Multicolor Picture Patents (Class 355/32)
  • Patent number: 5721609
    Abstract: An intensity of light emitted from a lamp is passed through a mirror tunnel and is directed to a disk which comprises three, B, G, and R, color filters, each extending 120 degrees on the disk. Each of the B, G, and R modes of light, separated on the disk, is guided through the optical fiber bundle and is transmitted to the PLZT elements. A pattern of the PLZT elements, determined by a group of dots of exposure data to be printed, are energized by a given voltage in synchronization with the rotation of the disk 13, thus allowing a desired mode or wavelength of light to pass selectively and fall efficiently on the printing paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Noritsu Koko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masazumi Ishikawa, Tohru Tanibata
  • Patent number: 5719661
    Abstract: In an image reproducing apparatus, an image recorded on a negative film is subjected to optical measurement by an optical measuring device. The data obtained by the optical measurement is stored in a photometric data memory for each type of film which is judged by a DX code reader and a film type detecting device. In the apparatus, a difference in characteristics between a reference film and the negative film is calculated by a film characteristic difference calculating device, and the image characteristic amount of the image is calculated by an image characteristic amount calculating device. In a film type correction amount calculating device, a correction value is calculated based on the calculated difference in the film characteristics and the image characteristic amount to compensate for a decrease in the quality of the printed image due to the difference in the film characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takaaki Terashita
  • Patent number: 5719540
    Abstract: The improved method of determining the proper amount of exposure comprises the steps of reading the entire portion of an original image, calculating the characteristic quantities of a principal image in the original image, determining a particular density range from the calculated characteristic quantities of the principal image, extracting only the pixels in said particular density range from the entire portion of the original image to determine the characteristic quantities of the original image, and determining the proper amount of exposure from said characteristic quantities of the original image. When applied to various types of optical image forming apparatus such as copiers, printers and pictographic devices, the method can determine the proper amount of exposure by a simple scanning procedure even if the original to be duplicated is a negative film or other medium having density failure and it hence ensures the formation of the proper and high-quality image in a consistent manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Takaoka, Atsushi Takagi
  • Patent number: 5719660
    Abstract: An exposure apparatus has a color shifter disk which comprises blue, green and red color filters, formed by dividing the disk into three sectors, and a light shielding member arranged for moving into and out from the light path in synchronization with the rotating movement of the color shifter disk. The light shielding member advances into the light path to interrupt the exposure light when a boundary between two adjacent color filters of the color shifter disk moves into the light path, and retracts from the light path to pass the exposure light when the boundary between two adjacent color filters of the color shifter disk departs from the light path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masazumi Ishikawa, Tohru Tanibata
  • Patent number: 5710617
    Abstract: The present invention provides a film cartridge which can be looked up easily and a film image input system which can obtain a high quality image by using the film cartridge. The image signal of each frame image, of which the image quality is adjusted, is recorded in the EEPROM of the image record unit to be mounted on the film cartridge, in which the photo film is stored in a roll, so as to correspond to the frame number while the developed photo film is printed. And, the film image input system controls the adding circuit, the multiplying circuit and the gamma correction circuit based on the respective R, G, B color signals, which are respectively outputted to the black level controller, the white level controller and the gradation controller from the EEPROM, and outputs an image signal, which has the same gradation characteristics as that of the image signal which is recorded in the EEPROM, to the encoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masafumi Inuiya
  • Patent number: 5703671
    Abstract: A method of correcting the light amount irregularities for a photographic printer in which an image displayed on a two-dimensional display unit is exposed by transmitting or reflecting the light from a light source through or from the two-dimensional display unit is disclosed. An LED light source is turned on with a predetermined driving voltage applied to all the pixels of a liquid crystal panel. The image on the liquid crystal panel is exposed for a predetermined length of time by the light transmitted through the liquid crystal panel and developed thereby to produce a photographic print. The density at a point corresponding to each pixel of the liquid crystal panel is measured. The light transmittance correction amount for each pixel of the liquid crystal panel is determined in such a manner that the density measured at each point conforms to a predetermined reference density (a minimum value of density measurement, for example).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Narita, Hiroaki Nakamura, Kazuhiko Katakura, Yoshihito Nakaya
  • Patent number: 5699143
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing on to a photosensitive material. The apparatus includes a light source for producing light composed of at least two colors, a collimator for collimating the light produced by the light source so as form a beam of light, a modulator for modulating the beam of light in accordance with one of the predetermined color components, a filter for filtering out the color component which has been modulated, and a beam directing device for directing the modulated colored filter beam of light onto a photosensitive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Raymond Eugene Wess, Mark Marshall Meyers
  • Patent number: 5684563
    Abstract: A method of processing color photographs to render the final image such that it will portray to an individual of normal color vision the image as it actually appears to the individual with color-deficient vision is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Brian White
  • Patent number: 5640226
    Abstract: A device for printing color photographs on photosensitive paper having a segmented filter positioned relative to an inverting and focusing lens at a point where an original image projected through the lens at the paper is inverted. The segmented filter has colored segments corresponding to the primary colors to which the photosensitive paper is sensitive. The colored segments each have a surface area in a ratio corresponding to the relative sensitivity of the paper to the color of the segment. In an alternate embodiment, the filter has equal sized colored components and is moved with respect to an optical axis of the lens to adjust the intensity of each filtered monochromatic image projected onto the paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Ingenia s.r.l.
    Inventor: Antonio Zoggia
  • Patent number: 5636143
    Abstract: There are provided a method and apparatus capable of estimating a color temperature of a photographic light source. A theoretical reference value is obtained which is represented by summation or integration of the product of a spectral energy distribution of an object having a known color temperature, a spectral sensitivity distribution of a photometric system, and a spectral reflectance distribution defined by a certain expression. An actual value is acquired by measuring at least a portion of light reflected from a body which is exposed to light emitted from a light source whose color temperature is to be estimated. Spectral reflectance distributions are calculated for a plurality of color temperatures such that the difference between the theoretical reference value and the actual value becomes minimum. A calculation is performed to obtain the sum of abnormal components of the obtained spectral reflectance distribution whose maximum values exceed 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5612903
    Abstract: The color balance of color photographic printing paper is determined by making three successive exposures of separate portions of a sample sheet of printing paper through a neutral-color optical wedge of linear density gradient, each exposure consisting essentially of a different primary color of light of predetermined intensity and duration selectively to stimulate each of the three color-sensitive emulsion layers in the printing paper. The three images produced upon development provide a means for objective quantitative measurement of the relative absorptions for red, green, and blue light by each of the dye images. The relative absorptions are arrayed in the form of 3.times.3 mathematical matrices. Solving the matrices in several permutations allows the comparison of actual dye densities that form any one of a number of standard colors with the dye densities that form the image of a test print.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Bertram W. Miller
  • Patent number: 5606379
    Abstract: A method of recording a color image on a monochrome photographic recording medium by the steps of separating the color image into three color components, one luminance component and two chrominance components; and recording the three color components on adjacent areas of the recording medium, the luminance component being recorded on a larger area than either of the two chrominance components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Donald R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5561494
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining exposure amount in a copying apparatus includes: a photometric measuring device for effecting photometry by dividing an image recorded on a recording material into a multiplicity of segments and by separating each segment into a multiplicity of colors consisting of four or more predetermined colors; a storage device for storing photometric data on the multiplicity of colors obtained from photometry by the photometric measuring device; an image-density calculating device for calculating an image density equivalent to an image density obtained by photometrically measuring the image with the photometric measuring device exhibiting a spectral sensitivity distribution equivalent to that of a copying material, on the basis of the photometric data on the multiplicity of colors and the spectral sensitivity distribution of the copying material; a correction-amount determining device for determining a correction amount with respect to the image density on the basis of the photometric data o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takaaki Terashita
  • Patent number: 5528339
    Abstract: A system and method of image reproduction in color with preferential tone mapping and color enhancement are provided in which the color enhancement and tone mapping are conducted in a prescribed manner in order to provide a reproduction having preferred visual characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John D. Buhr, John F. Rahill, Thomas E. Madden, Jerry K. Wagner
  • Patent number: 5475506
    Abstract: In a color photographic printer of the type having a film scanner having a 50% green spectral response between 522.+-.5 nm and 570.+-.2.5 nm and peaking at 550 nm, a lowpass cutoff filter for lowering the upper cutoff wavelength of the green channel response is added to the green channel to improve the color correction of the printer for all color films presently in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Heemin Kwon, Patrick A. Cosgrove, Kenneth A. Carlson, Mark S. Leader
  • Patent number: 5447811
    Abstract: A system and method of image reproduction in color with preferential tone mapping are provided in which the method includes the steps of capturing original scene parameters and creating a visual reproduction of the scene, the method additionally comprising:performing a transformation of said captured scene parameters, said transformation being such that, taken in conjunction with untransformed characteristics of the capturing and creating steps, it results in a reproduced tone mapping having instantaneous gamma values of viewed reproduction density relative to density of the original scene which are greater than a minimum value of A and less than A plus 0.35 times scene exposure density over a scene exposure density range of from 0.60 to 1.45 as measured relative to a zero density, 100% diffuse reflector in the original scene, the instantaneous gamma values within scene exposure density range further lying entirely within a range of values subtended by an angle of 14.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John D. Buhr, Harry D. Franchino
  • Patent number: 5434643
    Abstract: An image printer includes a transport device for transporting standard and auxiliary photosensitive materials to a developing unit, an exposure system for exposing the photosensitive materials. The transport device includes a standard transport unit and an auxiliary transport unit. The standard transport means transports to the developing unit the standard photosensitive material having sensitivity to a wavelength range of the three primary color components of light. The auxiliary transport unit transports to the developing unit the auxiliary photosensitive material having sensitivity to a light wavelength range different from that of the standard photosensitive material. The exposure system includes a standard exposure unit and an auxiliary exposure unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masazumi Ishikawa, Toru Tanibata
  • Patent number: 5430523
    Abstract: An image printer includes a projection-exposure section for projecting an image born on a film onto a photosensitive material, an image-exposure section for exposing the photosensitive material based on image information comprised of a plurality of image areas each including color data relating to a plurality of colors, and a transport device for transporting the photosensitive material through the projection-exposure section and the image-exposure section. The image-exposure section includes an exposure device for dividing the image information into a plurality of lines and exposing the photosensitive material with switching exposing colors corresponding to the plurality of color data by switching over a plurality of color filters, and a moving device for moving the exposure device and the photosensitive material relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tohru Tanibata
  • Patent number: 5428422
    Abstract: An image printer includes a projection-exposure section for projecting and exposing a film image onto a photosensitive material, an image-exposure section for exposing the photosensitive material based on exposing image information with setting an exposure amount for each of a plurality of areas of the exposing image information, and a reader device for reading the image information of the film image with the image information being divided into the plurality of areas. The image-exposure section generates the exposing image information through composition of the plurality of areas of the image information read by the reader device, image information stored in advance in the image-exposure section and of further image information inputted from another input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Tohru Tanibata
  • Patent number: 5408296
    Abstract: A color proof making apparatus for making a color proof for forming a color image having a dye image by exposing an ultraviolet light-sensitive material to ultraviolet light through an image original, and by heating the exposed material. The apparatus includes a plurality of filters disposed in correspondence with different light-sensitive wavelength regions of the light-sensitive material and respectively adapted to transmit therethrough only the ultraviolet light of corresponding wavelength regions for exposing the light-sensitive material sensitive to the light-sensitive wavelength regions; a selecting device for selecting one of the filters which corresponds to each image original; and a driving unit for inserting the filter selected by the selecting device into an optical path leading to the image original. Accordingly, the filter is inserted accurately into the optical path, and it is possible to make a color proof with excellent color separation and high definition with a simple process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Okutsu, Mineo Ohta, Hirotaka Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5384618
    Abstract: This invention is directed to the storing of digital, information, This storage system comprises a number of layers of transparent or translucent material. In each layer there is a chemical or chemicals subject to change by being contacted with different electromagnetic wave lengths. For example, if there be eight layers then the chemical or chemicals in any layer is subject to be changed by an electromagnetic radiation of a wave length different than for any of the other seven layers. In this manner, with eight layers it is possible to have an eight bit byte. Actually, under premutations and combinations it is possible to have as many as eight bit bytes from the eight layers. It is conceivable that there may be more than eight layers such as sixteen layers of thirty-two layers. There is the possibility of storing large amounts of information in a small volumn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Tom Secrest
    Inventors: Richard Schurman, Robert E. Pearson, Steve Reiter, John Schurman, Rick Clark
  • Patent number: 5381209
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for processing strips of a photographic tape material whose surface is at least partially coated with, for example, an emulsion. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes means for determining the position of the side of the strip with the coated surface. In a first case, in which the side with the coated surface is in a desired position, a switch guides the unmodified strip onward for further processing. In a second case, in which the side with the coated surface is not in the desired position, the switch automatically guides the strip into a turning device before the strip is further processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Gretag Imaging AG
    Inventors: Erich Binder, Jurg Kunz
  • Patent number: 5359386
    Abstract: An apparatus for enlarging and printing panoramic photographs includes a light source and a negative shuttle having upper and lower parallel plates for securing and enclosing entirely a negative placed therebetween. Interposed between the light source and the negative shuttle is a focusing device for concentrating light emanating from the light source. The three above-described elements are operative to project an image from a negative secured in the negative shuttle in a direction opposite the light source. A lens is supported in an adjustable lens support for magnifying and focusing the image projected from the negative shuttle. Photosensitive material is supported on a supply spool, the photosensitive material being passed to a take-up spool adapted to receive the photosensitive material. A photosensitive material is supported in substantially parallel relation to the negative shuttle and is exposed to the image projected through the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Amazing Pictures Corporation
    Inventors: Philip R. Rich, Paul L. Jaswal, Thomas L. Bono, Scott Lindenmuth
  • Patent number: 5333034
    Abstract: A preferred photographic printer (10) includes light filters (52, 54, 56) which can be shifted to selected positions for filtering respective spectral components from selected portions of a light beam (100) in order to vary the spectral make-up of the light beam, and further includes a preferred metal halide lamp (48) which produces a spectral output with substantial portions in the visible band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Bremson Data Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Xue M. Gu, David B. Johnson, Michael S. Haines, Louis P. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 5327263
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises a liquid modulator having a photoconductive material including an image-writing plane, a liquid crystal layer laminated on the photoconductive material, a pair of electrodes sandwiching the photoconductive material and the liquid crystal layer, and a spacer inserted between the photoconductive material and one of the electrodes. Also provided are an analog writing system for analogously writing an original image in the light modulator; a digital reading system for digitally reading the image written in the light modulator; a processing section for image-processing the read image data; a digital writing system for digitally writing processed image data in the light modulator; and, an analog reading system for analogously reading an image written in the light modulator. The liquid crystal layer is either a phase-transition type liquid crystal, a p-type smectic A liquid crystal providing a storage function, or a ferroelectric liquid crystal providing a storage function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Katagiri, Noritoshi Kako, Yoji Noguchi
  • Patent number: 5309196
    Abstract: A transfer imaging system is disclosed wherein images are formed by image-wise exposing a layer comprising a chromogenic material and pressure rupturable capsules containing, as an internal phase, a photosensitive composition. In a preferred embodiment, the chromogenic material is encapsulated with the photosensitive composition. Upon exposure and capsule rupture the chromogenic material is image-wise transferrable to a developer or copy sheet where the chromogenic material reacts with a developer to form an image. Preferred systems are sensitive to U.V. or blue light in the wavelength range of 380 to 480 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick W. Sanders
  • Patent number: 5300381
    Abstract: A system and method of image reproduction in color with preferential tone mapping in which the image reproduction is subjected to a scene parameter transformation which when taken in conjunction with untransformed characteristics of the image reproduction system and method results in a reproduced tone mapping having instantaneous gamma values of viewed reproduction density relative to density of the original scene which are greater than 1.0 and less than 1.0 plus 0.35 times scene exposure density over a scene exposure density range of from 0.6 to 1.45 as measured relative to a zero density, 100% diffuse reflector in the original scene. Preferably, the instantaneous gamma values within this scene exposure density range further lie substantially within a range of values subtended by an angle of 14.degree. as measured from a reference point at 0.0 scene exposure density and 1.0 viewed reproduction density gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John D. Buhr, Harry D. Franchino
  • Patent number: 5266986
    Abstract: A system for producing a full color enlarged reproduction of a color transparency or negative on a photographic paper. The system makes use of a continuous tone scanner having a given contrast range to produce enlarged color separation negatives of the original transparency or negative on a continuous tone photographic film. Prior to producing these enlarged color separation negatives, the continuous tone scanner is adjusted to condensate its contrast range to accommodate the photographic paper. The color separation negatives that are so obtained may be used, after development, for producing the requested full color enlarged reproduction on the photographic paper, using a three color printing system to do so. the color print that is so obtained has an excellent definition and color reproduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: John O. Kobel
  • Patent number: 5253011
    Abstract: A strip of exposed and developed film has a series of exposures and corresponding exposure identification numbers. The strip is conveyed through a scanning station on its way to a printing station. The exposures and identification numbers are scanned in the scanning station to produce output signals indicative of density changes. The signals are processed to generate groups of data which are combined into a data set. Each group includes the position of a respective exposure on the strip, the identification number for the exposure and the position of the identification number on the strip. Film transport is carried out in such a manner that scanning of the strip and processing of the resulting signals are completed before arrival of the strip at the printing station. A control unit uses the data set to position the exposures in the printing station and to print the exposures. The control unit also uses the data set to mark a copy of an exposure with the identification number of the exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Zahn, Wilhelm Nitsch, Gunther Schnall, Gerhard Benker
  • Patent number: 5250980
    Abstract: The improved slit scanning exposure apparatus has a variable slit assembly that is provided in proximity with the exposing zone and which is composed of two slit plates movable independently of each other in synchronism with the scanning speed. The apparatus may additionally have a color filter that can be inserted into the optical path of reflected light from the image on a document in the scanning direction. The apparatus is capable of preventing flare from being admitted through an exposure slit to a light-sensitive material on the exposure position when it is being exposed from light reflected from the document image. In addition, the apparatus enables more than one document image to be edited into a single image and permits the color filter to be inserted into the optical path of reflected light without causing unevenness in colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Yakubo, Ryoichi Kato
  • Patent number: 5249042
    Abstract: Color video signals representing gradation values of yellow, magenta, cyan and black components of a halftone original are stored into respective video memories (4) and matrix patterns of screen values are stored in respective areas of a screen memory (7) corresponding to the colors of the video signals. Each matrix pattern has repeating areas extending in a direction inclined to the orientation of the original at an angle .phi. which satisfies tan .phi.=1/(tan .theta.+cot .theta.). Each of the color signals is retrieved from the video memories (4) at line intervals depending on the screen angle .theta. so that if the video signal is reconstructed on a hypothetical plane the line starting points of a resultant image would substantially delineate a line path that is inclined to the orientation of the original by an amount corresponding to the screen angle .theta. of the color of the video signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuo Kaji, Miki Ishihara
  • Patent number: 5239338
    Abstract: This invention is directed to the storing of digital information. This storage system comprises a number of layers of transparent or translucent material. In each layer there is a chemical or chemicals subject to change by being contacted with different electromagnetic wave lengths. For example, if there be eight layers then the chemical or chemicals in any layer is subject to be changed by an electromagnetic radiation of a wave length different than of the other seven layers. In this manner, with eight layers it is possible to have an eight bit byte. Actually, under premutations and combinations it is possible to have as many as eight bit bytes from the eight layers. It is conceivable that there may be more than eight layers such as sixteen layers of thirty-two layers. There is the possibility of storing large amounts of information in a small volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventors: Robert E. Pearson, Richard Shurman, John Shurman, Steve Rieter, Rick Clark
  • Patent number: 5225900
    Abstract: Taggants are incorporated into marking materials used to create images. Reproduction systems detect the taggants, and use the resulting information to control reproduction. The invention is particularly applicable to color correction, enhancement and translation; document identification; image preservation and highlighting; and document control and security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph D. Wright
  • Patent number: 5184175
    Abstract: There is described a system and method for reproducing an original record using a narrow band filter, such as a dichroic filter, to modify the contrast of the reproduction without modifying the color balance or the wavelength peak of sub-reocrds. The system is particularly useful in reproducing motion picture records where a multiplicity of additive lamp houses can be employed. The system reduces variations in contrast and color reproduction among different additive lamp houses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Mary L. Schmoeger, Charles P. Hagmaier, Jr., Mitchell J. Bogdanowicz, Christopher L. DuMont, Richard C. Sehlin
  • Patent number: 5162840
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Benker, Erich Nagel, Helmut Neudecker
  • Patent number: 5146265
    Abstract: An apparatus for making copies of a colored master has a color monitor which can produce a color image of the master. The monitor is provided with a circuit for turning a portion of the monitor screen black-and-white and adjusting the size and/or position of the black-and-white portion of the screen. The black-and-white portion of the screen is positioned adjacent to a critical area of the color image so that the density and color of the image can be evaluated. The monitor further includes a circuit for adjusting the density and color of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Friedrich Jacob
  • Patent number: 5138366
    Abstract: The invention is generally accomplished by providing a method of forming prints with colored borders. This is generally accomplished by exposing a color imaging substrate to colored light in a pattern at least partially encircling a central image. In a preferred form of the invention, the image is a color photographic image that is surrounded with a color image that is printed peripherally of the colored image on the same sheet of photographic paper. The colored border may suitably be a color such as gold, silver, or a color contrasting with the color print.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Roupen H. Maronian
  • Patent number: 5138367
    Abstract: A color adjustment device used for a copying machine has a chromaticity indication plate for indicating chromaticity with respect to four basic colors which can be recognized by a general user, four red, yellow, blue and green switches for selecting a chromaticity on the chromaticity indication plate, and a plurality of light emitting members for indicating a grade or level of chroma of each color. The user without expert knowledgement concerning color can adjust easily a color balance of an image outputted from the copying machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Okamoto
  • Patent number: 5134444
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus which develops two latent images formed on a photoreceptor with developing agents respectively containing first and second toners of different colors, and is so constructed that, a clear image is obtained by processing mixed-color separation to restrain the mixed-color as much as possible, in response to respective consumptions of a first toner and a second toner, or every time a fixed amount of first toner is consumed, and further, in response to the amount of first toner mixed into a second developing agent detected when a fixed amount of first toner is consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Tabuchi, Tateki Oka, Hideyuki Kanbayashi
  • Patent number: 5126839
    Abstract: There is disclosed a color copier or the line in which an original image is separated into plural image signals of different color components, which are repeatedly subjected to a determined signal process to reproduce the original image with an improved image quality and with a simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Susumu Sugiura
  • Patent number: 5122769
    Abstract: There is described a system and method for reproducing an original record using a narrow band filter, such as a dichroic filter, to modify the contrast of the reproduction without modifying the color balance or the wavelength peak of sub-records. The system is particularly useful in reproducing motion picture records using subtractive lamp houses so as to have their contrast and color reproduction match records generated using additive lamp houses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Mary L. Schmoeger, Charles P. Hagmaier, Jr., Mitchell J. Bogdanowicz, Christopher L. DuMont, Richard C. Sehlin
  • Patent number: 5117253
    Abstract: A color separating device in a color copier includes a predetermined number of filter frames which carry different color filters corresponding to the colors to be separated and which can be moved between a retracted position in which the color filters are retracted from an optical path of an imaging optical system of the copier and an operative position in which the color filters are located in the optical path, the direction of movement being perpendicular to the optical path, guides for guiding the movement of the filter frames, springs for continuously biasing the filter frames toward the retracted position, an endless belt which can be selectively engaged by the filter frames to move the filter frames, and a motor for intermittently rotating the endless belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Minoru Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5105214
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on a photosensitive recording medium employs a plurality of mask members for exposure prepared on the basis of image data representing the image. The mask members are to be registered sequentially at an exposure position on the photosensitive recording medium. The image forming apparatus comprises a supporting unit for supporting the mask members, the supporting unit being transported from an initial position to a different position including the exposure position, and a moving unit for moving the supporting unit to position the mask member in the exposure position, while the supporting unit is being transported from the initial position to the selected position including the exposure position. An exposure unit exposes the photosensitive recording medium through the mask member positioned in the exposure position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazunori Tanabe
  • Patent number: 5103256
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus forms an image on a photosensitive recording medium by sequentially exposing light using each of plural mask members to form a component part of the image. A positioning mark is formed on each mask member. The apparatus comprises a mask member moving unit for moving the mask member and a sensing unit including a sensor for sensing the positioning mark and a supporting member formed so that a lower portion of the supporting member comes into contact with the mask member. The apparatus further comprises a controlling unit for controlling said mask member moving unit so that the mask member may be moved to a predetermined position on the photosensitive recording medium on the basis of a signal from the sensor. The sensing unit includes a recess corresponding to each sensor location. The distance between the sensor and the mask member can always be kept constant through the supporting member, because the supporting member comes into contact with the mask member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazunori Tanabe
  • Patent number: 5099270
    Abstract: This invention is directed to the storing of digital information. This storage system comprises a number of layers of transparent or translucent material. In each layer there is a chemical or chemicals subject to change by being contacted with different electromagnetic wave lengths. For example, if there be eight layers then the chemical or chemicals in any layer is subject to be changed by an electromagnetic radiation of a wave length different than for any of the other seven layers. In this manner, with eight layers it is possible to have an eight bit byte. Actually, under premutations and combinations it is possible to have as many as eight bit bytes from the eight layers. It is conceivable that there may be more than eight layers such as sixteen layers of thirty-two layers. There is the possibility of storing large amounts of information in a small volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Thomas W. Secrest
    Inventors: Robert E. Pearson, Richard Schurman, John Schurman, Steve Reiter, Rick Clark
  • Patent number: 5079587
    Abstract: An image recording apparatus using a set of mask members and having mask position adjusting device. A transparent mask member supporting plate is provided at the exposure position. Each of the mask member is delivered upon the mask member supporting plate by two pairs of rollers. In this mask delivery, a mask image surface faces upwardly. An elongated photosensitive recording medium is positioned immediately above the mask member supporting plate so as to guide the medium at the exposure position. Further, an exposure device including a light source and color filters is positioned below the mask member supporting plate. The mask member undergoes positional adjustment at the exposure position. For this, the mask member supporting plate is supported on a positioning frame which is movable in a direction perpendicular to the mask member moving direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazunori Tanabe, Tomoaki Hattori, Susumu Kuzuya, Takakuni Sonoda, Toshio Sakai, Makoto Suzuki, Hidenori Hisada, Hiroshi Taira
  • Patent number: 5079586
    Abstract: An image recording apparatus for recording an output color image on an image recording medium, provides a cyanogen filter (or a red filter), a magenta filter (or a green filter) and a yellow filter (or a blue filter), each of them relating to a complementary (or same) color of the basic three primary colors (that is red, green and blue). Each filter is insertable into an optical path. The apparatus also provides a plurality of color designation switch buttons designating several kinds of hue colors (excepting the basic primary colors) on an operation panel of the apparatus body. The amount of the insertion of each kind of the filters into the optical path is adjustable by computer control according to the color designation switch buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideki Mase
  • Patent number: 5068742
    Abstract: A system for providing a personal booklet, such as a passport, with a picture of the face and personal data of the bookholder to thereby provide the booklet holder's identity. The system includes entering a picture of the face of an applicant, the picture being attached to an application form, as a figure image into an image composing device, entering personal data of the applicant entered in the application form as an character image, producing a composite image of the figure and character images, printing the composite image onto a thermal transfer type photosensitive printing paper, transfering the printed composite image onto an image receiving layer coated on a transparent cover sheet bound in the booklet, and sandwiching the image receiving material layer between a supporting sheet bound in the booklet next to the transparent cover sheet and the transparent cover sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Oshikoshi, Yoshimi Suganuma, Hiroshi Hara, Kazuo Shiota, Nobumitsu Takehara, Kiichiro Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 5068685
    Abstract: An image recording apparatus capable of providing an intended numbers of output copies regardless of the mask member feed mode. A set of the mask members are automatically fed from a laser printer to a color copying portion after the set is produced at the laser printer. Further, another set of mask members already on hand can also be set on a mask member tray, and the another set can be delivered to the color copying portion. The mask members are normally printed with bar codes indicative of the numbers of the output copies. The bar codes can be invalidated in case of the mask feed mode from the tray, and newly input numbers of copies are obtainable in the mask feed mode from the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidenori Hisada, Makoto Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5068686
    Abstract: A color image recording apparatus records a color image on a photosensitive recording medium by repeating exposure against the photosensitive recording medium successively through mask members for red (R), green (G) and blue (B) images. The apparatus includes a memory having two (or more) conversion tables (I) and (II) for exposure conditions to be set on a panel surface by an operator. The conversion table (I) indicates exposure scanning speed corresponding to the exposure conditions to be set on the panel surface, and the conversion table (II) indicates one or plural stages of different scanning speeds correlative with each of the scanning speeds indicated by the conversion table (I). In deciding the exposure conditions by trial printing, a trial print mode is set, and keys are operated to carry out exposure per image area in plural stages of scanning speeds defined in the conversion tables (I) and (II).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Taira