponding to the electrode area?
Is not processed, so the boundaries of the image become discontinuous.
You. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances.
Images with different processing patterns for each area
To provide an exposure method that can be easily formed.
Aim. An exposure method according to the present invention comprises:Slit area
Divides the sub-scanning direction of the
Divided in the main scanning direction and divided into each area divided in the sub-scanning direction
Selective setting of scattering part or non-scattering part and scattering part
Variable in the main scanning directionObtained via liquid crystal
BeHas scattered and non-scattered lightImage lightIn the sub scanning direction
While moving relativelyIrradiated on the photosensitive material
Things. According to the means of the present invention, the liquid crystal
In a region corresponding to the slit width, a predetermined ratio of
A scattering section is set. Therefore, the light passing through this liquid crystal
When lit light is applied to the photosensitive material, it scatters to the same area of the image.
Irradiation with irregular light and non-scattered light is performed. Therefore, scattered light and
By controlling the ratio with the light, the processing of each mode can be performed.
Image can be formed. Further, the ratio between the scattering part and the non-scattering part of the liquid crystal
Can be set multiple in the main scanning direction of the slit area,
The processing mode can be changed for each area of the image. LCD
The pair of electrodes, which are arranged to face each other,
The contact surface of each divided electrode is
They cross in the sub-scanning direction. Because of this, the electrode structure forms an image
And the continuity of the image is compensated. Each processing mode is based on scattered light and non-scattered light of image light.
The ratio is set by the ratio of
Field and electrode structure. Having scattered light and scattered light
When the photosensitive material is exposed to image light, the resulting image
Is an image with a sharp outline but a wider imaging width.
This is the image that has been subjected to the vertical focus processing. Further, the image light having only the scattered light provides
When the photosensitive material is exposed, the resulting image is
It is an image that has been subjected to soft focus processing with an increased width.
In addition, the photosensitive material is formed by image light having only non-scattered light.
When exposed, the resulting image is a clear image. Sof
Focusing reduces the graininess of the original
However, it can be lightened and exposed,
Even with the original image, an image with reduced roughness can be formed. Also,
Even if it is a high contrast image taken at the seaside in midsummer,
Does not scatter with the image light scattered by the liquid crystal light control member
Reproduced image by double exposure of photosensitive material with image
Can be softened. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The soft focus processing according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG.
4 is a soft focus based on the area ratio between the scattering part and the non-scattering part.
The vertical axis of the image indicates the degree of widening of the image.
Obtain the degree of blur and the degree of scattering corresponding to this degree of blur.
The horizontal axis indicates the voltage applied to the liquid crystal cell for
The ratio of the scattering portion in the image is shown. As shown in FIG. 14, the scattering part and the non-scattering part
Image with an appropriate ratio of
This is an image on which focus processing has been performed (shaded area in the figure). This
In contrast, an image in which the scattering portion occupies 100% has an image width of
Just expanding the image results in a so-called out-of-focus image. Also, the scattering part
Is 0%, that is, 100% of the non-scattering part is an image.
Guo becomes a sharp normal image. For example, as shown in FIG.
Image with 100% scattering part
Exposure with the light of
An image with the cloth is obtained. As shown in FIG.
As described above, the degree of scattering of the scattering part depends on the voltage applied to the liquid crystal cell.
Depends on. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
In addition, as the degree of scattering increases, that is, the applied voltage increases.
The density distribution of the image changes slowly
You. The image in which the scattering portion occupies 100% is the outline
The imaging width is expanded, and a so-called out-of-focus image is obtained. Meanwhile, this
The soft-focused image according to the invention is non-scattered
Parts and scattering parts at an appropriate ratio (see FIG. 14). sand
That is, an image having the density distribution shown in FIG.
And an image having the density distribution shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 16 (C),
An image having a density distribution with a weighted average of the cloth is formed
You. Here, the density difference represented by H in FIG.
This shows the core of the image, where the proportion of the scattering part is small
Indeed, lower. [0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
A description will be given with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is applied to the present invention.
1 shows a first embodiment of a liquid crystal light control member. LCD tone
The optical member is arranged in the optical path of the exposure apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
The photosensitive material is exposed to light through a liquid crystal light control member.
And the soft-focused image is formed by
You. As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal light control member 10
0 is a transparent pattern which is arranged facing each other with a required pattern.
A pair of glass substrates 10 supporting the bright electrodes 101 and 103
Liquid crystal exhibiting light scattering phenomenon by electric field application at 5, 107
109 is sandwiched. Liquid crystal 1 having the above characteristics
09, a nematic liquid having a negative dielectric anisotropy
Crystal, for example, ZLI-4318, ZLI-4330, Z
LI-2806 or ZLI-4518 (Merck)
Manufactured by ZLI. In this embodiment, ZLI
-4318 with tetrabutylammonium bromide
What added 0.04 wt% was used. Electrode 101 supported by glass substrate 105
The comb-shaped electrodes 101a and 101b are arranged so as to bite each other.
Electrodes supported by the glass substrate 107
103 is divided into a plurality of segments in the main scanning direction
And the boundary of each segment is within the slit width described later.
Are arranged so as to form a zigzag shape. Transparent
By applying a voltage to the electrodes 101 and 103, the liquid crystal
109 shows a scattering phenomenon and constitutes the transparent electrode 101
Transparent electrodes 101a, 101b and transparent electrode 10
To selectively control the voltage applied to each segment
The liquid crystal region exhibiting the scattering phenomenon can be selected
You. FIG. 2 shows the layer structure of the liquid crystal light control member 100.
are doing. That is, the liquid crystal light control members 100
Alignment films (polyimide etc.) 151, 153, insulating films (Si
155, 157, and transparent electrode (ITO, etc.) 1
01 and 103 are laminated and supported in this order.
The liquid crystal 109 is sandwiched between 5, 5 and 107, and
Antireflection films 159 and 16 on the outside of the substrate 105 and 107
1 has a layered structure. Further, referring to FIG.
The transparent electrode 101 constituting 0 will be described. FIG.
(A) shows a transparent electrode 101 supported by a glass substrate 105.
And the comb-shaped transparent electrodes 101a, 10a
1b are occlusally arranged with each other. Comb-shaped transparent electrode 1
01a and 101b each have a different comb pitch
The width W1 of the transparent electrode 101a is
Is set twice as wide as W2. In this embodiment,
The width W1 is set to 1 mm and the width W2 is set to 0.5 mm
You. Here, the continuity of the electric field applied to the liquid crystal is compensated.
As a result, it occurs in a portion adjacent to the transparent electrodes 101a and 101b.
Gap S1 needs to be designed as small as possible.
You. Set by the width ratio of the electrodes 101a and 101b
The ratio between the transparent part and the scattering part
Is preferably constant for this purpose.
It is preferable that the width of 1a and 101b is as narrow as possible. However, the electrode
If the width of 101a and 101b is too narrow, light diffraction occurs.
Exposure cannot be performed accurately, so that the electrodes 101a and 101b
The width is set so as not to cause diffraction. In FIG. 3A, the liquid crystal light control member 100
The slit light passing part of the exposure equipment to which
Area 112 defined by an imaginary line having a cut width SW.
And the slit width SW corresponds to the comb pitch of the electrode 101a.
Hit. The width ratio of the electrodes 101a and 101b is
Light area 112 has a minimum width (minimum slit light width) SW
Is set so as to obtain a desired scattering rate. Expanded dew
When light is used, the slit light width is also increased.
The light width is also reduced, but the desired scattering is achieved with the minimum slit light width SW.
At any magnification as long as it is set to provide randomness
The same scattering rate is obtained. Each segment of the electrode 103 shown in FIG.
Voltage and selectively apply voltage to
Voltage is applied to one of the poles 101a and 101b.
Thus, a transparent portion and a scattering portion are formed on the liquid crystal light control member 100.
Can be achieved. For example, a predetermined segment of the electrode 103
Voltage to the electrode 101a and the voltage to the electrode 101a.
When applied, the segment between the electrode 101a and the previous electrode 103
And the liquid crystal sandwiched between them is in a scattering state (dotted area in the figure).
Area). A voltage is applied to the electrode 101a and the electrode 103.
The transparent part and the scattering part of the liquid crystal member 100 formed by
Has a ratio of 2: 1 which results in a scattering rate of 67
Set to%. Here, the scattering rate is the minimum slit light width S
The ratio of the scattering portion in W is shown. When a voltage is applied to the electrode 101b,
As shown in FIG. 3B, the electrode 101b and the previous electrode 10
3 is in a scattering state (dotted area in the figure).
Area). A voltage is applied to the electrode 101b and the electrode 103.
The transparent part and the scattering part of the liquid crystal member 100 formed by
Has a ratio of 1: 2, which results in a scattering rate of 33
Set to%. As described above, the electrode to which the voltage is applied
Electrodes 101a and 101b opposed to segment 103
The scattering rate changes by selectively applying a voltage to. Figure
Scattering part obtained in the electrode pattern shown in FIG.
The combination ratio of the transparent part and the transparent part is 100% scattering part: transparent
Part 0%, scattering part 67%: transparent part 33%, scattering part 33%:
Transparent area 67%, scattering area 0%: transparent area 100%
is there. The combination ratio of the scattering part and the transparent part is
Depends on polar pattern. For example, the electrodes 101a, 101
b is half the width of one electrode 201a,
The width is made equal to the width of the other electrode 201b. This electrode putter
A voltage is applied to the narrow electrode 201b
And the ratio of the scattering portion in the slit light portion 112 is 1 /
4 and the scattering rate is 25%. Also, a wide electrode
When a voltage is applied to 201a, the minimum slit width SW
The ratio of the scattering part occupied is 1/2, and the scattering rate is 50%.
is there. A voltage is applied to both electrodes 201a and 201b.
When added, the ratio of the scattering portion occupied in the slit light portion 112
Is 3/4 and the scattering factor is 75%. That is, between the settable scattering part and the transparent part,
The combination ratio is: scattering part 75%: transparent part 25%, scattering
Part 50%: transparent part 50%, scattering part 25%: transparent part 75
%, Scattering part 0%: transparent part 100%. FIG.
Liquid crystal light control member 10 having electrode pattern shown in (A)
In the exposure apparatus to which 0 is applied, the light passes through the slit light area.
The passing image light has a predetermined proportion of scattered light and non-scattered light.
You. When the photosensitive material is exposed by this image light, scattered light
Image with an expanded image width due to the
Image with the same part as the sharp image
You. The result is a sharp outline but blurred image
Is formed after the soft focus processing. Further, the liquid crystal light adjusting member 100 includes a segment.
By the divided electrode 103, a combination of a scattering part and a transparent part
A plurality of matching ratios can be set. For example, a liquid crystal light control member
100, a region having a predetermined ratio of a scattering part and a non-scattering part
Set and exposed to the resulting scattered and non-scattered light
When the material is exposed, the resulting image is sharp
Soft-focused image with blurred image
An image is formed. The liquid crystal light control member 100 has only a scattering portion.
And set the area with the scattered light
When the material is exposed, the resulting image is a blurred image
The soft-focused image is formed. Ma
In addition, a region having only a non-scattering portion in the liquid crystal light control member 100
And expose the photosensitive material with the resulting non-scattered light
Then, the obtained image has a sharp outline.
You. Each segment of the liquid crystal light control member 100 has
By setting each area, different processing types in the image
Image can be formed. Liquid crystal light control member 100
Are segmented in a zigzag pattern,
The bounding area does not act as a mask.
The continuity is compensated, thereby forming a natural image
Can be. Each segment is within the slit area,
It is only necessary to join in a crossing direction in the sub-scanning direction.
It is not limited to the ring coupling. Hereinafter, a method of driving the liquid crystal light adjusting member 100 will be described.
Will be described. As shown in FIG.
In the longitudinal direction area, areas a to c having different processing modes are set.
When forming, the transparent electrode constituting the liquid crystal light adjusting member 100
101a, 101b and each segment of the transparent electrode 103
Apply the appropriate voltage to The transparent electrodes 101a and 101b
Let Y1 and Y2 be the respective segments of the transparent electrode 103.
X1 to Xn (n: natural number), X
1, X2, and Xn are supplied AC voltages.
It is set by controlling the amplitude of the drive voltage. Amplitude control
Variable gain amplifier 181 connected in series to the
More executed. Gain to control each variable gain amplifier
Information is output from the control unit bus 185 according to the image,
Digital / analog (hereinafter, referred to as D / A) converter 18
3 is converted to an analog signal. For example, as shown in FIG.
Image area 501, a clear image (area a) and a ring
An image with soft focus processing that is an image with a blurred guo
(Region b) and the image whose outline is sharp and blurred
Form an image (area c) that has been subjected to the soft focus processing.
In this case, the liquid crystal slit 112 corresponding to each region
Are sequentially selected and set in the main scanning direction.
An image for one frame having an image is formed. FIG. 6 shows the voltage scattering degree dependency of the liquid crystal 109.
As shown in FIG.
It changes sharply. The transparent electrodes 101a and 101b and the transparent electrodes
The potential difference set by each segment of the pole 103 (AC
(50 Hz effective value), the scattering degree of the liquid crystal changes.
Become Therefore, the liquid crystal is charged to obtain a desired degree of scattering.
Apply a field. FIG. 7 shows a case where the above three types of images are formed.
Shows the voltage applied to each electrode. Y1, Y2
0V and 20V respectively, and 1 each for X1, X2 and Xn
When 0 V, 40 V, and 30 V are applied, between the opposing electrodes
Has a potential difference (10 V, 20 V, 30 V) as shown in FIG.
V, and 40 V). Each potential difference is shown in FIG.
Compared with the voltage scattering degree, the liquid crystal has low scattering degree
You can see that a transparent area and a high scattering area occur
You. As described above, two different scattering
Since an area is formed, the electrode X1 and the electrode Y
No clear image is formed in an area where Y1 and Y2 face each other.
In the region where the electrode X2 and the electrodes Y1 and Y2 face each other.
Soft focus processing, which is an image with a blurred outline
Image is formed, and the electrode Xn and the electrodes Y1 and Y2
Sharp and blurred image in opposing areas
Is formed after the soft focus processing. FIG. 8 shows the scattering of the liquid crystal light adjusting member 100 described above.
The vertical axis shows the haze value and the horizontal axis shows the applied voltage.
Is shown. As shown in FIG.
In the range of 60V to 60V, the haze value increases with the increase of the applied voltage.
It increases monotonically between 0 and slightly less than 90%. FIG. 9 shows a liquid crystal tone.
The spectrum characteristic of the optical member 100 is shown, and the vertical axis is
The haze value and the horizontal axis show the transmission spectrum. In FIG.
As shown, transmission spectra from 400 nm to 700 nm
In the nm range, the transmittance of the spectrum changes but
Even if the applied voltage is changed, the spectrum of the liquid crystal light control member 100
The characteristics do not change. Therefore, even if voltage is applied, the liquid crystal
The light control member 100 does not exhibit coloring. The electric power applied to the liquid crystal light adjusting member 100 is
The pressure is set by the peak value. Embodiment described above
So, one electrode has the required pattern and the other electrode
The liquid crystal is divided into segments, which cause the liquid crystal
The case where the region is formed is described. But on the other hand
Electrode has the required pattern and slit length
Direction, and the other electrode is
It may be done. Hereinafter, the liquid crystal light control member 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
A second embodiment will be described. Note that the previous figure
1 and the liquid crystal light control member 100 shown in FIG.
The same reference numerals are given and the detailed description is omitted. Shown in FIG.
The liquid crystal light adjusting member 100 is provided with a plurality of areas X1 in the main scanning direction.
To Xn and the whole surface electrode 173
Have. FIG. 11 shows each electrode structure of a plurality of regions X1 to Xn.
And each electrode is arranged in the sub-scanning direction of the slit 112.
The electrodes are sequentially arranged with electrodes Xa and Xb. This practice
In the embodiment, in order to reduce the number of connection lines, the slit 112 is used.
With respect to a pair of electrodes Xa1 and Xb
So that the same voltage can be applied.
The corresponding electrodes are connected to one another. Returning to FIG. 10, the longitudinal direction of the slit 112
A clear image (region a) and an image with a blurred outline
An image (area b) that has undergone soft focus processing and a ring
Guo is a soft focus processing where the image is sharp and blurred
When forming an image (area c)
An appropriate voltage is applied to each of the electrodes 171. FIG. 12 is above
The voltage applied to the electrode for obtaining the image of the above three forms is shown.
0V is applied to each of the electrodes Xa and Xb constituting X1.
Each of electrodes Xa and Xb constituting X2 has a voltage of 40 V,
40 V and 0 V are applied to the electrodes Xa and Xb constituting Xn.
You. Voltage scattering of the liquid crystal 109 shown in FIG.
Electrode 153 is grounded based on
Therefore, the liquid crystal has a transparent region with low scattering and a high scattering
A scattering region occurs. Therefore, the scattering degree in the slit is
Since two different regions are formed, the electrodes X
In a region where 1 and the electrode 173 face each other, a clear image
(Region a) is formed, and the electrode X2 and the electrode 173 face each other.
In the area where the image is blurred,
An image (area b) subjected to focus processing is formed, and an electrode is formed.
In the region where Xn and electrode 173 face each other,
Sharp focus and soft focus processing
An image (region c) is formed. Hereinafter, referring to FIG.
An image forming apparatus to which 0 is applied will be described. Picture
A photosensitive material magazine 12 is arranged in the image forming apparatus 10.
The photosensitive material 14 is rolled in the photosensitive material magazine 12.
It is wound and stored. The photosensitive material 14 is placed on a support.
A photosensitive silver halide, a binder, a dye-providing substance,
It has a reducing agent and is superimposed on the image receiving material.
By heat development, it is formed or released from the dye-donating substance.
The emitted dye is transferred to the image receiving material. Also, photosensitive material
Reference numeral 14 denotes a heat development transfer process in the presence of an image forming solvent such as water.
Management is promoted. The cutter pulled out of the photosensitive material magazine 12
The photosensitive material 14 cut to a predetermined length by the
The light is conveyed to the light unit 18. Receiving magazine
An image receiving material 22 is wound into a roll and stored in
Have been. A mordant is provided on the image forming surface of the image receiving material 22.
The dye fixing material is applied. Receiving magazine 20
And cut to a predetermined length by the cutter 24.
The image receiving material 22 is conveyed to a thermal development transfer section 26 described later.
It is supposed to be. A platen glass 28 is provided on the upper part of the main body.
When using a light reflection original picture (hereinafter referred to as an original picture) 30
The original cover 32 for covering the upper surface of the original
It is mounted on glass 28. When using light transmission originals
Is a transmission original image illuminating device (pull
Unit) is installed. The truth of platen glass 28
Below, a light source 34 and the light source 3
Light source unit having a first moving mirror 36A that moves together with
The knit 38 can be moved relative to the first movable mirror 36A.
A plurality of movable second mirrors 36B are provided.
The displacement can be moved along the platen glass 28.
You. The light source unit 38 slides image light from the original 30.
A slit member that guides the first movable mirror 36A in a slit shape
(Not shown). The second moving mirror 36B is a light
Is configured to move relative to the source unit 38
However, the moving amount and moving speed are １ ／ of the light source unit 38.
Is set. Furthermore, the reflected light from the original image is
Through the unit 40, provided in the mirror unit 42
Fixed mirror 44, movable mirror 46, and fixed mirror 4
The light 8 is reflected by the exposure unit 18. The vicinity of the mirror unit 42 is shown in FIG.
Not shown, but reflected by movable mirror 46
A photometric device that measures the image density of the original 30 based on the image light
The exposure conditions are determined by the photometric device.
Is done. Also, the mirror unit 42 moves during zooming.
It is configured to adjust the optical path length. Movable mirror 4
Reference numeral 6 denotes when an image is formed by the projector 50 described later.
Moves upward in the mirror unit 42 and the projector
50 image light is transmitted through the fixed mirror 48.
ing. Exposing the contents of the original 30 to the photosensitive material 14
While moving the light source 34 and the first moving mirror 36A.
Follows the second moving mirror 36B at a predetermined speed from the
The light from the source 34 is irradiated along the original 30 and the reflected light
To the mirrors 36A, 36B, 36 and the imaging lens unit 4
0 to form an image on the photosensitive material 14 located at the exposure unit 18.
Scan and expose. In addition, the exposure part 18 is a main part of the present invention.
A liquid crystal light control member 100 is provided, and image light is indispensable.
The light is modulated by the liquid crystal dimming member 100 as necessary.
Light material 14 is reached. The liquid crystal light adjusting member 100 includes a light source unit 38.
Longitudinal shape extending in the same direction (main scanning direction) as the slits inside
It is. The liquid crystal light control member 100 is directly
It is detachable in the intersecting direction and is loaded into the exposure unit 18.
The liquid crystal light control member 100 layered on the exposure glass 18
It may be in close contact with the light glass 18 or several mm (eg,
(For example, 5 mm). In addition, liquid crystal tone
Between the optical member 100 and the exposure glass 18, Canadian balsa
Adhesive or transparent filler with a refractive index close to that of glass
Insertion is preferable because transmittance increases. The photosensitive material 14 scanned and exposed by the exposure unit 18
Is transported upside down, and image formation is performed by the water application section 54.
Water as a solvent is applied. Water application
The photosensitive material 14 to which water has been applied by the unit 54 is the image receiving material 2
2 and the heat development transfer is performed by the heat development transfer unit 26.
Is being done. In this embodiment, the photosensitive material
In this configuration, water is applied to the photosensitive material 14.
Alternatively, it may be applied to any of the image receiving materials 22.
It may be configured to apply water to 22. Image receiving material 2
2 has a low water absorption rate because it contains a polymer,
Material 14 contains gelatin, so it has a high water absorption rate,
Applying water to the photosensitive material 14 is advantageous in terms of speeding up.
is there. The thermal development transfer section 26 is provided with a halo as a heating element.
Heating drum 58 with built-in gen lamp 56 and its peripheral surface
Endless belt 60 wound around
The heat drum 58 and the endless belt 60 are driven to rotate.
Thereby, the superposed photosensitive material 14 and image receiving material 2
Thermal transfer while nipping and transporting
You. As a result, the photosensitive material 14 generates a movable dye or
Is released, and at the same time, the dye is transferred to the dye fixing layer of the image receiving material 22.
And the image is obtained on the image receiving material 22.
ing. After the transfer by heating and development, the toner is separated from the image receiving material 22.
The photosensitive material 14 is provided on the side of the thermal development transfer section 26.
Is sent to the waste box 62
You. Further, the image receiving material 22 separated from the photosensitive material 14 is
It is configured to be accumulated in the discharge tray 64. Body
A projector 50 is detachably mounted on the side of
You. The projector 50 is, for example, a color negative film or
For image light of light transmission type originals such as color reversal film
This is for exposing the photosensitive material 14 more, and for transmitting light.
Source device 66, scanning type original table 6 on which the light transmission type original image is placed
8, the optical system 70. In the light source 66
Is provided with a transmission light source 72, and the optical system 70 is a zoom lens.
A lens unit 78 composed of an aperture plate 74 and an aperture plate 76;
It is composed of filters 80a and 80b and a mirror 82. It is to be noted that the platen glass 28
The original 30 used for light may be of a light transmission type or a light reflection type.
Even if the image is misaligned, it often has a positive image. Also,
Placed on the original table 68 of the projector 50 and used for exposure.
If the original picture is a color reversal film,
Has a positive image. Sensitive to light from such positive images
To form an image by exposing the material 14, the photosensitive material 14
Is used for a positive image. In this case, the photosensitive material
14 is combined with a cyan dye-donating compound on a support
Red-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, magenta dye donating
A green-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer combined with a compound;
Blue-sensitive halo combined with yellow dye-donating compound
Developing silver halide having at least a silver halide emulsion layer
Positive photosensitive material that forms a diffusible dye image in reverse
It is. On the other hand, the original table 6 of the projector 50
8 Original picture with negative image like color negative film
May be placed and used for exposure. Negative painting like this
Exposure of photosensitive material 14 with light from an image to form an image
The photosensitive material 14 is used for a negative image. This
In the case of the photosensitive material 14, a cyan dye-donating
A red-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer combined with a compound,
Green-sensitive halides combined with zeta dye-donating compounds
Combined with silver halide emulsion layer and yellow dye-donating compound
Having at least a coated blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer,
Form a diffusible dye image in response to silver halide development
It is a negative photosensitive material. In the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
The liquid crystal light control member 100 exhibiting the scattering phenomenon is placed near the photosensitive material 14.
Get a soft-focused image by placing it next to it
The case has been described. However, the liquid crystal light control member 100
In the vicinity of the original 30 (for example, the light source 34, the first moving mirror 36)
A or near the second moving mirror 36B) or imaging
Between the lens unit 40 and the photosensitive material 14 (for example,
(In the vicinity of the constant mirror 48),
Therefore, a so-called dodging-processed image is obtained. A liquid crystal light control exhibiting a change in density (polarization)
Even if the member is arranged near the photosensitive material 14, the above dodging
A controlled image is obtained. In addition, soft focus processing
First liquid arranged and arranged to obtain a controlled image
A crystal light control member and a structure to obtain the above dodging effect
By using in combination with the arranged second liquid crystal light control member
Soft focus and dodging
An image is obtained. As the liquid crystal whose density (polarized light) changes,
Nematic liquid crystal, super twisted nematic liquid crystal,
Or a guest-host type liquid crystal.
By doing so, a liquid crystal with a dodging effect can be obtained.
You. [0061] According to the invention described above, the liquid crystal light control section is provided.
Variable image light adjusted to scattered light and non-scattered light by material
By subjecting the photosensitive material to slit scanning exposure
Scattered only by electrical control without mechanical movement
Light and light scattered light can be generated. The liquid crystal light adjusting member has a scattering rate in the main scanning direction.
Since it can be different, the processing form
Different images can be mixed. And this is it
Image can be achieved with a single slit scanning exposure
Thus, an image can be easily and quickly formed. Ma
In addition, the boundary of each segment of the liquid crystal light control member is zigzag
This compensates for the continuity of the image boundaries.
Therefore, a natural image can be obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of a liquid crystal light adjusting member applied to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional configuration diagram showing a layer configuration of the liquid crystal light adjusting member 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a layout view showing a transparent electrode 101 constituting the liquid crystal light adjusting member 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method of driving the liquid crystal light adjusting member 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an image including regions having different processing modes. FIG. 6 is a characteristic diagram showing the scattering characteristic of the liquid crystal 109. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a voltage applied to each transparent electrode. FIG. 8 is a characteristic diagram showing a scattering characteristic of the liquid crystal light adjusting member 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a characteristic diagram showing spectrum characteristics of the liquid crystal light adjusting member 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a liquid crystal light control member according to a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a structure of electrodes X1 to Xn shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing voltages applied to electrodes Xa and Xb constituting electrodes X1 to Xn shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus to which the liquid crystal light adjusting member according to the invention is applied. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a soft focus process according to the present invention. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a soft focus process according to the present invention. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a soft focus process according to the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Liquid crystal light adjusting members 101, 103, 171, 173 Transparent electrodes 105, 107 Glass substrate 109 Liquid crystal 112 Slit light regions 151, 153 Alignment films 155, 157 Insulating films 159, 161, Antireflection film 181 Variable gain Amplifier 183 D / A converter 185 Control bus

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-2-27761 (JP, A) JP-A 1-214837 (JP, A) JP-A 1-257820 (JP, A) (58) Fields studied (Int .Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03B 27/00-27/80 G02F 1/13 101 G02F 1/1343

Claims (1)

(57) [Claim 1] In an exposure method in which a photosensitive material is slit-exposed by relative scanning between image light and a photosensitive material, a sub-scanning direction of a slit region is divided into a plurality of regions.
Each area is divided in the main scanning direction and divided in the sub-scanning direction.
If the scattering area or non-scattering area is set selectively for each area
In both cases, image light having scattered light and non-scattered light obtained through a liquid crystal in which the degree of scattering in the main scanning direction of the scattering portion is varied is obtained.
An exposure method wherein the photosensitive material is irradiated while being relatively moved in a sub-scanning direction .