Abstract: A container for a system to collect, manage, process and move photographic material, contained in wrappers of a defined form, for example rolls (24) is associated with an automatic device to collect the photographic material to be processed and also with at least a processing machine (13, 14) including its own data processing unit (41). The automatic collection device includes means to recognize the client (28), means (29) to input commands and aperture means (23) for the introduction of the roll (24).

Abstract: A printing paper information reading apparatus for accurately detecting cut marks 3a and reading information formed on printing paper 3. The apparatus includes a first mark detector 29a for detecting the cut marks 3a formed for frame images printed on the printing paper 3, respectively, a second mark detector 29b for detecting information marks 3c formed in the printing paper 3 in a corresponding relationship to the cut marks 3a, and a printing paper information generator 5g for generating printing paper information by evaluating results of detection of the information marks 3c by the second mark detector 29 in synchronism with detection of the cut marks 3a by the first mark detector 29a.

Abstract: Plural linear marks extending along a scanning direction are spaced apart from each other at constant intervals and parallel to each other at a boundary of partial exposure ranges. When the marks are repeatedly formed by two light beams while a position of the mark formed by one of the two light beams is moved in the scanning direction, a density within a predetermined region corresponding to the boundary is changed so as to become lighter as the intervals between the marks are increased. When plural linear marks, which extend along the scanning direction and are spaced apart from each other at constant intervals and parallel to each other at a boundary portion of partial exposure ranges, are formed by two light beams while a position of the mark formed by one of the light beams is moved in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction, a density within a predetermined region is changed so as to become lighter as an amount of offset is reduced.

Abstract: The light-sensitive material transport device includes a placement and transport mechanism for placing and transporting the exposed light-sensitive material after it is received from the scanning transport mechanism. The light-sensitive material transport device also includes an auxiliary transport mechanism spaced apart upward from the placement and transport mechanism, for being driven in the same direction as the placement and transport mechanism. The light-sensitive material transport device receives the cut sheets of the exposed light-sensitive material from the scanning transport mechanism without imparting any effect to the scanning transport and can subsequently transport it in a stable and sure manner, as well as preferably performing correction of the curl of the cut sheets of the light-sensitive material.

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: In a film scanner comprising a device for scanning sprocket holes, a projection device is proposed, by means of which the images of two sprocket holes are projected on one sensor. This provides the possibility of scanning two facing sprocket holes with only one camera.

Abstract: A recording apparatus records data on a sensitive material with a laser beam. The recording apparatus includes a data storage unit for storing data, a laser illumination unit for generating the laser beam, and a laser beam scanning unit for scanning the laser beam, which is generated by the laser illumination unit, at a predetermined position. The recording apparatus further includes a transporting unit for transporting the sensitive material to the predetermined position, a laser control unit for controlling the laser illumination unit to generate the laser beam on the basis of the data stored in the data storage unit, and an intensity change-over unit for changing over the intensity of the laser beam illuminating the sensitive material at the predetermined position, in dependence on the type of the sensitive material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a microfilm search device for detecting the presence of frames from a density change in the running direction of a microfilm, in which even if a frame contains therein a portion having substantially the same density as that of an interspace between frames, the portion is prevented from being incorrectly determined as between-frames, and frames are correctly detected to prevent a search error.

Abstract: A device for point-form photoelectric scanning of a transparent object to be measured is disclosed and is provided with a transport arrangement for transporting an object to be measured. An illuminating arrangement exposes the object to measuring light in a line-shaped measuring line extending across the object transverse to the transport direction. A collector arrangement collects measuring light passed through the object in the area of the measuring line. A photoelectric converter arrangement, optically connected with the collector arrangement, converts measuring light passed through the object into corresponding electrical signals. The collector arrangement includes a multiplicity of light conductors, an optical multiplexer with multiple inputs corresponding in number to the multiplicity of the light conductors, and an output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing high quality prints from photographic negatives employ a printer with a system that scans the negatives optical densities region by region. Corresponding quantities of light are calculated, the first prints are then printed using these quantities, and thereafter these quantities are stored in a memory to be retrieved at a later time for duplicate prints. To locate the stored values representing the first printing light quantities, the densities employed to calculate the light quantities are associated with those quantities in the memory. The negatives are scanned again when the subsequent prints are to be printed. The measured densities are then compared with the densities stored during the first printing process. If and when the results are similar, the identity of the two negatives is confirmed and the first printing light quantities are obtained from the memory and employed for producing the subsequent prints.

Abstract: A photographic printing system for a photographic film stored in a cartridge with a cartridge ID. This system includes a receiving unit for receiving the cartridge storing the photographic film, the receiving unit having an information input for inputting first printing information on the photographic film as linked with the cartridge ID of the cartridge, a printer/processor unit, and an information controller for communicating, by using the cartridge ID as a key, with the receiving unit and the printer/processor unit, to control and record printing information for the cartridge ID. The printer/processor unit includes an information reader for reading second printing information recorded on the photographic film drawn out of the cartridge, and a printing processor. Third printing information is generated from partial printing information read by the information reader and partial printing information inputted by the receiving unit.

Abstract: A printing system for printing an image of a photographic film having an identification code onto a photosensitive material comprises a first reading device for reading the identification code; a second reading device for reading image information on the photographic film; a first inputting device for inputting a first correction data for the image information read by the second reading device; a second inputting device for inputting a second correction data for the image information read by the second reading device; a third reading device for reading the identification code from the photographic film; a printing device for printing the image of the photographic film onto the photosensitive material; and a control device for controlling the printing device on the basis of the correction data corresponding to the identification code read by the third reading device.

Abstract: An image print includes one or more positive images representing one or more corresponding images located on an image recording medium. An alphabetic description is provided on the image print for at least one of the one or more positive images which identifies a designated aspect ratio for at least one of the one or more corresponding images.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus including a first principal portion extracting device which extracts a principal portion of an image based on image data, a display device which displays an extraction result of the principal portion of the image extracted by the first principal portion extracting device, input device for inputting first instruction information for indicating whether the extraction result displayed on the display device is correct and also inputting second instruction information for indicating a region to be newly extracted as a principal portion, and second principal portion extracting device which extracts a new principal portion based on the second instruction information inputted by the input device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an optical exposure unit for forming an image on photosensitive material by exposing the material with light beam generated from a first light beam source and transmitted through a photographic film; and a digital exposure unit for forming an image on the photosensitive material by exposing the material with light beam generated from a second light beam source according to digital image data. The optical exposure unit and the digital exposure unit share a single common exposure point. The optical exposure unit includes a masking mechanism for delimiting an exposure area on the photosensitive material, and this masking mechanism and a head module of the digital exposure unit are integrated together as a unit.

Abstract: An automatic correction method is used in connection with a device for correcting an image on a surface light source that can be reproduced with a high degree of quality on a print or a developed film by compensating for the effects of a lens system and the photosensitive material properties as well as the effects of the properties of the surface light source. Photographic printing paper is exposed to a calibration pattern and is transferred to the development section to be developed. Thus, the calibration pattern image is formed on the print paper. The density of each portion of the calibration pattern image on the print is measured in a density measurement section and stored in a memory device. A microprocessor reads the measured values out of a memory device and corrects the image data stored in a frame memory based on the measured values.

Abstract: A photographic processing apparatus having a checking function to collating negative films and prints. The photographic processing apparatus includes a trouble detecting device 5j for detecting a trouble of collating disagreement occurring during processing of the negative films 2 and printing paper 3 to affect collation between the negative films 2 and prints 3 in one unit, and a notifying device 180 operable in response to trouble information provided by the trouble detecting device 5j for notifying that finished products transported by a collating transport device 70 have the trouble of collating disagreement.

Abstract: Presence or absence of paper is detected by individual sensors and data content stored in a backup RAM is checked out at the time when an external power source begins to supply electric power, and paper feeding operation is automatically performed by a CPU in accordance with detected states and the stored data content.

Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning copy masters is described which has a guide for guiding the copy masters in a film transport direction (E). To place the copy masters under tension in a transverse direction (D) perpendicular to the film transport direction (E), the apparatus of the invention has a transverse tensioning device which includes clamping arrangement for clamping the copy masters. This clamping arrangement has a press-on member and a counter bearing, with the copy masters clamped between the press-on member and the counter bearing. The counter bearing of the invention is movable in the tensioning direction (D) perpendicular to the film transport direction (E).

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining information from a film includes a CCD line sensor for dividing a photographic film into a multiplicity of portions to meter portions in a predetermined range, including the image recording range on the photographic film, to sequentially output photometric data; an optical film for reducing a light beam made incident on the CCD line sensor from a region in the predetermined range and outside the image recording range on the photographic film; photometric condition adjusting component for adjusting the photometric condition of the CCD line sensor such that it corresponds to the quantity of a light beam made incident on the CCD line sensor from the image recording range; sampling circuits for extracting, from photometric data output from the CCD line sensor, photometric data of a portion on the photographic film in which a predetermined optical characteristic corresponding to information, which must be detected or obtained from the photographic film, exists by a film edge detecting sa

Abstract: The amount of light emitted from a lamp is adjusted by a turret and a diaphragm for each light of the component colors and is irradiated on a photographic film via a light diffusion box. Light transmitted through the photographic film is made incident on a three-line CCD via a lens unit. In order to read a film image, first, the photographic film is conveyed at high speed in a predetermined direction and is read under a predetermined reading condition (pre-scan), and based on image data obtained by the reading, a recorded position of each image is determined and a reading condition during fine scan is calculated for each image, and each image is read under the calculated reading condition while the film is conveyed at relatively low speed in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction (fine scan).

Abstract: An index print includes a recording sheet having positive images corresponding to respective images on an image recording medium and being right-side-up or up-side-down on the recording sheet. The index print further includes eye-readable means on the recording sheet which relate to the positive images. The invention is characterized in that the eye-readable means is positioned relative to the positive images to permit at least a portion of the eye-readable means to be read without being up-side-down on the recording sheet when viewing the positive images right-side-up on the recording sheet, whether the positive images are recorded right-side-up or up-side-down on the recording sheet.

Abstract: An adjusting apparatus and method for adjusting a recording device such as a color laser printer or copier. The recording device has a light emitting device, an electrical resistance device, and a controlling device. The controlling device controls the emission period of the light emitting device according to the resistance of the electrical resistance device. The adjusting apparatus has a controller that controls the light emitting device of the recording device to be in a predetermined active state. The adjusting apparatus also has an adjusting device that adjusts the resistance of the electrical resistance device in accordance with the light emission intensity of the light emitting device. A recording device that is readily adjusted by such an adjusting apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A printer control film and a film carrier allow proper management of the printer control film. When a Bull's-eye serving as the printer control film is inserted into the film carrier, magnetic information recorded on the Bull's-eye is read out. When it is judged based on the read out information that the Bull's-eye is an unused one, a start time of use is recorded on the Bull's-eye together with an apparatus ID. When it is judged that the Bull's-eye was used before, the apparatus ID, the used period, the number of times of use, and the like are read out from the Bull's-eye. When it is judged based on these data that the Bull's-eye carries proper images necessary for a conditioning operation, the number of times of use is updated. Subsequently, images recorded on the Bull's-eye are printed onto a printing paper.

Abstract: The improved apparatus for exposing a light-sensitive material to recording light modulated in accordance with an image to be recorded includes a source of recording light, a multi-channel spatial light modulating element using a liquid crystal, imaging optics with which the recording light modulated with the spatial light modulating element is imaged on the light-sensitive material, and apparatus for adjusting the temperature of the spatial light modulating element. This exposing apparatus ensures that image of high quality (high resolution) can be recorded at high speed by performing multi-channel exposure with an inexpensive and simple device design.

Abstract: An automatic photographic processor apparatus automatically produces a strip of photographic prints, e.g. identification photos or self-portraits, in a short period of time with cutline markings.

Abstract: A photographic material feeder apparatus includes a paper conveyor for conveying cut papers to an exposure station and a plurality of paper magazines arranged in a cluster around a loading end of the conveyor. Each magazine accommodates therein a respective paper roll having a width corresponding to a respective size of a film image to be printed, and each magazine has a respective paper supply opening directed at the loading end of the conveyor. A plurality of paper feeders, one each positioned adjacent the opening of a respective the magazine, is operable to feed therefrom a strip of paper from the respective paper roll towards the loading end of the conveyor. A plurality of paper cutters, one each positioned adjacent a respective paper feeder, is operable to cut the strip of paper fed thereby from the respective magazine to a given length to produce a desired size of cut paper to be fed to the loading end of the conveyor.

Abstract: An information card on which calculation information on photo-processing prices in accordance with orders and/or photo-printing information is recorded, wherein the information card is an index print. A photo-finishing method, a photo-finishing apparatus, a reprinting method, a reprinting apparatus, an information card preparation apparatus and a photo-printing apparatus are provided which employ the index print.

Abstract: A photographic film and printing method and apparatus for the film are disclosed. The apparatus comprises reading means which reads an ID number at the time of print with film processing of the photographic film having the ID number printed thereon; print data entering means which enters print data about the exposure amount; storage means which associates and stores the ID number and the print data so that the print data obtained at the time of the print with film processing is saved; exposure controlling means which reads the ID number of said photographic film, retrieves the print data which corresponds to the ID number from said storage means, and automatically controls the exposure amount based on said print data when said photographic film is reprinted. As a result, the quality of the photographic film can be maintained constant without operator's help in either case of the print with film processing and the reprint.

Abstract: A photographic printer has an exposure station for exposing and printing images of photographic film on printing paper, a cutter for cutting the photographic film, after a printing process, to film pieces of a length having a predetermined number of frames, and cartridges for collecting the film pieces as sorted into separate orders. Each cartridge stores a group of film pieces stacked one upon the other, and transports the group of film pieces to a film outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for photographic process is disclosed. Information regarding camera, lens, and film used in photographing are recorded on the film. In the photographic process, the information is acquired to determine the state of deterioration of the quality of the image recorded on the film, and the quality of the image is corrected based on the state of deterioration. Accordingly, an image of high quality can be always obtained regardless of the type of the camera used for photographing, the type of the photographic lens, and the characteristics of the photographic film.

Abstract: A photographic processing apparatus having an exposing section (20) for printing images of negative films (2) received from a negative film feeder (10) on printing paper (3), a negative film outlet (60) for discharging the negative films used in the exposing section, and a developing section (30) for developing the printing paper printed. This apparatus includes a negative film ID allocating device (5f) for generating a negative film ID code and allocating the negative film ID code to the negative films to be subjected to a printing process, and a link manager (5k) for managing a linked relationship between the negative film ID code and information relating to the negative films.

Abstract: When an order for photographic processing is placed from the customer, an operator, first, operates a keyboard to input the type of photographic processing ordered by the customer. Then, the operator causes a card reader to read customer identification information recorded on a card, and causes a bar code reader to read a bar code recorded on a cartridge and representing film information, and further, causes a film-data reading device to read film information magnetically recorded on the film. Further, when an order for extra prints is placed from the customer, the operator loads a print order slip on which information for extra prints is recorded, into a loading portion so that the information recorded on the print order slip is read by a mark-sheet reader. As a result, the information required for issuing order forms is obtained, and three sheets of order form for a customer, laboratory, and photo processing shop, are issued by a printer.

Abstract: In a photographic film having a substantially transparent magnetic layer, and a sequence of longitudinally spaced image frames, the improvement comprising:at least one longitudinal magnetic track in said magnetic layer located on a side of each image frame, said track having a fixed length L; anda pair of data blocks recorded on said track, each said data block having a length which is less than L/2 and being recorded respectively at the beginning and end of said track with an unrecorded space between said data blocks.

Abstract: Classifying and detecting original images on a roll of film so that a photographer can describe and identify to the photofinisher the type of images of interest to the photographer and to identify which images by category on the roll of film are to receive certain customer requested procedures such as multiple prints, enlargements or no printing of that image at all.

Abstract: A photographic processing system is disclosed. The system includes a bar-code reader for reading processing information of a photographic film, a sorter station for sorting the film in accordance with the processing information read from the film, a photographic processing apparatus for effecting a photographic processing operation in accordance with the processing information and a conveying device for conveying the film sorted at the sorter station to the photographic processing apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus (118) for printing photographs from a processed photographic filmstrip having images having different widths measured longitudinally of the filmstrip and having heights measured transversely of the filmstrip, using a photographic printer having a zoom lens (122) and a printing mask (130) to provide printed images having a selected print width and a selected print height, the apparatus including a device (134, 136) for measuring the width of an image on the processed filmstrip; a device (124, 136) for adjusting magnification of the zoom lens in proportion to the measured width so that the width of a projected image matches the selected print width at the printing mask; and a device (120) for projecting the image on the processed filmstrip through the adjusted zoom lens to expose a photographic medium (128) at the printing mask to produce on the medium an image having the selected print width and selected print height. A corresponding method is taught.

Abstract: An image printer includes a projection exposure unit for projecting and exposing a film image on to a photosensitive material, an image exposure unit for exposing the photosensitive material based on exposure image information with setting an exposure amount for each of a plurality of areas, an image reader for reading information of the film image with the information being divided into a number of areas, and a correction-information instructing unit for instructing correction information for correcting the image information read by the image reader. The image exposure unit generates the exposure image information based on the image information read by the image reader means and on the correction information instructed by the correction-information instructing unit.

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: A photographic print processing apparatus, comprises (a) a first exposing section to expose an image of a photographic film onto an unexposed photographic paper; (b) a development processing section to develop the exposed photographic paper; (c) a first conveying passage to convey the exposed photographic paper from the first exposing section to the development processing section; (d) a second conveying passage branched from the first conveying passage and joined with the first conveying passage; (e) a second exposing section, provided on the second conveying passage, to expose an image onto a photographic paper; and (f) a control section to control the first passage and the second passage so as to convey the photographic paper.

Abstract: A photographic processor which allows smooth positioning of an image frame whose configuration cannot be detected by a picture detecting sensor is provided. A picture detecting sensor is installed in a negative film supply section for deciding the condition of the negative film and a notch mechanism is also installed therein which gives a position indicating notch to an image frame visually when the image frame is judged to be improper for positioning by the picture detecting sensor.

Abstract: An image printer includes a negative-film projection exposure unit capable of projecting and exposing image information of a negative film on to a photosensitive material adapted for negative films and a positive-film exposure unit capable of exposing image information of a positive film on to the photosensitive material adapted for negative films.

Abstract: A photographic film processing apparatus has a data reader for reading magnetic data stored in a row of magnetic recorded tracks on a photographic film. The apparatus determines whether a reading error has occurred during film processing. If no error has occurred, then the film is processed in accordance with the magnetic data from the film. If an error has occurred, then the apparatus determines whether the data is eligible for replacement with reference data. If the erroneous data is eligible, then the film is processed in accordance with the reference data. If the erroneous data is not eligible, then the film is processed in accordance with external substitute data which is entered by an operator. Furthermore, the apparatus produces a maintenance demand signal based on the number of reading errors or the total length of photographic film processed.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus has an LUT storing a table, which represents a relationship between a key code and 2401 combinations of density correcting data and color correcting data. The combinations are arranged in the table in an order of frequency of occurrences thereof. Each combination constitutes exposure correcting information in combination. With a photo film exposed, a photoprint is produced in initial photographic printing from an imaging frame on the photo film. A key code is read from LUT, with an address of the exposure correcting information used in the printing. An imprinting head imprints the key code to the photoprint or containing sheath. With the key code imprinted, the exposure correcting information is usable in further photographic printing.

Abstract: A method for producing copies of photographic originals, wherein an original is scanned regionally. With the aid of measurement data thus obtained, a decision is made in a test step, on the basis of specified criteria, whether the original is worth copying or not. On the basis of this decision, the particular original is or is not copied onto photographic copy material. In the test step, the scanned original is assigned to at least one of at least three categories of originals; namely a first category which includes originals that are unequivocally worth copying, a second category which includes originals that are unequivocally not worth copying, or a third category which includes originals that are neither unequivocally worth copying nor unequivocally not worth copying.

Abstract: An image exposure system for printing an image, comprised of pixels, on photosensitive media based on image data, includes an exposure unit for converting the image data into a light signal for exposure of each of the pixels, a measuring device and a compensator used to correct exposure levels. The exposure unit has light output elements for outputting the light signal for respective ones of the pixels onto the photosensitive media to effect exposure of the image on the photosensitive media. The measuring device is for measuring a density of each of the pixels of the image on the photosensitive media produced by exposing the photosensitive media with reference image data as the image data.

Abstract: An exposure of a color film is scanned at a multiplicity of points in each of the primary colors. The color compositions of the points are evaluated to identify color compositions characteristic of skin tones, and a color space is created based on these color compositions. Scanned points whose color compositions lie in the color space undergo an examination to ascertain whether or not they actually represent skin. The examination is concerned primarily with the positions of such scanned points within the exposure and secondarily with density differences between the points and specified zones of the exposure, density differences between adjacent points, and the nature of any groups formed by the points, only those scanned points which actually represent skin are considered when calculating the amount of copy light for the exposure in each primary color.

Abstract: Process for preparing film strips for subsequent orders, the film strips belonging to a customer order. Each film strip includes a number of numbered masters which are fed into a preparation station. There, they are glued to a carrier belt and coiled into a film roll, which can be used at subsequent processing stations. Customer-specific order data regarding the desired number of copies of specific masters and, where applicable, the desired copy format, are entered via an input unit in the preparation station and stored onto a carrier medium which is compatible with the subsequent processing stations. In the process, the customer-specific order data are entered before the film strips are fed in.

Abstract: In photographic equipment for reading magnetically recorded data on a film strip, gradual degradation of the read data signal caused, for example, by material buildup on the magnetic read head is detected by monitoring the read data signal to indicate when the signal falls below a normal signal level but is still above a minimum threshold at which data loss would result. Apparatus useful for this purpose includes first and second comparators for sensing the decline of the data signal level into a range falling between a first predetermined normal signal level threshold and a second lower predetermined signal level preferably at or slightly above minimum detectable signal level. With such an arrangement, even though data is still capable of being read and decoded, the operator of the data read equipment is given advance warning of the incipient read data problem sufficiently in advance of read failure condition to allow corrective action, e.g. cleaning of the read head, before actual data read failures occur.

Abstract: When negative images on a negative film are stored in a negative image storing unit, an index print image is constructed by an index constructing section in an image processing unit on the basis of the inputted images, which is displayed as a positive image on a monitor through a display instructing section. Images having different top-to-bottom directions in each of lateral and vertical image groups are indicated by key operation on a keyboard connected to the image processing unit with respect to the index print image displayed on the monitor. The direction of the indicated image is changed by a direction changing section in the image processing unit, and then the image is displayed on the monitor again. An index print image after changing the direction is displayed in an index printing section (on a liquid crystal panel). Thus an index print is prepared.