Abstract: A method of preparing a roll of film for development. The method involves inspecting the film for defects and imperfections as the film is unwound from a magazine. A method of preparing a roll of film for development and developing the film is also disclosed. The development of the film involves conveying the film to a development station and controlling a temperature of the development station.

Abstract: A digital film processing system and film processing solution cartridge are disclosed. The cartridge comprises a housing and a chamber for storing a film processing fluid. The processing solution may be contained within a flexible bladder within the chamber. The cartridge may also include an integral applicator for coating the processing solution onto undeveloped film. The cartridge is generally removeably attached to the film processing system, but may also be refillable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus and system that pre-scans and pre-treats film for improved digital film processing. The apparatus for use with the invention includes, generally, a sensor for detecting one or more imperfections on the film and a microprocessor connected to the sensor that determines the amount and extent of imperfections of the film based on one or more reference readings. The present invention may also include a tape dispenser, cleaning rollers, a blower or vacuum to remove and/or correct any imperfections in the film. One embodiment includes a cleaning system for a particle removal member which removes particles from film. The cleaning system is relatively movable and selectively contactable with the particle removal member to clean particles from the particle removal member.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a system for digital dye color film processing. In one embodiment, a developer station applies a processing solution to film to initiate development of metallic silver grains and at least one dye image within the film. A scanning system illuminates the coated film with light having at least one frequency within the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The light interacts with the silver and at least one dye image within the film. The scanning station measures the light from the film and produces sensor data that is communicated to a data processing system. The data processing system processes the sensor data to produce a digital image. The digital image can then be output to an output device, such as a printer, monitor, memory device, and the like.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a system for digital dye color film processing. In one embodiment, a developer station applies a processing solution to film to initiate development of metallic silver grains and at least one dye image within the film. A scanning system illuminates the coated film with light having at least one frequency within the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The light interacts with the silver and at least one dye image within the film. The scanning station measures the light from the film and produces sensor data that is communicated to a data processing system. The data processing system processes the sensor data to produce a digital image. The digital image can then be output to an output device, such as a printer, monitor, memory device, and the like.

Abstract: A digital film processing system and film processing solution cartridge are disclosed. The cartridge comprises a housing and a chamber for storing a film processing fluid. The processing solution may be contained within a flexible bladder within the chamber. The cartridge may also include an integral applicator for coating the processing solution onto undeveloped film. The cartridge is generally removeably attached to the film processing system, but may also be refillable.

Abstract: A digital film processing system and film processing solution cartridge are disclosed. The cartridge comprises a housing and a chamber for storing a film processing fluid. The processing solution may be contained within a flexible bladder within the chamber. The cartridge may also include an integral applicator for coating the processing solution onto undeveloped film. The cartridge is generally removeably attached to the film processing system, but may also be refillable.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a system for digital dye color film processing. In one embodiment, a developer station applies a processing solution to film to initiate development of metallic silver grains and at least one dye image within the film. A scanning system illuminates the coated film with light having at least one frequency within the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The light interacts with the silver and at least one dye image within the film. The scanning station measures the light from the film and produces sensor data that is communicated to a data processing system. The data processing system processes the sensor data to produce a digital image. The digital image can then be output to an output device, such as a printer, monitor, memory device, and the like.

Abstract: Multiple widths of fluid may be extruded onto portions of material without requiring a complex reconfiguration of the system or replacing the extruding device. In at least one embodiment, various extrusion widths are provided by altering the angle at which materials are guided with respect to the extruding device along a lateral plane with the extruder. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for the manipulation of the position of the extruding device with respect to the material, or alternately, by manipulation of the position of the material with respect to the extruding device. Another embodiment provides a single extruder with multiple applicator heads of different sizes. An additional embodiment provides a single coater head with multiple applicator openings of different sizes. Yet another embodiment provides an extruding device capable of moving laterally over the material to achieve the proper angle of approach.

Abstract: A slot coater device is provided for applying a processing solution, such as developer, to film during film development. The slot coater includes a housing having an opening for dispensing the processing solution, a reservoir within the housing adapted to receive a predetermined amount of the processing solution, and a channel for delivering the processing solution from the reservoir to the opening.

Abstract: A digital film processing system is provided. Each scanning module in the system has a removable mounting panel to which the scanning and transportation components are secured. An opening or door can be provided between the modules to compensate for film buckling. The film can be tensioned during scanning for control over its position. Tape can be attached to side edges of the film, and the tape can be moved through the system, avoiding contact with the film. Also, a belt transport system can be utilized to contact the film (or attached tape) only on the lateral edges. The film may be threaded through the system by using a leader attached to the lead edge of the film. To transport the film and leader, a transport mechanism having a roller connecting a pair of sprockets may be used, and a single drive unit may be provided to pull the film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus and system that pre-scans and pre-treats film for improved digital film processing. The apparatus for use with the invention includes, generally, a sensor for detecting one or more imperfections on the film and a microprocessor connected to the sensor that determines the amount and extent of imperfections of the film based on one or more reference readings. The present invention may also include a tape dispenser, cleaning rollers, a blower or vacuum to remove and/or correct any imperfections in the film. One embodiment includes a cleaning system for a particle removal member which removes particles from film. The cleaning system is relatively movable and selectively contactable with the particle removal member to clean particles from the particle removal member.

Abstract: Multiple widths of fluid may be extruded onto portions of material without requiring a complex reconfiguration of the system or replacing the extruding device. In at least one embodiment, various extrusion widths are provided by altering the angle at which materials are guided with respect to the extruding device along a lateral plane with the extruder. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for the manipulation of the position of the extruding device with respect to the material, or alternately, by manipulation of the position of the material with respect to the extruding device. Another embodiment provides a single extruder with multiple applicator heads of different sizes. An additional embodiment provides a single coater head with multiple applicator openings of different sizes. Yet another embodiment provides an extruding device capable of moving laterally over the material to achieve the proper angle of approach.

Abstract: A scanner which includes a motor for driving a load and circuitry for providing a position error signal responsive to the difference between a predicted position of the load and the actual position of the load, preferably a mirror scanning a scene. The motor is driven in response to the position error signal. The position error signal is provided plural times during a single scanning of the scene. The circuitry for providing a position error signal includes a closed loop filter system for filtering the error signal to provide a filtered error signal, an adaptive filter system for operating on the filtered error signal to provide an adaptively filtered error signal and summing circuitry for summing signals indicative of the predicted position, the filtered error signal and the adaptively filtered error signal. The closed loop filter system includes, in series, at least one first order lead lag filter and a double integral plus proportional filter.