Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing prints of different formats from negatives in the form of strips. The negative images are printed in one reproduction scale on one section of a strip of stock during a first pass of the strip through the printing mechanism, the printing mechanism is readjusted, and the negative images are then printed in another, different scale on a subsequent section of the strip of stock during another pass of the strip through the printing mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photographic printing apparatus and method in which an image is printed on the front of a print paper and a respective frame number is printed on the back of the print paper at a predetermined position for a plurality of frames of a negative film. The present invention accounts for situations in which the frame number fails to be retrieved from location data existing on the negative film. This is achieved by examining and computing information for a group of data assigned before and after the particular frame in question.

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: A film image processing apparatus comprises an image pickup device that picks up a photographic image formed on developed film, a screen image signal output device that outputs a screen image signal to display the image that has been picked up on a monitor screen as a screen image, a reading device that reads information related to the photographic image from an information recording area provided on the film, an input device that inputs external information from an external device connected to the film image processing apparatus, a display device that outputs a display signal to display text information related to the photographic image on the monitor screen and a control device that controls the display device so that at least either the read information read by the reading device or the external information input from the external device is displayed on the monitor screen as text information together with a screen image of the photographic image corresponding to the information.

Abstract: An image frame selecting apparatus for a photographic printer includes a film receiving unit (30) defining a receiving surface (31) for receiving a photographic film (2), and a positioning indicator (35a) for positioning the photographic film on the receiving surface. The receiving surface is divided into a plurality of areas (31a) corresponding to image frames on the film. An input device (33, 34) selects an image frame to be printed, by designating at least one of the areas. The photographic printer has an image reading device for reading the image frames from the photographic film, a storage device for storing image information of the image frames read, an image processor for generating positive images of the image frames based on the image information stored in the storage device, and a monitor for displaying the positive images of the image frames. A control means unit (100) is provided for generating position data relative to the photographic film of the image frame selected.

Abstract: During the processing of an order in a photographic printer, a developed copy film strip can be scanned negative by negative and point-by-point in a scanning station of the printer. From the scan signals, density values for exposure time determination in three partial colors and details on the image field number of the scanned negative can be obtained, and these data are stored in a memory, coordinating the determined three partial exposure times with the corresponding image number. All negatives of the copy film strip are exposed successively on photographic paper on an enlarged scale, using the determined exposure times. In a further step, a number of successive negatives of the film strip are exposed on full-scale or reduced scale in matrix form onto a single sheet of said photographic paper.

Abstract: In an auto focus camera in which a lens position is changeable in accordance with a photographing mode, based on measured object distance, it is judged whether or not measuring distance can be done, and it is presumed whether or not a person is photographed. In accordance with the result of the judgment and presumption, a focal length of a photographic lens is selected. If distance measuring can not be done or distance measuring data is invalid, focusing operation is executed, based on not the measured distance data but the predetermined distance data which is suitable to a photographing mode of the camera. By this manner, it does not occur that an object image is out of focus badly and a photograph suited for operator's intention can be obtained.

Abstract: A photometric system for a photographic printing apparatus having an exposure device for projecting light traveling from a light source (21) through a mirror tunnel (24), along a projection path through a photographic film (2) to printing paper (3). An opening (24b) is formed in a side wall (24d) having a mirror surface for forming the mirror tunnel. The photometric system includes a photometer (60) disposed outside the mirror tunnel for metering only light entering through the opening (24b) from a region of the opening (24b) and a region displaced from the region of the opening (24b) toward the light source, and a reflection mirror (31; 71) for deflecting the light entering through the opening (24b) toward the photometer (60). The reflection mirror (71) is switchable between a first position for deflecting the light entering through the opening (24b) toward the photometer (60), and a second position for covering the opening (24b).

Abstract: An image printer has an image exposure unit for exposing a photosensitive material with an image of a film, a recording data input unit for inputting recording data to be exposed on the photosensitive material in accordance with the image, and a recording data exposure unit for exposing the photosensitive material with the recording data inputted from the recording data input unit.

Abstract: A photographic film inspection apparatus for inspecting a photographic film before it undergoes exposure.

Abstract: In a printer processor, magnetic information is read out from a negative film by a magnetic head unit while the negative film is transported on a negative film carrier. Further, the density of each image is measured by an optical sensor of a sensor unit so as to detect a blank frame and an improperly exposed frame, thereby selecting images to be printed. After determining the print size of the selected images, a last image to be printed last, and a second last image to be printed before the last image is printed are specified. Based on the print sizes of the last image and the second last image, the printing order is determined before printing is performed.

Abstract: In an image reproducing apparatus, an image recorded on a negative film is subjected to optical measurement by an optical measuring device. The data obtained by the optical measurement is stored in a photometric data memory for each type of film which is judged by a DX code reader and a film type detecting device. In the apparatus, a difference in characteristics between a reference film and the negative film is calculated by a film characteristic difference calculating device, and the image characteristic amount of the image is calculated by an image characteristic amount calculating device. In a film type correction amount calculating device, a correction value is calculated based on the calculated difference in the film characteristics and the image characteristic amount to compensate for a decrease in the quality of the printed image due to the difference in the film characteristics.

Abstract: An automatic photographic processor apparatus automatically produce a set of photographic prints, e.g. identification photos or self-portraits, in a short period of time when a human object or client takes an image of himself or herself.

Abstract: An index print preparation and feeding apparatus comprising: a means for preparing index prints for a film; an order identifying means for identifying order information of the film; a means for storing a multiplicity of the index prints; a collating means which has a first identifying mechanism for recognizing the order information of the index print and a second identifying mechanism for recognizing the order information on a DP bag or film placed, and which collates the order information recognized by the first and the second mechanisms; and a means for feeding the index print to the feeding position.

Abstract: A camera system capable of displaying a recorded object image and recording processing information for printing of the recorded object image. The camera includes a camera body into which a film can be loaded and fed therein, and an exposure device for focusing an object image on the film and for exposing the film to light in response to a shutter-releasing operation to record the object image on the film. The camera further includes an information storage device for storing a video image substantially equivalent to the recorded object image at a timing substantially similar to a timing of the exposure device, a reproduction device for reproducing the video image stored in the information storage device after an operation of the exposure device, and an electronic viewfinder for displaying the reproduced video image.

Abstract: An image combining printer, capable of producing a highly intelligible image combination print having explicit colors and shapes, includes: a scanner for reading colors of an original image from a negative film; a color identifier for estimating positive colors on a finished print from the color data of the scanner; a color area determining element for determining the size of a color area to be exposed a multiple number of times in accordance with a scale of enlargement; a vertical position detector for detecting a vertical position data which represents the upward and downward positioning of the original image in the negative film; a vertical position determining element for determining the vertical position of the original image from the vertical position data of the vertical position detector; an exposure element for exposing a photosensitive material to the original image projected from the negative film; a multiple exposure condition determining element for determining the location, orientation, and colo

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an edge opening (22, 24) in a web (12) of photographic film includes a frame (84, 138, 140); an edge guide (156, 158) supported by the frame, the edge guide having a surface (160) for engaging an edge surface of a web moving past the edge guide; an aperture (334) in the surface; a guide track (325, 327) supported by the frame; an optical sensor (328) mounted on the guide track, the sensor comprising a probe (330) extended through the aperture to a point near the surface; and a mechanism (318-322) for moving the sensor along the guide track to position the probe for accurate detection of an edge opening.

Abstract: A digital exposure device which performs the exposure to a dot pattern of light comprises:scanner 6 for reading density of each dot in the dot pattern on the photosensitive material exposed to predetermined pattern of test image;a correction circuit 74 for comparing the read density of each dot and the density of a pattern of test image and for delivering a correction data; anda converter circuit 72 for converting the conversion condition according to the correction data.

Abstract: An electro-optic system and method for exposing data characters line segments on an edge region of rapidly moving strip film. The system includes a source of pulse illumination directed onto a light valve device that is addressed to form a plurality of discrete, multiple data character line segments. The illumination is synchronized with the film movement and the line segments are sequentially scanned to a strip image region to form a stitched, end to end, image of the line segments.

Abstract: In a photographic printer including a print-exposing device having a light source and a light controlling filter, an image recorded onto a film is printed on a photosensitive material by irradiating, onto the photosensitive material, light emitted from the light source and transmitted through the light controlling filter and the film. The light transmitted through the light controlling filter and the film is incident upon a photometric device, and the photometric device photometrically measures the image recorded on the film. The quantity of light incident upon the photometric device is controlled by a control device so as to reduce the quantity of light to a quantity of light which is lower than a quantity of light when printing exposure is carried out, in a case in which printing exposure by said print-exposing device is suspended for a time longer than a predetermined time.

Abstract: Exposure control for cameras and photographic enlargers in which image light from a lens or light source is reflected off a spatial light modulator having a plurality of controllable elements able to be positioned in three dimensions. This reflected light is received by a photoelectric conversion device, analyzed by electronics, modulated and reflected by the spatial light modulator in a second dimension onto photosensitive material.

Abstract: A photographic printing apparatus includes an exposure station disposed in a midway region of a transfer path between a transfer inlet and a transfer outlet along which a negative film having magnetic recording tracks provided thereon is transferred forwardly and backwardly. A magnetic read head disposed between the transfer inlet and the exposure station, the magnetic read head being spaced from a center line of the exposure station by a distance which is equal to a sum of an integer multiple of the pitch length of one frame on the negative film and a half of the same.

Abstract: A negative film carrier which restricts the lateral movement of negative film along a film path and determines the locations of sensors for detecting a DX code in order to prevent the poor detection (crosstalk) of a sensor, includes a restriction member for restricting the lateral movement of the negative film which is installed in a film path and DX code sensors, for detecting the DX code of the negative film, which are disposed within the restriction member.

Abstract: A negative film masking apparatus for use in printing of a negative film has patterns of latent image data recorded thereon outside of frames and is held between a negative holder and a mask cover for an exposure operation. A view window is provided in one of either of the negative holder and the mask cover to allow each desired one of the latent image patterns of the negative film to be viewed. A light emitter is mounted on the other of the negative holder and the mask cover opposite to the view window.

Abstract: A film transporting apparatus for a film processing system. The apparatus includes a pair of frame members pivotably connected to each other to be opened and closed, a transport mechanism provided to each of the frame members and operable to transport a film along a predetermined film transport passage when the frame members are closed, an optical sensor for detecting film information including a light emitting portion provided in one of the frame members and a light receiving portion provided in the other frame member, positioning engaging portions provided respectively to the frame members and coming into engagement with each other in association with a pivotal movement of the frame members to a closed state. The apparatus further includes a movable frame member movably provided to one of the frame members.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a photographic projector-printer assembly for projecting a negative film F onto a photographic paper C through a projecting lens L for photographic printing, in which the projecting lens L is integrally provided on its object side with an optical path-splitting prism P for splitting on the optical axis the light for photometric and monitoring purposes, thereby eliminating such a printing ability reduction problem as is found in a system designed to put a reflecting mirror in and out and providing a solution to image distortion and measurement accuracy drop problems. In addition, the optical path-splitting prism P is designed to be adjustable in the optical axis direction and around the optical axis in terms of its position with respect to the projecting lens L, so that the optical axis of the assembly can be kept in alignment with that of an associated photometric and monitoring system.

Abstract: A photographic camera, system and method are presented for producing a composite image or print from an exposed film frame and a selected prerecorded image. The prerecorded image is selected by the photographer at the time of exposure of the film frame (14) from a known set of prerecorded images. A selected identifier (18) is imprinted, for example, optically or magnetically onto the film (10, 10') commensurate with exposure of a photographic image onto the film frame (14). The coding is employed in a subsequent automated scanning, integrating and printing operation (79) to produce the desired composite image.

Abstract: A method of detecting a film with an optical detector in a photographic printer machine detects the presence of a film with the optical detector installed at a film detecting location where a light receiver receives an intensity of light from a light emitter. The method includes the steps of determining a setting of the film detector so that outputs of the light receiver are higher than a reference level prepared in a controller for judging the presence of the film and assigning the setting to the film detector so that the outputs of the light receiver have a sufficient margin as compared with the reference level. The initial setting for detecting the presence of a photographic film is thereby carried out without using any reference film.

Abstract: In a photosensitive material printing apparatus, a film on which an image area indicating mark indicating an area where an image has been recorded, are marked, is positioned at a predetermined position of a photosensitive material to print the image onto the photosensitive material. After punch-holes are punched by a punching device, a position of the image area indicating mark recorded on the film is read by a reading sensor to obtain a relative position between the punch-holes and the image area indicating mark. A film positioning device is moved, according to the relative position obtained by the reading sensor, to a position where the image area indicating mark corresponds to the predetermined position of the photosensitive material to hold the film at the position.

Abstract: A method is provided for positioning an image frame recorded on a photographic film at a predetermined position for printing process. In the method, an image frame edge is detected depending on a quantity of transmitted light passing through the photographic film during carrying. If there is a faulty image frame having an undetectable frame edge, a film carrying amount is determined depending on a recording tendency of normal image frames preceding the faulty image frame. Therefore, it is possible to compensate, for example, a feed pitch error by a camera, and to position the image frame accurately. Further, it can be established whether the image frame is a standard size image frame or a panoramic size image frame depending on the quantity of transmitted light. Thus, the printing process can be consecutively performed by positioning only one of the two type image frames so that an operation efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: A photographic copying apparatus has a DX code reader for reading a DX code or identification code on negative film, a film scanner for acquiring density information of the negative film, and an exposure station for exposing printing paper. The exposure station is controlled based on exposure information derived from conversion information selected with reference to the identification and density information. A reference film is test-coped for correction purposes, and conversion information for plural types of film is corrected based on density of the test copy and density of the reference film measured by the film scanner.

Abstract: To find a reference exposure located on a non-perforated leading and/or trailing portion of a filmstrip in conformity with picture-taking exposures made on the filmstrip between successive pairs of evenly spaced exposure-locating perforations in the filmstrip, a pair of perforation sensors are spaced apart a distance which is the same as the pitch of the exposure-locating perforations. When one of the two sensors detects an exposure-locating perforation and the other does not, the reference exposure made on the leading or trailing portion is found.

Abstract: A negative carrier for a photographic printer, which is installed on a photographic printer for print-exposing an image on a negative film onto a photosensitive material, and which effects the positioning of the negative film during print-exposure of the photosensitive material. The negative carrier includes a sensor disposed in a transporting passage of the negative film so as to detect information concerning the negative film; and a controlling device for determining the presence or absence of the negative film over the sensor on the basis of a detection signal from said sensor, and for calibrating the sensor if it is determined that the negative film is absent. The sensor is prevented from being calibrated erroneously in a state in which the negative film is present over the sensor, thereby facilitating the calibration of the sensor.

Abstract: A method is described for communicating the scene orientation of an exposed strip of left or right hand load photographic film to photo finishing equipment to enable imaging parameters to be set automatically which includes the steps of splicing a first exposed strip of film to a second exposed strip of film with a film-splicing label, encoding the label for left or right hand load of the second film with low resolution indicia, and feeding the spliced first and second films to a film-splicing label reader for reading the code and automatically setting the parameters for normal or inverted scene orientation. A film-splicing label encoded with indicia for identifying the scene orientation and a method for splicing strips of film with the label are also provided.

Abstract: In an apparatus for handling a photographic roll film on order of a customer, the film carries the customer code on its recording layer. The printing device reads the customer code on the recording layer of the film and prints the customer code onto photographic papers and an index-print sheet. The customer codes on the film, the photographic papers, and the index-print sheet are compared to ascertain the customer's identification.

Abstract: An automatic photographic printer is programmed to determine, from image classification pixel scan data, the existence of panoramic image frames interspersed among full size image frames on a film strip. The printer is initially set to assume all image frames are panoramic images until any one of the following test conditions is found that then indicates the image is not panoramic: (a) an initial pixel value indicates the existence of film density, (b) differences in pixel density values in rows within the non-panoramic areas of the frame indicate the existence of film density or (c) pixel density values on opposite sides of a line separating panoramic from non-panoramic frame areas indicate the absence of a frame edge.

Abstract: An image recording machine has a plurality of light sources capable of emitting light independently for exposing a part of a photographic film without causing double exposure and with a printing controller. At least one of the light sources is caused to flash continuously for printing codes for timing during film transport, other light sources are caused to flash in synchronization with flashing of the light source for printing codes for photographing information, and the light source for printing the codes for photographing information is caused to flash for printing reference codes which are to be the judgment standards for the codes for photographing information.

Abstract: An image printer includes a projection-exposure section for projecting an image born on a film onto a photosensitive material, an image-exposure section for exposing the photosensitive material based on image information comprised of a plurality of image areas each including color data relating to a plurality of colors, and a transport unit for transporting the photosensitive material through the projection-exposure section and the image-exposure section. The image-exposure section includes a plurality of exposure units for dividing the image information into a plurality of lines and exposing the photosensitive material with switching exposing colors corresponding to the plurality of color data, a moving device for moving the plurality of exposure units and the photosensitive material relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the lines, and a moving-exposure control unit for controlling operations of the exposure units and the moving device.

Abstract: The present invention is a panoramic photograph processing system which will provide a non-peculiar panoramic photograph with continuous color and brightness between consecutive photographs by setting the same exposure condition for panorama-mode frames of a film and performing printing of the panorama-mode frames under the same exposure condition. An output from a photometric sensor is amplified by an amplifier and is then converted to a digital signal by an A/D converter. The digital signal is supplied to a central processing unit (CPU). The digital photometric data from the A/D converter is input to the CPU together with various pieces of photograph information from a photograph information input circuit. A liquid crystal for displaying a shutter speed and a panorama-mode in a finder and a liquid crystal for displaying a latent image bar code data indicating the start position of a panorama-mode are controlled by the CPU via liquid crystal drivers.

Abstract: Improvement in the microfilm camera for reading an amount of money of an addressed bill or check brought into a bank, the amount of money being written in the column for writing the amount of money by the drawer of the addressed bill or check, for printing the read amount of money for magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) and for photographing the image of the addressed bill or check on a microfilm. The improved microfilm camera, provided by the invention, comprises an OCR for reading the amount of money written by the drawer, an MICR printer disposed downstream of the OCR for printing the amount of money read by the OCR, and an optical system for photographing the image of the addressed bill or check on a microfilm after the addressed bill or check is printed for MICR by the MICR printer.

Abstract: A photograph printing method for printing on a photographic printing paper a plural number of images which are photographed on a film, the method comprising steps of detecting photographing information of the film, determining frames of the film including the images having equal or similar photographing conditions each other by use of the photographing information, and determining equal or similar amount of print conditions corresponding to the same or similar photographing conditions of the frames thus determined, and printing the images by use of the equal or similar amount of print conditions thus determined.

Abstract: A method for measuring image density of a color original in advance for adjusting exposure with which an image of the color original is to be printed on a photosensitive material which includes the steps of: conveying a negative film to a photometering stage provided with an opening through which light passes; irradiating light onto an image recorded on the negative film on the stage; making light having passed through each pixel of the image incident onto a spectral filter having a plurality of interference filter sections each of which transmits light of a different wavelength, and which are arrayed in a conveying direction of the negative film; and photometering each light wave having passed through respective interference filter sections of a spectral filter by means of a photometer. The spectral filter is optically arranged such that light waves which pass through respective divisions of the opening divided into units of pixel rows, are made incident onto different interference filter sections.

Abstract: Photofinishing method and apparatus of the type for handling film in a cartridge of the type capable of thrusting film from inside to outside the cartridge in response to rotation of a film bearing spool inside the cartridge, includes a turret having a nest for receiving a cartridge and transporting the cartridge to a succession of work stations where operations are performed on the film in the cartridge.

Abstract: A method of determining an amount of exposure in a process of reproducing a face density, which is extracted from an original image of a photographed human subject, at a target density. When there are a plurality of people among photographed subjects and face densities differ greatly, the face densities are divided into two groups of higher and lower face densities. Thereafter, the face density of a group which is determined to be a standard density is finished as an appropriate density. Further, in a process of effecting reproduction at the target density, density correction of a face is not effected in a case in which a face density of a photographed subject is extremely high.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic assembly, apparatus and process for scanning input information from patient information cards, processing the information and imaging the processed information on films and, in particular, on X-ray films in automatic daylight film handling systems.

Abstract: A film tabbing apparatus and methodology for processing supply of photographic film including single frame chips and multiple frame strips. The chips and strips are moved along a linear feed path in a single file through the apparatus, a tabbing tape is moved along the linear feed path with the longitudinal edge of the tape positioned approximate an adjacent longitudinal edge of the film file, the proximate longitudinal edges of the tape and the film file are secured together utilizing adhesive tape, and a coded indicium is provided on the tape corresponding to each frame of the film file. The adhesive tape may be applied in an overlying relation to the seam between the film file and the paper tabbing tape, in an underlying relation to the seam, or tapes may be applied simultaneously in an overlying and an underlying relation to the seam. A human readable indicium is also provided on the tape corresponding to each frame of the film file.

Abstract: A paper attribute detector for use in combination with a strip chart recorder includes a paper web having a plurality of connected pages. Each of the pages has electronically scannable indicia preferably on an unrecorded side of the paper. In the preferred embodiment, the indicia are realized in bar code form and are used to encode various attributes such as page number, paper quality, paper sensitivity, and so on. Indicia scanning means are provided for detecting the page indicia as the paper web travels through the recorder. In the preferred embodiment, the scanning means includes one or more electro-optical sensors. The indicia may be aligned parallel to or transverse the travel direction of the web.

Abstract: A film analyzer calculates exposure correction amounts for red, green, and blue colors in an image of an original frame of a spliced long film by using the characteristic values of a scene determined from the output of a color image sensor. For a low LATD frame having a minimum value of three-color LATDs smaller than a reference value, a density of an ND filter to be used for printing is calculated in accordance with a difference between the minimum value and the reference value. The long film is loaded into an auto-printer from the film analyzer. A photometry sensor measures three-color LATDs of an original frame set to a print station of the auto-printer. A print exposure time of each color is calculated from the three-color LATDs and exposure correction amounts. Immediately before the low LATD frame is set to the print station, an ND filter having the density determined in advance is inserted into a printing path. Three-color LATDs are measured while the ND filter is inserted into the printing path.

Abstract: A photographic printing apparatus in which images recorded on a photographic film are printed onto a photographic paper as printed images of print sizes of different aspect ratios and in which a printed photographic paper is conveyed distances corresponding to the print sizes and is cut. Indications symbolizing the print sizes are recorded at the photographic paper. The print sizes are identified by detection of the indications. Areas of the photographic paper in which the indications are detected based on identified print sizes are controlled. Mistakes in cutting can thereby be prevented.

Abstract: A scanner as a film analyzer, which inspects a frame on photo film, is consecutively supplied with the film by a notcher, which forms a notch in the film. The scanner includes an image area sensor which subjects the frame on the film to photometry. A pair of feeding rollers feed the film, so the film passes the photometric station. A winding shaft winds the film fed from the photometric station. A dancer roller displaces one portion of the film from a feeding path to form a loop. A set of loop checking sensors is disposed with the dancer roller, and checks displacement of the film in comparison with a predetermined upper limit. The notcher is disabled if the film displacement is greater than the upper limit. The displacement of the film is checked in comparison with a predetermined lower limit. The image area sensor is disabled if the film displacement is smaller than the lower limit.