Abstract: Method and apparatus for full-color reproduction of a continuous tone color picture or scene using multiple diffraction gratings. The reproduction consists of a plurality of small diffraction gratings (70). A plurality of color separation masks (60) are created for each unique scene. Those picture elements in the original scene containing a given primary color are captured in these transmission-type masks. In certain zones dictated by the separation masks, a plurality of interference patterns are recorded in the properly photosensitized media (70). The spatial freqency of said interference patterns correlates to the primary color to be reproduced. These interference patterns become multiple diffraction gratings when properly developed. The properly photosensitized media may be used as a master for replication purposes. When either master or replica (78) are properly illuminated in white light (76) and properly viewed, the multiple diffraction gratings act to reproduce the colors in the original scene.

Abstract: An image-forming/processing station forms images in a plurality of colors in a superposed manner, in units of individual colors, on an identical unrolled portion of a recording roll medium, in accordance with color image formation data. When the images in the plurality of colors are to be formed, a recording medium conveying unit reciproctes, a plurality of times, the identical unrolled portion of the recording roll medium to the image-forming/processing station, in accordance with formation of the image in the plurality colors, and conveys a recorded-on unrolled portion of the recording roll medium to a downstream side of the station when formation of the images in the plurality of colors is completed. A recording medium storing unit is provided on the downstream side of the station and temporarily stores the unrolled portion of the recording roll medium on which image formation in each color is to be performed.

Abstract: A method of making a judgement as to whether or not a negative film frame needs to be printed on a photographic sheet of paper is employed using for the judgement the photographic density of the image on the frame. According to the method, a negative film frame is divided into a multiplicity of small regions, and photographic density values are measured at the small regions. It is judged that a negative film frame need not be printed when a minimum value of the photographic densities measured in relation to any portion or the whole of the frame, or a value which is higher than the minimum value by a predetermined degree, is larger than another specific value.

Abstract: An electronic printing method by which originals are photographically reproduced by exposing high-contrast copy material with an intensity modulated illumination source that coarsely scans the original while the original is sharply imaged with a well-corrected optical system. The source intensity is modulated to compensate for the original's tonal qualities and electronically shapes the response of the copy material to enhance tonal reproduction. The imaging system in conjunction with the high-contrast material assures high reproduction of detail. The method enhances copy sharpness and reduces copy time, memory and computational needs otherwise required for copies of comparable quality.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus has a memory for storing codes representing types of input image data and a comparator for selecting one of a number of threshold patterns in accordance with the code and comparing the input data with the selected threshold pattern to produce an image signal.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the separation of electromagnetic radiation into a, plurality, of selective wave length bands or colors. The term color separation, broadly applied, is meant to be the separation of primary and secondary or complementary wave lengths or colors for the purpose of geometric imaging. Such color separation is achieved, substantially, instantaneously, without the loss of wave length energy or color intensity by a novel means of reflection, transmission and color filtration. The separated colors or selective wave length bands can be, substantially, instantaneously, recreated as a geometric image or can be recorded for later recreation as a geometric image such as by photographic or movie films or by tapes; lithographic plated or engravings. Also, the separated colors or selective wave length bands can be used in making printing plates, directly, without using film.

Abstract: In a photographic color correction head filters are movable across a light path by DC motors. The motors drive cams via high reduction gearboxes and the filters are carried on supports urged against the cams by springs. The filters remain in their selected position when the motors are switched off due to internal friction in the gearboxes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for transferring a color image from an original document to a film or to an output paper. The apparatus involves the formation of the component monochromatic images containing selected color component information in a monochromatic toner particle image configuration. The separate images of the toner configurations are exposed onto a photosensitive film to reconstruct the original document. The component images can be formed on a clear material or, preferably, on a transparent colored material, the colored material serving to eliminate the need for a filter for each of the color component exposures needed to reconstruct the original image. In a second embodiment, the component images can be formed on transparent regions of electrostatic photoconducting drum. A suitable light source placed in the middle of the drum, can expose a film on a platten near the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for non-impact, single-pass printing in which the toner exhibits a selective or "tuned" response to an agent having a preselected characteristic, such as light energy of a particular frequency emitted by a laser, to impart an image to a printing surface or substrate.

Abstract: A process comprising the steps of preparing from a positive original transparent film pieces bearing the image of the original in a positive form for color separation, fixedly laying out each of the film pieces on a transparent film for each of the separated colors, and making a printing plate for each color with use of the transparent film having the film piece thereon.

Abstract: A process/system of generating density pseudocolor encoding with three primary colors using a white-light optical processor. Spatial encodings are made with positive, negative and product positive and negative photographic image transparencies and the pseudocoloring is obtained by color filtering of the smeared Fourier spectra. The technique is extremely versatile and economical to operate such that it offers a wide range of applications. Since coherent sources are not utilized, the color coded images are free from coherent artifact noise. Consequently, the system incorporating the method of the present invention can be computer controlled and is extremely effective in perceiving optical images as well as being extremely economical and reliable.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing at least one colored surface on a photographic emulsion. The apparatus consists essentially of a sensitometer 10, a mask 11 which is movable with respect to the top surface of the sensitometer, an exposure unit comprising a light source 12 and a filter box 13, and a central control unit 14 in the frame 9 of the sensitometer, equipped with a keyboard 15 for selecting references on a color chart, a series of function control keys 16 and a display screen 17. It allows the reproduction by controlled color synthesis of all color tones listed on a color chart.

Abstract: In a photographic copying apparatus, a device for threading a starting end of a new copying paper roll includes drive rollers, a guide support for the advanced paper and a pivotable flap which periodically closes on the paper when the advancement is interrupted for a threading process. An opening is formed in the flap to produce a test copy for controlling the operation of the apparatus. An exposure control device loads the test copy with empirically determined amounts of light when no negative is present on a negative platform of a printing station.

Abstract: A single light source illuminates an additive filter holder having three color filters of equal area arranged beside each other in a plane. Two filters are rectangular and lie within a rectangular whose diagonal defines a circle. The third filter has identical halves to opposite sides of the rectangular major sides within the circle. Color is adjusted by sliding screens over the filters.

Abstract: A device for maintaining films and panels in close tolerance registration. The device includes an upper leaf and a lower leaf which are selectively joined together by zero-tolerance snap connectors. The upper leaf and lower leaf are adapted to improve device wear characteristics and, as well, to improve the operation of the system which uses the registration device of the instant invention.

Abstract: A system for optimizing the printing of photographs. For color prints, a piece of photography paper is progressively and sequentially exposed to varying amounts of light of the primary colors, developing a color matrix on the paper. A neutral grey area on the paper identifies the optimum settings for the color filters and the exposure settings for the print system. A similar technique is presented for development of black and white prints by the generation of a grey level matrix, varying as to exposure setting.

Abstract: The reproduction of one or more target colors on photographic media directly by use of a light source and a selected group of color filters, such as for preparation of a multi-color pre-press color proof, each of the target colors being reproduced by:(a) illuminating the target color with the given light source or equivalent thereof and determining the proportion of the three primary colors which constitute said target color by comparing the target color to a color reference data base comprising a plurality of colors constituted of said primary colors under illumination by a like light source whereby to select from said data base a reference color most similar to the target color and thereby identify a group of one or more color filter elements usable to reproduce the reference color;(b) determining the exposure time of each color filter element required substantially to reproduce the reference color and thus the target color on the color sensitive photographic material when developed;(c) exposing undeveloped

Abstract: A light-tight, elongated, hollow tapered wall base to which a slide housing is movably connected. The slide housing includes a light source which produces a light beam which passes through a filter assembly and a lens assembly to the bottom of the base. A photographic transparency is to be mounted within a slide holder which in turn is movably located in a close fitting relationship within a slide receiving station. The slide receiving station is formed within the slide housing between the filter assembly and the lens assembly. Removably connected to the bottom of the base is a photographic print tray assembly. The photographic print tray assembly includes a focusing target. The image projected from the photographic transparency is to be observed on the focusing target by a view port which is formed within the base.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing patterns of materials, as for color printing. A support member (30) has groups of surface areas (40A,40B, etc.) with each surface area in a given group (e.g. 40A) facing generally in a direction different from that faced by the surface areas in any other group (e.g. 40B, etc.), and an energy-modifiable material (41A,41B, etc.) adjacent to the surface areas in each group. Energy (A,B,C) is directed onto the material adjacent to the surface areas in each group in such manner as to substantially modify some of the material without substantially modifying the material adjacent to the surface areas of the other groups.

Abstract: The color balance of photographic printing paper is determined by exposing one frame of the roll of negative film from which prints subsequently will be made with an image preferably from an especially prepared target-card. After processing, the negative or positive of the target-card exposure is printed on the paper being tested using a white-light exposure of known filtration, which is likely to be within correctable reach of the optimal filtration. The target-card bears a grid of superimposed lines which is used to measure the required filtration correction. The position of a desired neutral gray spot on the test print, which is the end-point of color balance determination, is found by matching against a standard paper gray scale.

Abstract: A subtractive filter having three elementary filters, each comprising a fixed cylindrical central portion having at its center a channel for the passage of the light and on its surface a radial milled slot; a rotary ring concentric to the said fixed cylindrical central portion having a graduation on its central periphery, the inside of said rotary ring having the shape of a logarithmically progressive ramp; and a filter holder comprising a frame adapted to slide in the said radial milled slot in the fixed cylindrical central portion, the bottom of said frame having the shape of a rounded point which rests against said ramp and the top of said frame having a spring resting against a part fastened to the periphery of the fixed central portion, said frame of said filter holder comprising at its top a window opening and at its bottom the filter. Regulation of light passing through each of the three filters is accomplished by rotating the rotary rings.

Abstract: An integrated automatic device for the simultaneous printing and development of photographs, particularly color photographs, of the type comprising three separate units adjoining each other, namely a first exposure unit A, a second dark-room unit B, a third development unit C. The dark-room unit B is vertical and perpendicularly adjoins the end of the exposure unit A and the development unit C is horizontal and is located below the dark-room unit B and parallel to the exposure unit A.

Abstract: An exposed color film having an exposed zone is provided with color areas prior to developing the same by exposing this unexposed zone to light passing through different narrow-band filters. After developing the film, the transmissivities of each of the color areas within a pair of narrow-band ranges is measured. The measured values are compared with known values for various types of film to establish the type of the particular color film. This information is used to adjust the exposures in the different colors when the images on the color film are copied onto a photographic copying material.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for producing and applying image masks consisting of an original object holder, a lens and prism associated with the object holder for producing multiple images, recording means for these images, means for maintaining these recorded images or masks in precise register with the original object and each other and means of illuminating the recorded images for projection back through the optical system onto the original object. This optical imaging apparatus directs light from a scene located in a plane of multiple image planes where images differing in contrast, density, color content, and so forth, are produced and where means are provided for recording the images. These images are processed either in situ or apart from the apparatus as positives or negatives. The processed images are then placed or remain in their original positions, illuminated and reimaged back to the original object space.

Abstract: A photosensitive film for plotting color images in daylight uses surface emulsion layers sensitive only to different and predetermined wavelengths of non-visible radiant energy. Each emulsion layer is developable to manifest a distinguishable color upon exposure to sensitizing radiant energy. Three sensitized emulsion layers can singly and collectively manifest any color upon development. During a plotting operation in daylight, a beam of radiant energy having a controlled composition of radiant energy wavelengths outside the visible spectrum is projected onto the film surface in the form of a spot. The beam of radiant energy and the film are moved relative to one another to cause the spot to sensitize the emulsion layers at different locations according to the desired plot. Changing the composition of the sensitizing wavelengths comprising the beam during a plotting operation causes the film to yield a multi-colored image upon development.

Abstract: An apparatus and automated process to improve the accuracy and reduce the time, cost, and effort necessary to prepare reproduction artwork for charts is disclosed. A numerically or computer controlled imaging system is used to expose photographic film or emulsion with specially prepared halftone pattern symbols. This allows a computer to be used to select both the symbol and location, instead of slow and costly manual methods. Greatest benefits accrue when the final chart is to be in color. One sheet of film per primary color is exposed using a few basic symbols, which are then combined to yield a wide range of color in the symbols of the final chart. Typically, the final product of this process is one or more sheets of monochromatic film used as masters for a color printing or color key process. Further, a method is described to avoid erroneous density (and resultant color) changes where halftone symbols overlap, as well as various other methods to improve legibility and produceability of the charts.

Abstract: The method disclosed enables one to transfer an image from a translucent material to a photosensitized material. Initially a translucent material which includes an image is placed between an unexposed sensitized material, such as a film negative, and a source of light. The source of light is energized for a predetermined time interval to pass light through the translucent material onto the negative to transfer the image from the translucent material to the film negative. The film negative can then be used to expose a printing press plate, such as a lithographic plate. The method can be used to transfer either black and white or color line work, pre-screened image material and either black and white or color image material to one or more film negatives or sheets of sensitized material.

Abstract: Electronic imaging apparatus and method of the kind utilizing a light valve array including a line of discretely-addressable pixels activatable between a light transmitting and light blocking state by an electrical field features addressing of such pixels by means of a plurality of discrete sub-period activations which in combination effect proper transmission for a line of the image to be reproduced. In one embodiment the sub-period activations are of different duration and binarily related.

Abstract: A two-dimensional illuminating array comprising discretely addressable pixel portions (e.g. a light valve array) is imaged by lens means onto optical mapping means (e.g. a light diffracting or refracting array). The mapping means re-images the pixel portions of the illuminating array as a predetermined line pixel pattern at a linear pixel region.

Abstract: The lamphouse comprises a white-light source and a primary optical fiber subdivided into three secondary fibers for guiding the white light from the source through an optical system comprising rotatable disks fitted with peripheral lenses having graduated neutral gray densities. Any one lens or pair of lenses can be positioned on the path of one of the three beams emerging from the secondary optical fibers in order to dose to the required value the red, blue or green primary color to be selected by any one of three dichroic exit mirrors.

Abstract: A simplified optical arrangement for an electrophotographic copier for making multicolor reproductions of a multicolor original document. The copier includes at least one charged photoconductive member which is exposed by primary color separation images of an original document to form corresponding latent image charge patterns. The primary color separation images are projected onto the photoconductive member by the simplified optical arrangement which includes a catadioptric lens assembly optically located between the original document and the photoconductive member. The lens assembly includes relatively tilted dichroic mirrors spectrally sensitive respectively to the primary colors to separate an image of an original document into primary color separation images, and project such images respectively in straight line optical paths toward distinct spacial locations on the photoconductive member.

Abstract: An electrophotographic color proofing apparatus is provided including a copyboard carrying a color separated positive and capable of being positioned into intimate contact with a charged photoconductive coating of an electrophotographic member. The engaged members are exposed to light, discharging the coating in increments to form a latent electrostatic image thereon. The copyboard is withdrawn and the exposed electrophotographic member rotated 180 degrees facing toward a toning assembly consisting of a row of plural toning units, each carrying a different color toner and arranged in line for linear translation below the exposed electrophotographic member with a selected one toning unit thereof being activated to apply a selected color toner to the latent electrostatic image. The toned member again is revolved 180 degrees.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the separation of electromagnetic radiation into a plurality of selective wave length bands or colors. The term color separation, broadly applied, is meant to be the separation of primary and secondary or complementary wave lengths or colors for the purpose of geometric imaging. Such color separation is achieved, substantially, instantaneously, without the loss of wave length energy or color intensity by a novel means of reflection, transmission and color filtration. The separated colors or selective wave length bands can be, substantially, instantaneously, recreated as a geometric image or can be recorded for later recreation as a geometric image such as by photographic or movie films or by tapes; lithographic plates or engravings. Also, the separated colors or selective wave length bands can be used in making printng plates, directly, without using film.

Abstract: A method of providing full range color printing using duplicator technology is disclosed. The system utilizes subtractive color printing techniques, but avoids the necessity for color masking and generally eliminates color correction as well. Following exposure of multiple negatives to develop color separations, corresponding printing plates are prepared and developed. A proofing sequence is optional between the development of the negatives and the plates. The ultimate printing is achieved by feeding stock into a duplicator which carries each of the three basic negative complementary colors, in sequence; a "black" printer can also be used for a higher degree of contrast and tone.

Abstract: High fidelity color reproductions are produced whereby color correcting or compensating thin polymeric laminates are applied over photographs, prints and imaging devices and systems, that are initially deficient or excessive in some one or more color rendition, by methods comprising dyeing the thin polymeric laminates, applying an adhesive layer, and laminating onto the color deficient reproduction. The methods and their component processes begin with the production of serial ranges of instrumentally measured color intensities of dyed thin polymeric films compensating for the color deficiency or excesses, followed by applying an adhesive layer for bonding as a laminate, and by bonding the color compensating dyed polymeric film onto the initial color deficient reproduction.

Abstract: A device for producing photographic prints on a printing medium such as an instant developing film pack from a transparency is provided comprising a housing having an image forming chamber in the forward section thereof containing a lens, a flash tube, opalescent glass plate and a slide holder. A holder for the film pack is located in a rear light-tight chamber formed in the housing and a mirror is located at the bottom of the light-tight chamber angled so as to reflect the image formed in the image forming chamber onto the film pack.

Abstract: An apparatus for making photographic pictures is disclosed comprising a housing provided with an objective; a magazine or cassette containing a film feed mechanism; and a device for positioning at least one mask in the light rays in the interior of the apparatus between the objective and the film and adjacent to the film plane.The apparatus is useful to effect masking operations during the normal photographic operations of imaging.

Abstract: A method of converting a color negative image into an inverted positive color image and an apparatus for carrying out the method. The image of the color negative film is decomposed into three images each in one of the three primary colors through associated color filters. The individual images thus produced are recorded in a light transmissive recording medium in inverted images, which are then illuminated by a light source disposed at a side in opposition to the negative film, whereby the inverted images are projected through the same optical system including the aforementioned color filters as the one used for the projection onto a screen as the inverted positive image. The recording medium is constituted by a light transmissive ceramic dielectric exhibiting a memory function. The inverted positive image may be projected at a magnified scale.

Abstract: A system for prestripping alignment of color separations providing automatic registration of same on stripping, includes provision for using a set of carrier-related holes in a first color separation for establishing position of the first color separation on a hole-transfer table, and then for using fiducial indicia on the first color separation to establish position of a sensor system which in turn is used in conjunction with corresponding fiducial indicia on each of the remaining color separations to establish location for corresponding carrier-related holes which are then punched in each color separation using the hole transfer table.

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 to selectively 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 responsiveness of each of the emulsion layers using a reflection densitometer to locate points of equal optical density, the relative linear displacement of the points providing color-balance correction factors. An easel is provided with a sliding carriage for positioning the sample sheet of printing paper in proper relationship to the optical wedge, which is fixed in place in an aperture in a light-proof cover.

Abstract: A method of plotting in color with a photoplotter and color film employs a technique of budgeting the amount of exposure in each of the color sensitive emulsion layers of the film. An optical exposure head in the plotter projects a beam of colored light onto the film and relative movement of the film and head causes a spot of light generated by the projected beam to move to various positions on the film and expose the film in accordance with the color components of the beam. The optical head changes the color components to produce beams of different colors and exposes the film accordingly. The total exposure of each emulsion layer by all of the color components is limited to the exposure capacities of the layers by restricting the colors that are produced by the projected beams.

Abstract: A color plotter includes a photoexposure head that projects a beam of polychromatic light onto the photosensitive surface of a color film. The beam of light exposes a spot on the film surface and means are provided for moving the spot across the film surface in a controlled manner to generate a desired pattern or line. Color separation filters are mounted in the exposure head and a mechanism moves the respective filters into and out of the beam of light in accordance with a desired color in the plot. A density selector is also provided to control the degree of film exposure and the resulting color density. The color plotter is capable of producing maps, drawings and other graphic material in multiple colors on the exposed film.

Abstract: A color copier having high resolution projection optics is modified to include low resolution electrical correction method and apparatus. A latent electrostatic image of an original is generated with conventional lamp and lens projection optics. This optical latent image is corrected for tone or color in real time by a parallel raster exposure arrangement. A raster input scanner (RIS) generates electrical raster image signals representative of the original. A processor converts electrical correction signals according to a prescribed scheme from the raster image signals. A raster output scanner (ROS) generates a raster latent image generated in registration with the optical latent image in response to the electrical correction signals. The RIS uses charge coupled devices (CCD's) to generate the electrical raster signals and the ROS uses a laser, and galvanometer to generate the raster latent image.

Abstract: A platform-shaped device is designed to be placed over the illuminating aperture of a color-controllable light-box of known construction, and under a camera which is loaded with a roll of color film of slide-forming size and character, and which is focused on the central area of the platform. The device has at opposite sides a reel for holding, guidedly feeding and receiving a roll of developed black-and-white negatives previously made from the usually much larger black-and-white art work. The device also has means (e.g. a geneva-movement mechanism) for accurately sequentially positioning in the camera field, each one of a series of frames to be converted to color-slide frames in the camera. A pair of laterally movable thin blackened masking plates are manually movable in guides to expose different laterally constricted areas of the negative for each color to be projected therethrough from the light-box.

Abstract: A compact optical bench type unit for making selected color-component records of color transparencies for use in color printing comprises a light source with a rotary filter disc for directing a beam of selectively colored light through a light condenser which converges the beam through a color diapositive to be reproduced and into the objective of a camera. The condenser, possibly formed of Fresnel lenses, is of large dimensions to accomodate large diapositives, and the camera objective has a relatively short focal length. Chromatic aberration of the condenser is corrected by moving the light source in correspondence with rotation of the filter disc, or by selectively inserting correcting lenses in the beam.

Abstract: In photoelectrophoretic imaging, a novel multicolor line or cross line filter element and method for maintaining color balance wherein the filter grid comprises a plurality of yellow, cyan and magenta color segments or their complementary colors of controlled varying widths for limiting color interaction in the resulting integrated image.

Abstract: This invention relates to finished photographic reproduction and imaging system by which the photographic color matching to that of the object photographed is accomplished by means of an imposed, permanently adherent integral overlay of transparent film serving to adjust, by addition or subtraction of the color deficiences or excesses with respect to chroma, value and hue so as to more nearly and truly match or approximate the color or colors of the object from which the photograph was made. The color correcting or adjusting overlay of the transparent colored films comprise a broad range of chromal intensities of the nominally red, yellow, blue and green and other intermediate spectral hues and that of discrete mixtures with several orders of color intensities, which overlay is further provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive for permanent and smooth affixture to the photographic emulsion of the print which is to be provided with the necessary correction or adjustment.

Abstract: An automatic registration system for four-color image stripping employs in one embodiment a first punching press having a grid pattern die on which a "MYLAR" sheet carrier with desired windows is laid, and, on this, single color images are laid at the respective windows; registration holes are then punched at selectable positions keying the single color images to the carrier by use of a correspondingly-grid-patterned transparent punch holder providing good visual access for selection of positions in the grid pattern at which to mount punches, and a ram which drives the punches against compression-spring bias. Following perforation of the registration holes in the Mylar sheet carrier, each single color image is removed and matched with the remaining single color images of the four-color set to which it belongs, with appropriate locator pins inserted in prepunched holes customarily supplied in each for the color separation stage keying them together.

Abstract: A method of photographic printing comprising making at least one exposure .Iadd.through a color filter calculator device .Iaddend.of a simulation of a properly exposed neutral gray card for a film to be printed, having particular D/log E characteristics, and a film-mark-colored element for film having a colored mask, for at least one predetermined period of time on at least one sheet of photographic paper having certain D/log E characteristics; processing each sheet of paper; and comparing each such exposure of a simulation of a properly exposed gray card using color filters to determine the proper exposure time and color filtration to be used to print all films having D/log E characteristics generally similar to the particular D/log E characteristics on paper having D/log E characteristics generally similar to the certain D/log E characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for recording color separations on a photographic film band. The apparatus comprises a feed mechanism having a film transport member arranged to selectively bring portions of the unexposed film from a feed spool mounted in a housing into an operative position for exposure in a camera adapted to receive selective filters for color separation. The feed mechanism is arranged to unreel the unexposed film band under constant tension from the feed spool and to displace selected film portions in contact with a support surface whereby to selectively bring these film portions into their operative position for exposure in the camera and return them to said housing after exposure.