Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing thermal film includes a process sequence that involves a pre-process of a portion of a thermal film to determine optimal conditions for a subsequent process for developing images on the film. In a first feature of the invention, the thermal film undergoes a pre-process for determining the requirements of the subsequent full process of the thermal film. During the pre-process, a portion of the film, preferably before or after an area in which images are captured is used as a process test area. Thereafter, processing during a subsequent processing as well as scanning conditions can be modified based on the optimum processing characteristics determined during the pre-process. In a second feature of the invention, the process sequence can include a pre-process of the entire film and an infrared scanning of the entire film to determine optimal processing conditions for the second process for developing the image.

Abstract: A photographic processor and method of operation is disclosed. The processor includes a circular drum and a disk positioned inside the drum. The disk comprises at least one set of teeth along an outer periphery thereof for engagement with perforations on film. The processor also includes a circular dryer for drying the processed film. The dryer extends around an outer periphery of the drum.

Abstract: A photographic processor having a circular processing drum is shown. The circular processing drum of the processor of the present invention includes a disk that is positioned inside the drum. In order to accommodate different types of film, the circular processing drum is adjustable to change the width and thereby, change a size of the film path within the circular processing drum.

Abstract: An image forming device includes an imaging member for forming a latent image on a photosensitive medium and a pressure assembly for applying pressure to the photosensitive medium and develop images on the medium. The photosensitive medium comprises a plurality of microcapules which encapsulate imaging material such as coloring material. In a feature of the invention, a controller is responsive to sensed ambient conditions to control the amount of pressure applied to the medium and thereby control the amount of crushing force applied to the microcapsules. In a further feature, a flexible pressure strip is provided between a crushing roller of the pressure assembly and the media to prevent a marking of the media.

Abstract: A method of processing customer image orders, each of at least one image capturing an original scene. An image content identification in the form of an image content identification signal, is generated based on an identification of one or more scene objects, for at least one image of a customer order. The generated image content identification is compared with different image content identifications stored in a memory in association with respective predetermined customer certificate data. When at least a generated image content identification matches a stored image content identification, generating a customer certificate from the stored certificate data associated with the matching stored image content identification. The method can be used with customer image sets which may not be image orders. An apparatus and computer program product which can execute such a method, are also provided.

Abstract: A method of processing customer image orders, each of at least one image capturing an original scene. An image content identification in the form of an image content identification signal, is generated based on an identification of one or more scene objects, for at least one image of a customer order. The generated image content identification is compared with different image content identifications stored in a memory in association with respective predetermined customer certificate data. When at least a generated image content identification matches a stored image content identification, generating a customer certificate from the stored certificate data associated with the matching stored image content identification. The method can be used with customer image sets which may not be image orders. An apparatus and computer program product which can execute such a method, are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a shaped-spring assembly. The method and apparatus utilizes a spring forming apparatus which facilitates the forming of shaped springs without adversely effecting the characteristics of the spring, and a magazine arrangement which stores and loads shaped springs, while maintaining the shape of the springs. The magazine arrangement further permits the storage of a plurality of the shaped springs without fatiguing a leading edge of the spring. With the apparatus and method of the present invention, it is possible to load empty shaped spring cavities at a select location, such as at a field site, and also have a steady supply of shaped springs available for quick replacement. The forming apparatus is designed so as to easily cooperate and/or be mounted onto the magazine arrangement so as to facilitate the transfer of shape springs which are shaped by the forming apparatus into the magazine arrangement.

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: A scanner includes a gate to receive a media carrying an image to be scanned. A frame is movable toward and away from the gate between a scanning position and a retracted position spaced further away from the gate than the scanning position. A sensor and a lens mounted on the frame, which sensor and lens move with the frame between the scanning and retracted positions, so that the lens can focus at least part of an image in the gate onto the sensor. A method of scanning images is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying at least one coating solution of a predetermined viscosity to a photosensitive material. The apparatus includes at least an application roller which is adapted to apply the coating solution onto the photosensitive material. A solution supply guide is positioned relative to the application roller to supply coating solution onto the application roller. The apparatus and method further includes a washing arrangement for washing the coating apparatus in an efficient manner. The washing arrangement includes a movable scrubber bar arrangement which retracts away from the application roller when the coating apparatus is in a coating mode of operation, and is movable to contact the application roller by way of brushes in a cleaning mode of operation. The apparatus and method further includes a recirculation system which alternatively supplies coating solution to the supply guide and cleaning solution to at least the washing arrangement.

Abstract: A system and process for combining a prerecorded digital image with hand written graphic elements. The system comprises at least one computer for managing the links between the various parts of the system; at least one mechanism for supplying a prerecorded digital image to the system; and a peripheral (P). The peripheral includes, a mechanism for, on the one hand, displaying the prerecorded image and, on the other hand, digitally recording data corresponding to the hand written graphic elements; and a processor for managing the functions of the mechanism for displaying the prerecorded image and for communicating with the computer.

Abstract: A system and method in which an image capture device such as a scanner can be automatically switched between a plurality of scanning modes without the need for manual intervention. In the system and method of the present invention, a document scanner can automatically switch or toggle between scanning modes while documents are being scanned. In one implementation of the present invention, the scanner can automatically switch between monochrome scanning and color scanning and vice versa based on a defined pattern on a document to be scanned. The document to be scanned can be in the form of a scanning mode switching document inserted into or associated with a stack of sheets of a jobstream. The scanning mode switching document can include a switching pattern that is detected by a processing system of the scanner.

Abstract: A photosensitive media cartridge includes an ambient condition sensor mounted in the cartridge for sensing ambient conditions in the cartridge. When the cartridge is positioned at a media transfer position on an image-forming device that permits the conveyance of media from the cartridge to the image-forming device, image development or printing on the media in the image-forming device is controlled based on the sensed ambient conditions in the cartridge. The ambient condition sensor includes a cover layer and a conductive layer, wherein a rate of response to ambient conditions of the cover layer matches rate of response to ambient conditions of the photosensitive media to be developed. As a further option, the media itself can include a conductive layer so that the media can be the sensor.

Abstract: A camera incorporates a working memory (124) for storing a working image corresponding to the last captured image. The working image is displayed on a display screen (36) in a quick review mode of operation in response to a quick review signal entered by the camera operator via a camera control interface (74) to control processing circuitry (68,72) of the camera. The processing circuitry controls the display screen to keep it in an inactive state until the quick review signal is entered, and returns it to an inactive state after a predetermined time period or when the quick review signal is discontinued to conserve energy. In addition, the working image is displayed in the quick review mode regardless of whether a non-volatile memory is available in the camera or, in the case of a hybrid camera, whether a film cartridge is contained in a film chamber (98) of the camera.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing an image onto a photosensitive media. The apparatus comprises a light source for producing an exposure light and an imaging active matrix liquid crystal display for providing images. The exposure light passing through the liquid crystal display for printing the images on the liquid crystal display onto the media. The liquid display is moved between a first position and a second position. A zoom lens is provided for adjusting the size of the image area on the photosensitive material so that substantially the entire width of the photosensitive material is filled.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a media supply section and a media take-up section. Each section is capable of accepting a plurality of cassettes. On the supply section side, the cassettes can contain a roll of photosensitive material that is to be processed through a printing section. The cassettes on the take-up sections are initially empty and are designed to receive the web of photosensitive material after the web has been conveyed through the printing section. The cassettes can be provided at a plurality of locations and can be angularly positioned with respect to each other. A single transport assembly can be provided at each of the supply section and take-up section, and can be rotatable about a rotatable point so as to accept or discharge media to each of the appropriate cassettes. A splicer is provided on the transport assembly in the supply section, for splicing the end of the material from an empty cassette, and is also rotatable with the transport assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for controlling fluid movements. The device includes a fluid guiding device, and a fluid moving device which includes polymers whose hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties can be selected under the action of an external force. The fluid moving device comprises a plurality of polymer elements whose hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties can be selected. The elements are arranged along the guiding device and at least one actuating unit is used to generate the external force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for detecting a fault in a flowing liquid sheet and in particular in a coating curtain. The process comprises the following steps: transmitting an electromagnetic beam to the sheet so as to irradiate approximately the entire width of the sheet in a direction approximately transverse to the sheet; recovering a beam reflected by the sheet by way of a collector; defining a reference position of the reflected beam on the collector; and noting the deviations of the reflected beam in relation to the previously defined reference position.

Abstract: A storage medium for storing photographic negatives has a positive image of each stored photographic negative printed on an outer surface. A system for obtaining positive images from photographic negatives and placing the positive images onto the storage medium includes an image sensor for scanning photographic negatives, a processor for electronically processing the scanned negatives and a printer for printing positive images onto the storage medium.

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.