Abstract: A photographic printer has a zoom lens for printing an image on a photographic film whose frame size is equal to or smaller than 135-size, and also has a beam splitter fitted to the zoom lens. The beam splitter reflects a part of the light passing through the image and directs it toward image sensors for measuring light so as to determine the color correction value and/or inspect the image. The printer also has an interchangeable fixed focus lens for a special print to which the zoom lens is not applicable. When using the fixed focus lens, a movable mirror is used instead of the beam splitter to reflect light toward the image sensors before printing.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus in an exposure operation involving image composing or photocomposing, adapts an alignment method for defining the actual positions of all the shot areas on a wafer by sample alignment prior to the exposure operation. It is assumed that a substrate, such as a wafer, is provided with regularly positioned plural image transfer areas each of which is divided into at least two partial areas, and the apparatus executes superimposed exposures with different of the same patterns respectively by a step-and-repeat or step-and-scan-method.

Abstract: There are disclosed a projection aligner, and an exposure method, capable of largely increasing the effective focus latitude of a fine pattern by using light having a plurality of different wavelengths to perform projection exposure and by setting a plurality of focal planes on an identical optical axis by means of chromatic aberration of the projection lens. The present invention makes it possible to cope with insufficient depth of focus caused by a shortened wavelength of exposure light, an increased numerical aperture of the projection lens, increased uneven topography of the substrate surface incurred from the device structure formed in three dimensions, inclination of the substrate, and field curvature of the projection lens, for example.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for printing and processing photographs is disclosed. The printer-processor has a printing unit 11 and a processing unit 12. A light source 18 directs light 64 toward light-sensitive photographic printing material 22. The negative 19 is held by a rotatable negative carrier 20. The optics 21 for the printer-processor 10 are mounted upon a rotatable lens carousel assembly 63 having a plurality of lens decks 65. The printing material 22 is supported by one or two platens 23, 96, each having a plurality of vacuum grooves 174 to hold the print material 22. A transport system 132 conveys the print material 22 from the platen 23, 96 to the entrance 29 of the processor 12. The transport system 132 includes a pre-accumulation conveyor system 147 and a post-accumulation conveyor system 149, between which is a holding area 40 and accumulation system 148 for accumulating exposed print material 22.

Abstract: Images projected by an image-focusing optical mechanism including a display unit such as a CRT display are photographed on a photosensitive medium such as a photographic film. First, the optical mechanism is positioned in a reference position. Then, the optical mechanism is displaced by successive intervals while photographing the images successively on the photosensitive medium at respective areas thereon with the optical mechanism. After all of the images have been photographed, the optical mechanism is positioned in the reference position again in preparation for photographing images on a next photosensitive medium.

Abstract: A copying apparatus capable of divisional copy mode for sheets in which two sheet documents are respectively positioned along two reference edges on a document platen and copy operations for each of documents are conducted on the basis of each of reference edges in response to one copy start instruction.

Abstract: An illumination optical system including an optical system effective to direct light from a light source to a surface to be illuminated, and an optical unit disposed in a path of the light defined by the optical system, the optical unit having a variable refracting power which is variable in accordance with the size of the surface to be illuminated.

Abstract: A process for high resolution high accuracy photoreduction of radiographs, a rotatable photographic copy stand for the photoreduction process, and a high resolution high accuracy microfilm reader with built-in measuring capabilities are shown. The photoreduction process employs a camera with high precision optics, a high resolution copy film, and a first developing solution containing 0.014 to 0.025 moles per liter of a 3-pyrazolidone as the primary developing agent plus a lesser amount of a secondary developing agent, in a reversal process, to yield positive image having gamma values of 1.00 to 1.05. The copy stand has multiple workstations mounted on a rotatable frame, and several lightboxes.

Abstract: A photographic printer has a printing section capable of having selectively mounted therein a plurality of printing lenses with different magnifications, to form various sizes of image frames on photographic paper. The printer also includes a processing section for developing, bleaching-fixing and rinsing the photographic paper exposed in the printing section, and a cutter unit for cutting the exposed and developed photographic paper to provide separate prints. The photographic printer has a lens mounting mechanism which enables selective mounting of the plurality of printing lenses with their optical axes perpendicular to a plane onto which images are projected by the printing lenses, and with their exposure axes inclined at different angles according to their magnifications with respect to the plane.

Abstract: This specification discloses an illuminating optical system in which the optical position of a multi-beam generating optical element along the direction of the optical axis is variable, whereby a desired printing wavelength selected from a wide wavelength range from the UV area to the Deep UV area can be used in the same illuminating optical system and illumination irregularity can be kept very slight.

Abstract: An image processing system contains a plurality of recording units, each for recording an image on a separate recording material, which are coupled together so that a recording material on which an image is recording on a first recording unit is detected and fed to the next recording unit so as to receive a second image from the second unit and thereby form an overlay on a single recording material.

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 the exposure beam path of a copy master which may have various formats, a four element variable objective is provided with stationary rear and front elements and variable intermediate elements. The rear element is arranged in a carousel-like automatic changer and may be replaced together with a master masks. A control device performs, by means of step motors and spindles, the automatic adjustment of the intermediate elements of the variable objective as a function of a particular master format set, in a manner such that the area of the copy master exposed to the copying light is automatically adapted to the master format.

Abstract: In an optical projection system in which the mismatching of multiple images and local variation in magnification on an image plane is compensated for, there are provided a compound eye system consisting of plural real image systems which project images of plural portions on an object plane onto the image plane, and deflecting members for deflecting luminous fluxes from the plural portions on the object plane.

Abstract: An automatic lens selector has a lens deck into which one of a plurality of lens plates each carrying a printing lens of different magnification is inserted, and a scanner body provided with a built-in receptor and a lens holder carrying a plurality of scanner lenses. A pair of motion converters are provided therebetween for converting a linear motion of the lens plate inserted into the lens holder to a motion of the lens holder to automatically bring one of the scanner lenses into alignment with the optical axis of the receptor. A proper scanner lens is automatically selected by inserting a respective lens plate into the lens deck.

Abstract: A printer includes a light source, a film carrier and a print paper support. A lens turret is mounted between the film carrier and the print paper support and is rotatable about a rotational axis. The lens turret is transversely movable with respect to the path of movement of the print paper whereby an image projected through the film and the lens is transversely movable across the print paper. The lens turret has a plurality of individual lenses for making different sizes of prints. A control system coordinates the longitudinal movement of the print paper and the rotational and transverse movements of the lens turret. A printing method utilizing the printer includes the step of transversely shifting the lens turret whereby the image is shifted transversely on the print paper.

Abstract: A directly detectable image sensor applicable to an image reader of a facsimile and others includes two glass substrate members which are bonded to each other, and an array of miniature lenses arranged at the interface between the two substrate members and each having a different refractive index from the substrate members. Sensor elements and electrodes are provided on one major surface of a sensor substrate which is made up of the two glass substrate members, a document being laid closely on the other major surface of the sensor substrate. Light is propagated through the sensor substrate from the sensor elements and electrodes side to reach the document, while a reflection from the document is focused onto the sensor elements by the miniature lenses.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for locating an imaging lens array formed of a plurality of gradient index optical fibers on a print head having a linear array of light sources, such that the light sources are readily spaced from a photosensitive surface a distance equal to the total conjugate of the imaging lens array and the optical fibers are accurately spaced from the light sources in a direction along their optical axes so as to be midway between the light sources and the photosensitive surface.

Abstract: In an imaging optical system, the angular aperture of distributed index optical elements which are optical elements forming the imaging optical system is 9.degree. or greater and the degree of superposition M of images on a light-receiving surface is M=2.75+0.5x. The degree of superposition M of images is represented by M=X.sub.0 /D, where D is the effective diameter of the optical elements and X.sub.0 is the field radius thereof. Also, x is 0 or a greater integer.

Abstract: A short focal length lens array has a plurality of lenslets formed within the body of a photosensitive glass. The lenslets have areas which are oriented such that they tilt away from each other from the center out to the array edges. The lens array acts as a reduction or enlargement lens when reproducing objects at an object plane onto an image plane. A one or two row embodiment is disclosed suitable for incremental scanning of a document at image planes. A further full frame lens array is disclosed for providing full frame exposure of a document at various selected magnifications.

Abstract: A multi-magnification, short focal length imaging system is enabled by providing a lens assembly having a plurality of short focal length lens arrays formed within a unitary plastic or glass body. The lens arrays are composed of a plurality of lenslets formed by either a masking/radiation heat treating process when using a photosensitive glass or by plastic injection molding techniques. The lenslets are formed with the appropriate spacing parameters and lens axis tilt orientation to enable projection of a reduced or enlarged image of a document at an image plane. The lens assembly is translated and/or rotated in response to magnification reproduction values selected by an operator so as to place the appropriate lens array into an optical projection path.

Abstract: A copying machine comprising a document size detecting circuit for detecting the paper size of a document placed on a document table and a dual page copying circuit for copying two documents of the same size placed on the document table onto different copy papers respectively, anda copying machine having the function of selecting half-size copy paper which comprises a circuit for selecting copy paper of a size half that detected by the above-mentioned document size detecting means.

Abstract: Copy production machine having a print mode for making copies under automatic control interruptible by a copy mode of making copies. In the print mode images to be copied are automatically supplied to a copy production portion. In the copy mode, a variety of image supplying techniques may be employed. Copy output means separate copies made from the two modes. In the print mode images are preferably precollated whereas in the copy, mode produced copies are collated. In a print mode plural image sources may be employed, such sources being activated ad seriatim.

Abstract: An improved copying apparatus having a one set-two copy mode, which is so arranged that by monitoring the original document set state during the one set-two copy mode setting period, the one set-two copy mode may be automatically released when the original documents are not properly set for an efficient copying operation without any erroneous functioning.

Abstract: Multiple sets of copies are produced of a document made up of a plurality of document sheets having pages to be copied arranged in a predetermined order. The pages of the document sheets are presented at a position for copying, and each page of the document is illuminated once each time the page is presented for copying. An optical system provides a plurality of optical paths from a page being illuminated to a photoconductor so that duplicate latent images are formed on the photoconductor each time a page of the document sheet is illuminated. In this manner, the photoconductor receives a plurality of images of one page of the document followed by a plurality of images of a second page of the document. The latent images are developed and transferred to copy sheets, and the resulting duplicate copy sheets are collected at a plurality of stations. Duplicate copy sheets are directed to different stations so that the stations each receive a set of copies of the document.

Abstract: A two-dimensional full frame illumination and imaging assembly is formed, in a preferred embodiment, by joining, in combination, a platen, platen housing extension and full frame lens array. The combined assembly is converted into a higly efficient, light directing cavity by making the sides of the platen and platen housing diffusely reflective. The top surface of the lens array, excluding the lenslet entrance aperture, is also made reflective. Light is then coupled into the housing through an aperture formed in at least one of the sides. The light undergoes multiple reflections from all sides of the assembly, providing illumination of the document whose relfection is transmitted by the lens array onto a photosensitive image plane.

Abstract: An improved photographic printer having a plurality of lens assemblies with each lens assembly including a plurality of optical elements spaced from each other along the general direction of the printer optical path. The optical elements of each lens assembly are movable relative to each other between first and second positions with one of the first and second positions being within the optical path and the other being without the optical path. A plurality of positioning elements are adapted to cooperate with different ones of the optical elements to selectively position them in the first or second position. Specifically, the plurality of lens assemblies are movably supported to alternatively position each with its optical elements in conjunction with the positioning elements for movement of the optical elements between the first and second positions. In a preferred embodiment, the lens assemblies are supported by a carrousel and the optical elements may include lenses and baffles.

Abstract: An information input/output apparatus for a disk film effects inputting and outputting of information in relation to the disk film in which a film disk is attached around a hub. The apparatus is provided with a hollow moving table on which the peripheral edge of the disk film is mounted. The moving table is adapted to be movable to various stations successively. Accordingly, in the inspection station, it is possible to simultaneously project a multiplicity of image frames on the disk film, thereby allowing a highly efficient information input/output operation.

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.

Abstract: An image processor and method are disclosed for use in making photographic prints, in which a relatively thin plate-like unit is placed over unexposed photographic sheet material while an enlarger or the equivalent is used to develop a primary image at the top face of the unit. The unit includes an array of optical elements in the form of lenses having a certain focal length which produces an averaging effect to cause development of a resultant image which is divided into contiguous modular portions.

Abstract: An optical projection system of unit magnification for transmitting a real erect image of an object from an object plane to an image plane, comprises a plurality of lenses having parallel optical axes and being arranged in one or more rows. Each lens comprises three or four lens elements arranged along a common optical path extending between the object and image planes, and includes at least two aperture masks which subtend light rays from the axial and off-axis object points in the object plane. These aperture masks are arranged in positions where the image-forming pencil of light rays passing through the lens has a relatively large cross-section.

Abstract: A copying apparatus of the moving document type capable of copying an optical image projected from an option or accessory device. The copying apparatus comprises an additional optical path adjacently provided to an optical path of the fixed optical system of the copying apparatus, and a shutter mechanism for opening and closing the additional optical path. The shutter mechanism is opened when the option device is added to the copying apparatus, thereby to directly project on the photosensitive member through the additional optical path an optical image formed by the option device.

Abstract: The apparatus for obtaining the microfilm photographic transparency comprises a table supporting a frame in which is disposed a rendition of the general data common to all the members of the group. A slide carrying data specific to a member of the group is displaceable from a position wherein it masks the general data to a position where it unmasks the general data. A first microfilm camera, aligned with the general data frame, is triggered when the slide reaches each end of its stroke, such that the camera takes consecutive exposures of the general data and of the specific data. A second microfilm camera aligned with the slide at the end of its stroke unmasking the general data is triggered when the slide is aligned with its optical axis. Two consecutive microfilm frames exposed by the first camera, after processing, are used to form the card, and the roll of film exposed by the second camera, after processing, forms a specific information data bank for storage purposes.

Abstract: Compact optical imaging apparatus for projecting in focus an upright and wrong-reading light image of an information bearing document in an object plane onto a parallel image plane. The apparatus comprises a plurality of lenses located between the object plane and the image plane for projecting a plurality of overlapping segments of a light image along an optical path. A light image of an information bearing document in the object plane is directed to the lenses. A plurality of roof mirrors (i) receive such image segments from the lenses, (ii) reverse and invert such image segments, and (iii) reflect the image segments back through the lenses along the path toward the image plane. The image segments are then directed from the lenses to the image plane to form an upright and wrong-reading image of the information bearing document in the image plane.

Abstract: The pattern scanning projection device for copying machines of the type in which a pattern is projected in a strip-like manner on an image recording support by means of a pattern scanning unit which is movable in guiding grooves and includes a plurality of scanning lens plates. The lens plates for the sake of uniform projection of partial images cooperate with aperture and/or image field diaphragms and with separating diaphragms. The lens plates are individually insertable into an objective housing which is detachable from the copying machine. The housing is assembled of two parts, one housing part being provided with mounting longitudinal grooves engaging one longitudinal edge of respective lens plates and the lens plates being centered in the longitudinal grooves by separate centering grooves and being secured in central position at one point only so as to permit longitudinal displacement due to mechanical or thermal stresses.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical method of inserting a subject image into a background image to create a composite image by projecting the background image onto a light-reflecting countermatte of the subject image and causing the subject image to appear in the non-reflective part of the countermatte. The invention includes an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A copier has a movable housing which accommodates a support for an original to be copied, a source of illumination for the original, a lens system for forming an image of the original and a support for photosensitive material which is to receive the image. The housing has an opening in one of its sides and carries a hinged lid for lighttight sealing of the opening. A reflector is pivotally mounted inside the housing in the vicinity of the opening and can be moved between an operative position in which it intercepts the image from the lens system and an inoperative position in which it does not. When an image of normal size is required, the reflector is in its inoperative position and the image is projected onto the photosensitive material located inside the housing. When an image of large size is required, the reflector is brought into its operative position and the opening in the housing is uncovered.

Abstract: A copying machine of the type in which an original image is formed as a visible image on a first drum and the visible image from the first drum is transferred as a secondary original image to a second drum from which multiple copies are made. A single lens system is used both to transfer the image from the original document to the first drum and transfer repeatedly the image on the first drum to the second drum thereby greatly reducing the number of optical components required in the system.

Abstract: This specification discloses a projection device in which a plurality of element lens systems for projecting a part area of an object onto a predetermined part area on the image plane at erect one-to-one magnification are arranged parallel to one another in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. Each element lens system is a telecentric system comprising three thin lenses of the same shape arranged in the direction of the optical axis, and an intermediate lens is provided at a position deviated from the intermediate point between the object side lens and the image plane side lens.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for a copier comprising at least a pair of multilens plates made from the same mold to have matched surface configurations. One of the pair of multilens plates is arranged to be rotated from the position of the other multilens plate through 180 degrees about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the other multilens plate. A reflecting surface is positioned parallel to the axis of rotation for deflecting the optical path between the pair of multilens plates once or an odd number of times whereby a clear image is provided despite imperfections from molding.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a copying apparatus of the type which is provided with a reciprocal scanner, and in which copy operation is carried out not only during the forward movement of the scanner but also during the backward movement of the scanner. The copying apparatus herein disclosed has a movable reflector which is interposed in the optical path at the time of forward movement or at the time of backward movement, and stationary reflector for further reflecting the beam coming from the original once reflected by said movable reflector. Said movable and stationary reflector cooperate with each other to invert the original image to be formed on a photosensitive medium at the time of backward movement or forward movement relative to the original image formed at the time of forward movement or backward movement.

Abstract: A projecting device having an array, in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, of plural element lens systems each axially provided with two bar lenses of an axial length larger than the effective diameter thereof, characterized by the presence of an intermediate ring positioned between two bar lenses for extracting the effective beam emerging from the first bar lens and entering the second bar lens and providing a determined light intensity distribution on the projection plane.

Abstract: The condition of a photographic copying and associated developing machine for prints of color photographic negatives is evaluated by exposing a calibrating sample onto a first portion and by making a test exposure with preselected exposure data onto a second portion of photographic paper in the copying machine. The two portions of photographic paper are then developed in the developing machine, and the thus obtained developed prints are monitored in the copying machine by comparing their densities in various colors with preselected reference densities. The results of comparison are indicative whether the machines operate satisfactorily, whether the copying machine requires one or more adjustments, or whether the developing machine is in need of at least one adjustment. The adjustment or adjustments can be effected automatically or upon examination of the results of comparison by an attendant.

Abstract: In a slit exposure type copying machine, a projection device basically includes transmission type element lens systems each including a lens having a great length in the direction of the optic axis thereof as compared with the effective diameter thereof. A part area of an original is projected upon a predetermined part area on an image plane and the light intensity distribution of the projected part area has a predetermined central area controlled by lens aperture eclipse and extending diametrically from at least the optic axis and a marginal area lying outwardly of the central area and weak in light intensity. A plurality of such element lens systems are substantially equidistantly arranged in the lengthwise direction of the slit in a plane perpendicular to the optic axis so that the marginal areas in at least the element lens systems are superposed upon one another.

Abstract: A copying machine including a first sheet original illuminating and conveying device for moving sheet originals and exposing the same to light, a second sheet original illuminating and conveying device for moving sheet originals disposed at a position which does not interfere with the first sheet original illuminating and conveying device and exposing the same to light, a device for controlling a sheet original so that one surface of the sheet original is exposed to light by the first sheet original illuminating and conveying device and so that the other surface of the sheet original is exposed to light by the second sheet original illuminating and conveying device, a main optical device for forming a first and a second optical path so as to enable one of the images of the sheet original conveyed by the first or the second sheet original illuminating and conveying device to be selectively exposed at an exposure position near a photosensitive medium, and a first movable mirror change-over device for selecting

Abstract: A process for forming, on a photosensitive support, images presenting a dissolve, this process comprising the steps which consist in forming first and second primary light images by projection on a screen of respective light beams, the light images overlapping and presenting a dissolve, in cutting off the second light beam, in taking a front photograph of the first light image on the photosensitive support by means of an apparatus, in retablishing the second light beam and cutting off the first light beam, in moving the photosensitive support within said apparatus and in taking a front photograph of the second light image.

Abstract: For printing transparencies frames are used which, either by means of their framework or of the borders of transparencies mounted thereon, mask areas which are greater than those of the transparencies. A first frame loaded with a first set of mounted transparencies is placed over a sheet of print material and a first exposure is made. The first frame is removed and a second frame loaded with a second set of mounted transparencies is placed over the same sheet of print material in such a position that the transparencies mounted thereon are in alignement with those areas which were masked previously by the first frame. Then a second exposure is made.

Abstract: A format assembler allows an automatic photographic printer to form any desired size, number, and orientation of images to be juxtaposed on a continuous length of print paper with minimal paper waste. This is done with a carriage 10 that moves along a path parallel with the printing plane and extending in the direction of paper advance between the print paper and interchangeable lens modules with different lens arrays. An interchangeable mask 11 carried on the carriage has a shape that allows positioning the mask along the path to block light from predetermined lenses of any array. The mask shape and positioning allows successive exposures through preselected lenses of different lens arrays of a paper area exposable by any one of the lens arrays without advancing the paper. A control system controls the position of the carriage in programmed relation to movement of the other components of the printer.

Abstract: A color correction system contains a plurality of color channels which each contain a dichroic mirror and an electro-optical modulator. An unpolarized light source shining through a color transparency serves as the input to each channel, and each color is individually controlled by the electro-optical modulator in its respective channel. The colors of each channel are then recombined after correction. In another embodiment of the invention, each channel further includes mono-color film storage means as black and white film storage means to store the color image of the particular channel on such an inexpensive film for subsequent reconstruction as a picture of different color than the film color. In a further embodiment, a plurality of separate colors of the same color image are stored on spaced regions of a given frame area of a mono-color negative, especially of a black and white negative, along with verbal information which is to be projected with the corresponding color image.

Abstract: A lengthy strip of originals is transported along a transport path. Positioned along the transport path are a plurality of copying stations, for simultaneous copying of plural successive originals. The originals are transported setwise or batchwise, thereby lowering the average transport time per individual original and increasing copying-machine productivity without the need to speed up the performance of other operations attendant to copying-machine operation. When originals are correctly spaced and all copiable, they are processed setwise or batchwise as just outlined. When not spaced in accordance with a standard and/or when not all copiable, the machine changes over to one-at-a time operation, disabling all but the most downstream copying station, until the arriving originals are again all copiable and spaced by the standard distance. During normal operation, a strip of print paper is advanced by an increment corresponding to the plural concurrently exposed originals.