Abstract: Non-contacting caliper measurements of free standing sheets such as porous polymer and paper detect mid-IR interferometric fringes created by the reflection of light from the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet. The technique includes directing a laser beam at a selected angle of incidence onto a single spot on the exposed outer surface wherein the laser beam comprises radiation having a wavelength in the 3-50 micron range and scanning the laser beam through a selected angle range as the laser beam is directed onto the exposed outer surface and measuring the intensity of an interference pattern that forms from the superposition of radiation that is reflected From the exposed outer surface and from the inner surface. Thickness can be extracted from the fringe separation in the interference pattern. Rotating and focusing elements ensure that the spot position on the sheet remains the same while varying the incident angle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operator intervention in a document processing system are disclosed. One possible method includes capturing images of documents within a document processing system. The method further includes executing computerized analysis of the images to establish an acceptability determination regarding the images. The method further includes manually reviewing the computer analysis of the images to confirm or override the acceptability determination.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and laser-computer graphics systems for producing images such as portraits and 3-D sculptures formed from laser light created etch points inside an optically transparent material are disclosed. One or more embodiments of the invention comprise a method and system for simultaneously producing one or more etch points in first and second objects. In accordance with a method, a main beam is split into first and second beams, each beam having an energy level greater than that necessary to cause a breakdown in the material comprising the first and second objects. The first and second beams are directed at focal points within the first and second objects, generating etch points simultaneously therein. One or more embodiments of the invention comprise methods and systems for generating images in first and second objects. In one or more embodiments, the images are comprised of etch points having multiple gray shades and/or of etch points having iridescent qualities.

Abstract: A dental x-ray film viewing device includes a film reader having a digital video camera and an image display screen connected to the video camera for displaying an enlarged digital image of the x-ray film using signals transmitted directly from the video camera. The film reader includes a film illumination station that has a back-lighted film seat. The film seat includes a translucent plate and a non-transparent film anchoring wafer having an opening complimentary to the x-ray film for seating the x-ray film, and blocking light in an area surrounding the x-ray film. The film reader has a video camera having lens thereof focusing on the film window, and the lens has a distortion at the full field less than 3%. The device provides a substantially enlarged high resolution and high contrast digital image as an accurate representation of the original x-ray film, without digital processing by a computer.

Abstract: An electronic image evaluating device includes at least one area sensor that is provided with a plurality of photosensitive pixels. Each of these pixels will emit an electric output signal in response to the light input signal that it receives. The intensity of the electric output signal correlates with the light input signal. This electric output signal is evaluated in an evaluation unit as image information. The pixels of the area sensor can be controlled and evaluated individually, or in groups. Any sector of the maximum monitorable scanning area can be selectively evaluated.

Abstract: A film scanner is configured with a broadband irradiation source and a film carrier. The film carrier has at least one light passage for a visible spectral channel, and the light passage is oriented to at least one photosensitive photodetector. The photosensitive photodetector is arranged in a housing, and the film carrier is connected to the housing.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus has an image reading unit which photoelectrically reads an image recorded on a film; a detecting unit which detects an image defect caused by a foreign particle deposited on the film and a flaw of the film using image data read with the image reading unit; a display unit which displays the image read with the image reading unit and the image defect detected by the detecting unit; an instruction unit which instructs at least one of the image defect to be processed automatically and the image defect to be processed manually; a processing unit which automatically processes the image defect that are instructed to be corrected automatically; and a correcting unit which manually corrects the remaining image defects.

Abstract: An apparatus that mounts on a standard dental x-ray film view box, and holds a moveable camera chassis with a high resolution CCD video board camera therein, is disclosed. The advantage of this invention is that users will be able to quickly, easily, and inexpensively convert a standard dental x-ray viewer into analog and/or digital x-ray image viewing systems, utilizing computer or video monitors. The camera chassis with CCD video board camera is mounted on tracks set on a line disposed to be parallel to both the X-axis and Y-axis of the plane of the translucent viewing plate of a standard dental x-ray viewer. The CCD video camera can slide over a target x-ray film placed thereon, for selective viewing on a video monitor or computer monitor. Additionally, the CCD video camera mechanism can be rotated up and away from the x-ray film set, which allows the dentist to visually scan the entire x-ray film set without visual obstruction.

Abstract: The image reading apparatus for photoelectrically reading an original image includes an image reading device and a detection device. The image reading device has first reading unit for reading a visible image carried by the original image and a second reading unit for reading a reference image in a wavelength different from that used to read the visible image. The detection device acquires correlative pixel distribution information between a visible image signal and a reference image signal using the visible image and the reference image having been read by the image reading device and detects an image defect caused by a foreign particle deposited on the original image and a flaw of an original using the information. The apparatus can detect the image defect of the film with pinpoint accuracy without erroneous detection without depending upon a type of the film and a state of the image, and output in excellent productivity an image of high quality whose image defect has been preferably corrected.

Abstract: A reading apparatus comprises a plurality of sensor modules having different resolutions. The sensor modules are arranged in a main scanning direction on a read surface to be used for different purposes of inspecting or identifying.

Abstract: An image can be read during main scanning under an optimized image reading condition even if dust is attached to a document such as a photographic film or the like, or if there are scratches. A scanner irradiates visible light and infrared light from a light source, and an image of the document is separated into infrared and visible components. These components are detected for pixels of the image by an image sensor. A controller, e.g., of the scanner recognizes defective pixels based on the infrared component. Furthermore, the controller corrects a visible component level in the defective pixel based on the infrared component level of the defective pixel and a reference level obtained where there is no defect, in order to create a histogram. The controller determines image reading conditions such as, for example, an exposure amount (exposure time) for use during main scanning and an LUT gradation conversion characteristic based on this histogram.

Abstract: Radiation dose deposited on a radiochromic film is considered as a dose image. A precise image extraction system with commensurate capabilities is required to measure the transmittance of the dose image and correlate it with radiation dose. The disclosed microdensitometer system is designed to achieve this goal according to the unique characteristics of the radiochromic films, namely (a) the linearity and sensitivity of the dose response of the radiochromic films being highly dependent on the wavelength of the analyzing light and (b) the inherently high spatial resolution of the radiocbromic films. The disclosed microdensitometer system consists of a monochromator which provides analyzing light of variable wavelength, a film holder on a high-precision scanning stage, a CCD-dedicated microscope in conjunction with a thermoelectrically cooled CCD camera, corresponding computer interfaces and a microcomputer.

Abstract: In an inspection device, an inspection light projector and an auxiliary light emitter respectively project an inspection light and auxiliary light onto a position of a filmstrip. After transmitting the filmstrip, the inspection light is received by a defect detector. When receiving the inspection light, the defect detector generates a data signal and sends it to a controller. In the controller, a threshold of a level of the data signal is memorized, and the level of the data signal is compared with the threshold. If the level of the data signal becomes under the threshold, the controller determines that the filmstrip has a coloring defect. Further, if there is a dust on the filmstrip, the level of the data signal becomes higher. Because the auxiliary light is diffused by the dust, and a part of the auxiliary light is received by the defect detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a film holding apparatus for the holding of an intermittently transmitted motion picture film. The film holding apparatus has a film track for the guiding of the motion picture film and a registration device which can be moved from a release position into an engagement position. In the engagement position, the registration device engages into the transport plane of the motion picture film to fix a motion picture film guided in the film track in an exact position. At least one alternative position can be selected alternatively to a reference position for the engagement of the registration device into the film transport plane.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method for locating an unexposed region of film. The method includes the step of illuminating film with a light source while the film has developing chemical applied thereto, the film comprising at least two edges along an x direction perpendicular to a y direction parallel to a surface of the film. The method also includes the step of identifying an unexposed region of the film as a region containing ones of a first plurality of columns of the film, the columns disposed generally in the y direction and captured using at least one sensor operable to capture light reflected from the film, and wherein a representative value for each of the ones of first plurality of columns exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus has an optical lens system and a color image sensing device. The optical lens system forms an image on the color image sensing device by means of light from an illuminated subject. The color image sensing device is a charge coupled device which has a plurality of pixels. The apparatus fulfills the conditions: 1.5×p×FNo.<|LBg−LBe|<5.0×p×FNo. 1.5×p×FNo.<|LBc−LBe|<5.0×p×FNo. where p is a predetermined pitch of a photoelectrically converted pixel of said color image sensing device, LBe is a paraxial back Ad focal length of an e-line (546.07 nm in wavelength), LBg is a paraxial back focal length of a g-line (435.84 nm in wavelength), LBc is a paraxial back focal length of a C-line (656.28 nm in wavelength), and FNo. is an F-number of said optical lens.

Abstract: A film scanner useful in a digital printing system. A first light source projects light onto film which holds an original image. A scanner registers an image corresponding to the original image by scanning light transmitted through the film. Insufficient light quantity caused by irregularities in the surface of the film is compensated. The compensation is preferably provided in a domain on a side of the film opposite the scanner. The compensation may be provided by a second light source having a plurality of light emitters having different respective spectral characteristics. Light quantity of the second light source is adjustable. Preferably the light emitters of the first light source have directivity in a plurality of directions intersecting with a light axis from the first light source to the scanner and the directivity of the light emitters is adjustable.

Abstract: In the present invention, an image print mask 12H is photographed from a side across a light source 13 when the image print mask 12H for adjusting light so that a film is irradiated with the light is irradiated with the light, a luminance signal of the image print mask 12H is detected based on the photographed image on the image print mask 12H to create a luminance level waveform pattern 113A or 113B according to the luminance signal, and the luminance level waveform pattern 113A or 113B is displayed as the quantity-of-light unevenness of the light with which the image print mask 12H is irradiated, so that the luminance level waveform pattern 113A or 113Ba can make the user visually recognize the state of quantity-of-light unevenness of the light with which the image print mask 12H is irradiated.

Abstract: An image reading method and apparatus allow reading light to be incident on a film to obtain projected light and read the thus obtained projected light photoelectrically to perform reading of an image recorded on the film. In the method and apparatus, at least one of a scratch and a foreign matter on the film is detected based on two respective reading results obtained using types of reading light in different states of diffusion such as a parallel light and a perfectly diffused light from two light sources, respectively. The method and apparatus are capable of surely detecting a scratch on the film, or dirt or foreign matter adhered to the film and correcting it as required, whereupon high-quality images having no image deterioration due to the scratch, the dirt or foreign matter can be reproduced in a consistent manner.

Abstract: An imaging recording method and an apparatus for its implementation, including applying a light to an image to produce imaged light, passing the imaged light through a filter unit to provide filtered light, and recording the filtered light on an optical detector to produce a recorded image. The filter unit includes a first filter and a second filter. The first filter is polarization selective and the second filter is wavelength selective.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus having a visible light source for emitting visible light, an invisible light source for emitting invisible light, an imaging optical system for irradiating a document by these light sources to form optical images of the document, and a CCD for photoelectrically converting the optical images Of the document turns on the visible light source to acquire a visible light image signal by the CCD. Then, the apparatus turns on the invisible light source to acquire an invisible light image signal by the CCD. After the invisible light image signal is acquired, the apparatus turns off the invisible light source, and turns on the visible light source regardless of whether to read the document.

Abstract: When color image information including silver image information is photoelectrically read, the deterioration of image quality caused by a silver image is corrected to thereby obtain a high-quality image. In an image reading apparatus 100 for reading an image on a color silver salt photosensitive material in which silver halide and/or developing silver remains, there are provided: a CCD 113 for photoelectrically reading the image on the photosensitive material F in accordance with the spectral sensitivity of the photosensitive material F; and a color correcting portion 121 for correcting the deterioration of image quality caused by silver halide and/or developing silver for each of the color outputs of the CCD 113.

Abstract: In an image processing device which carries out processing for detecting and correcting defective portions of an image, it is possible to pre-emptively prevent the defective portion detecting and correcting processing from causing a deterioration in image quality or an excessive processing requiring time requirement. In cases in which a film type of a photographic film on which the image is recorded is a film type known to have a characteristic that an IR image is also formed at a time of image exposure and recording, and in cases in which a density distribution width of IR data is a predetermined value or more, defect detection-correction processing is cancelled. Further, in cases in which a non-image region is included in the image, either defect detection-correction is carried out only on regions other than the non-image region, or defective portion detection-correction is cancelled.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for processing visible image information and invisible image information obtained from visible light and invisible light directed onto an original and from the original onto an image pick-up element via a focusing optical system. The image processing apparatus includes an infrared light source, a visible light source, a focus correction unit that corrects the focus of the images when the images are formed on the image pick-up element and acquired, and a signal processor that corrects a partial magnification difference between the visible image and the infrared image.

Abstract: In the present invention, an image print mask 12H is photographed from a side across a light source 13 when the image print mask 12H for adjusting light so that a film is irradiated with the light is irradiated with the light, a luminance signal of the image print mask 12H is detected based on the photographed image on the image print mask 12H to create a luminance level waveform pattern 113A or 113B according to the luminance signal, and the luminance level waveform pattern 113A or 113B is displayed as the quantity-of-light unevenness of the light with which the image print mask 12H is irradiated, so that the luminance level waveform pattern 113A or 113Ba can make the user visually recognize the state of quantity-of-light unevenness of the light with which the image print mask 12H is irradiated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of providing a self-contained processor having a luminescent testing material capable of generating a read-out signal in response to contact with a reagent of interest in a test sample. In an alternate aspect, the present invention also provides a portable and self-contained diagnostic assay system for detecting and recording the presence of a luminescent signal generated by a reaction between a luminescent testing material and a reagent in a test sample on a self-developing film assemblage.

Abstract: A color scanning system is provided for scanning an image, the scanner comprising means for scanning the image with light; means for splitting light transmitted from the image, including both directly transmitted light and light scattered as a result of imperfections in or on the image, into a plurality of spectral components; means for directing the spectral components to respective photoresponsive devices; and means for filtering the split components of the light before reception by the photoresponsive devices; wherein a first band pass filtering system is provided to filter the directly transmitted light and a second band pass filtering system is provided to filter the scattered light, the characteristics of the first and second band pass filtering systems being different and such that the intensities of the direct and scattered light received by each photoresponsive device will be balanced so as to reduce or eliminate the effects of imperfections in or on the image.

Abstract: A processed sheet of photographic film is guided into a channel of scanning equipment in which it is subjected to light from an elongate fluorescent tube. Light transmitted through the film is detected by a sensing arrangement in the form of an elongate solar cell strip. The strip is scored so as to divide it into 3 small subsidiary sensors and four longer sensors. All seven sensors form the main light sensor. As the leading edge of the film, which is assumed to be of uniform light density, enters the channel and totally obscures at least one of the subsidiary sensors, that sensor measures the transmittance of the film. This value, together with the reduction in light sensed by the main sensor, is then used to determine the width of the film. The film width is combined with the separately computed film length, to provide a signal used to control the amount of replenishment chemicals to be supplied to a photoprocessor.