Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for reusing a washing solution within a processor for processing photographic material. In the method and system of the present invention, sequential washing stages are applied to the processor. During one of the wash stages, and preferably a wash stage subsequent to an initial a first wash stage (a second wash stage), a volume of washing solution which is greater than the washing solution applied in the first wash stage is applied. The washing solution applied in the second or subsequent wash stage is subject to a chemical treatment such as an ion exchange, and is thereafter, recycled back to the processor for reuse in processing photographic material and/or cleaning the components of the processor.

Abstract: A halftone type printing process for a digital image I intended to be viewed through a lenticular network includes a plurality of lenses. The image I includes a number j of pixel lines and comprises a number n of interleaved images. One interleaved strip of each of the n images is in correspondence with one lens. The process comprises the steps of sampling n images to obtain n digital images comprising a total j of pixel lines; applying a dithering algorithm to each of the n digital images obtained in the preceding step; cutting each dithered image into a number q of strips comprising an identical number of lines for each dithered image, with the cutting being such that the sum of the pixel line strips of the n images intended to correspond with the same lens is equal to j/q; constructing the image I by interleaving the strips of n dithered images in order; and printing the image I.

Abstract: An image forming assembly and method utilizes a laminate processing sheet. The laminate processing sheet is applied on an emulsion side of an exposed photosensitive film which includes s rocket holes along opposing edges. In a first feature of the present invention, a width of the laminate processing sheet is confined to an image area between the opposing sprocket holes, so as to reduce or eliminate the possibility of processing marks in or around an area of the opposing sprocket holes. In a further feature of the present invention, an absorbing sheet can be applied to the backside of the photosensitive film, to absorb any excess processing or wetting solution that is applied to the photosensitive film. This also aids in reducing or eliminating unwanted processing marks at the sprocket holes or an area in the vicinity of the sprocket holes.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a processor or processing arrangement which includes a replenishment system that meters or dispenses an amount of replenishment solution in direct relation to an amount of photosensitive media that passes through the processor or processing arrangement. The replenishment system includes a dispensing chamber and a cam roller that is operationally associated with a conveying roller. The cam roller engages a valve on the dispensing chamber. When the valve is moved to an open position in relation to a rotation of the cam roller, an amount of processing solution is metered out of the chamber in an amount related to the amount of rotation of the conveying roller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for dynamically modifying both the luminance and contrast of an image as it is displayed on a display unit in response to changing lighting conditions. Sensors are utilized to continually measure the luminance of the light illuminating the display unit and the display surround luminance. Measurement signals generated by the light sensors are processed to provide display luminance and contrast adjustment control signals that gradually cause the adjustment of the display unit's luminance and contrast in response thereto. Continual adjustment of the luminance and contrast of a display unit according to changing lighting conditions such that the brightness and contrast perception of the displayed image remains constant under the varying conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for moving a fluid which can be used in the ink jet printing art. The device of the present invention includes a mechanism for moving the fluid by using polymers. The polymers have hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties that can be selected under the action of an external stress.

Abstract: A photographic material processing apparatus and method provides for a homogeneous application of processing solution which leads to homogeneous development. The apparatus utilizes a spreader member in the form of, for example, a spreader bar that applies a limited quantity of developer solution to photographic material such as imagewise exposed film. A pressure member in the form of, for example, a weighted roller or spring-loaded roller acts a squeegee roller and improves contact of the film with a support and/or a heating source. A roller arrangement which includes at least the spreader member and pressure member is configured to enable multiple contacts of the spreader member and pressure member with the photographic material to aid in the agitation of the applied developer solution. In a further embodiment, an additional member in the form of, for example, a mixer member can be utilized to further agitate the applied solution.

Abstract: A processing apparatus, method and recirculation system utilizes a level sensing probe in a filter housing of the filter assembly. The level sensing probe is adapted to provide a signal to a controller arrangement that includes at least a level sensing circuit, a central processing unit and a solid state relay. The controller arrangement is adapted to shut off a heating element of the filter assembly whenever the solution in the filter housing as defined by the level sensing probe falls below an acceptable minimum level of processing solution. With the arrangement of the present invention, it is possible to maintain re-circulated and/or replenished processing solution in the filter housing at an acceptable minimum level, and whenever the solution falls below such a level the heating element is shut off so as to prevent the overheating of the components of the filter assembly.

Abstract: A photofinishing apparatus is designed such that full bleed durable prints are produced with a high productivity and low waste generation process. The photofinishing apparatus in this case includes a printer and a finisher or post-print treatment processor. The printer is designed to produce media segment with multiple images of various formats. This media segment is then transported to the post-print treatment processor. The post-print treatment processor includes a dryer station, a durability station, a two-axis cutting station, and a print sorting station. The dryer performs the function of drying the media segment. The durability station performs the function of applying and or fixing durability material on the media segments. The two-axis cutting station includes slitting and chopping stations that performs the required two-axis cutting that produces the full bleed prints.

Abstract: A region-based binarization system applies adaptive thresholding and image rendering to a gray scale image to generate first and second binary images. The gray scale image can also be subsampled to acquire a low resolution image and locations of photographic images are detected in the low resolution image. Further, photographic images of the detected photographic images which have a rectangular shape are identified and a classification map which distinguishes pixels in the rectangular shaped photographic images from remaining pixels is generated. A final binary image can then be formed from the first and second binary images based on the classification map. The binarization system of the present invention is effective when the gray scale image is captured from a document which contains at least both photographic and text portions.

Abstract: An imaging assembly includes a media cartridge for holding a stack of media therein. The media cartridge includes a linkage assembly at least a portion of which is made of a material that is responsive to ambient conditions within the cartridge. An image forming device of the imaging assembly is adapted to control a development of images on the photosensitive media based on the sensed ambient conditions.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing system and method for processing photographic material. The processing system and method of the invention is adapted to recover water from humid air for reuse in the processor, as well as convert a liquid waste processing solution into a dry waste for disposal. In the system and method of the present invention, heated air is circulated through the processor and comes into contact with a cold surface to condense the heated air. The water resulting from this contacting of the heated air with the cold surface can be collected and recycled back to the processor for reuse in the processor. Further, waste solution can be absorbed by a matting material appropriately placed in the processor which evaporates the waste solution to a solid waste for subsequent disposal.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a printer of a photofinishing system includes a reference film strip carrying at least one reference image; a reference chart carrying multiple renderings of the reference image representing different printer exposures; and a substrate carrying printer correction factors needed to change a photographic print obtained from the reference image on the reference film strip, to match any desired rendering on the reference chart. A method of producing the above reference chart, and a method of calibrating a printer of a photofinishing system, are also provided.

Abstract: A thermal processing kiosk for processing thermal film provides multiple processing options for a user. The kiosk includes a user control in the form of a touchscreen to permit the user to enter processing instructions and/or information. The thermal kiosk is adapted to accept exposed film for processing and printing in accordance with the processing instructions. In one feature of the invention, a user can prepay for processing of the film at the time of purchase of the film. The pre-paid status can be provided on the film by a marker or identifier on the cassette or the film. This helps to simplify the user interaction at the kiosk when the user submits the exposed film to the kiosk for processing. In further features of the invention, the processing flow in the thermal kiosk can be adapted to provide for rapid processing and the kiosk can include a display to permit a user to preview images prior to printing.

Abstract: A thermal film structure includes at least first and second imaging layers which have different processing characteristics. That is, the first imaging layer is processable at a first temperature while the second imaging layer is processable at a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature. The first and second imaging layers can be coated on or integrated into the film structure. This permits the addition of metadata on the low temperature layer which can be obtained without effecting the development of images on the high temperature layer. Also disclosed is a method for processing the thermal film.

Abstract: A printing apparatus in the form of an inkjet printer and a printing method utilizes a light-activated ink release system. The apparatus includes at least one nozzle having an ink body that is comprised of light-sensitive ink. The ink can form an unextended droplet meniscus. By directing a light beam onto the unextended droplet meniscus, the surface tension of the light-sensitive ink decreases, and provides for an extended droplet meniscus. The formation of the extended meniscus droplet meniscus permits the transfer of ink to a receiver or media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for putting into contact a defined quantity of treatment material with an aqueous solution to be treated. The apparatus comprises at least one medium permeable to the aqueous solution to be treated in which the treatment material is placed. The medium is made of polyester foam and has the form of a closed envelope. The treatment material present in the at least one medium is a material for trapping a compound to be eliminated from the solution.

Abstract: A belt driven rack and tank processor includes a belt for driving photosensitive material through a relatively thin processing channel formed by the rack and tank of the processor. The belt travels around a core that displaces fluid within the apparatus so as to provide for a low volume processor. The processor further includes spring loaded engaging rollers which facilitate the conveyance of cut sheets through the processor.