Abstract: A system for filtering an image during data compression using a standard JPEG compression/decompression chip typically requires a separate spatial filter external to the chip. The spatial filter is composed of numerous shift registers, flip-flops, multipliers and at least one adder. In contrast, an image filtering system which filters in the frequency domain using the inventive JPEG compression chip modified for filtering in the frequency domain does not require the separate spatial filter and its many components. The modified JPEG chip includes a raster to block converter which converts an image signal into 8.times.8 blocks, a DCT processor which converts the 8.times.

Abstract: An image rendering system for generating discrete tone image data for representing continuous tone image data to be rendered by a rendering device. The continuous tone image data includes a plurality of pixel values each associated with a pixel. The rendering device renders a colorant in a plurality of colorant densities. The image rendering system comprises a threshold array, preferably stochastic, a colorant density array, and a colorant density supply arrangement. The threshold array comprising a plurality of threshold values. The colorant density array comprises a plurality of array elements, each associated with one of said pixel values and one of said threshold values. Each of the array elements identifies a particular one of a plurality of colorant density values each associated with one of the colorant densities rendered by said rendering device.

Abstract: An image processing system that automatically optimizes the perceptual quality of images undergoing a series of selected image-processing operations. The automatic optimization capability allows the system to bypass expensive and time-consuming trial-and-error methods associated with interactive methods. The system consists of a set of image-processing operations, an architecture, and an intelligent control. These elements take into consideration profiles of sources from which the images are generated, profiles of intended applications, and the impact that image processing operations (individually or in concert) will have on perceived image quality. The analysis uses a body of relationships linking human perception of image quality with objective metrics (such as sharpness, grain, tone, and color) of image content. The relationships used are based upon extensive psychovisual testing, using human observers and photographic images.

Abstract: An easy to use camera accessory, when mounted onto a camera, will trigger an external strobe upon excitation of a built-in electronic flash while simultaneously blocking from the scene the light emitted by the built-in electronic flash. The camera accessory typically is snap-in mountable and includes: a flash slave for triggering the external strobe, a PC connector for connection via a cable with the external strobe, and openings for camera features including, but not limited to, a lens, a sonar detection device, a viewfinder and a photocell. Light emitted from the built in electronic flash is physically blocked from being cast upon the scene. A more basic version of the inventive camera accessory does not require the camera feature openings.

Abstract: A camera back for sequentially exposing two spatially separate images on regular or self-developing film adapted for a variety of single lens cameras. The camera back includes an adapter plate disposed between the camera and a film back wherein a dark slide is movable by the force of gravity between two positions in the adapter plate, by rotating the adapter plate 180 degrees, thereby blocking a lower half of the film from the exposing radiation. The dark slide is moved exclusively by its own weight, thereby making complicated levers and light-tight feedthroughs unnecessary.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for exposing multilayered thermal imaging by proper optimization of the exposing radiation angle of incidence of a coherent radiation source to eliminate "cloud" or "woodgrain" artifacts stemming from local differences in printing efficiency across a sheet of the multilayered imaging media. A media is mounted to an exposure surface and exposed with a scanning coherent Gaussian laser beam at an angle other than normal incidence. The angle of incidence of the exposing beam is intentionally made large enough so that all rays with high reflectance loss are paired with equally many with low reflectance loss to increase printing efficiency. This efficiency occurs over a range of angles between 21 and 25 degrees, with some benefit beginning at 16 degrees.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laminating a protective overcoat carried on a web to an image carrying medium is particularly useful for covering an image carrying medium having a large area. A hot roller and an actively cooled cold roller form a nip through which the web and image carrying medium advance in a juxtaposed relationship. A temperature differential is created across the layers of the web and medium to promote adhesion between the surface of the protective overcoat and the image while preventing lamination artifacts such as curling and rippling. Postwrap and prewrap angles are used to enhance control of artifacts and assist in post lamination separation of the overcoated image carrying medium from residual web material.

Abstract: The present invention is useful in taking images for identification and other purposes without the requirement of a photobooth, regardless of the background of the image. The original background of the image is replaced with a preselected background. Two IR images with different intensities of IR illumination in the foreground and background regions of the scene, respectively, are compared for light intensity differences between corresponding pixels of the two images to form a mask differentiating between the foreground and background regions of the image. The mask is then applied to a visible light image of the scene and the preselected background is used to replace the original background.

Abstract: An accurate digital representation of a color photograph can be obtained by proper registration of blue, green, and red images taken from a black-and-white photographic film having a unique structure including an antiabrasion layer, a first silver halide emulsion layer with silver grains which are sensitive to blue light, a filter layer being transmissive to a band of wavelengths corresponding to a given color other than blue, a timing layer for delaying penetration of processing fluids, a second silver halide emulsion layer with silver grains which are sensitive to the given color, and a base. The film excludes image dyes, dye developers or dye forming materials. The film also excludes components for emitting electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength different than a received wavelength.

Abstract: In an electronic image printing apparatus of the type in which a light sensitive image recording layer is exposed by a light beam, an apparatus is provided for determining and controlling the position of the light beam which comprises one or two alternating pluralities of diffraction grating patterns disposed in a corresponding relationship with at least a portion of the light sensitive image recording layer to produce a diffraction grid which when irradiated by the light beam provides a diffracted beam which is representative of the position of the light beam on the diffraction grid. The position of the diffracted beam is detected to provide the requisite signal for controlling the position of the light beam.

Abstract: A method for processing color mapping data includes the steps of performing a discrete cosine transform on color descriptors resulting in a set of corresponding discrete cosine transform (DCT) coefficients. Selected discrete cosine transform coefficients are set to zero in order to produce a revised set of coefficients including a compressed smaller set of coefficients. The smaller set is more readily manipulated and facilitates interpolation. In one embodiment an inverse DCT is performed on the revised set of coefficients to produce a revised map in color space including a revised set of corresponding device dependent color descriptors. Discrete standard color descriptors are interpolated in the revised map by linear interpolation. In another embodiment of the invention, interpolation is included within an inverse cosine continuous transform (ICCT) of the revised set of coefficients employing an ICCT interpolator.

Abstract: Variable power eyeglasses of many shapes can be manufactured having a frame, a pair of lens assemblies and a linear actuation mechanism. Each lens assembly includes: a rigid substrate; a membrane support spaced from the rigid substrate; a flexible seal extending between the rigid substrate and the membrane support, where the flexible seal acts as a hinge at a first section and acts as a spring by allowing relative motion between the rigid substrate and the membrane support at a second section; a transparent elastomeric membrane sealed around a periphery to the membrane support; and a transparent liquid filling the space between the rigid substrate and the membrane forming a liquid lens. The linear actuation mechanism causes relative motion between the membrane and the rigid substrate so that both optical and prismatic power of the liquid lens changes by varying a force applied to the flexible sealing means at the second section.

Abstract: A preferred position detection system for accurate one-dimensional operation is realized using a diffractive encoder which provides two digital output signals 90.degree. out of phase. The two output signals correspond to relative movement between two objects. The diffractive encoder includes: a light source; a collimating lens; a mask; a diffractive grid; four photodetectors; and two comparators. Light from the light source is collimated through the collimating lens, selectively passed through the aperture in the mask, diffracted by the diffractive grid, sensed by the four photodetectors, then compared by the comparators to produce the two digital output signals which represent relative movement between the mask and the diffractive grid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for processing a set of image data points representing an image and being detected by a detector array having array elements wherein each array element is responsive to only one of a first or a second color.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus is disclosed for electronically sensing a negative and a positive in a novel integral film structure of the instant development type using light of different wavelengths so as to produce reflected light from the negative and the positive which are indicative of the luminance characteristics and the chrominance characteristics of the image. The novel integral film structure has a filter which allows the negative to be scanned. Specifically, the filter transmits incident infrared radiation to which silver halide emulsion layers are sensitive and blocks the transmission of radiation in the range of wavelengths to which the silver halide emulsion layers are sensitive.

Abstract: A photographic film image carrying element is housed in a cartridge having a strip wound around a spool in the cartridge, where the strip includes a leader protruding from the cartridge, the image carrying element, a leader barrier for physically and chemically separating the leader from the image carrying element, a first reagent laden web, a first barrier for physically and chemically separating the image carrying element from the first reagent laden web, a second reagent laden web, and a second barrier for physically and chemically separating the first reagent laden web from the second reagent laden web. The second reagent laden web is attached to the spool.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided which can control an intensity level of an exposing device so that a desired pixel density is consistently disposed on a correct location on an image recording medium. Specifically, within a printing apparatus, even channel circuitry controls the intensity level of the exposing device during exposure of even numbered pixels on the image recording medium and an odd channel circuitry controls the intensity level of the exposing device during the exposure of odd numbered pixels on the image recording medium.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus is disclosed for electronically sensing a negative and a positive in a novel integral film structure of the instant development type using light of different wavelengths so as to produce reflected light from the negative and the positive which are indicative of the luminance characteristics and the chrominance characteristics of the image. The novel integral film structure has a filter which allows the negative to be scanned. Specifically, the filter transmits incident radiation in the range of wavelengths other than a select range of wavelengths to which silver halide emulsion layers are sensitive and blocks the transmission of radiation in the range of wavelengths to which the silver halide emulsion layers are sensitive.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus improves the physical and electrical soldering bond between two electronic components by fluctuating the pressure of a non-oxidizing gas in a chamber which houses the two electronic components throughout a period when the solder has been made molten. This results in the solder effectively filling all crevices and grooves present on the surfaces being soldered. The method is particularly advantageous for soldering a ridge wave-guide laser diode P-side down to a heat sink to improve power capability, longevity and performance of the laser diode.

Abstract: A scanning system includes a scanner mirror driven in a substantially linear pivoting movement by a galvanometer excited with a substantially sawtooth current waveform, the mirror directing a pilot beam in a scanning movement along a photographic film located upon a diffraction grid which forms a part of a holder of the film. The film is transparent to the pilot beam, and is encircled by a frame defining a window for viewing the film. The grid is composed of a repeating sequence of groups of rulings oriented in different directions resulting in correspondingly different directions of the diffracted beam, upon illumination of the grid by the pilot beam. An array of detectors detects the direction of the diffracted beam, which is employed as a feedback signal to accurately locate the pilot beam, to provide fine position data of the pilot beam.