Abstract: A method is provided for a customer to provide a message, design or other visible information to be printed upon prints during processing of photographic film supplied by the customer. The process involves scanning an annotated surface containing the visible information, creating a reproducible file containing the visible information and printing the visible information from the file onto a photographic print during the photofinishing processing. The customer information may be directly written or otherwise connected with a photofinishing envelope in which the film is forwarded to the photofinisher. The envelopes or messages may be scanned and the envelopes saved for return to the customer with the finished prints and negatives. If the envelopes are scanned at the time of removing the film, the reproducible file may be electronically stored and retrieved during printing of the photographic prints on which the information is to be printed. Various alternative steps in the process are disclosed.

Abstract: A CCD array assembly for use in a scanner, includes a CCD array optically aligned relative to a CCD array nest and affixed thereto to form a replaceable subassembly. The CCD array nest has an outwardly facing statically determinate or exactly constrained interface mounting surface. A carrier plate with the CCD array assembly removably attached thereto is optically aligned and affixed to a barrel frame and lens assembly. The subassembly is removably attachable to the carrier plate allowing replacement of a failed CCD array without additional alignment.

Abstract: A method of labeling photographic paper during photofinishing processing includes making a print having a print image portion and an adjacent label image portion, placing a code on the photographic paper to denote placement of a line of perforation to separate the print image portion and label image portion, exposing the label image portion with labeling information, generating an image on the label image portion, detecting the code for placing the line of perforation on the photographic paper, and forming the line of perforation at the detected location to separate the print image portion and the label image portion.

Abstract: A filmstrip viewer is provided for viewing positive or negative images on filmstrips contained in so-called thrust film cartridges. The viewer has a film drive for advancing film from the thrust cartridge to a take-up spool for selectively advancing frame images into a frame viewing station for direct or projection viewing. Natural, or artificial illumination may be provided. Optional motorized or manual drives may be used to provide film advance and rewind functions. An interlocked loading door can prevent attempted removal of a cartridge prior to full rewinding of the filmstrip and, optionally, require a specific spool parking orientation prior to opening of the loading door.

Abstract: An automated image media processing station includes a image media processing apparatus for processing a customer's image media in accordance with a transaction sequence and a video display allowing the customer to view images during processing. The station includes a customer interface in communication with the processing apparatus interfacing the customer with the apparatus and a customer detector in communication with at least one of the customer interface and the processing apparatus for detecting the presence of the customer within a range and field of view of the detector whereby such presence allows the video display to display the images captured on the image media for the customer, and undetected presence discontinues further display of the images.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for testing agitation of a photographic processing solution in a processing tank for a photographic processing apparatus of the type having a nozzle and adapted in use to impinge the photographic processing solution onto a photographic emulsion includes the steps of charging the processing tank with a solution containing a silver solvent, processing the photographic emulsion, and testing the processed photographic emulsion for patterns of silver remaining in the photographic emulsion, wherein such patterns are indicative of nozzle obstructions and thereby agitation levels present in the processing tank.