Abstract: In a method for producing index prints from photographic originals, each of the photographic originals is photoelectrically scanned in a scanning station of a photographic printer by a color- sensitive scanning system of low to medium local resolution in a plurality of first scanning regions. Using the scanning data, a digital color data set is determined for each original, with the aid of which set a digital representation of the picture content of the original is prepared for each original. The individual digital representations are grouped into a digital composite picture, from which an index print can be produced by an output device. The originals are also photoelectrically scanned in a scanning station by a locally high-resolution density scanner in a plurality of second scanning regions.

Abstract: The light emitted by a source of light is passed by means of optical fibers or bundles of optical fibers in lines over a master to be scanned. In the process, an orifice of a disk rotated by a motor sequentially projects the light onto one optical fiber or bundle of fibers leading to the master. The light exiting from the light emitting end of the optical fiber or bundle of optical fiber illuminates the master. On the other side of the master a corresponding optical fiber or bundle of fibers receives the light coming from the master and conducts it to a receiver.

Abstract: From color density triplets, obtained by the photoelectric point by point scanning of a negative, there are formed an integral density value, a mean density value and a maximum density parameter which are combined by linear combination to form a basic density correction value which modulates the overall density of copies to be produced from the negative. The negative is subdivided into concentric zones, and the more centrally located zones are given a greater weight than the outer zones when the integral density values and the maximum density parameter are being formed. A threshold value is formed and the negative is checked for areas of density greater than the threshold extending up to the margin, and the density values of image points included in such areas are reduced by a certain fraction.

Abstract: A reel of film is printed automatically in a printer to which reel identification, data etc., are fed on a basic data support. Each frame is counted as it passes through the printer and an address consisting of the result of the count and the reel identification data is applied to the print. After visual assessment of the first prints, a correction programme tape is produced with addresses and correction data of the defectively-printed frames and then the printing of these frames is automatically repeated by means of the programme tape. This operation is repeated as required. The programme tape and the film reel are then filed, the first and the repeat prints are sent to the customer who may then compile his reprint order from the addresses shown on the prints. A new programme tape is prepared in the laboratory from the filed programme tape and the reprint order information and the printer is controlled by means of the programme tape in order to carry out the reprint order.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and method for automatically withdrawing silicon wafers or like articles from a supply magazine, transporting the same on a fluid bearing to a station where such articles are pre-aligned in sequence prior to treatment thereof at an adjacent mask aligner or like mechanism, and automatically discharging the articles following such treatment thereof onto another fluid bearing for transportation thereof into a discharge magazine. Improved sensor means is provided in conjunction with the supply magazine and discharge magazine for automatically indexing such magazines to feed and receive wafers in sequence moving relative thereto.