Abstract: An exposure apparatus for selectively exposing the peripheral portion of a circular substrate such as wafer for integrated circuit manufacturing purposes. In this exposure apparatus, the spot of an exposure light beam from a projecting system is projected onto the peripheral portion of a resist-coated surface of a substantially circular substrate in such a manner that a part of the spot projects from the peripheral edge of the substrate. The portion of the spot projecting from the peripheral edge of the substrate is received by a detector arranged opposite to the projecting system through the intermediary of the substrate peripheral portion so that the position of the substrate peripheral edge in the projected spot is detected in accordance with the contour position of the received spot portion.

Abstract: The copying light of a source of copying light is attenuated in areas using a mask with different density ranges to influence the density by areas of a copy to be produced from a copy master. The appropriate area of the mask is selected by analyzing a location dependent density variation of the mask stored in matrix form in a computing and evaluating unit by predetermined criteria. A photographic copying apparatus associated with the process includes an exposure station with a mask mounted on a slide. The slide may be displaced in response to control signals determined and generated in the computing and evaluating unit. The slide is displaced in a plane parallel to a transport plane of the copy master in the beam path of a source of copying light.

Abstract: An exposure controlling apparatus includes a sensor for effecting photometry by separating light from an original picture into a plurality of separated components; a storage device for storing a value concerning the spectral sensitivity of the sensor and a value concerning the spectral sensitivity of a copying sensitive material to be copied; an estimating device for estimating a spectral characteristic of the original picture on the basis of a photometric value of the sensor and the value concerning the spectral sensitivity of the sensor stored in the storage device; and a controller for determining a synthetic value which is equivalent to a value measured by a sensor having a spectral sensitivity distribution identical with or similar to a spectral sensitivity distribution of the copying sensitive material on the basis of the spectral characteristics of the original picture estimated and the value concerning the spectral sensitivity of the copying sensitive material, and for controlling exposure amount on t

Abstract: A projection exposure apparatus is disclosed which includes an illumination system with a masking mechanism having an aperture of variable shape, a projection optical system, a photoreceptor disposed adjacent to an image plane of the projection optical system, and an adjuster for adjusting the masking mechanism, wherein the adjuster is contributable to reduce the size of the aperture and to shift the position of the aperture, such that, with the cooperation of the projection optical system, a relatively small light pattern is produced on the image plane and the produced light pattern is displaced along the image plane, and wherein the photoreceptor receives light from the produced light pattern.

Abstract: A system for printing photographs form developed film includes a light receiving element for detecting an image condition, such as the image density or color balance, which is used to control a printing light source. The light from the printing light source projects the photographic image on photographic paper through the developed film. A code reader reads codes printed in the vicinity of the film frame through a line sensor. The codes includes data concerning the photographic mode selected, such as pseudo focal length or a normal photographic mode. The light receiving element detects the image condition only of the area to be printed in accordance with the selected photographic mode and which passes through the developed film and a printing zoom lens.

Abstract: A photographic copier has an adjustable masking device for masking a master to be reproduced. To determine whether masking is required and, if so, the degree of masking, the density of the master is measured and is then forwarded to a logic circuit which can make the determination. In a first mode of operation, masked and unmasked images of the master are displayed side-by-side on a pair of monitors so that an operator can make adjustments to the mask calculated by the logic circuit. The operator here controls the copying cycle. In a second mode of operation, the copying cycle is automated and the logic circuit decides whether masking is required by calculating a degree of masking and comparing the degree of masking with a relatively low reference value set by the operator. The master is copied without a mask when the calculated degree of masking is less than the reference value. If a copy made by masking is unsatisfactory, the operator can adjust or deactivate the logic circuit and make a new copy.

Abstract: A process is described for preservation microfilming in which variations in the "fade" or background coloration of materials to be recorded is accommodated for. In particular, the process initially develops a characteristic of the camera based workstation itself which relates an exposure meter output with a select sequence of variations of the light source used with the workstation. A pseudo background target of constant hue such as a beige color is used for this purpose. A sample card also is utilized which carries a sequence of color samples each generally within a pertinent range of the spectra associated with the general coloration of the work to be recorded. Reflectance densitometer readings are taken for each of the samples on this card and the card, itself, is recorded on microfilm. The images of the samples on that test microfilm then are evaluated utilizing a transmittance densitometer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting an image density of an original document is provided. The density of the image of an original document is determined during the changing of the zoom magnification of a zoom lens. A control signal for the image density is then utilized to control an imaging operation.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for the point-by-point measuring of color originals to be copied for the determination of exposure data, in which the original is illuminated by a condenser light source by way of a Fresnel lens and by means of an objective is imaged over the whole surface on a measuring plane in which a photodiode line can be moved in a straight line over the measuring surface. The movement of the photodiode line over the original image takes place step-by-step by means of a step motor, light measuring signals being created in the individual diodes which each can be assigned to a certain measuring point on the original. The sensing takes place sequentially for the basic colors red, green and blue, in which case one color filter respectively of the corresponding color is introduced into the path of the measuring rays. From the large number of measuring values, the exposure data are computed according to a predetermined algorithm.

Abstract: An original-reading device includes a light source for irradiating an original disposed at a reading position, a photoelectric conversion device for converting light reflected from the original into an image signal, a reading unit supporting the light source and the photoelectric conversion device, a feeder for feeding the original to the reading position, a reference member provided at a position different from the reading position, for correcting an image signal from the original, and means for moving the reading unit between a position for reading the reference member and the reading position.

Abstract: Data relating to a customer's order for photofinishing are written on a mark sheet. The mark sheet is optically read in a photo-lab, thereby to record the customer's order data in a transparent magnetic recording layer of the photographic film to be processed. The photographic film is sorted with reference to the data read from the mark sheet and, thereafter, is processed according to the customer's order based on the data read therefrom by an appropriate processing apparatus.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus which records an image of an original document on an image receiving sheet with the use of a photosensitive recording medium, the image receiving sheet having front and rear faces differing in reflection ratio. To detect error in sheet face orientation, a sheet face sensor unit is provided upstream of a pressure developing unit which discriminates a face of the image receiving sheet. The sensor unit includes a light emitting element for emitting light toward the face of the image receiving sheet and a light receiving element for receiving light emitted from the light emitting element and reflected on the face of the image receiving sheet.

Abstract: A device for measuring light scattered by an information support in which a light source is used to expose a portion of the information support. A sensor having a light-sensitive surface and an output signal dependent upon the quantity of light falling on such surface is positioned behind an objective lens disposed between the information support and the sensor. The exposed portion of the information support is smaller than the field of view of the sensor and the sensor is disposed at a distance behind the objective lens where the quantity of light on the light-sensitive surface of the sensor remains constant to within 5% in the event of a variation of .+-.20% in the distance of the information support from the objective. The light-sensitive surface of the sensor is disposed within the beam of light scattered by the information support and emerging from the objective lens.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus such as a copying machine has a standard white plate, an optical system for forming a latent image on a photosensitive drum, a photosensor such as a linear image sensor for detecting the amounts of light reflected from the standard white plate and an original, and a control section including a CPU and an exposure control circuit and/or a bias control circuit for controlling the light exposure amount or the developing bias voltage in accordance with the difference between the light amounts from the standard white plate and the original.

Abstract: Determined is a degree of correction in accordance with a length of at least one of two periods from film manufacturing to photographing or from photographing to film developing. A printing light quantity is corrected in accordance with this degree, and a film image is printed on photographic paper, thereby optimizing the printing light quantity to all films by correcting time-elapsed variations in film characteristics.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the storing of digital information. This storage system comprises a number of layers of transparent or translucent material. In each layer there is a chemical or chemicals subject to change by being contacted with different electromagnetic wave lengths. For example, if there be eight layers then the chemical or chemicals in any layer is subject to be changed by an electromagnetic radiation of a wave length different than for any of the other seven layers. In this manner, with eight layers it is possible to have an eight bit byte. Actually, under premutations and combinations it is possible to have as many as eight bit bytes from the eight layers. It is conceivable that there may be more than eight layers such as sixteen layers of thirty-two layers. There is the possibility of storing large amounts of information in a small volume.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus for reproducing an image from an original, wherein a character portion and an intermediate contrast portion of an original are discriminated and different density converting tables are used for the character portion and for the intermediate contrast portion. When a original includes both a character portion and the intermediate contrast portion, the density converting table for a character portion is applied to the character portions and the density converting table for intermediate contrast portion is applied to the intermediate contrast portions to form the image.

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 technique for creating an image onto a photosensitive medium in a photoprinting process involves scanning a phototransparency for its densitometric information. Light from a lamp source is transmitted through an LCD pad onto a photosensitive medium to produce an image. The exposure of the image is regionally varied to achieve optimum results by activating individual LCD pixels to control the amount of light exposed to the photosensitive medium. A microprocessor calculates the activation pattern for the pixels based upon the densitometric information of the phototransparency.

Abstract: A copying apparatus provided with a light-attenuating filter used for controlling copying conditions. The light-attenuating filter is formed of a nontransparent member in which a multiplicity of small holes or small-width slits are provided. In setting the printing conditions for the copying apparatus, a film development-evaluating film with an evaluating latent image recorded thereon is developed, the image on the evaluating film developed is photometrically measured and printed on a paper, the printed paper is developed, and the density of a print obtained by development is measured so as to set the printing conditions. To photometrically measure the print, a punched hole provided in the paper is detected to photometrically measure a central portion of the image plane.

Abstract: A photograph processing device comprises an exposing section for printing an image on a light-sensitive material in accordance with exposure conditions, a processor section for performing developing, fixing, washing and drying operations with respect to the printed light-sensitive material, a density measuring unit provided in the vicinity of the light-sensitive material exit side of the processor section for photometering the light-sensitive material to provide an image density signal free from the influence of temperature that is caused by subjecting the light-sensitive material to the drying operation, and an exposure condition correcting unit for correcting the exposure conditions in accordance with the image density signal outputted from the density measuring unit.

Abstract: A method for determining exposure amount by making use of the fact that values in which the photometric data on a lowest-density portion of a color film is subtracted from tricolor photometric data are approximately the same irrespective of the type of film. The lowest-density data is subtracted from the tricolor photometric data to determine tricolor corrected data. This tricolor corrected data is normalized, and the tricolor normalized data is compared with a reference value so as to be classified into tricolor normalized data. The tricolor photometric data is selected in correspondence with this classification, and the exposure amount is determined on the basis of an average value of the tricolor photometric data selected. As a result, it is possible to print various types of film under the conditions of print exposure of a reference film type without requiring information indicating the film type.

Abstract: An image recording medium is provided with an identifying index indicative of whether or not one side of the image recording medium is a front side coated with developing agent. In another image recording medium coated with developing agent, electrical resistance material is coated on at least one side of the image recording medium. In a detecting device for the another image recording medium, an electrode unit is provided for measuring electric conductivity of one side of the image recording medium. A control unit is connected to the electrode unit for identifying the image recording medium on the basis of the electric conductivity measured by the electrode unit. In another detecting device, a light emitting unit emits light with which at least one of front and back sides of an image recording medium is illuminated. A light receiving unit receives light reflected from the at least one side of the image recording medium.

Abstract: With an exposure apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to project an image of a mask in a any large number onto a band-shaped film sequentially in a longitudinal direction with high precisions in position, magnification and focus. Thus, the apparatus can be provided for fabrication of an FPC film of a high circuit density.

Abstract: Radiant energy is directed from a source (14,16) to an illumination plane (28) where the light receiving ends of groups (36) of optic fibers are arranged in coplanar striations (100), after which the radiant energy passes through the groups of optic fibers into individual exposure columns (40) and on to an exposure plane (42) where a radiation sensitive sample is exposed in individual areas to different, readily adjustable levels of illuminance from each of the groups of optic fibers.

Abstract: A reader-printer for copying on a recording paper an image recorded in a microfilm is disclosed, which reader-printer is provided with shutter members capable of intercepting the projected light passing through the part of margin bordering the image. The size of the image in the microfilm is memorized in a memory. The size of the image to be copied and the size of the recording paper on which this image is to be formed are compared based on the ratio of magnification of projection of a projection lens to be used for projecting light through the image on a photosensitive member. The shutter members are driven based on a result of the comparison so that, of the path of the projected light directed to the photosensitive member, the part corresponding to the margin is automatically intercepted by the shutter members.

Abstract: A light amount control apparatus contains an exposure lamp, a photo sensor for receiving light from the lamp, an AC power source for applying an AC voltage to the lamp, a CPU for computing an electric power to be supplied to the exposure lamp in accordance with magnifications and optical densities of originals by using the data signal outputted from the photo sensor, a lamp regulator for control an electric power supplied to the exposure lamp by using a value computed by the CPU, and a zero-cross generator for causing the CPU to periodically perform the computation in synchronism with the AC voltage of AC power source applied to the lamp.

Abstract: A method of image recording comprises the steps of performing photometry on a plurality of pixels into which an original film is divided, calculating the large-area transmittance density (LATD) of said original film on the basis of the photometric values for individual pixels, designating the main area of said original film, calculating the average transmittance density of the designated main area on the basis of said photometric values, determining conditions of exposure as appropriate for said original film on the basis of a linear relationship between said LATD and the average transmittance density of the main area, and performing imagewise recording on a light-sensitive material under the thus determined appropriate conditions of exposure. Using this method, even an unskilled operator is capable of reproducing the image of a principal subject such as a human figure or his/her face to provide an optimum density in an easy and precise manner.

Abstract: A slit exposure type photocopier apparatus includes an original document platform on which an original document is to be located. An electrostatic latent image support member receives a projected image of the original document as a result of a scanning optical system and an exposure light source. The scanning optical system includes a projection light assembly which is movable along the optical axis in order to change image magnification. A light measuring sensor can be positioned adjacent a side of the projection lens assembly and can measure light reflected from the original at a position displaced, in the forward scan direction, from the actual position on the original that is being projected as a recorded image on the electrostatic latent image support member. The actual displaced position for light measurement will be a function of the image magnification and will be capable of compensating for the lag time involved in changing the exposure output of the exposure lamp.

Abstract: A color image producing method for producing a color image of a desired original is based on the use of a reference original having a certain light transmitting characteristic. A tone of the original corresponding to the intensity of light with respect to each of three primary colors is obtained by transmitting a predetermined light intensity through the original. The method includes the steps of detecting a difference in tone between the reference original and the desired original with respect to each of the three primary colors of light, and offsetting the tone difference by employing two primary colors, other than the red primary color of light. Since the tone difference is offset by employing the two primary colors, there occurs no degradation in color reproduction of the original as in a case where a cyan filter is inserted between a light source and the original to offset the tone difference, in dependence on the amount of the cyan filter inserted.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus includes a pulsed light source for repeatedly emitting a pulsed light; a photoelectric converting device for receiving at least a portion of the pulsed light from the pulsed light source; and a control device for controlling the emission of the pulsed light source, on the basis of a value related to a difference between a photoelectric signal produced from the photoelectric converting device at the time of emission of the pulsed light and an offset signal produced from the photoelectric converting device at the time of non-emission of the pulsed light.

Abstract: The improved image forming apparatus with a capability for automatically identifying the type of originals measures the reflected light from an original of interest with at least two sensors for the light of at least one of three primary colors, constructs a discriminant function that makes use of the differences in spectral reflection density between originals and which uses as parameters all the values of measurements obtained or with the higher and lower values being cut off, and automatically identifies the type of the original by discriminating color photographic originals from another type of originals such as color printed originals or black-and-white originals on the basis of the value of said discriminant function. The image forming apparatus may measure the reflected light from the original with sensors for the light of three primary colors and identify a low-density, low-constant original by means of a predetermined discriminant formula.

Abstract: A photoprinter is provided in which a first detecting apparatus detects first information used to specify a magazine from a first information portion provided at each magazine when the magazine is mounted, and a second detecting apparatus detects second information related to setting of the exposure condition of the photosensitive material from a second information portion provided in an end portion of the photosensitive material loaded into the magazine when the magazine is mounted. A memory apparatus causes the first information detected by said first detecting apparatus to correspond to the second information detected by the second detecting apparatus and to store both information therein.

Abstract: A density correcting system for a film image reading apparatus which outputs color decomposing signals of film images from an optical system after correcting the signals for density. The density correcting system is provided with density correcting tables corresponding to the individual color decomposing signals. Film image signals are formed by making corrections of the color decomposing signals for density in accordance with the tables.

Abstract: The photoelectric scanner is equipped with two circular disks having aligned light passage orifices and mounted on a common drive shaft. Lenses are located in these orifices, the focal points of which are in the plane of the copy master to be scanned. The beam emitted by the source of copying light and parallelized by the condenser arrives through the curved slot of a stationary diaphragm on the lens instantaneously moving through the area of the slot and is focused in the plane of the copy master. From the lens synchronously running on the other side of the copy master, the parallelized beam of light arrives through the curved slot of a subsequent stationary diaphragm and a condenser on a receiving and detection unit with dichroitic mirrors, absorption filters and photoelectric detectors. These detectors convert the optical signals into electric signals, which are conducted to the evaluating electronic device.

Abstract: A photographic printer for making a trimming print has a zoom lens whose focal length can be changed in accordance with a trimming magnification. Exposure time is corrected based on a reciprocity law failure correction amount corresponding to the magnification of the zoom lens, whereby a density of the photoprint is corrected as to a change in a reciprocity law failure. According to a preferred embodiment, test prints are made respectively at a plurality of magnifications of the zoom lens. The densities of the finished test print are measured to form reciprocity law failure correction data automatically in the photographic printer so that the measured densities coincide with standard densities.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for printing an image of a negative film on a photographic print paper. The apparatus is equipped with a zoom lens for changing a printing magnification rate and the zoom lens incorporates an adjustable diaphragm for changing an aperture size. A standard F-number for each of possible magnification rates is predetermined in view of actual printing result, and a resultant F-number is stored in a memory for each of possible magnification rates. In the apparatus provided a sensor, disposed on the optical axis of the zoom lens, for detecting the illuminance of a projected surface on the photographic print paper and CPU for controlling the adjustable diaphragm in response to the detected illuminance to determine an optimum aperture size to obtain the predetermined F-number for each of possible magnification rates. The optimum aperture size is stored in the memory for each of possible magnification rates.

Abstract: A photosensitive material magazine for accommodating a photosensitive material, having an information detecting unit for detecting information for setting exposure condition. The information includes at least a type of photosensitive material and set at an end of the accommodated material and in one of reader members disposed continually from the end thereof, and an output unit for detecting the detected information. The photosensitive material accommodated therein can be specified on the part of a photoprinting device, loaded with a magazine, for printing the material.

Abstract: An additive color light source for professional photographic printing is disclosed. The lamphouse has a closed loop light intensity feedback control system for regulating the light sources within the lamphouse.

Abstract: A scanner starts to move for preliminary scanning and an exposure lamp of the scanner turns on after a prescribed period after the start of the movement of the scanner. When a rear edge of an original of the minimum size placed on a platen is irradiated by the scanning, an amount of irradiation of the exposure lamp attains a prescribed amount since the prescribed period has passed from the turn-on thereof. Accordingly, insufficiency of an irradiation amount of the exposure lamp does not occur at the time of original size detecting operation. Thus, detection operation is speeded up and the first copy speed of the image forming apparatus is improved.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus of this invention is used in an exposure process of semiconductor and LCD devices.

Abstract: A recording medium such as a photographic film is recorded with an image of a principal object and distance information of the principal object. The distance information is read during a printing operation for calculating a print exposure amount. In calculating the print exposure amount, a scene of an object image is discriminated in accordance with the object distance, and a calculating equation, which is different for each discriminated scene, is selected for use. Finer discrimination may be conducted by using flash emission data and object brightness data in addition to the distance information. Effective measurement points may be selected from all measurement points within a frame by taking the distance information into consideration, to calculate a print exposure amount by using the selected effective measurement points.

Abstract: A photographic printing enlarger apparatus and method in which the enlarger head receives lights passing through a fiber optic light bundle. This light passes through a color filter system, negative, or transparency, supported by a negative carrier, and the lens. The beam of light projects the image on the surface of an exposure correction easel. A mechanical arm scans the beam of light passing through the negative in small sections, and senses the density of the negative, registering the information into a computer memory. The mechanical arm is driven to expose the light-sensitive photographic material in small sections in cooperation with a shutter system and in accordance with the information stored in computer memory. The mechanical arm is comprised of a row of several image sensors which read the wavelength of light passing through.

Abstract: An automatic exposure device for a copying machine includes a lamp for exposing an original, a power source for variably supplying electric power to the lamp, a first sensor for determining the quantity of light reflected from the original, a second sensor for determining the quantity of light of the lamp, a controller for increasing the electric power supplied to the lamp by the power source proportionally to decrease in the quantity of the light determined by the first sensor, and a maximum electric poewr setting device for setting the maximum electric power applicable to the lamp by the power source at a high level proportional to decrease in the quantity of light determined by the second sensor.

Abstract: A document density detector apparatus to be used for an image forming apparatus in which a focal lens is disposed in an optical pass for guiding light reflected from the surface of a document, to the surface of a light receiving body, and a light sensor for detecting the density of the document is fixed outside of an area through which the light reflected from the surface of the document passes before illuminating a predetermined surface of the light receiving body, and in which an image of the document formed on the light receiving body may be enlarged or reduced at the desired magnification by moving the focal lens along the optical pass in the direction toward the document or toward the light receiving body.

Abstract: A method for dot-size correction or modification in half-tone colour separations to be used in the production of printing plates for printing reproductions of coloured originals in which a contact print is overexposed through a photographic mask constituted so as to isolate a selected area in addition to being exposed normally for obtaining an exact copy of an original half-tone separation. The mask is generated electronically using an electrical signal obtained by scanning each separation, digitizing each signal and storing the digital values in a digital storage device. A halftone separation is visualized electronically as an image in a dislay device, e.g., video tube, an area of said image is defined for isolation and correction and the combination of positive and/or negative separations required to serve as a mask effective for isolating the selected area for purposes of dot evaluation is determined via a look-up table.

Abstract: A reprographic camera system uses a reprographic camera (1) with a vertical optical axis and a mainly horizontal original table (3) positioned under the objective lens (2) of the camera. An arrangement separate from the camera for the transfer of signals of density and/or picture data to an exposure control system in the camera includes a transducer/or wireless information transfer from the arrangement to the exposure control system (9). The arrangement may include a freely movable densitometer (4) for measuring density values in the original and/or a calculator unit (5) provided with a keyboard for keying in picture data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including elements such as a light source, an exposure stand heater, a heat-fixing heater, a sheet feed motor and so on for performing a series of copying processes to form an image on a sheet and at least one power source for commonly supplying a power to the elements, further comprising plural sensors for detecting an operational condition of each of the elements such as a temperature of the heater, a rotation angle of the motor and so on and outputting a detection signal representative of the operational condition, and a control unit for controlling the power supply from the power source to the elements so that when the power supply to one of the elements is carried out to drive said one of the elements, the power supply to at least one of the other elements is ceased to stop the driving of at least one of the elements, and controlling the one of the elements on the basis of the detection signal from the sensors so that the operational condition of the one of the elements is subs

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises an image forming apparatus body, a media cartridge removably housed in an image forming apparatus body, the media cartridge being provided with a feeding shaft about which a media sheet consisting of a photo and pressure sensitive recording sheet and a leader sheet which are connected to each other at their one end portions is wound, and the leader sheet having an information mark positioned at a distance longer than length L away from a free end thereof for showing characteristics of the photo and pressure sensitive recording sheet, a winding shaft for winding the media sheet fed from the media cartridge, sheet detecting device disposed adjacent the winding shaft, the sheet detecting device being actuated by bringing a leader sheet into contact therewith when the free end of the leader sheet is wound about the winding shaft and mark reading device provided between the media cartridge and the winding shaft at a distance as same as the length L away from the winding shaft,

Abstract: Flash lamp intensity control in which a small preflash lamp first exposes each document on the platen of an electrostatographic machine, a photosensor generates a signal representative of the intensity of the light reflected from the platen, and a controller increases power to the main flash exposure lamps in response to the signal where the measured intensity is less than the normal exposure intensity of the main flash lamps.