Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for capturing photographic images from film using a digital camera and encoding image information as digital data to facilitate editing and printing of finished photographs. The apparatus includes a film transport, an optical stage, sensors for detecting the position and identification marks on individual frames of the film, a digital camera and a computer system for controlling the apparatus and manipulating image and editing data. A feature of the invention is an articulating digital camera which is movable in relation to the optical stage of the device. The camera is positioned, under computer control, in the Y, Z and rotation (R) axis in relation to the images on the film. This permits a broad range of editing tasks to be performed in conjunction with the capture and storage of the digital images created by the device.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for capturing photographic images from film using a digital camera and encoding image information as digital data to facilitate editing and printing of finished photographs. The apparatus includes a film transport, an optical stage, sensors for detecting the position and identification marks on individual frames of the film, a digital camera and a computer system for controlling the apparatus and manipulating image and editing data. A feature of the invention is an articulating digital camera which is movable in relation to the optical stage of the device. The camera is positioned, under computer control, in the Y, Z and rotation (R) axis in relation to the images on the film. This permits a broad range of editing tasks to be performed in conjunction with the capture and storage of the digital images created by the device.

Abstract: The invention is a method of editing, storing and using digital photographic images for the purpose of producing finished collections of photographs. In the inventive method, digitized photographic images are first combined with editing information, and that combination is utilized by the originating photographer to prepare the finished photographs. The originating photographer also provides instructions for further editing, collating, masking and grouping the photographs for presentation and sale over a network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for capturing photographic images from film using a digital camera and encoding image information as digital data to facilitate editing and printing of finished photographs. The apparatus includes a film transport, an optical stage, sensors for detecting the position and identification marks on individual frames of the film, a digital camera and a computer system for controlling the apparatus and manipulating image and editing data. A feature of the invention is an articulating digital camera which is movable in relation to the optical stage of the device. The camera is positioned, under computer control, in the Y, Z and rotation (R) axis in relation to the images on the film. This permits a broad range of editing tasks to be performed in conjunction with the capture and storage of the digital images created by the device.

Abstract: A photographic printer including a lamp, a film transport positioned over the lamp and coacting with the lamp to define an optical axis, a photographic paper drive positioned over the film transport, and a lens deck positioned between the film transport and the photographic paper drive. The lens deck comprises a plurality of lens carriages mounted at respective levels on the optical axis for linear movement in parallel directions generally normal to the optical axis. A plurality of laterally spaced lens assemblies are positioned on each carriage at different levels with respect to the optical axis. The various carriages are selectively moved along their respective linear paths to bring a lens assembly corresponding to a particular film size and a particular print size into alignment with the optical axis.

Abstract: A film drive mechanism for varying the size and configuration of an aperture in a riser block of a photographic printer. The aperture is defined by a plurality of plates positioned in surrounding relation to the aperture and having tongue and groove edges slidably abutting tongue and groove edges of adjacent plates. A stepper motor is provided in association with each plate to individually power the plate in an X or Y direction with the plate being free to move in its unpowered direction. The size and configuration of the aperture is adjusted by individual adjustment of the plates utilizing the individual stepper motors with the individual movement of each plate constituting powered movement in a first direction accompanied by unpowered yielding movement of an adjacent plate against which the powered plate pushes.

Abstract: A film drive mechanism for positioning film relative to an aperture in a riser block of a photographic printer. The mechanism provides the usual ability to adjust each frame of film in the X axis paralleling the direction of film movement, adjust each frame in the Y axis transverse to the direction of film movement, crop each frame by selectively varying the size and configuration of the riser block aperture, and selectively move each frame between portrait and landscape formats. Additionally, a mechanism is provided to rotate each frame of film relative to the aperture in the riser block so as to correct for exposures made with cameras that are not level.

Abstract: A methodology for handling photographic film in which a video image of each frame of film is acquired on a diskette as the frames are originally being processed in the photographic laboratory, the diskette is transmitted to the photographer's studio, along with the proof prints, for viewing by the photographer/subject, the photographer/subject makes further desired corrections or adjustments of each frame by viewing the video image of each frame on a computer monitor, the further corrections or adjustments are recorded on the diskette for each frame, and the revised diskette is returned to the photographic laboratory where it is used in conjunction with the film to produce final photographic prints. The final photographic prints thus graphically and objectively reflect the precise desires of the photographer/subject.

Abstract: A lamphouse for use with a photographic printer for controlling the exposure time of the additive primary colors in the lamphouse and thereby controlling the time of exposure of the light sensitive color print paper. The lamphouse includes a housing adapted to be positioned on the printer proximate the optical stage of the printer and defining a mixing chamber for directing light to the optical stage and a light generating assembly for delivering light to the mixing chamber. The light generating assembly is constructed as a plurality of structurally distinct modular subassemblies and the housing includes parallel side by side tracks to individually slidably receive each modular subassembly. Each modular subassembly is positioned in the housing and removed from the housing by sliding the modular subassembly along the respective track in the housing.

Abstract: A film tabbing apparatus and methodology for processing supply of photographic film including single frame chips and multiple frame strips. The chips and strips are moved along a linear feed path in a single file through the apparatus, a tabbing tape is moved along the linear feed path with the longitudinal edge of the tape positioned approximate an adjacent longitudinal edge of the film file, the proximate longitudinal edges of the tape and the film file are secured together utilizing adhesive tape, and a coded indicium is provided on the tape corresponding to each frame of the film file. The adhesive tape may be applied in an overlying relation to the seam between the film file and the paper tabbing tape, in an underlying relation to the seam, or tapes may be applied simultaneously in an overlying and an underlying relation to the seam. A human readable indicium is also provided on the tape corresponding to each frame of the film file.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved device for transporting photographic negatives mounted on carrying cards to the optical stage of a photographic printer. A storage bin houses a plurality of the carrying cards prior to being transported to the optical stage of the printer. A first vacuum member releasably engages one of the carrying cards and transports that carrying card to a predetermined intermediate location. A second vacuum member operates to transport the carrying card between the intermediate position and the optical stage of the photographic printer. A third vacuum member operates to transport the carrying card from the predetermined intermediate position to a discharge bin. A secondary carrying card transport assembly is adapted to transport at least one carrying card having a secondary photographic negative mounted thereon to the same predetermined location to simultaneously transport multiple negatives to the optical stage of the printer.

Abstract: A photographic process for institutional groups in which several exposures are taken of each subject in the group. After the film is developed, the negatives are printed in proof form on a single sheet of proof paper and an order form is simultaneously printed on the same sheet of proof paper to create a combined print and order form. The combined print and order form is delivered to the subject with an envelope including information with respect to packages symbolically identified on the order form, the subject marks the order form to indicate the packages desired for each proof print, the subject returns the marked combined print and order form with payment in the envelope to the photographic lab and the photographic lab, produces final photographic prints from the order information contained on the combined print and order form.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the edge of an individual frame of photographic film on a strip of photographic film being moved along a photographic film transport path. A plurality of light sensors are positioned in a substantially linear array substantially perpendicular to and on one side of the path and a light is shined through the film toward the array of light sensors as the strip passes along the path. By sensing the level of illumination incident upon each of the sensors and comparing the level of illumination incident thereon with a predetermined level corresponding to a known degree of opacity associated with the interframe border between individual frames on the film, the presence of a film edge can be determined when the level of illumination associated with a predetermined number of tile sensors corresponds to a degree of opacity at least as great as the predetermined level.

Abstract: A film drive mechanism for positioning film relative to the optical stage of a commercial printer. The mechanism includes a film drive assembly and a mount base assembly. The film drive assembly includes an elongated frame member, a feed spool mounted on one end of the frame member, a takeup spool mounted on the other end of the frame member, and guide means for moving the film between the spools along a longitudinal feed path. The film drive assembly is mounted for lateral movement on the mount base assembly. The film drive assembly is adjusted on the mount base assembly for a particular width of film by a selector knob positioned on a selector shaft carried by the film drive unit and including a plurality of tabs selectively coacting with a detent in a guide shaft carried by the mount base.

Abstract: A film analyzer apparatus wherein a plurality of strips of developed film are spliced together to form a roll, the roll is positioned on a feed reel, and the film is moved progressively through the apparatus past a scanning station in which the size of the film, the size of the exposure and its orientation is analyzed; thereafter past a cropping station where the film is composed by adjusting its position relative to a cropping template; thereafter past a color analyzer station where the film is adjusted for color balance and density balance; thereafter past a punching station where a unique binary code is punched into the edge of the film so as to identify each frame of the film with the particular database information associated with that frame; and thereafter onto a takeup reel to form an analyzed film roll which is thereafter fed to an automatic printer which prints each frame in accordance with the database information provided to the printer for that frame.

Abstract: The invention is a method for controlling automated photographic equipment, for example, printers, color analyzers, film cutters and film baggers. Machine readable data is permanently imprinted on photographic negatives. Included in this data is discreet identifying information for a single photographic negative frame. A data base is separately created, with each record correlating to the individual photographic negative. The combined information from the photographic negative and the data base are used to operate a variety of automated photographic printing equipment, via a computer network.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved device for transporting photographic negatives mounted on carrying cards to the optical stage of a photographic printer. A storage bin houses a plurality of the carrying cards prior to being transported to the optical stage of the printer. A first vacuum member releasably engages one of the carrying cards and transports that carrying card to a predetermined intermediate location. A second vacuum member operates to transport the carrying card between the intermediate position and the optical stage of the photographic printer. A third vacuum member operates to transport the carrying card from the predetermined intermediate position to a discharge bin. A secondary carrying card transport assembly is adapted to transport at least one carrying card having a secondary photographic negative mounted thereon to the same predetermined location to simultaneously transport multiple negatives to the optical stage of the printer.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a film drive unit used with photographic film printers. A mount base having a central aperture is adapted to be secured proximate the optical stage of a photographic printer. A pair of substantially parallel rails are attached to the mount base and oriented so as to lie substantially in the plane of the mount base. A pair of carrier blocks having upwardly projecting cradle portions are mounted for sliding movement on respective rails. An outwardly projecting keeper shaft is secured to the mount base and has a pair of keeper pins adapted to extend away from the shaft. A brace member supports a film drive assembly proximate the central aperture and has a pair of pins positioned on opposite sides so as to engage the cradle portions of corresponding carrier blocks. At least one spring-biased retaining element is disposed in the cradle portion of each carrier block.

Abstract: The invention is an improved spindle for guiding photographic film, paper and similar flexible materials subject to handling and transport in long rolls. The spindle is constructed of lightweight material, and features two pairs of curved shoulders, each of specific radius. The first shoulder supports the transported materials at opposing edges, and spaces the material away from the central portion of the spindle. The second shoulder protects the edge of the material, centers the material on the spindle, and guides the material to a centered position on the spindle in the event the material becomes inadvertently mis-centered.

Abstract: A methodology for handling photographic film in which a video image of each frame of film is acquired on a diskette as the frames are originally being processed in the photographic laboratory, the diskette is transmitted to the photographer's studio, along with the proof prints, for viewing by the photographer/subject, the photographer/subject makes further desired corrections or adjustments of each frame by viewing the video image of each frame on a computer monitor, the farther corrections or adjustments are recorded on the diskette for each frame, and the revised diskette is returned to the photographic laboratory where it is used in conjunction with the film to produce final photographic prints. The final photographic prints thus graphically and objectively reflect the precise desires of the photographer/subject.