Abstract: The present invention is in the photographic field, and is used to measure sensitometric characteristics of a photographic element. The present invention relates more particularly to a method that enables the production of a sensitometric control patch with exposure gradient, placed on a photographic element, and enables the measurement of the sensitometric characteristics of the photographic element. The sensitometric control patch is produced so as to obtain on the exposed photographic film strip, a single sensitometric control comprising a gradient of exposure areas, and enables all the sensitometric characteristics of the film to be obtained. The sensitometric control patch is produced from the nominal sensitometric characteristics of the film, and the instantaneous speed of relative movement of the film in front of the light energy source. The present invention has its application in the photography field and in particular the motion picture field.

Abstract: A photographic printer and a method of printing in which the printer is interfaced with a defect detection or scanning system is adapted to inspect photographic paper for defects as it is consumed by the printer. In the system and method of the present invention, when a defect is detected, the printer is enabled to either skip over the defect area or to reprint the affected image. With respect to the defect, when detected, the present invention provides either for the utilization of a defect marker, such as a hole punch, which provides a physical mark on the paper in close vicinity of the defect or an electronic device capable of transmitting the precise location of the defect to the printing section. The hole or electronic signal is recognized by the printer, to enable it to either skip the defective frames or reprint the images.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a system for digital dye color film processing. In one embodiment, a developer station applies a processing solution to film to initiate development of metallic silver grains and at least one dye image within the film. A scanning system illuminates the coated film with light having at least one frequency within the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The light interacts with the silver and at least one dye image within the film. The scanning station measures the light from the film and produces sensor data that is communicated to a data processing system. The data processing system processes the sensor data to produce a digital image. The digital image can then be output to an output device, such as a printer, monitor, memory device, and the like.

Abstract: A dryer for drying photographic material and a transfer assembly for transferring processed photographic film from a processor to the dryer. The dryer comprises a path through which the photographic material extends wherein at least one slack loop is provided in the photographic material. An adjustable roller is provided along the path to adjust a size of the slack loop and an air supply arrangement is adapted to provide drying air to the slack loop.

Abstract: One embodiment is a system for the development of a film includes an infrared light source and a visible light source. The system also includes at least one sensor operable to collect a first set of optical data from light associated the infrared light source and a second set of optical data from light associated with the visible light source. The system further includes a processor in communication with the at least one sensor, the processor operable to determine an image on the film in response to the first and second sets of optical data.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method of automatically enhancing a digital image. The magnitudes of grain traces are measured in at least two segments in the digital negative and the digital negative is enhanced using the magnitudes of the grain traces measured in the at least two segments.

Abstract: One implementation of the invention is a self-service film processing system. In one embodiment, the self-service film processing system comprises a display and a film processing system. The film processing system operates to develop and digitize film provided by a customer to produce digital images that are then displayed to the customer. The self-service film processing system may include several additional components, such as various types of payment systems, image input systems, output devices, and customer input devices may be incorporated into the self-service film processing system. The film processing system may comprise a wet-chemistry film processing system or a digital film processing system. Another implementation of the invention is a prepaid photoprocessing card. In one embodiment, the prepaid photoprocessing card comprises a media and an encoded data device.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method for signal modulation adjustment. The method comprises illuminating a reference target and a region of film with a first light source for a first time interval. The method further comprises capturing image data from the film in response to a first amount of light reflected from the film with a first sensor for a first integration time. The method also comprises approximately simultaneously producing a first reference output in response to a first amount of light reflected from the reference target in a field of view of a reference sensor. More particularly, the method further comprises adjusting the data in response to the reference output. In a further embodiment, the method comprises adjusting an output illumination level of the first light source in response to the first reference output before a next time interval.

Abstract: A mixed-element stitching and noise reduction system includes apparatus and methods for producing an image dataset having a reduced noise content without substantially impacting image reproduction accuracy. Such noise reduction is provided by replacing a portion of a first, higher noise image dataset with a portion of a second, lower noise dataset. In a preferred embodiment, two image datasets comprising a color-stitched image and a luminance image are received from a DFP image capturing system. The received images are preferably separately stitched and separately converted to a color-space in which a luminance data channel is separated from image color information. The luminance channel of the luminance image is then preferably substituted for the luminance channel of the color-stitched image. More preferably, a log-time stitching technique is used and the stitched images are each converted to an L*a*b* color space.

Abstract: An image processing and manipulation system provides a user the opportunity to customize images exposed on dry process photosensitive film. That is, the system of the present invention permits a user to choose a particular look that is to be associated with exposed images on photosensitive film. The looks can be, but are not limited to, for example, accurate color reproduction, portraiture, brilliant color, black and white, etc. Therefore, with the system of the present invention, a customer is presented with the option of choosing a photographic appearance and or look that the customer desires for planned images. In the system and method of the present invention, an order based on a photographic film selected by the customer and a selected appearance characteristic is associated with the images exposed on the film. A code is assigned to at least a sample of the selected film and/or the order.

Abstract: A cartridge that supplies fresh photographic processing solution or chemistry to a photoprocessing machine and recovers silver from spent processing solution. The cartridge is designed to integrate a solution supply system and a silver recovery system to facilitate the collection of silver from spent processing solution, form a less-regulated spent solution and reduce chemical exposures to operators of photoprocessing systems.

Abstract: An index sticker print is created where small photographic images are printed on individual sticker blanks contained on a sticker blank carrier. The photographic images are derived from digital image data obtained when the photographic film is scanned. The digital image data is formatted to size and is sent to a printer which then prints the digital data onto the sticker blanks creating an index sticker print.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying at least one solution of a predetermined viscosity to photosensitive material. The apparatus includes at least an application roller that applies the coating solution onto the photosensitive material. The application roller partially extends into a solution tray of the coating apparatus and is partially submerged in solution in the solution tray. In an arrangement of the present invention, a cascade wall and metering blade are positioned within the solution tray so as to define a first section at which solution enters the tray, and a second section which receives solution that spills over from the first section and includes a port which leads coating solution back to a coating solution tank for recycling or leads cleaning solution to drain. The apparatus further includes a washing arrangement that washes the coating apparatus in an efficient manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and use of information exchange between processing solution supply cartridges that are placed on a small processing machine and a controller that is used to operate the machine. In a feature of the present invention, the controller is adapted to control the operation of the processing machine based on the residual volume of processing solution in the cartridge. That is, the controller is adapted to compare the residual volume of processing solution in the supply cartridge to the amount of processing solution needed to process a specific roll of loaded film and control processing accordingly.

Abstract: A photographic processor and a dryer for drying photographic material. The dryer comprises a path through which the photographic material extends wherein at least one slack loop is provided in the photographic material. An adjustable roller is provided along the path to adjust a size of the slack loop and an air supply arrangement is adapted to provide drying air to the slack loop. The air supply arrangement supplies air to a frame member that has slots along at least one wall. A sliding member is provided within the frame member to open and close the slots in accordance with the size of the slack loop. This enables a supply of drying air directly on the media and further permits the automatic adjustment of the amount of air being supplied in accordance with the size of the slack loop or the length of the media being dried.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photographic processor, such as a minilab, which includes at least an exposure section and a chemical development section. The exposure section of the minilab includes an inclined or slanted conveying path that receives photographic paper or media with the emulsion side in a first orientation, such as emulsion side-up; transports the photographic media emulsion side-up to an exposing position where the emulsion side of the photographic media is exposed to light, turns the exposed photographic media around so that the emulsion side is in a second orientation, such as emulsion side down; and conveys the photographic media emulsion side-down to an exit of the exposure station.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photographic processor which includes a circular processing drum and a metering blade assembly provided within the drum. The metering blade assembly is adapted to control or meter an amount of processing solution provided on film to be processed in the film path. The metering blade assembly is adjustable so as to accommodate 35 mm or APS film in the photographic processor. The metering blade assembly is also attached to a support assembly or member which further supports an agitating roller. With the arrangement of the present invention, it is possible to adjust the width of both the agitating roller and the metering blade in accordance with the type of film to be processed in the photographic processor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photographic processor that includes a circular processing drum that is adapted to process photographic media. The processor also includes a circular cylinder that defines a holding or cueing cylinder. The circular cylinder has a circular media path therein and is adapted to received the processed photographic media from the circular processing drum to hold or cue the processed photographic media therein prior to drying. The processor also includes a dryer that is provided at an outlet of the circular cylinder for drying the processed media as the media exits the cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photographic processor and a method of processing photographic film which utilizes a circular processing drum and a disk positioned inside the drum. In the arrangement of the present invention, a tubular shaft has one end that is positioned at the central opening of the disk, and at least one processing solution delivery tube extends through the tubular shaft. The at least one processing solution delivery tube has a first end associated with a processing solution source and a second end which opens to a film path in the circular processing drum.

Abstract: A method for generating a digital representation of an image by scanning the image with two different types of light. A system for use in generating a digital representation of an image, as well as digital representation of an image are also provided.