Abstract: An image recording apparatus comprising: a film loading section in which a first film and a second film having a width which differs from that of the first film can be loaded; a detecting means which detects a film width and outputs detection signals; a conveyance means for conveying said films; a conveyance control means which controls said conveyance means in accordance with said detection signals; and a light source which irradiates the first film or the second film conveyed by said conveyance means and thereby projects light corresponding to an image formed on the first film or the second film on a light-sensitive material.

Abstract: In a photographic processing system for processing a photographic film for each order without splicing it to other photographic film, a destination of each of plural photographic films having a different destination from each other is determined based on photographic film destination determining information recorded on a photographic film to be processed.

Abstract: A method for exposing a photosensitive material includes the step of transporting a plurality of photosensitive materials at predetermined intervals in a first direction intersecting a transporting direction by a single transporting device; and the step of exposing the plurality of photosensitive materials supported by the single transporting device in an exposure region by a single exposure system, wherein the single exposure system is capable of exposing each piece of image information to be exposed onto each of the plurality of photosensitive materials to a size larger than at least a length of each of the photosensitive materials in the first direction. Accordingly, even if the position of the photosensitive material to be exposed is slightly offset in the first direction, an unexposed portion is not produced in an edge of the photosensitive material in the first direction.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing method in which a sheet-formed photosensitive material, which has been cut to predetermined sizes, is conveyed to an exposure stage and processed, wherein: the exposure stage has a function of exposing simultaneously a plurality of sheet-formed photosensitive materials, and at the upstream of the exposure stage, the photosensitive materials are sorted and conveyed so as to be able to be exposed simultaneously. Therefore, in a case in which there is a plurality of exposure stages, the photosensitive materials are not prepared in advance on the conveying paths along the exposure stages, and the sheet-formed photosensitive materials, which are selectively conveyed from one direction, are sorted, if necessary.

Abstract: A 3D printer comprises a scanning laser system. A donor sheet is located in the focal plane of the optical system and carries a thermally transferable colourant such as a dye or pigment. A lenticular screen has a colourant receiving layer which receives colourant from the donor sheet to form 3D pixels, each comprising interlaced 2D pixels, aligned with lenticules of the screen. A detector array responds to laser light which has been transmitted through the lenticular screen, and a print register control system uses the detector output correctly to position the scanning laser beam to compensate for irregularities in the lenticular screen.

Abstract: A copier for making prints from photographic negatives has two copying stations arranged in series. A filmstrip is conveyed through the stations in succession, and each negative of the filmstrip is scanned upstream of the copying stations. The data obtained upon scanning is analyzed to calculate the amounts of copy light for the negatives and to determine whether the respective negatives are to be copied under standard conditions or nonstandard conditions. Masters requiring standard conditions are normally copied in the upstream copying station and pass through the downstream station without being copied. On the other hand, masters requiring nonstandard conditions are transported through the upstream station without being copied and are subsequently copied in the downstream station.

Abstract: A method of making more visible some characteristic to be included in a hard copy of a recorded image includes reading a variable visible characteristic within a predefined area of the recorded image to determine the visible composition of the variable characteristic. At least one stored variation of the variable characteristic is selected, based on the visible composition of the read variable characteristic, from a plurality of stored variations of the variable characteristic. The selected stored variation of the variable characteristic will have greater visibility within a predefined area of the hard copy, which corresponds to the predefined area of the recorded image, than the variable characteristic within the predefined area of the recorded image. The selected one or more characteristics are included in the predefined area of the hard copy.

Abstract: A cluster lens for imaging a transparency onto an image plane comprises a plurality of lenses which simultaneously have a field of view sufficient to include the transparency. All of the lenses image simultaneously. At least two of these lenses have different magnifications. The lenses are located in a spaced relationship to each other so that that not one of these lenses encroaches upon that section of the field of view of another lens that is used to image the transparency onto the image plane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scanning exposure apparatus for projecting an image of a pattern area of a mask having a first alignment mark onto a photosensitive substrate disposed on a substrate stage. A second alignment mark is provided on at least one of the photosensitive substrate and the substrate stage. The scanning exposure apparatus includes a plurality of projection optical systems disposed along a predetermined direction and adapted to receive the luminous fluxes passed through the mask and to project elected images of unchanged dimension of the plurality of illuminated regions of the mask onto the substrate. There is provided a mark detection system for detecting the first alignment mark on the mask and the second alignment mark, and at least one of the projection optical systems constitutes a part of the mark detection system.

Abstract: An image forming device and method. A first scanning device is provided under a transparent glass plate. An image of a paper original loaded on the transparent glass plate is scanned and exposed onto a photosensitive material at an exposure section by the first scanning device. A second scanning device formed from a light source unit, a scan table at which a film original is set, a zoom lens and a lens is provided next to the first scanning device. Further, a mirror, a lens and line sensor are disposed in that order below the scan table. Densities of an image of the film original are read by the line sensor for each pixel and for each color. After exposure conditions are determined based on the densities obtained by the line sensor, the image of the film original is scanned and exposed onto the photosensitive material by the second scanning device.

Abstract: A photographic printing apparatus includes an exposing device (5) for printing an image of a photographic film (2) on printing paper (3), a supplementary information exposing device (6) for printing supplementary information, such as a date, time and place of photographing, on part of the printing paper (3), and ND filters (31) or a liquid crystal panel (45, 46) for suppressing light projected to a selected region within a print region when the image of the photographic film (2) is printed on the printing paper (3). The supplementary information exposing device (5) prints the supplementary information in the selected region.

Abstract: The photographic copying apparatus comprises a first exposure arrangement for exposure of photographic negative and positive copy masters and a second exposure arrangement for exposure of screen copy masters onto photographic copy material. The second exposure arrangement includes a cathode ray tube with control system. The cathode ray tube is arranged at approximately a right angle with respect to the exposure light path of the first exposure arrangement. The second exposure arrangement further comprises a color filter assembly, an objective and a mirror for directing the screen copy master emitted by the cathode ray tube to the photographic copy material. The color filter assembly, the objective and the mirror are combined as a structural unit to constitute an imaging optical system, which can be positioned into the exposure light path instead of an reproduction objective of the first exposure arrangement.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus and an exposure method for fabricating semiconductor devices or liquid crystal display boards. The scanning means synchronously moves the mask and the photosensitive substrate with respect to the plurality of projection optical systems, and patterns formed on the mask are projected onto the photosensitive substrate while images of mask formed by adjacent illumination optical systems are made overlapping with each other. On this occasion, the controlling means controls the light intensity changing means, and the light intensity changing means changes the intensity of a light beam of each illumination optical system, so that two intensities of overlapping parts in adjacent illumination areas become substantially equal to each other. The control by the controlling means is carried out based on the light intensities of the overlapping illumination areas as detected by the light intensity detecting means.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for recording images on a plurality of recording media, including an image recording unit for recording images on the plurality of recording media. The apparatus also includes a control unit for controlling the image recording unit to sequentially record images on one recording medium of the plurality of recording media, and for controlling the image recording unit to record at least one image on each of the one recording medium and at least one other recording medium of the plurality of recording media after recording a predetermined number of images on the one recording medim. The apparatus also includes a unit for recording retrieval information on the plurality of recording media.

Abstract: A projection exposure apparatus and method having a projection optical system with a plurality of projection optical units and being excellent in matching between images formed through the respective projection optical units. First and second substrates are moved relatively to a projection optical system to project a pattern formed on the first substrate through the projection optical system onto the second substrate to effect exposure thereon. The projection optical system is provided with a plurality of projection optical units each forming a real-size erect image of the pattern formed on the first substrate on the second substrate. Each of the projection optical units has a plurality of reflective surfaces and is telecentric at least on an image side. The projection exposure apparatus also has a correcting mechanism disposed to correct an error of orientation between a plurality of images formed on the second substrate by the plurality of projection optical units.

Abstract: A projection exposure apparatus includes an illumination system for illuminating a mask, on which a pattern to be transferred is formed, with exposure light, a projection optical system for imaging and projecting the pattern on the mask onto a photosensitive substrate, beam radiation means for radiating an alignment beam with a wavelength different from the wavelength of the exposure light toward a first grating mark formed on the mask and a transparent portion near the first grating mark, and radiating the alignment beam onto a second grating mark formed on the photosensitive substrate via the transparent portion and the projection optical system, the beam radiation means having a four-beam generation member for generating two first alignment beams which cross each other on the first grating mark, and two second alignment beams which cross each other in a space separated by a predetermined distance from the surface of the mask.

Abstract: A scanning light exposure apparatus comprises illumination optical systems for radiating light beams to a plurality of sub-areas in a pattern area of a mask, a plurality of projection optical systems arranged along a predetermined direction for projecting erected images of unity magnification of the sub-areas by the light beams transmitted through the mask onto a photo-sensitive substrate, a diaphragm member arranged at a substantially conjugate position to the photo-sensitive substrate in each illumination optical system for limiting a projection area of the sub-area to the photo-sensitive substrate, scanning means for synchronously scanning said mask and said photo-sensitive substrate substantially transversely to the predetermined direction relative to said projection optical systems and diaphragm control means for changing a width of an aperture of each diaphragm member along a direction transverse to the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A recording apparatus photographs document images on a microfilm and photoelectrically reads the document images. The apparatus enables a mode to be selected in which only the reading of document images is executed. In a mode in which only the photographing of images on a microfilm is executed, efficient photographing is possible by making full use of the ability of the photographing device to photograph at high speed. A mode in which the document is photographed on the microfilm at the same time that the document is being read can also be selected.

Abstract: Microlithography techniques have provided a means for the development of many useful devices from microcircuits, which made the computer era possible, to micromechanical devices such as motors that are only a few tens of microns across. A new use of a microdevice is presented here which serves to "payback" the art of microlithography as it is a significant contribution thereto. The device of the invention is a unique microdevice made with advanced microlithography techniques which when completed can be used as a new exposure tool for microlithography.A lens array can be as thin as 1/40 of the thickness of the page that this text is printed on, yet have thereon an arrangement of optical lenses powerful enough to replace very sophisticated and bulky, million dollar precision optics.An array of lenses can be fabricated with binary optical device and other techniques.

Abstract: A method of positioning a mask using a variable mask mechanism capable of displacing the mask for partially blocking a light beam for exposing a photosensitive material and of changing the amount of opening of an aperture through which the light beam passes, is provided which comprises the steps of measuring the density of each of images on a negative film in a state in which the mask is in alignment with a range in which the density of each image can be measured and thereafter shifting the mask to a range in which the images on the negative film can be exposed, thereby exposing the photosensitive material. Therefore, a position permissible range of the mask at the time of photometry and exposure is expanded. It is thus unnecessary to position the mask with accuracy higher than required. Further, the manufacturing cost of the variable mask mechanism can be reduced.

Abstract: An image sheet (12) is coated with a radiation-curable adhesive (48) at a coating station and then laminated to a lenticular array sheet (20) at a laminating station (50). A lamination of the image and array sheets is then positioned on an aligning station (56) where the lenticules of the array sheet are aligned with the image lines (16) of the image sheet. The adhesive is set at a curing station (60).

Abstract: An image projection system for all surfaces of a three dimensional object such as a polyhedron in which direct and angle reflected image patterns are projected from superpositioned non-overlapping mask patterns mounted on different levels where the separation of the levels is related to the size of the object. The apparatus and process permits simultaneous photolithigraphic printing of conductors on the top and all sides of a cube shaped stack of integrated circuit chips.

Abstract: An image printer includes a developing unit for developing an exposed photosensitive material, a plurality of transport members for transporting a photosensitive material to the developing unit through exposing positions provided respectively in a plurality of photosensitive-material transport passages arranged in parallel to each other, and a plurality of projection exposure units for exposing a film image on to the photosensitive material. The projection units are provided respectively for the exposing positions of the transport members.

Abstract: An image forming system includes an image processor, a print engine, optional units, and a serial communication line. The print engine manages a variety of information including its own status. Priority for inquiry is given the information. The image processor has a function of generating a command used when the image processor inquires of the print engine information. The command includes flag data indicating whether the image processor requests information having the highest priority or information having a priority lower than the highest priority. The image processor further has a function of sending the command to the print engine and receiving a response from the print engine. The print engine has a function of receiving the command and sending the image processor, as the response, the requested information.

Abstract: A method of making stereoscopic images comprises a first step of exposing a color negative film in a stereoscopic camera to produce a film strip having a plurality of stereo image pairs thereon and then a second step of printing the stereo image pairs onto a color transparency material in a circular pattern. The method may further include the step of punching a disk out of the color transparency material with the stereo image pairs arranged around the circumference of the disk.

Abstract: Disclosed are an exposure apparatus and process, including a holding unit for holding first and second objects such as a mask and a substrate, a first illumination system for illuminating the first object with an exposure light, a projection optical system for forming an image of a portion such as a pattern portion of the first object illuminated with the exposure light onto the second object and a second illumination system for illuminating a portion such as peripheral portion of the second object held by the holding unit outside of a portion of the second object illuminated with the exposure light from the first illumination system.

Abstract: The invention is an exposure apparatus for directly drawing a pattern on a photoresist layer on a substrate. The apparatus has a movable stage on which the substrate is placed, an array of a plurality of semiconductor lasers held above the movable stage, laminated arrays of optical elements to project a suitably shaped laser beam spot on the substrate from each semiconductor laser and control means for exciting and deexciting the semiconductor lasers each individually while moving the stage such that the substrate passes under the array of semiconductor lasers. The primary merit of this apparatus is a great reduction in the time taken to accomplish exposure of a very large-sized substrate such as, e.g., a substrate of a flat-panel display for a high-definition television set.

Abstract: A stereoscopic system includes a stereoscopic camera for exposing color negative film and a printer for printing the color negative stereo images captured by the camera onto positive color transparency film. In one example, the stereoscopic camera is a fixed exposure single use camera. A stereoscopic printer for producing stereoscopic disks includes a rotating print head for exposing a plurality of stereo image pairs in a circular pattern. A stereoscopic disk of the type that is used in a View.RTM.-Master viewer is produced from the transparency film.

Abstract: A photographic copier includes a rod lens array held to a carrier and moved parallel to an original picture by a motor. Limit switches sense whether the array is in either stop position at both ends of the range of movement During movement, if the array is found to reach either stop position, then a control circuit stops the operation of the motor. When the rod lens array is started, if the limit switches sense that the rod lens array is not in either stop position, then the control circuit operates the motor to return the array to either stop position.

Abstract: A lithography system comprises an information gathering apparatus for gathering specific information set in each of plural exposure apparatus and variable according to operating conditions of each of the plural exposure apparatus in response to masks to be used in each of the plural exposure apparatus and substrates supplied thereto, or information obtained by measuring or evaluating the process state of a substrate processed by each of the plural exposure apparatus, independently from the control by a process control apparatus for controlling supply of the masks, supply of plural substrates to be exposed in each of the plural exposure apparatus, and operating conditions of each of the plural exposure apparatus in response to the masks and substrates supplied thereto.

Abstract: The apparatus is a visual design system for reliably reproducing kaleidoscope-type images. A design element is fixed rotationally, vertically and horizontally with various gradients in a projection system and illuminated. The resulting image is projected through a bellows, also including various possible configurations. An image receiving system with height and longitudinal adjustment and corresponding gradients receives the image on a translucent viewing screen. The image is received between two kaleidoscope-type mirrors with an adjustable angle therebetween. A camera records the resulting image.

Abstract: A method of reenlargement of microfilm originals stored in form of microimages includes providing a plurality of microimages on a carrier, selecting microimages from the plurality of microimages for reenlargement on a receiving medium, positioning a selected microimage in an image window suitable for the reenlargement, transferring the microimage on the receiving medium by an objective focused on the image window, during the transfer of the microimage on the carrier positioning a second microimage located on another carrier in a second image window and after the transfer of the first mentioned microimage, transferring the second microimage on the receiving medium.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for recording images of an object on a plurality of recording media records the object images on the recording media at different reduction factors. It also records an object image independently on each of the recording media.

Abstract: In processing a plurality of original images from different viewpoints through a lenticular sheet having a plurality of lenticular lenses to form a plurality of corresponding linear picture elements that are to be projected on a picture element recording or display medium, the following steps are taken: launching the beams of light from the respective original images into one or a corresponding number of projection lenses; separating the transmitted beams for the respective original images by means of a mirror optical assembly consisting of mirror units each composed of at least two mirrors for each original image; adjusting the optical pathlengths of the beams to the picture element recording or display medium by means of the mirror assembly; adjusting the key subject matter in the mirror assembly so that it will register among the projected views of all original images; allowing the beams to be incident on lenticular lenses at predetermined projecting angles; and imaging those beams as linear picture elemen

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling data communication in a copying system which is provided with a copying machine and a plurality of peripheral units cooperating with the copying machine. The copying machine has a single serial transmitting port. Data from the copying machine is first transmitted to one of the peripheral units through the serial transmitting port. Then, a connection between the serial transmitting port and the one of the peripheral units is electrically switched to a connection between the serial transmitting port and the other of the peripheral units. Thereafter, data from the copying machine is transmitted to the other of the peripheral units through the same serial transmitting port.

Abstract: Heretofore multi-image photographic printers capable of making packages of different sized prints up to 11.times.14 inches, have had to incorporate a separate and complete set of objective lens arrays for each negative size to be printed. This discloses a multi-image printer which provides a large number of different sized negative apertures using only one or two sets of primary objective lens arrays in conjunction with multiple secondary optical components, these primary objectives and secondary components are each designed with a residual of aberrations of opposite nature, so that in combination these act to mutually correct each other.

Abstract: An upper unit relative to a unit positioned lower than the upper unit is movably supported between an operating position above the lower unit and a non-operating position retracted from the lower unit.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a film drive unit used with photographic film printers. A mount base having a central aperture is adapted to be secured proximate the optical stage of a photographic printer. A pair of substantially parallel rails are attached to the mount base and oriented so as to lie substantially in the plane of the mount base. A pair of carrier blocks having upwardly projecting cradle portions are mounted for sliding movement on respective rails. An outwardly projecting keeper shaft is secured to the mount base and has a pair of keeper pins adapted to extend away from the shaft. A brace member supports a film drive assembly proximate the central aperture and has a pair of pins positioned on opposite sides so as to engage the cradle portions of corresponding carrier blocks. At least one spring-biased retaining element is disposed in the cradle portion of each carrier block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exposure control of images formed by two dimensional light valves allows precise exposure control, high degree of exposure uniformity and immunity from defects in the light valve. The light valve is being imaged onto an object, for example a sheet of light sensitive material, and the image is scanned along the object either by moving the object or the image. The data to be imaged is entered into the first row of the light valve and as the image of the light valve is scanned along the object, the data in the first row is transferred to subsequent rows at a direction and rate that keeps the imaged data stationary relative to the object. By using a large number of rows the exposure of each image point on the object is the sum of many exposures, each exposure contributed by one row. The number of rows each bit of data travels is electronically controlled in order to determine the exposure generated by the data bit.

Abstract: An image forming system includes an image forming mechanism, optional units including at least one recording medium feed unit, and at least one recording medium eject unit. The image forming mechanism includes a transport mechanism for taking the recording medium from one of the optional units and for ejecting the recording medium to one of the optional units in accordance with first control data and second control data defining transport characteristics of the transport mechanism, and a sending part for sending the optional units the first control data through a serial signal line.

Abstract: A method for high-speed and simultaneous printing of a number of 3-D photographs by utilizing a printer with a wide field of coverage so that all of the 2-D views required to produce a 3-D photograph are projected simultaneously onto the number of 3-D photographs corresponding to the number of 2-D negatives utilized. All of the 3-D print materials advance to the next position for printing until all of the image bands are filled with a portion of the appropriate 2-D view. A high speed printer with a wide field of coverage capable of simultaneously projecting all of the 2-D views required to produce a 3-D picture onto a number of 3-D prints which may have a computer or microprocessor controlling the exposure and moving the 3-D print material between exposures.

Abstract: A mechanism for selectively positioning a plurality of different lens units along the optical center-line of a photographic printer. The lens units are mounted on a common carrier and are successively moved into alignment along the optical center-line in response to overall movement of the common carrier, such as along a path that is oblique to the optical center-line. The plurality of different lens units are typically arranged substantially horizontally with respect to one another on the common carrier, and typically include a plurality of lenses having different powers of magnification of focal lengths. The common carrier engages a threaded drive bar disposed substantially parallel to the path that is oblique to the optical center-line to produce movement of the common carrier in relation to the optical center-line. The drive system cooperates with a guide means to retain the original orientation of the common carrier as the common carrier moves along the oblique path.

Abstract: An illumination optical system including a plurality of separate laser sources or a plurality of separate secondary light sources defined by the laser beams emerging from the laser sources. On an area to be illuminated, the laser beams emerging from the laser sources or emerging from the secondary light sources are superposed upon one another, whereby uniform exposure and an improved imaging performance are assured.

Abstract: A copying machine using a slide projector, in which the slide projector is situated such that its light path does not coincide with that of the optical device so as to secure a smooth circulation of cooling air through the copying machine. The lack of coincidence of the optical paths is compensated by adjusting the position of a photosensitive sheet with respect to that of an exposure plate so as to effect the reliable formation of an image whether light is reflected from a document placed on a document table or projected through a slidefilm by a slide projector.

Abstract: A system for providing a personal booklet, such as a passport, with a picture of the face and personal data of the bookholder to thereby provide the booklet holder's identity. The system includes entering a picture of the face of an applicant, the picture being attached to an application form, as a figure image into an image composing device, entering personal data of the applicant entered in the application form as an character image, producing a composite image of the figure and character images, printing the composite image onto a thermal transfer type photosensitive printing paper, transfering the printed composite image onto an image receiving layer coated on a transparent cover sheet bound in the booklet, and sandwiching the image receiving material layer between a supporting sheet bound in the booklet next to the transparent cover sheet and the transparent cover sheet.

Abstract: An electrophotographic copier/duplicator having a 17".times.11" wide endless photoconductor includes single imaging apparatus for forming and processing a single 17".times.11" image at a time, within a 17".times.11 " image frame of its photoconductor, and dual imaging apparatus for simultaneously forming and processing two 8.5".times.11" images at a time, within a 17".times.11" image frame of such photoconductor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a lens screen wherein lens elements are inserted into discrete openings of a carrier. The openings are defined by a plurality of interconnected struts so that a strut is disposed between each two mutually adjacent ones of the openings. The lens elements have two optically effective surfaces which are dissimilar in size and the lens elements are tapered in the region of the lens material which is not optically utilized on at least two opposite-lying faces. The struts of the carrier support the lens elements at these tapered regions and provide support from below as well as laterally. The width of the struts is dimensioned so that they do not project beyond the free space formed by the tapers. In this way, the condition is obtained that the lens elements are arranged so as to lie tightly against each other with an optically effective surface and yet receive mechanical support from the struts of the carrier.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a lens shuttle mechanism for a microfilm camera. The lens system (25) is mounted in a lens carrier which is itself mounted for reciprocating motion in a film gate casting (10) by means of four leaf springs (31,35,41,45). The two outer springs (31 and 35) are centrally fixed to the casting (10) while the two inner springs (41 and 45) are centrally fixed to the lens carrier. The free ends of all four springs are fixed to spacers (51 and 52). The lens carrier includes a threaded bore (71) which receives a lead screw (72). A servo motor (76) is provided to rotate the lead screw (72) in both directions alternately.

Abstract: Apparatus for projecting multiple images from a pair of reticles (117) to a photo-sensitive coated substrate (1) to produce large scale electronic devices (2). A pair of parallel and proximate optical systems (29) are used, the optical systems being positioned to project in the z-direction upon a movable stage (11) subject to controlled motion (159, 169) in the x- and y-directions. The apparatus includes means (225) for determining the coordinates of motion of the stage relative to images projected from the reticles, means for using the determined positions to establish a stage transfer function for the apparatus relative to various positions of stage, and means (130) for applying the transfer function to adjust the relative positions of the reticles (117) and substrate (1) for accurate image projection, and for thereafter projecting an image upon the substrate.

Abstract: In this laser pattern generator, plural laser beams are arranged in a closely spaced, noninterfering array. The beams are concurrently deflected across a region of the target surface by an acousto-optic deflector driven by a swept frequency drive signal. The target is moved perpendicular to the direction of deflection to reposition it for exposure during the next stroke of the beams. The extent of target offset in the direction of deflection is measured and used to control initiation of modulation during each deflection stroke, so that each portion of the generated pattern begins from a uniform reference line on the target. Pattern data is supplied to the beam modulators in accordance with data clock pulses the repetition rate of which is established by the rate of change of frequency of the deflector drive signal.