Abstract: A system and method of controlling laser power output levels includes a laser (9) and a control circuit (27) for energizing the laser. A sensor (11) that measures power output from a back facet of a laser element (17) of the laser provides feedback to the control circuit so as to maintain power output from the laser constant. The back facet of the laser element is covered with a coating that has transmission and reflection characteristics that are relatively insensitive to minor changes in the wavelength of the laser. The coating is preferably a thin metallic layer which provides a constant and adequate reflectivity and low transmittance. With the specific metallic layer on the back facet, the transmittance remains relatively consistent even when there is a change in wavelength. This provides for consistent readings at the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing system and method for photographic material which is adapted to use sources of heat within the processing machine for photographic processing purposes. More specifically, in the system and method of the present invention, sources of heat such as electrical, electro-mechanical and mechanical components and dryers can be utilized to provide heat in a small scale processor which uses a low volume of processing solution. Therefore, the arrangement of the present invention is designed in such a manner that permits the efficient use of heat produced as a by-product of an operation of these components. Furthermore, the arrangement of the present invention includes heat supplying members such as heaters and/or heat storage members to assist in supplying heat to those areas of the processors where the heat can be used for processing.

Abstract: A method of combining at least one captured generated digital image with at least one prestored digital image. The method includes analyzing a customer generated digital image so as to obtain a design attribute and/or style, then selecting a prestored digital image in accordance with the design attribute and/or style obtained and combining the customer generated image and the selected prestored digital image so as to form a merged image. The merged image is then forwarded to an output device.

Abstract: A digital image processing method and system is adapted to remove diagonally disposed artifacts such as lines, dots, dashes etc., from a scanned skew corrected document or image. The system and method converts a captured skew corrected image into first and second binary images and generates a map indicative of a difference between the first and second binary images. Black pixels in the map are projected based on a skew angle of the image to form a projection profile, and an image based on the map, detected peaks in the projection profile and the pixels is created.

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: An image processing apparatus (10) comprises an imaging drum (300) for holding print media (32) and donor material (36) in registration on the imaging drum (300). A print head (500), driven by a lead screw (250) and stepper motor, moves along a line parallel to a longitudinal axis (X) of the imaging drum (300) as the imaging drum (300) rotates. The print head (500) is brought repeatably to a mechanical registration position using sensors. For coarse positioning, the print head (500) is moved to a first linear sensor position, with the drive motor operated in full-step mode. For fine positioning, the drive motor is then operated in microstepping mode, during which a second sensor detects rotational orientation by detecting a rotational indicator mounted on the lead screw (250). The rotational indicator permits straightforward adjustment for fine-tuning, being adjustable to any one of a number of fixed positions relative to lead screw rotation.

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: A device for automatically measuring a concentration of a developing agent in a developing bath includes a voltage generator capable of generating at least one voltage ramp provided to feed a three-electrode cell; a potentiostat provided to maintain a constant potential difference between two electrodes; a peak detector provided to identify the maximum current flowing in the three-electrode cell that corresponds to the developing agent concentration; and a display unit provided to show the maximum current.

Abstract: A digital photofinishing station is capable of being loaded with one or more distinct films in need of photofinishing. The digital photofinishing station has the capability to identify the film and apply a specific correction algorithm based on the identified film. More specifically, the digital photofinishing station is capable of handling films of different density forming properties, process these films using a common developing process, and apply a proper correction algorithm based on the type of film. Further, chemical constituents of the developer solution in the development process can be monitored, and based on known deviations in development caused by specific deviations in the developer solution, a proper correction algorithm is applied. In a further feature of the present invention, film can be developed and scanned at the digital photofinishing station.

Abstract: An image processor comprises on imaging drum (300) for print media (32) and donor sheet materials (36) in registration on vacuum imaging drum (300). A printhead (500) moves along a line parallel to a longitudinal axis of vacuum imaging drum (300) as vacuum imaging drum (300) rotates to provide for an intended image. The intended image may be written in a first direction and/or second direction based on the direction of rotation of vacuum imaging drum (300) and the linear direction of movement of the printhead (500).

Abstract: A method of processing customer images in a photofinishing apparatus. The method includes obtaining customer image signals and associated requests for image products or services incorporating respective images. The images signals are directed into image queues having different associated formats, based on the associated product or service requested for each. The image signals are communicated from the queues to respective image renderers which render the image signals into the different formats associated with each queue. An apparatus which can execute such a method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of printing two-dimensional swaths of area onto a photosensitive media uses at least one reflective liquid crystal spatial light modulator. In the apparatus and method, illumination optics receive light from a light source and image the light at a polarization beamsplitter element. The polarization beamsplitter element images one polarization state of light at the spatial light modulator to create an essentially telecentric illumination at the spatial light modulator.

Abstract: A laminator assembly and method utilizes an endless belt (17a, 17b, 300) and roller arrangement to apply pressure to media (100) to be laminated and to convey the media in a controlled manner to heated pressure rollers (11a, 11b, 301, 307). In one feature of the invention, control nips can be provided on one or both sides of the heated pressure rollers so as to minimize or eliminate flutes or ripples in the media to be laminated. The control nips can be applied by plate assemblies (29, 30, 315) which create the control nip and also serve to gain control of the media to be laminated prior to the media reaching the heated pressure roller arrangement. In the case where the plate assembly is downstream of the heated pressure roller arrangement, the plates can serve to hold the media flat while it cools down. The endless belts apply a tapering and controlled pressure to the media prior to the media reaching the heated pressure rollers where lamination occurs.

Abstract: A method of forming a combined image from a filmstrip carrying a plurality of user exposed first images and second image information defining a second image. A user exposed image associated with a predetermined designation for referencing the second image, is identified. The user exposed image associated with the designation is scanned to obtain a resulting scanned image signal. Second image information from the filmstrip is read to obtain a second image signal. A combined image is formed from the resulting scanned image signal and the read second image. A filmstrip and film assemblage is provided which can be used in a method of exposing according to the present invention, then developed and processed according to the above method.

Abstract: A laser thermal printing system and method utilizes a blur filter (3) made of one or more pieces of double refractive crystal material to smooth printing or laser spots or fill up gaps in an array of laser spots. Blur filter (3) is disposed between a light source (1) and a media or image plane (100). Light source (1) provides for an original array of laser spots (30) at media plane (100) and blur filter (3) splits an image of each of the original array of laser spots (30) to create a displaced duplicate array of laser spots (31) with improved spot uniformity.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus (10) comprises an imaging drum (300) for holding print media (32) and donor material (36) in registration on the imaging drum (300). A print head (500), driven by a lead screw (250), moves along a line parallel to a longitudinal axis (X) of the imaging drum (300) as the imaging drum (300) rotates. A lead screw assembly (90) is secured in place in a scanning frame by magnetic attraction, with one magnet disposed to constrain axial motion by holding the lead screw to a fixed point and the other magnet disposed to secure the lead screw assembly (90) in place and allow rotational motion. Magnetic attraction allows the removal and replacement of the complete lead screw assembly (90) without tools.

Abstract: An image compression method in which the size of a compressed low resolution version of an image is used to either estimate a compression factor for the image needed to obtain an aim compressed image size, or to estimate the size of the compressed image resulting from a predetermined compression factor. The estimate can be made with the aid of a predetermined relationship between compressed image size, image resolution and compression factor, which relationship may be a linear or linear inverse one. This relationship is preferably obtained from images of the same class as the one to be compressed. The image is then compressed using the estimated or predetermined compression factor. An apparatus using such a method is also provided.

Abstract: An illuminator and a scanner incorporating such an illuminator. In one embodiment, the illuminator has a plurality of arrays of semiconductor light emitting elements, each array having a different integrated spectral output, and a plurality of respective different interference filters each positioned between a corresponding array and the media holder. A media holder holds a media carrying an image for scanning, the media holder being positioned to receive filtered light from the illuminator. A sensor is positioned to receive light from the media holder so as to generate an image signal corresponding to an image on a media positioned at the media holder.

Abstract: A device for conveying parts by gravity that comprises first and second guides of length L equidistant from one another. Each guide has a U-shaped cross-section. An opening of one of the guides is arranged opposite the opening of the other guide so as to define a path for the parts to be conveyed. A contact surface between the guides and the parts is sufficient to hold the parts between the guides. The guides are made of a material that facilitates sliding of the parts to be conveyed.