Abstract: The image processing apparatus receives image data from an image data supply source and coverts the image date into output image data by subjecting the image data to image processing. The apparatus includes an instructing device for interactively instructing a region from an image of one frame, and at least two of a first dodging processing device for applying automatic dodging processing to an entire image of the one frame (first mode), a second dodging processing device for applying the automatic dodging processing only to the instructed region (second mode) and a third dodging processing device for applying the automatic dodging processing to the instructed region and to the regions other than the instructed region in different intensity (third mode). The apparatus can switch optionally or automatically the above first, second and third modes and interactively designate the region to which the dodging processing is applied or the region to which the dodging processing is applied in the different intensity.

Abstract: A method of improving uneven illumination in a photographic printer having an original image position and a light source to illuminate the original image position, which light source may illuminate the original image position non-uniformly, the method comprising: first forming a mask by exposing a photographic element to the light source and processing the element to form a negative image of the light source at a filtering position between the light source and the original image position; and positioning the mask at the filtering position. A second aspect of the method uses an electronic processor and gathered illumination data, to generate a mask.

Abstract: A method of improving uneven illumination in a contact printer having an original image position and a light source to illuminate the original image position, which light source may illuminate the original image position non-uniformly, the method comprising: first forming a mask by exposing a photographic element to the light source and processing the element to form a negative image of the light source at a filtering position between the light source and the original image position; and positioning the mask at the filtering position. A second aspect of the method uses an electronic processor and gathered illumination data, to generate a mask.

Abstract: A process for making a printing plate includes composing a digital image of a page to be printed including at least one halftone image. Load imagesetting paper in an imagesetter. Operate the imagesetter to print a paper negative of the digital image on the imagesetting paper. Expose the paper negative to a printing plate.

Abstract: Specially designed non-uniform filters allow for the flexible alteration of the exposure profile during a fade and dissolve process in a motion picture printer. In accordance with one aspect of this invention, there is provided a system for fading and dissolving two original color record scenes together on a light sensitive material, the system comprising: a) a first color record; b) a second color record; c) a motion picture printer comprising a light source, a fader, a non-uniform filter and an exposing slit; and d) a light sensitive material onto which the first and second color records can be illuminated by means of the light source. The non-uniform filter is non-uniform in one direction thereof with respect to its ability to filter light from the light source, and is positioned so as to alter the relative intensity and/or spectral characteristics of light trasmitted to the light sensitive material as the fader is opened and closed during a fade and dissolve printing process.

Abstract: To provide a photosensitive material exposure apparatus which is easy for soft focusing exposure. A liquid crystal light regulation member 72 capable of holding light transmission and scattering functions reversibly is disposed between a light source 54 and paper 12. Original image light from a negative film 10 is made to pass through the liquid crystal light regulation member 72, so that the paper 12 is exposed to the light which has passed through the liquid crystal light regulation member 72. The relation of haze (%) with the ratio B/A of the distance B between the liquid crystal light regulation member 72 and the paper 12 to the distance A between the negative film 10 and the paper 12 is represented by B/A<0.3-0.0025 H, preferably, B/A<0.3-0.0029 H. The light transmission and scattering functions can be held wholly or partly or for every pixel by controlling current conduction to electrodes, so that the liquid crystal light regulation member 72 can be made to serve as a soft focusing filter.

Abstract: A color image processing apparatus wherein a document image is divided into three colors and converted the color separated images into density data that correspond to a recording color by a color reproducing device. The color reproducing device has matrix coefficients for a plurality of linear maskings, a linear masking is selected out of the plurality of linear maskings by the three color separation signals, the linear masking is carried out using the masking coefficients of the selected linear masking, and the color separated images are converted into density data that correspond to the recording color.

Abstract: A masking material with a semiopaque layer containing a coloring agent, characterized in that the semiopaque layer permits the transmission of the light at a wavelength corresponding to the "green-lack" wavelength of color paper.

Abstract: Enhanced uniformity of illumination is achieved in photolithography by interposing photochromic glass in the light path between the illuminator light source and a semiconductor wafer. In one embodiment of the invention, the photochromic glass is disposed immediately adjacent and before (upstream of) the mask. In another embodiment of the invention, the photochromic glass is disposed upstream of the mask, and an intermediate lens is disposed between the photochromic glass and the mask. In a still further embodiment of the invention, the photochromic glass is disposed in a reflector behind the illuminator light source. In other embodiments of the invention. The photochromic glass is disposed downstream of the mask. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the photochromic glass is exposed by two or more copies of a mask on a reticle to effect averaging. The photochromic glass is then used as a virtual mask to expose the wafer. Each of the described embodiments has its own advantages.

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: In the negative form of lith type film or photographic printing paper, the ground part is light-untransmissible and image part (letter, pattern) is light-transmissible. Apart from them, pinholes and stains also constitute light-transmissible areas. Although the light-transmissible areas of letter and pattern are necessary, the light-transmissible areas of pinhole and stain are unnecessary. Thus, the unnecessary light-transmissible areas must be distinguished from the necessary light-transmissible areas, and an opaque layer must be provided on the unnecessary areas to make them opaque. Generally, however, the unnecessary light-transmissible areas are minute and many in number, so that their detection and opaquing is a very laborious work. Thus, according to the opaquing method of the present invention, only the necessary light-transmissible area is detected and the other light-transmissible areas are regarded as unnecessary and the latter are stopped out.

Abstract: A linear array of liquid crystal shutters mounted near a photoreceptor surface and arranged transversely to the direction of travel of the photoreceptor surface, an array of multiplexed thin film transistors (TFT's) connected to the array of liquid crystal shutters for electrically driving the shutters and logic means connected to the multiplexed array of thin film resistors selectively pulsing the liquid crystal shutters to selectively expose the photoreceptor surface a line at a time. The system further includes a single backplane and circuit means for producing an electric field between the backplane and electrodes of each of the liquid crystal shutters to prevent passage of light through the shutters and means for selectively de-energizing each of the pairs of electrodes for predetermined time period in response to the receipt of input data signals.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing an enhanced radiographic image from a developed radiograph. The apparatus includes a support structure for supporting the radiograph in a stacked relationship with the radiographic film, a light source positioned in close proximity to the radiograph for directing a beam of light at the radiograph to sweep generally in a line from one side to the other, and an elongate light sensor aligned with the line of travel of the light beam to sense and signal the intensity of the light passing through the radiograph and film. A controller responds to the signals produced by the light sensor by producing light control signals which are applied to the light source to vary the intensity and/or the scanning speed of the light beam. As the scanning takes place, the support structure moves transversely of the line of travel of the light beam so that the radiograph is scanned by light substantially over its length and width.

Abstract: A movable light-source type exposure apparatus comprising a light source disposed at the focal point of a parabolic reflector, a first light-shielding member disposed right beneath the light source and intended to prevent the light rays from the light source from being irradiated directly over a mask and a work, a second light-shielding member disposed closely to the mask and work so as to cause the formation of a shadow capable of equalizing the cumulated amounts of light rays at points thereon, a positioning/fixing means intended, for each exposure, to position and fix a retaining frame for the mask and a retaining frame for the work, and a light-source moving means for moving a lamp house having the parabolic reflector, light source, first light-shielding member and second shielding member over the mask and work for purpose of causing the same to be exposed.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printing machine in which a light image exposing a non-uniform charge pattern formed on a photoconductive member is substantially attenuated to record a latent image thereon. Substantially unattenuated light rays discharge selected portions of the charge pattern. In this manner, fatigue of the photoconductive member is minimized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used therein for modifying and enhancing the color, tonal range, highlight and shadow detail of an optical image, photograph, or photographic transparency in which the image to be enhanced is formed as a collection of small areas, called fields; the intensity and filtration of each field is independently adjustable for the purpose of achieving the desired enhancement of the image. In one embodiment, a photographic transparency is positioned in the front of a uniformly diffused light source. A video camera receives the image, transmitting it to a video tape recorder (or other device capable of single frame storage) through a special effects generator that can provide intensity and contrast control of the image, either positive or negative. The single frame is then displayed on a cathode ray tube (CRT) which has a diffuser positioned between it and the source transparency. The resultant modified, enhanced image is then photographed.

Abstract: A multiplexed electrostatic copier having plural separated scan stations for randomly receiving and scanning documents to be copied, and a common developing mechanism for electrostatically making copies of the scanned images, and identifying and delivering the copies to the proper user. Provision is made for simultaneous or sequential operation by the different scan stations and for on-line and off-line modes of operation to effectuate the multiplexing by the common developing mechanism.

Abstract: A holograph high resolution contact printer for use in transferring high resolution information, which is in the form of a pattern on a transparency, from the transparency to the light-sensitive photoresist material front surface of a light-recording medium having a light insensitive substrate rear surface, in which the light-sensitive photoresist surface previously has been exposed to a preselected diffraction grating, but the recording medium has not been developed.

Abstract: An original bears a pictorial image, or the like. The original is illuminated with first and second light and the image on the original is projected onto a copy carrier. The spatial variation of the intensity of the first light after the first light has been modulated in intensity by the image on the original is detected. The contrast of the image projected onto the copy carrier compared to the contrast of the image on the original is changed by changing the spatial variation of the second light in dependence upon the detected spatial variation of the intensity of the modulated first light.