Abstract: A photographic system includes a photographic film having a film ID number thereon; a receipt provided with the photographic film, the receipt being imprinted with a uniform resource locator for acquiring an image on the film via the Internet, and an associated password; a scanner for scanning the film after processing to generate a digital image; means for associating the film ID number with the digital image; a digital image storage device for storing the digital image, a web server connected to the digital image storage device, having means for accessing the digital image using the uniform resource locator; a database accessible by the web server having stored therein the film ID number and the associated password; and wherein the means for accessing the digital image is password protected and accessible by use of the password.

Abstract: Images being processed in a photographic laboratory system into different forms of output are automatically evaluated to determine for each image whether it is of sufficient quality to merit processing into a selected form of output.

Abstract: A photo film carrier for access to an image frame in photo film for image reading is provided. Two feeding paths are formed in a carrier body, have respectively a lower guide member and an upper guide member, for passing the photo film. Two mask units include respectively a lower mask and an upper mask disposed in respectively the lower and upper guide members in the carrier body, for insertion of the photo film therebetween. The mask units are adapted for setting the image frame. A mask setting plate is pivotally movable in the carrier body between first and second positions, sets the upper mask close to the lower mask when in the first position, and sets the upper mask up away from the lower mask when in the second position. A support pivot in the carrier body keeps the mask setting plate movable pivotally about a rotational axis that extends crosswise to the feeding paths.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking a predetermined number of X-ray films has a sheet member holding device disposed above a stacking position for temporarily holding at least a first X-ray film, and an actuating device for displacing the sheet member holding device from the stacking position to drop the X-ray film held by the sheet member holding device into the stacking position. The apparatus is capable of stacking a plurality of X-ray films highly accurately and efficiently in the stacking position while avoiding damage to the X-ray films.

Abstract: Non-symmetric distortion generated by an imaging system producing a distortion predominantly in one image dimension is corrected by providing a distortion model capable of correcting the non-symmetric distortion in an image that is predominantly in the one image dimension, providing one or more correction parameters, wherein at least one correction parameter relates to the distortion predominantly in the one image dimension, and generating an image corrected for the non-symmetric distortion by using the distortion model and the one or more correction parameters.

Abstract: An automatic self-service installation for printing photographs stored in digital form includes a digital medium reader for reading and retrieving digital data from stored image(s) which a user wishes to restore on a paper print. A central processing unit manages the installation and permits interaction with a user. An interacting device, actuatable by the user allows user selection of image(s) within the digital medium for printing, and production of the image(s) on paper medium. An exposure system for the selected image(s) is associated with a facility for storing and moving a photosensitive paper. A chemical treatment unit includes developing baths and a facility for automatic transfer of developed photosensitive paper into the baths. The installation also includes a facility for drying paper print(s) obtained after printing and a receptacle for storing and permitting removal of the produced print(s).

Abstract: An image recording material magazine is provided that has a constitution such that a roll-form image recording material rotatably provided within a casing is drawn out through a slot provided along its whole length in the longitudinal direction with a resilient plate having a force pressing it so as to close the slot and with a cloth member abutting against the plate, the plate being fixed to a support part, which is provided within the magazine in the vicinity of the slot, at an angle that allows a force pressing the material in its thickness direction to be generated when the material is drawn out. The plate is formed from a polyolefin based resin plastic sheet having a water absorption of 0.01 wt % or less, has its surface embossed, and has its tip portion formed with a curved surface so that the embossed surface abuts against the image recording material.

Abstract: An incident optical system introduces a plurality of laser beams to an optical deflector from within a scanning range, the width of the plurality of laser beams being larger than the width of a deflection surface of the optical deflector in a main scanning direction. Principal rays of the plurality of laser beams, separated by a predetermined angle, cross each other near the deflection surface in a main scanning cross-section. A scanning optical device satisfies the expression &Dgr;&thgr;<(4&pgr;/N)×(1−&rgr;), where &Dgr;&thgr; represents the largest angle between principal rays of two of the plurality of laser beams, N represents the number of deflection surfaces of the optical deflector, and &rgr; represents the scanning efficiency of the deflection surface, which is the ratio of an image forming range to the theoretical maximum scanning width on the deflection surface of the optical deflector.

Abstract: A system and method for ordering visual prints from digital image data. The system and method include acquiring digital images from a digital image storage medium, assigning a unique identification code to the acquired digital images, storing the acquired digital images in association with the unique identification code, printing at least one index sheet of the digital image, the at least one index sheet containing visual print ordering information and the unique identification code, providing visual print information, producing visual prints based on the print order information, and providing the visual prints to a customer.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to properly set an original reading position in sheetfed scanning. To achieve this object, a background near a sheetfed scanning position is read to detect the distal end of a white sheet member arranged near a platen roller, and the reading position in sheetfed scanning is set.

Abstract: There is disclosed a light guide for guiding light from a light source in a longitudinal direction and radiating the light to illuminate an object to be illuminated, which includes a diffuser for diffusing the light from the light source along the longitudinal direction of the light guide, and a radiator for radiating the light diffused by the diffuser in a predetermined direction. By arranging the diffuser and the radiator so that a normal line passing through the center of the width of the diffuser is different from the predetermined direction at least in the vicinity of the light source when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the light guide, the illuminance distribution of the longitudinal direction of the light guide is uniformed.

Abstract: A photographing system for speedily providing photographs meeting a customer's request at relatively low prices is provided. An image of a subject is recorded on a film by a film camera. A still image of the subject is take by an electronic camera in synchronization with the film camera. An identification code generated every photographing is written at a position other than the image on the film to make a one-to-one correspondence between the image and the identification code. The still image is recorded in a recorder with the identification code. The still images retrieved from the recorder are simultaneously displayed with the identification codes on a first monitor. A desired still image is selected, and displayed on a second monitor with the corresponding identification code. Then, the image on the film having the same identification code of the desired still image is printed.

Abstract: For dividing an image and recording divided images on a photosensitive film with a plurality of laser beams, an auxiliary scanning speed is reduced in the vicinity of junctions between adjacent ones of the divided images to adjust the intervals between main scanning lines, and each of the main scanning lines is divided into divided main scanning lines in a main scanning direction, and the divided main scanning lines are formed separately in an auxiliary scanning direction. With such a correcting process, a high-quality image free of striped artifacts and inclination differences of main scanning lines can be recorded on the photosensitive film.

Abstract: A media width detecting system is adapted to measure an absolute width of media without the need for human intervention or without the need for media to be referenced against a known location. The media width detecting system includes a measuring pattern that is provided across a media path for media. The measuring pattern can be in the form of, for example, a bar code pattern. The system further includes a reader that is provided relative to the measuring pattern so as to read the width of the measuring pattern. When media traverses the measuring pattern, a portion of the measuring pattern, for example, a subset of the bars of the bar code pattern, is covered by the media. The reader would then be adapted to determined a width of the measuring based on the covered portion of the media pattern in relation to the uncovered portion or uncovered bars.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a frame, a light source, a photo-electronic converting element, and a flexible plate. The frame is activated for a reciprocating movement. The light source emits light to irradiate an image surface of an original and is held by the frame. The photo-electronic converting element receives the light emitted by the light source and which is reflected by the image surface of the original. In addition, the photo-electronic converting element converts the light to an analog image signal. The flexible plate includes a first printed wire for applying a driving voltage to the light source, and a second printed wire for establishing a ground to the frame.

Abstract: Plural line sensors are arranged parallel to each other in a predetermined order and with a predetermined interval, and they read different lines on a manuscript respectively. A delay module outputs an image signal output from at least one of the plural line sensors with a delay for a number of lines according to a number of pixels which corresponds to shifts of reading positions of the plural line sensors. An ahead-reading signal acquiring module outputs the image signal acquired from at least one line sensor other than a last stage line sensor of the plural line sensors as an ahead-reading signal. The image processing device outputs the image signal wherein the shifts of the reading positions of the plural line sensors are corrected by the delay module, and outputs the ahead-reading signal acquired by the ahead-reading signal acquiring module.

Abstract: A photographic paper magazine, for containing a photographic paper roll of photographic paper, includes a magazine case. A support shaft is contained in the magazine case in a rotatable manner, and secured to an axis of the paper roll in a rotationally immovable manner. First and second flanges are disposed on the support shaft, for neatening end faces of the paper roll. A passageway is formed in the magazine case, for passage of the photographic paper in and out. Sixteen receiving pins are formed to project from an edge portion of the first flange toward the second flange, for defining a passage space between. The passage space allows passage of the photographic paper extending from the paper roll toward the passageway. When the support shaft is rotated in a winding direction, the sixteen receiving pins temporarily wind a portion of the photographic paper extending out of the passage space.

Abstract: For dividing an image and recording divided images on a photosensitive film with a plurality of laser beams, an auxiliary scanning speed is reduced in the vicinity of junctions between adjacent ones of the divided images to adjust the intervals between main scanning lines, and each of the main scanning lines is divided into divided main scanning lines in a main scanning direction, and the divided main scanning lines are formed separately in an auxiliary scanning direction. With such a correcting process, a high-quality image free of striped artifacts and inclination differences of main scanning lines can be recorded on the photosensitive film.

Abstract: In an image recording device, pressing rollers are disposed closer to an exposure position than conveyance roller pairs disposed upstream and downstream from the exposure position. Thus, rising of a trailing edge of a photographic printing sheet which has passed through a conveyance roller pair disposed immediately upstream from the exposure position and of a leading edge thereof prior to reaching the conveyance roller pair disposed immediately upstream from the exposure position can be suppressed, and excellent image recording can be performed. For example, pressing by the pressing roller and nipping by the conveyance roller pair are released before the leading edge of the photographic printing paper respectively reaches the pressing roller and the conveyance roller pair disposed immediately downstream from the exposure position.

Abstract: In dual mode document imaging systems for either scanning a stationary document with a moving document imager on a large fixed platen or feeding documents past an imaging station on an adjacent smaller platen with the same document imager held there stationary, the smaller platen is mounted to allow vertical movement to allow for different thickness of documents being fed relative to a fixed axis of rotation constant velocity document transport. Thin flexible transition members bridge the outer edges of the gap between the lower surface of the vertically movable smaller platen and the lower surface of the fixed platen to allow the document imager to laterally slide freely, on focal distance maintaining slide pads, across a small gap between the bottom surface of one platen and the bottom surface of the other, with the document imager being spring biased upwardly towards the lower surfaces of both platens.

Abstract: Plural line sensors are arranged parallel to each other in a predetermined order and with a predetermined interval, and they read different lines on a manuscript respectively. A delay module outputs an image signal output from at least one of the plural line sensors with a delay for a number of lines according to a number of pixels which corresponds to shifts of reading positions of the plural line sensors. An ahead-reading signal acquiring module outputs the image signal acquired from at least one line sensor other than a last stage line sensor of the plural line sensors as an ahead-reading signal. The image processing device outputs the image signal wherein the shifts of the reading positions of the plural line sensors are corrected by the delay module, and outputs the ahead-reading signal acquired by the ahead-reading signal acquiring module.

Abstract: A printing cartridge is releasably engageable with a printing device having a linear reader for reading a barcode and a central processor capable of interpreting data carried on a barcode. The printing cartridge includes a housing. Media and media colorant supply arrangements are positioned within the housing and contain a supply of media and a supply of media colorant, respectively. Feed mechanisms are positioned in the housing for feeding the media and the media colorant to a printing mechanism. A barcode is depicted on the housing, the barcode being readable by the linear reader and defining a code representing data relating to the media and the media colorant.

Abstract: A photo minilab includes a computer or other device for estimating processing times of jobs accepted by the minilab.

Abstract: An exposure device comprises a plurality of optical members including a light emitting unit which emits laser light based on an image signal and a polygon mirror which deflects the laser light in a main scanning direction. The optical members are positioned with respect to one another with high accuracy and attached to a case. A cover deformable by external force is attached to an opening portion of the case. An opening to allow passage of laser beam is formed in a predetermined portion of the cover. A dustproof glass is attached to the opening via an attachment member made of a rigid body.

Abstract: The emission level of a laser source at the non-imaging time when image data “0” is input and the emission level at the imaging time when image data “1” is input are controlled so that each of them becomes a desired level. The light output intensity is stabilized at all times regardless of variations in ambient temperature. As a result, images uniform in density can be obtained.

Abstract: A writing apparatus (10) for forming images from digital data onto color motion picture film or other photosensitive media (32), the apparatus employing a single spatial light modulator (30) and having a hybrid light source (20) with three components: a red laser (40), a green laser (42), and one or more blue LEDs (18). Each component of the light source is adapted to the sensitometric response characteristics of a particular motion picture film type. The apparatus allows high-speed imaging to photosensitive media (32).

Abstract: The image reading method comprises the steps of scanning an original in a direction of arrangement of original images to read the original images by pre-scanning; setting up image processing conditions of the read images in a reverse order to a pre-scanning order; processing the read images based on the image processing conditions; displaying the processed images: subjecting the displayed images to image verification in the reverse order; and scanning to original in the reverse direction to the pre-scanning direction to read the original images by main scanning as a result of the image verification. The image reading method is capable of reading the original images recorded on a film or the like, wherein each step of pre-scanning, verification and main scanning is efficiently performed and, when a digital photoprinter or the like is utilized, prints of good quality are outputted constantly with a high productivity.

Abstract: A light beam emitted from a light source is supplied to an optical modulator having cells that are controlled depending on image information to be recorded, and then light beams reflected by the cells are guided to a light collecting device. The light beams are then collected in an auxiliary scanning direction and reach a photosensitive medium to record an image thereon. The cells of the optical modulator are individually controlled in a main scanning direction depending on different image information, and controlled in the auxiliary scanning direction depending on identical image information.

Abstract: A method and system for photofinishing, includes generating a unique roll ID number for a roll of photographic film to be finished; recording customer order information for the roll of film; associating the customer order information with the unique roll ID number in a central computer facility; marking the roll of film with a machine readable version of the unique roll ID number; and reading the roll ID number on the roll of film, and accessing the customer order information from the central computer facility to control a photo finishing operation, whereby the roll of film can be transported to a photofinishing laboratory without the use of an envelope bearing customer order information.

Abstract: In a printing device which prints a color image on a photosensitive material by allowing an exposing head to modulate light from a light source for each pixel in accordance with image information, the exposing head is constituted by superposing three LCS's in the light-axis direction. The respective LCS's control the transmission and interruption of only the respective blue, green and red color components so that color tones in the respective pixels with respect to an image printed on printing paper are controlled based upon the subtractive color process. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the generation of pixel offsets in an image printed on the photosensitive material by using a simple structure, and consequently to provide a printing device having a superior processability.

Abstract: A preexposure apparatus comprises a film supply station ST1 for arranging a film cartridge 14 containing a film 12 accommodated therein, a film-drawing station-ST3 for automatically drawing the film 12 over its entire length, an exposure station ST5 for exposing a predetermined portion of the drawn film 12 with an image by the aid of an exposure section 32, a winding station ST6 for automatically rewinding the film 12 after the exposure into the film cartridge 14, and a withdrawing station ST8 for withdrawing the film cartridge 14. Accordingly, the predetermined portion of the film can be preexposed with a desired image automatically and efficiently.

Abstract: A photofinishing system and method for utilizing otherwise wasted space on a sheet of photographic paper. The system includes a printer such as an ink jet printer, laser printer or digital silver-halide system for printing a set of desired images on a larger sheet of photographic paper. The system nests the images on the larger sheet so as to minimize wasted space. The amount of wasted space is determined and, if the space is large enough, the system prints an extra image in the space. The extra image can comprise a diagnostic pattern, promotional literature or an additional copy of at least one of the desired images.

Abstract: Transmitted light from a transmitting original recording medium based on light from a first light source which emits light in at least the visible light range is introduced to a solid imaging element via an infrared cutout filter. Image information recorded on the transmitting original recording medium is read based on signals obtained from the solid imaging element. Transmitted light from a transmitting original recording medium, based on light from a second light source, which emits light only in the infrared range, is introduced to the solid imaging element without passing through the infrared cutout filter. Defect information of the recording medium itself is read based on signals obtained from the solid imaging element, so that the read defect information can be removed from the read image information. This enable the recorded image on the film to be read in a suitable manner.

Abstract: An inexpensive and highly productive exposure device for directly scanning and exposing a photosensitive material sensitive to at least a UV region, based on digital data. As a motor controller moves an exposure head at a fixed speed in Y direction, image data is read one line of image data, each GLV element of a light modulator array is switched on/off by the read image data, and laser light from a high power light source of the exposure head is switched on/off. A UV-sensitive object to be exposed is exposed in X direction in a number of pixel units that substantially corresponds to the number of the GLV elements. The image data is scanned and exposed by one line in Y direction (main-scan). The motor controller moves a flat stage by one step in X direction (sub-scan). The object to be exposed is imagewise-exposed by repeating such scans.

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 photographic guide print for guiding how to print image data corresponding to a photograhic image; comprises a sheet on which the image data are printed in a form of a standard sample image on a basis of a standard image processing condition; and a remark section provided on the sheet so that information to designate an image processing condition how to retouch the standard sample is written in the remark section in view of the standard sample image.

Abstract: There is disclosed a light guide for guiding light from a light source in a longitudinal direction and radiating the light to illuminate an object to be illuminated, which includes a diffuser for diffusing the light from the light source along the longitudinal direction of the light guide, and a radiator for radiating the light diffused by the diffuser in a predetermined direction. By arranging the diffuser and the radiator so that a normal line passing through the center of the width of the diffuser is different from the predetermined direction at least in the vicinity of the light source when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the light guide, the illuminance distribution of the longitudinal direction of the light guide is uniformed.

Abstract: A photographic image print system and printer enable printing of pictures through simple operation. An automatic setting screen provides choices of voice guide, sources for data, whether to perform index printing, photo selection methods, print sizes, and whether to acknowledge a print. User choices may also be omitted. When a memory card is used as the data source, index printing is omitted, single prints of all pictures are printed in one size, and processing is executed in response of clicking only the “DEFAULT BUTTON” on the start screen and inserting the memory card, whereby all pictures stored in the memory card are printed. Alternatively, when index printing is selected and the default number of prints of all the photo selection methods is 0, processing is effected in response to clicking only the “DEFAULT BUTTON” on the start screen and inserting the memory card.

Abstract: A photo film carrier for access to an image frame in photo film for image reading is provided. Two feeding paths are formed in a carrier body, have respectively a lower guide member and an upper guide member, for passing the photo film. Two mask units include respectively a lower mask and an upper mask disposed in respectively the lower and upper guide members in the carrier body, for insertion of the photo film therebetween. The mask units are adapted for setting the image frame. A mask setting plate is pivotally movable in the carrier body between first and second positions, sets the upper mask close to the lower mask when in the first position, and sets the upper mask up away from the lower mask when in the second position. A support pivot in the carrier body keeps the mask setting plate movable pivotally about a rotational axis that extends crosswise to the feeding paths.

Abstract: A method of calculating a brightness balance value for a digital image including a plurality of pixels, comprising the steps of: calculating a spatial activity measure in a plurality of local neighborhoods of pixels of the digital image, each local neighborhood including a plurality of pixels; generating a weighting factor for each of the local neighborhoods of pixels as a function of the spatial activity of the local neighborhoods of pixels, the weighting factors having more than two possible values; and applying the weighting factors to the pixels of the digital image to produce the brightness balance value.

Abstract: A photo film cassette contains IX240 type of photo film in a manner movable out through a photo film passageway. A photo film carrier has a feeding path with an entrance, toward which the photo film is advanced. The photo film carrier includes a carrier base plate disposed to extend upstream from the entrance. A holder plate is secured to the carrier base plate in a shiftable manner between first and second positions, and has a first face and a second face. The first face is loaded with the photo film cassette, and when the holder plate is in the first position, is positioned close to the entrance, for opposing the photo film passageway of the photo film cassette to the entrance. The second face, when the holder plate is in the second position, is positioned close to the entrance, for guiding entry of photo film of IX240 type in a cassetteless form to the entrance.

Abstract: Photosensitive material is processed by passing the material through a chamber holding processing solution, the temperature of the solution being raised as the material passes through the chamber.

Abstract: An optical printer capable of controlling the amount of exposure light, and so forth, accurately is disclosed, and the optical printer comprises a light source irradiating light and an optical shutter producing exposure light for exposing a photosensitive object by controlling transmission of the light from the light source.

Abstract: A plurality of LEDs are used as a light source for projecting light onto a film negative recording an original image. The LEDs have different respective spectral characteristics, and are provided so as to incline with respect to a light axis, so that light emitted thereby has directivity toward a light axis. By this means, the light emitted by each LED has directivity, thus increasing the light quantity of light projected onto peripheral areas of photographic paper. Accordingly, density unevenness and color unevenness on the photographic paper can be easily distinguished without scattering the light from each LED more than necessary, as was done conventionally. As a result, there is no need for control which attempts to obtain sufficient scattered light by increasing the exposure time or brightness of each LED. Further, there is no need to provide a large number of LEDs, thus simplifying control of the emitted light quantities of the respective LEDs.

Abstract: A digital exposure type photo processing apparatus having an illuminating optical system (30) for emitting light to a film (1), a photoelectric converter (50) for reading light transmitted through the film and converting the light into image data, an image processing device (60) for processing the image data to generate print data, and a digital printer (4) for exposing photographic paper based on the print data. The photoelectric converter (50) reads the transmitted light in a size larger than each image frame of said film, and converts the light into image data. The image processing device (60) includes an actual image extractor (62) for dividing the image data into actual image data corresponding to the image frame, and peripheral image data corresponding to regions around the image frame. The print data is generated from the actual image data so obtained.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for automating receipt of orders for additional printing of a photographic print, including order information relating to desired image processing. In a print order receiving machine, when a photographic print is inserted, an image of the photographic print is read and displayed on a monitor (steps 150, 152). When order conditions are inputted, an image which is processed on the basis of the order conditions is displayed on the monitor (steps 154 through 158). Further, when input of the order conditions is completed, the order conditions and order information based on the order conditions are set. The set order information is printed onto a photographic print as an invisible two-dimensional bar code. Copying processing of the photographic print is carried out on the basis of the order information which is read from the photographic print.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with a storage unit for storing setting information including at least a size of a substitute recording medium, and a processing unit for executing a print instruction by automatically changing a size of a recording medium to be used to the size of the substitute recording medium based on the setting information stored in the storage means, when the size of the recording medium specified by the print instruction is not available.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exposure device in which availability of the emitted light is high, optical crosstalk is reduced, and an image can be formed at high resolution. Concave microlenses are formed on one surface of the exposure device facing a photosensitive material, and organic EL elements are formed on the other surface. The organic EL elements are disposed at some of portions at which anode lines and cathode lines intersect each other. A diameter D of an aperture of the microlens is n times an array pitch p of each organic EL element, n lines of the cathode lines are formed, and the organic EL elements arranged on one cathode line are shifted from those on another cathode line in a main-scanning direction by the array pitch p. Accordingly, exposure spots, which are exposed by the organic EL elements incorporated in the n lines of the cathode lines, are offset without overlapping one another, and the entire photosensitive material can be exposed.

Abstract: A printing cartridge includes a housing. An actuating formation is positioned on the housing and is capable of actuating a number of capacitive sensors in an array of such sensors. The actuating formation is configured to represent data relating to at least one of: a serial number of the cartridge, a media and a media colorant, so that the capacitive sensors, when actuated, together generate a signal carrying such data.

Abstract: A plurality of LEDs are used as a light source for projecting light onto a film negative recording an original image. The LEDs have different respective spectral characteristics, and are provided so as to incline with respect to a light axis, so that light emitted thereby has directivity toward a light axis. By this means, the light emitted by each LED has directivity, thus increasing the light quantity of light projected onto peripheral areas of photographic paper. Accordingly, density unevenness and color unevenness on the photographic paper can be easily distinguished without scattering the light from each LED more than necessary, as was done conventionally. As a result, there is no need for control which attempts to obtain sufficient scattered light by increasing the exposure time or brightness of each LED. Further, there is no need to provide a large number of LEDs, thus simplifying control of the emitted light quantities of the respective LEDs.