Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic print inspection method in which photographic prints are scanned to obtain digitized images. The scanned digitized image of the photographic print is compared to digital image data which represents the original captured image. The resulting digital correction data indicates whether or not there are defects in the print media or faults in the printer process, including the digitizing steps. Signal processing transformations may be used to decide how to separate media defects from processing faults and how to correct for the latter. The method of the present invention can be used as a final quality check so that any defective prints can be rejected and remade before orders go out to a customer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic print inspection method in which photographic prints are scanned to obtain digitized images. The scanned digitized image of the photographic print is compared to digital image data which represents the original captured image. The resulting digital correction data indicates whether or not there are defects in the print media or faults in the printer process, including the digitizing steps. Signal processing transformations may be used to decide how to separate media defects from processing faults and how to correct for the latter. The method of the present invention can be used as a final quality check so that any defective prints can be rejected and remade before orders go out to a customer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic print inspection method in which photographic prints are scanned to obtain digitized images. The scanned digitized image of the photographic print is compared to digital image data which represents the original captured image. The resulting digital correction data indicates whether or not there are defects in the print media or faults in the printer process, including the digitizing steps. Signal processing transformations may be used to decide how to separate media defects from processing faults and how to correct for the latter. The method of the present invention can be used as a final quality check so that any defective prints can be rejected and remade before orders go out to a customer.

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: The present invention relates to a photographic printer and a method of printing in which the printer is interfaced with a defect detection or scanning system that 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: The present invention relates to an automatic print inspection method in which photographic prints are scanned to obtain digitized images. The scanned digitized image of the photographic print is compared to digital image data which represents the original captured image. The resulting digital correction data indicates whether or not there are defects in the print media or faults in the printer process, including the digitizing steps. Signal processing transformations may be used to decide how to separate media defects from processing faults and how to correct for the latter. The method of the present invention can be used as a final quality check so that any defective prints can be rejected and remade before orders go out to a customer.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inspecting surface quality of a moving sheet of metal illuminates a surface of the moving sheet by the use of at least two lamps. The region which is illuminated by the lamps is inspected by a sensing device. The angle of incidence for the light beams from the lamps are from the near and dark fields. The sensing device picks up highlighted or brightened portions of the sheet due to surface irregularities. By use of a multiplicity of lamps and a single sensing device, such as a video recorder, an inexpensive yet very sensitive system is provided for detecting irregularities in the surface of the moving sheet. The system may be observed by an operator to determine locations of irregularities and as well the system may be adapted to document locations on the moving sheet where the irregularities occur.

Abstract: A method of detecting spray header valve and nozzle malfunctions, in a spray header including plural nozzles each having its own control valve, by supplying the spray header with liquid at a constant pressure head through a conduit while opening and closing the nozzle valves one at a time, and measuring the flow rate through the conduit each time one of the valves is open and when all the valves are closed. In response to detection of a malfunction at a particular nozzle, the valves of one or more adjacent nozzles are adjusted so that the adjacent-nozzle flow rates compensate for the malfunction, for example to maintain a desired cooling pattern across a surface being cooled by the spray header notwithstanding the malfunction at the particular nozzle.