Abstract: The optical printer 1 comprises the fluorescent light-emitting tube 2 equipped with the anode 11 in a form of dot and the rotatable rotating filter part 15 equipped with the filters R, G, B. The film 3 is moved relative to the optical printer 1 set at a given position. The controlling means 30 rotates the rotating filter part 15, and, in synchronization with that, the fluorescent light-emitting tube 2 is made to emit light by the image signal of every color of red, green and blue. The image can be formed by moving the film one time relative to irradiation with the light in a state of dot transmitted selectively through each filter of red, green and blue. Since the head is fixed and the film is moved, room for the movement of the head which has been conventionally required is not required. Spatial room for the slide of the filter is not required differently from the slide-switching type-filter of the conventional art.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the optimization of a copying light profile during copying of photographic originals in a photographic copier. The photographic copier comprises a light source for producing copying light, a number of light conducting means for guiding the copying light along a light path, and a local transmission modulator. An element with a known transmission profile is provided in the light path for being shone through, whereby no photographic original to be copied and of unknown transmission profile is found in the light path, and furthermore a transmission profile specific for the local transmission modulator is provided. The resulting copying light is measured broken down by area, and the profile of the copying light is measured and compared with a desired copying light profile. Based on this comparison, the transmission profile preselected for the copying process is optimized.

Abstract: A film carrier which convenes photographic photosensitive material on which an image is recorded, over a scanning section through which light from a light source passes. The film carrier includes a base placed above the scanning section, a platen movable over the base, a mask which is set on the platen, a pressure plate which together with the mask sandwiches the photographic photosensitive material, a moving device which moves the platen reciprocally over the base, and a conveying device provided at the mask for conveying the photographic photosensitive material.

Abstract: A microfilm search device for distinguishing presence of frames from a change in quantity of transmitted light between the opposed optical fiber end faces between which a microfilm is placed. A pair of opposed blocks for holding optical fibers are arranged across the microfilm in a width direction with placing the microfilm therebetween. Light is guided into the optical fibers held by one block from a light source, passes through the microfilm, and enters the optical fibers held by other block. A quantity of entered light is detected by photosensor and an output thereof is binarized. Based on binarized signals, the presence of frames is determined. End portions of optical fibers on the side of the light source are bunched, and a bunched portion is detachably and non-rotatably held relative to one lamp. Frame detection condition due to light quantity can be uniform and maintained easy after disassembly, inspection, maintenance of the device.

Abstract: An image reading system and computer readable medium storing control procedures thereof, to obtain a final image by displaying a plurality of images read under various image reading conditions and comparing the images. The image reading system includes an image reading device that divides an image into a plurality of areas, reads the plurality of areas and outputs image signals corresponding to the plurality of areas. A reading condition input device sets first and second reading conditions under which the image is read. An image processing device converts an image signal corresponding to a first area, among the plurality of areas, into a first image signal based on the first image reading condition, and converts an image signal corresponding to a second area into a second image signal based on the second image reading condition. A display displays respective images according to the first and second image signals.

Abstract: A photographic system includes a photographic film having a unique identification code thereon. An identification tag is included with the photographic film; the identification tag bears a uniform resource locator that includes the unique identification code, and an associated password. The film is scanned after processing to generate a digital image and the unique identification code is associated with the digital image and stored in a digital storage device. A web server connected to the digital image storage device includes a resource identified by the uniform resource locator for accessing the digital image. A database accessible by the web server contains the unique identification code and the associated password wherein the resource is password protected and accessible by use of the password.

Abstract: A line-scanning optical printer, which forms an image on a sensitized sheet (25) by projecting a linear light having a given width and length thereto while successively scanning individual lines in the direction of the width, comprises a casing (50) having light shielding properties and including a window portion for radiating the linear light to the outside, a light emitting element (60), which substantially functions as a point light source and is stored in the casing, an optical system (72, 71, 73) for guiding light from the light emitting element (60) as the linear light to the window portion, and a liquid crystal optical shutter (80) attached to the window portion.

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 comprises 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 system for performing digital lithography onto a subject is provided. The system utilizes pixel panels to generate pixel patterns. Mirrors are utilized to divert and align the pixel elements forming the patterns onto a subject. A gradient lens system positioned between the panels and the subject simultaneously directs the pixel elements to the subject. The pixel elements may overlapping, adjacent, or spaced as desired. The pixel elements may be directed to multiple surfaces simultaneously. One or more point array units may be utilized in the system to achieve higher resolution.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus for suppressing deviations in the application position of a light emitted from an optical box, thus preventing an image from being deteriorated. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that has an image bearing body, a light source, a polarizing device for polarizing a light emitted from the light source, a lens for imaging a light polarized by the polarizing device onto the image bearing body, and an optical box for containing at least the light source, the polarizing device, and the lens, wherein the optical box is provided plurally and the plurality of optical boxes are stacked to be integrated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photographic capturing device for the capturing of photographic image information from photographic media with a light source, with a stage for the photographic medium to preset a reference position for the projection of the photographic medium by way of a projection optics onto a detection element which detects the light originating from the light source and modulated by the photographic medium according to the image information, whereby a sample carrier with a sample is provided for the control of the focus of the projected image, and a positioning mechanism which removably places the sample carrier a the reference position for projecting the sample onto the detection element by way of the projection optics.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a diffusion box unit comprising a plurality of diffusion boxes, which each correspond to different sizes of photographic films, and controls the unit in such a manner that the diffusion box, which corresponds to the size of a film whose image is to be read, is positioned on an optical axis of a light source. Accordingly, the responsibility imposed upon an operator can be reduced and the error of choosing a wrong diffusion box can be prevented.

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 addition to a standardized bar code, which contains optically or magnetically recorded film information such as the photographic film type, the manufacturer's name and the frame number, a photographic film is imprinted with a bar code containing additional information not included in the standardized bar code. Specifically, this additional information includes data on the model of a film with lens, a film-characteristic identification number, the print type of the photographic film, and other information useful in specifying image printing and processing conditions. The information with the bar code is recorded in a different location on the photographic film than where the standardized bar code is recorded. This additional information is acquired by optically reading the bar code with an image reading device (i.e., sensor) of an image processing apparatus. Specified image processing steps are performed based on the acquired additional information.

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 loop region in which a loop of a negative film is formed is provided between a pre-scan section and a fine scan section. When a frame image recorded on the negative film is read, a control circuit effects control such that respective processings in the pre-scan section and the fine scan section are performed concurrently in a state in which a length of the loop in the loop region is within a predetermined allowable range.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit incorporates a mechanism for taking an exposure, and is pre-loaded with unexposed photo film. A telephoto selectable type indicia is imprinted previously on a first edge of the photo film outside imaging frames in an optical manner. An indicia recorder imprints a magnification indicia on a second edge of the photo film outside the imaging frames in an optical manner each time that one exposure is taken. A combination of the telephoto selectable type indicia and the magnification indicia designates a printing condition for each of the imaging frames.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a temporary storage unit for temporarily storing image data, and a secondary storage unit for storing the image data temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit, a capacity of the secondary storage unit being larger than that of the temporary storage unit. In the apparatus, image processing of one unit to be executed is divided into an image input job to input the image data from an image input unit and an image output job to output the image data to an image output unit, and each of execution of the image input job and execution of the image output job is independently controlled according to an abnormality detection result of the secondary storage unit, whereby an unexecutable state of an image processing operation is avoided even if the secondary storage unit is in an abnormal state, and thus the image processing operation is effectively performed.

Abstract: A film carrier is provided with markers for encoding information relating to the film, such that this information may be read by a printer.

Abstract: A polarizing plate and a double refracting plate, which are allowed to rotate around an optic axis, are provided to the light-exit side of a liquid crystal layer. The double refracting plate splits incident light into an ordinary ray which travels along a straight optic axis and an extraordinary ray which travels along a refracted optic axis, and supplies the same to a printing paper. The double refracting plate is laminated to the polarizing plate in such a manner that the splitting direction of the former matches with the polarizing plate of the latter, thereby allowing only the extraordinary ray to exit from the double refracting plate. By rotating the two plates together as one body by, for example, 90 degrees around the optic axis and exposing the printing paper each time, resolution attained without displacing the liquid crystal layer or printing paper with respect to the other is nearly as high as the one obtained by displacing the liquid crystal layer or printing paper.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a size detector for detecting a first size of a first image recorded on an original; an input device for inputting a second size of a second image to be recorded on a recording medium by an image recording apparatus; a determining device for determining a reading condition to read the first image according to the first and second sizes; and a reading device for reading the first image according to the reading condition to obtain information of the first image.

Abstract: An optical scanning system for a printer includes an optical scanning unit having a deflector divided into a plurality of deflection regions to allow repetitive scanning of light emitted from a light source by rotation, the optical scanning unit for scanning light onto a photosensitive belt traveling around a plurality of rollers; a first photodetector installed at a position separated from the edge of the photosensitive belt, to be able to receivable light scanned beyond the edge of the photosensitive belt; a second photodetector installed a predetermined distance apart from the first photodetector, to be able to receive light scanned just beyond the edge of the photosensitive belt until the light hits the edge of the photosensitive belt; a scanning reference position signal generator for generating a scanning reference position signal at a point in time at which a signal output from the first photodetector in response to the reception of light, and a signal output from the second photodetector in response t

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for producing a photographic picture on a copy material, whereby an exposure arrangement with a projection optics is provided for the production of the photographic picture which includes a mirror matrix with individually movable mirrors, whereby the exposure arrangement includes a wide-band light source, for example a halogen light source, whereby a filter arrangement is positioned in the light beam between the light source and the mirror matrix in order to filter out or let pass specific spectral regions or specific amounts of light.

Abstract: An in-line index printing system includes a sensor that determines the average density value of a photographic frame, a programmable light source and a video camera. The average density value calculated by the sensor is used to set the current levels supplied to a set of red, green, and blue LEDs to produce light that compensates for the exposure and color characteristics of the photographic frame. The film is illuminated by the light produced by the programmable light source and the video camera captures an image of a frame on the film. The image is digitized, and stored in a memory of a computer where it can be manipulated, if desired to enhance the color. The images from the frames can be printed on a color laser printer, a CRT printer, or transmitted over a computer network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: Conventional methods for producing photographic copies of film strips are highly intensive in terms of manual labor and involve a large number of different operating processes. In particular, the systems employed are not optimally designed for repeat orders. A new method is therefore proposed with which all of the images on the film strip are scanned completely during the film strip development process, and the scanned image data are stored for each image in a mass memory forming part of the production device. The first positive and all further positive images required for repeat orders are produced exclusively from these stored image data. The device according to the invention comprises a scanner disposed external to and immediately at the outlet of the strip film development device for completely scanning the film strip images.

Abstract: An image reading system to easily obtain a desired final image by displaying a plurality of images read under various image reading conditions for a direct comparison, and an image reading apparatus to output image data read under the various reading conditions with a single reading operation, and a memory medium to store the control procedures thereof. The image reading system includes an image reading device to read the image of a document by dividing the image into a plurality of areas and to output image signals corresponding to the plurality of areas. A reading condition input device sets a first and a second reading condition under which the image is read. An image processing device converts the image signal corresponding to a first area, among the plurality of areas, into a first image signal based on the first image reading condition, and converts the image signal corresponding to a second area into a second image reading based on the second image reading condition.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on both of a first side and a second side which are the right side and the back side of recording material, which comprises an image carrier on the surface of which a toner image is formed, a transfer member for forming a transfer part between the transfer member and the image carrier to transfer the toner image on the image carrier onto the recording material, a transfer voltage applying section for applying transfer voltage to the transfer member, a fixing member for heating the recording material, on which the toner image is transferred by the transfer member, passed therethrough to fix the toner image on the recording material, a reversing path for reversing the two sides of the recording material passed through the fixing member and returning the reversed recording material to the transfer part again, a timer section for measuring elapsed time since the recording material, on the first side of which a toner image is transferred, passes through the fixing me

Abstract: The system and method provide bin identification numbers for storage of developed film rolls in a system that provides reliable and effective notification to customers that film rolls they deposited with a vendor for processing are available for retrieval. The method determines whether the generated number is contained in a list of reserved bin numbers. If it is, another number is generated from the received data. This process continues until a generated number is generated that is not on the list of reserved bin numbers. That number is then added to the list and also stored in a data record corresponding to the received data. Upon retrieval of the developed film from the bin having the assigned bin number, the bin number is removed from the reserved list.

Abstract: The imaging magnification of an imaging optical system 6 is set such that the image resolution of an ultraviolet CCD camera 5 is within a range from 10 nm to 30 nm, on a resist pattern 102 to be inspected. In addition, every time when the ultraviolet CCD camera 5 picks up an image, the resist pattern 102 to be inspected is irradiated at an irradiation light amount within a range from 0.5 mJ/cm2 to an irradiation threshold value at which the resist pattern 102 is not caused to contract or an irradiation threshold value at which an absorption rate of an anti-reflection film provided near the resist pattern is not caused to change.

Abstract: During preliminary reading, a presser plate is positioned at a position separated from a photographic film. While the photographic film is conveyed by a film carrier, the photographic film is read by an exclusive-use line sensor, within an area sensor, which exclusive-use line sensor is positioned a predetermined distance away from a leading end detecting sensor. During main reading, image frames are read by the entire area sensor while the photographic film is conveyed intermittently in an opposite direction and is stopped.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is constructed so that a film holder and an adapter that are accessories can be selectively mounted to a film scanner that serves as an original placing board. A cartridge containing a dedicated film can be inserted into and removed from the adapter. Image information is read from the film in the film holder or the film in the cartridge by moving the original placing board. Further, the film or the cartridge can be exchanged in a condition where the film holder or the adapter is mounted to the film scanner.

Abstract: A device for exposing image information which is recorded on a photographic original (10) and is to be exposed onto a light sensitive medium (16; 12). An exposure assembly (25; 26; 31) is provided for outputting optical radiation which includes a plurality of adjustable area segments (44A, 44B) for adjusting the light intensity in certain local adjustment regions. A beam path (24; 33) is defined which directs the light to the light sensitive medium (16; 12). The exposure assembly (25; 26; 31) is arranged at a fixed location in the beam path (24; 33). An imaging sensor (12) capture a format of a region of the photographic original (10) containing to the image information to be copied. The device further includes a controller (14; 28) for setting a local adjustment region of the exposure assembly (25; 26; 31) depending on the format of the region to be copied.

Abstract: A scanning device for the point-by-point photoelectric scanning of a photographic film includes a transport arrangement for the transporting of the film along a transport path through a scanning zone, a guide arrangement for the guiding and positioning of the film in the scanning zone, an illuminating arrangement for exposing the film in the scanning zone with measuring light, a photoelectric converter arrangement for converting the measuring light transmitted through the film into corresponding electrical signals, and optical means for guiding the measuring light transmitted through the scanned film onto the photoelectric converter arrangement. The guide arrangement includes a motor-driven, selectively adjustable, moveable platform, positioned in the scanning zone, for the mechanical guiding and positioning of films of at least two different formats.

Abstract: A photographic system includes a photographic film having a unique identification code thereon. An identification tag is included with the photographic film; the identification tag bears a uniform resource locator that includes the unique identification code, and an associated password. The film is scanned after processing to generate a digital image and the unique identification code is associated with the digital image and stored in a digital storage device. A web server connected to the digital image storage device includes a resource identified by the uniform resource locator for accessing the digital image. A database accessible by the web server contains the unique identification code and the associated password wherein the resource is password protected and accessible by use of the password.

Abstract: An image reading system and computer readable medium storing control procedures thereof, to obtain a final image by displaying a plurality of images read under various image reading conditions and comparing the images. The image reading system includes an image reading device that divides an image into a plurality of areas, reads the plurality of areas and outputs image signals corresponding to the plurality of areas. A reading condition input device sets first and second reading conditions under which the image is read. An image processing device converts an image signal corresponding to a first area, among the plurality of areas, into a first image signal based on the first image reading condition, and converts an image signal corresponding to a second area into a second image signal based on the second image reading condition. A display displays respective images according to the first and second image signals.

Abstract: A test frame is photographed on a filmstrip of a lens-fitted photo film unit through a taking lens of the film unit in factory. After the filmstrip is developed, image data is picked up from the test frame, and is compared to ideal image data of the test frame. Based on differences of the image data of the test frame from the ideal image data, correction data is produced to correct image data of picture frames photographed on the filmstrip by customers. Corrected image data is used for printing the picture frames.

Abstract: A stimulable phosphor sheet, on which a radiation image has been stored, is scanned with stimulating rays in a main scanning direction and moved in a sub-scanning direction, which is approximately normal to the main scanning direction. A read-out device photoelectrically detects the light, which is emitted by the stimulable phosphor sheet when the stimulable phosphor sheet is scanned with the stimulating rays in the main scanning direction, to obtain an image signal representing the radiation image. A light guiding mirror for reflecting the emitted light toward the read-out device is located to extend in the main scanning direction at a position in the vicinity of a position on the stimulable phosphor sheet, which position is scanned with the stimulating rays in the main scanning direction. The light guiding mirror is supported by a support member, which is formed from a metallic material and is electrically isolated from a ground, or which is formed from an electrical insulating material.

Abstract: An ID card-making apparatus provided with the following an image reading section for reading an image from a predetermined area, within which at least a photograph is present, a photograph position detection section for detecting a photograph portion from image data obtained by the image reading section, a photographic image extraction section for extracting a photographic image from the photograph portion detected by the photograph position detection section, the photographic image being extracted from an area which is inside a region defined by the photograph edge detected by the photograph position detection section and which does not include the photograph edge, and an ID card-making section for making an ID card to which the photographic image extracted by the photographic image extraction section is attached.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus employing a multi-beam method, the total emission period of time is stored for each laser beam. In accordance with the total emission periods of the laser beams, the laser beam used for SOS is switched, so that the total emission periods are kept almost equal to each other. When the laser beam used for the SOS is switched, the adjustment processing for correcting misalignment of the laser beams in the main scanning direction is changed in accordance with the current laser beam used for the SOS, and the emitting order of the laser beams for the APC is also accordingly changed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which can reduce the appearance of a vertical regist shift in a multiple beam writing system. A time interval detector is provided and is configured to detect a time interval between a start signal for scanning in a sub-scanning direction and a synchronous signal for scanning in a scanning direction. Further, this time interval is compared with at least first and second threshold values. Writing by the multiple beam sources is then controlled based on the results of the comparison. By utilizing such an operation the appearance of a vertical regist shift can be reduced.

Abstract: An optical printer apparatus exposes a sensitized sheet (500) to light from a light source (110), which is movable relatively to the sensitized sheet (500), with given timing in accordance with image data composed of pixels having a plurality of gradations that are linearly changeable from a minimum gradation of low color density to a maximum gradation of high color density. The distance for the exposure is adjusted for area gradation, whereby a gradated image is formed on the sensitized sheet (500). Further, change of the exposure distance, compared to change of the gradation, is not uniform throughout the range, and a non-linear relation is established between the changes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exposure device capable of operating at a high speed and obtaining an excellent printing result. The exposure device according to the present invention includes optical write heads using shift registers of two systems, and a circuit that supplies image data for one line divided into the first half and the second half to the respective shift registers. The circuit is consist of a write control section, a memory, a read control section and a transfer control section), and receives data of twice the number of bits of data inputted to the shift register.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus processes an image signal obtained by subjecting optical image information to photoelectric conversion. An image fetch circuit converts the image signal into a digital signal and outputs it as input image data of one line. An image data processing circuit fetches the input image data of one line from the image fetch circuit in units of one pixel, and subjects it to predetermined image processing. A drive circuit at least supplies the image fetch circuit with a predetermined drive pulse signal which enables a high-speed operation of the image fetch circuit. A timing setting circuit programs, from the outside, timing of the drive pulse signal supplied from the drive circuit.

Abstract: A positional error of each of a plurality of LED chips mounted in a light source portion along a predetermined direction is measured in advance and stored in a look-up table. When exposure is effected by the LED chips, in a sample-and-hold circuit formed by an analog switch, a capacitor, and a buffer amplifier, the timing at which the analog switch is switched on is displaced for each of analog switches corresponding to the LED chips in accordance with positional errors of the mounted LED chips so that exposure positions obtained by the LED chips are arranged on the same straight line along the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A raster input scanner, and a reproduction system that uses that input scanner, having multiple depths of focus. The raster input scanner includes a light source for emitting light toward an image bearing member and at least two lens arrays, with the ability to selectably position any one lens array in optical conjugate relationship between the image bearing member on a transparent platen and a photosensor array. One of the lens arrays has a first depth of focus, while the other lens array has a second depth of focus that is different than the first depth of focus. Beneficially, the input scanner responds to an operator selection of which depth of focus is to be used to image a given image bearing member.

Abstract: A system for reading an image formed on a silver-salt film, comprising: (a) a magnetic information reading unit for reading magnetic information recorded on a magnetic recording medium on the film; (b) a feeding unit for feeding the film; (c) an illuminating unit for irradiating light to the image formed on the film; (d) a filter unit arranged between the illuminating unit and the film; (e) a photoelectric conversion unit for receiving the light from the illuminating unit, which is passed through the film, to convert the image formed on the silver-salt film to an electric signal; (f) a memory unit for storing an image signal from the photoelectric conversion unit; and (g) a control unit for controlling at least one of the feeding unit, the illuminating unit and the photoelectric conversion unit, on the basis of information of the information reading unit.

Abstract: Regardless of a relative installation position error between a light source and a photosensitive material, or of a deviation from a properly preset value of rotation speed of a photosensitive material, images are obtained with minimum loss of image quality and excellent reproducibility. The number m of light-emitting elements to make up a unit and the distance between adjacent pixels formed on the photosensitive surface are adjusted such that the width of the pixel groups is ⅓ mm or less, which is a period that the periodic image noise is not recognized as stripes.

Abstract: A high-quality image is formed by using light emission element arrays of plural lines. The plural light emission element arrays are arranged substantially in parallel, an area of a light emission part of each array being different from others, respective light emission elements in the light emission element arrays are caused to selectively perform light emission according to gradation data, and the respective light emission element arrays overlappingly perform exposure on a relatively moved photosensitive body.

Abstract: A printer control pictorial tool consists of an eye portion having a neutral gray, portraits arranged around the eye portion, and a gray background. The eye portion and the portraits are located within a photometric range that is equal to or less than a range covered by a photometry device of a photo-printer. The gray background has the same average gray density as the eye portion has. An area having a complementary color to a flesh color of the portraits is provided within the photometric range. The size, color and density of the portraits and the complementary color area are determined such that photometric values obtained from the photometric range are approximately equal to those obtained from the eye portion.

Abstract: A photographic processing method and a printer processor in which the length of a developing path can be shortened and the size of the apparatus can also be reduced without reducing the processing capacity is provided. Since the direction in which printing paper is transported is changed during processing, that is exposure is performed while the printing paper is transported in the longitudinal direction thereof; thereafter the transport direction in which the printing paper is transported is changed and developing processing is performed; and thereafter the direction in which the printing paper is transported is restored to the longitudinal direction thereof, the degree of freedom in designing is increased and the space for installing the apparatus can be saved.