Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling data communication in a copying system which is provided with a copying machine and a plurality of peripheral units cooperating with the copying machine. The copying machine has a single serial transmitting port. Data from the copying machine is first transmitted to one of the peripheral units through the serial transmitting port. Then, a connection between the serial transmitting port and the one of the peripheral units is electrically switched to a connection between the serial transmitting port and the other of the peripheral units. Thereafter, data from the copying machine is transmitted to the other of the peripheral units through the same serial transmitting port.

Abstract: An automatic printing system includes an array of printing devices arranged along a direction in which the printing member is fed, each of printing devices having a positioning mechanism for positioning the printing member, a feeding device for feeding a printing member to each printing device, a delivery device for picking up the printing member from the feeding device and bringing the printing member into engagement with the positioning mechanism, and a discharging device for discharging the printing member, which has been exposed by the printing device, from the printing device. the automatic printing system further includes a supplying device for storing printing members of different sizes and selectively supplying the printing members one at a time, a punching device for forming a positioning opening in the printing member supplied by the supplying device, and an automatic developing device for developing the printing member which has been exposed by the printing device.

Abstract: An image projection apparatus including a projection lens system projecting an image of a transparent original onto an image receiving surface with a variable magnification and an illumination system illuminating the original. The projection lens system includes a plurality of projection lenses of different magnifications in an interchangeable manner or a zoom lens. The illumination system including a light source unit, a divergent lens unit and a convergent aspherical lens unit so that Kohler illumination can be realized in any magnification. A refracting power of the convergent aspherical lens unit becomes smaller than a spherical lens unit with an increase in a distance from an optical axis. The convergent aspherical lens unit may be includes a Fresnel lens.

Abstract: Apparatus for copying the images of selected frames on sections of exposed and developed roll films or of diapositives has a set of advancing rolls or a reciprocable pusher to move a film section or a diapositive from a discrete first portion of a first path into a second portion which terminates at the copying station, and thereupon from a first portion of a second path (such first portion is common to the second portion of the first path) into a discrete portion of the second path. A switching device is located at the junction of the first and second portions of the first path to prevent copied film sections or diapositives from reentering the first portion of the first path on their way away from the copying station. This renders it possible to introduce a fresh film section or a fresh diapositive into the first portion of the first path while a film section or a diapositive is located at the copying station or is on the way toward the discharge end of the second path.

Abstract: Heretofore multi-image photographic printers capable of making packages of different sized prints up to 11.times.14 inches, have had to incorporate a separate and complete set of objective lens arrays for each negative size to be printed. This discloses a multi-image printer which provides a large number of different sized negative apertures using only one or two sets of primary objective lens arrays in conjunction with multiple secondary optical components, these primary objectives and secondary components are each designed with a residual of aberrations of opposite nature, so that in combination these act to mutually correct each other.

Abstract: A device for aligning a flexible mask with a substrate when the substrate is mounted on a vacuum chuck member which includes a surround member surrounding the exposed surface of the substrate. The mask is held on a mask holder and the chuck member and mask holder are movable toward and away from each other. The surround member rests on a flexible element which effectively causes the surround member to float so that when the mask is brought into contact with the substrate, the mask always lies in the same plane as the exposed surface of the substrate and the exposed surface of the surround member and no distortion of the mask occurs.

Abstract: A device for holding a substrate includes a holding system for holding a substrate by attraction and a guard system for preventing dropping of the substrate held by the holding system, the guard system being out of contact with the substrate as the same is held by the holding system.

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 film-to-tape transfer apparatus suitable for transferring images from movie film, slide film, photograph and the like which includes a case body having a bottom plate therein, a rotary shaft rotatably installed on the bottom plate and having a manipulating knob mounted on the top portion thereof, a supporting member secured to the rotary shaft, a reflecting mirror attached to the supporting member, a glass screen unit provided on the rear side of the case body, a macro-lens provided on the left side of the case body, a fluorescent lamp installed at the right portion inside the case body, a transparent and pushing plate provided on the right side of the case body and slightly spaced with each other for receiving a photograph to be recorded, and a sound mixing unit for controlling the sound to be recorded on the video tape.

Abstract: A digital cue system for use with a motion picture projector permits activation of control functions in time synchronization with the passage through the projector of indicia or cues attached to the motion picture film. Each cue comprises one or more cue appliques arranged to form a digital code pattern which is detected to activate a control function associated therewith. In an exemplary embodiment, the cue appliques are metallic foils adhesively attached to the motion picture film. Passage of these appliques through the motion picture projector is detected by one or more non-contacting proximity detectors which generate signals indicative of the digital code patterns. Digital circuitry processes the signals output from the proximity detectors to determine the digital code corresponding to each pattern and a specific control function associated with that digital code is then activated.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a plurality of automatic sheet feeding portions and a manual sheet feeding portion in which recording papers are fed by the sheet supplying roller of one of the automatic sheet feeding portions wherein a warning of the presence of paper at the manual sheet feeding portion is controlled to inhibit copy operation for prevention of feeding the paper at the manual sheet feeding portion when a paper supply port is switched to the automatic sheet feeding portion whose feeding mechanism operates in conjunction with the manual sheet feeder portion and a paper sensor detects the paper at the manual sheet feeding portion.

Abstract: A dimensional transformation apparatus and related method for creating visual effects for use in live and prerecorded entertainment. The system engages an elastic projection screen with a three-dimensional object that corresponds to visual effects to be projected. By application of vacuum between the screen and the object, the screen is conformed in skintight relation to the features of the three dimensional object. An actuator, which includes a pneumatic piston, motivates the three-dimensional object to selectively engage and disengage the projection screen, and may be sequenced with projected animation corresponding to the three-dimensional object so as to create multi-dimensional special effects. A control mechanism, including a computer and timing system, digitally controls and sequences projection, dimensional transformation of the screen and background lighting and sound effects.

Abstract: A total photo-lab system for automatic printing processing, cutting, sorting and enveloping. Each of a plurality of films spliced into a film roll is provided with a label printed with a respective ID number bar code. The same ID number bar code is provided on a respective envelope. During printing, the ID number of each film set in a printing position is read out so as to record a punch code indicative of the same ID number on a photographic paper besides the first print frame made from that film. The printed film is reserved until the corresponding print frames have been processed. The ID number of the processed photographic paper is read and compared with the ID number of the reserved film. When these ID numbers are identical, the film is cut and inserted into a film sheath sheet, whereas the photographic paper is cut into individual prints, and are sorted into each set of prints belonging to the same film.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a color proof. An original loading portion having a loading opening provided for loading the original is disposed side by side at an exposure portion so that a carriage may be substantially horizontally moved between the exposure position of the exposure portion and the copy exchange position of corresponding to the loading opening. When the original is exchanged and recharged, the loading opening is open by a lid member and when the carriage is positioned to the copy exchange position, the original is placed. Since the exposure portion and the like are not disposed upwardly of the original loading portion, the exposure unit and the like are not mounted with the result that the lid member can be made compact and lightweight while exchange of the original can be eased. In addition, the carriage is not withdrawn into the working space allowed for the operators.

Abstract: An automatically controlled film packaging system which is capable of exposing necessary data as a latent image onto the edges of pre-used film according to the input signal of a unit length required for the merchandise cutting the film into the unit length and taking the film up on a selected patrone, comprising a center processing unit which controls the system automatically when the unit length required is shifted, without any manual re-setting but only by inputting a new unit length of the film required for the merchandise to be produced.

Abstract: A method of contact printing comprising the steps of supporting a film and an original in superposed relationship. A vacuum is progressively applied to the superposed film and original from a first edge to an opposite edge thereof to hold them in substantially intimate contact while simultaneously moving a source of collimated light over the surface of the superposed film and original and exposing the film through the cover sheet and the original.

Abstract: A signal conditioner is provided for the output of a digital sound source in a dual digital/analog motion picture theater sound system so that the digitally derived audio signal emulates the analog sound track signal. This allows the digital source to be easily integrated into the overall sound system, without displacing the existing analog sound track system. The theater sound playback mechanism is provided with the conditioned audio signal when the digital sound source is actuated, and receives the analog sound track signal at other times. The conditioning circuit includes an adjustable impedance to match the current from the digital sound source to the current from the analog sound track reader, a high frequency variable signal adjuster that is complimentary to a high frequency emphasis built into the theater playback system, and an optional subwoof output.

Abstract: A method of creating motion picture film reduces strobing effect and increases resolution and density. Images are recorded on a first frame of the film from two frames viewed by the camera. These will be superimposed at equal exposure rates. Each frame of the processed film will have double exposures. The procedure may to be performed with photographic film and also with video tape.

Abstract: A film editing table includes a light source mounted away from the editor's sitting position, with a light guide transmitting the light to the film editing table's optics to produce images on the table's rear projection screen with a brightness and color temperature substantially the same as the images displayed in commercial theatres such that accurate color judgments can be made for animation film. The editing table can also be used to edit dailies of live action motion picture films. The light source is preferably a Xenon light source and the light guide is preferably a liquid light guide. The end of the guide from which the light emanates is movable along three axes, producing the brightest image possible.

Abstract: A reflecting device includes a reflection surface for reflecting light inputted thereto from a predetermined direction; and a driving mechanism for moving the reflection surface without causing a change in a direction of reflection and a position of reflection of the inputted light.