Abstract: An in-line index printing system includes a sensor that determines the average density value of a photographic frame, a programmable light source and a video camera. The average density value calculated by the sensor is used to set the current levels supplied to a set of red, green, and blue LEDs to produce light that compensates for the exposure and color characteristics of the photographic frame. The film is illuminated by the light produced by the programmable light source and the video camera captures an image of a frame on the film. The image is digitized, and stored in a memory of a computer where it can be manipulated, if desired to enhance the color. The images from the frames can be printed on a color laser printer, a CRT printer, or transmitted over a computer network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: An image reading method and an image reading device enable an elongated photographic photosensitive material to always be read well even if the elongated photographic photosensitive material has connected portions or deformed perforations. When a discontinuous portion detecting sensor detects a discontinuous portion such as a connected portion or a deformed perforation, an image frame which will be at a position for reading at a time when the discontinuous portion may interfere with conveying rollers is predicted. While the discontinuous portion is being conveyed between auxiliary conveying rollers and the conveying rollers and after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed before a predicted image frame is read by a CCD line sensor, conveying of the elongated photographic photosensitive material is switched to the auxiliary conveying rollers, and the elongated photographic photosensitive material is read.

Abstract: A test frame is photographed on a filmstrip of a lens-fitted photo film unit through a taking lens of the film unit in factory. After the filmstrip is developed, image data is picked up from the test frame, and is compared to ideal image data of the test frame. Based on differences of the image data of the test frame from the ideal image data, correction data is produced to correct image data of picture frames photographed on the filmstrip by customers. Corrected image data is used for printing the picture frames.

Abstract: An image frame selector system for a photographic printing apparatus includes an image processing unit (5d) for reading image frames from a photographic film (2) and displaying a plurality of simulated image frames in a particular multiple frame display pattern on a monitor (50), and a keyboard (60) for inputting commands to handle the simulated image frames displayed. The monitor is switched to a view including next simulated image frames unless commands are inputted through the keyboard within a predetermined time.

Abstract: An optical printer apparatus exposes a sensitized sheet (500) to light from a light source (110), which is movable relatively to the sensitized sheet (500), with given timing in accordance with image data composed of pixels having a plurality of gradations that are linearly changeable from a minimum gradation of low color density to a maximum gradation of high color density. The distance for the exposure is adjusted for area gradation, whereby a gradated image is formed on the sensitized sheet (500). Further, change of the exposure distance, compared to change of the gradation, is not uniform throughout the range, and a non-linear relation is established between the changes.

Abstract: A process and device for the output of electronic image signals on light-sensitive recording material is disclosed. A two-dimensional, transmissive display element, in particular a liquid crystal display (LCD), is controlled by the image signals and the beam of at least one light source passes therethrough in the direction of the light-sensitive recording material. During video output, the display element is arranged so near to the recording material that a sharp picture is produced on the recording material without having to position additional focusing, optical means between the display element and the recording material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for determining the amounts of individual copying light when copying color originals, particularly color negatives which are combined into films. The color originals are scanned photoelectrically and separately in the primary colors by region or by point, and the results of the measurement are used to control the amounts of copying light. For each scanned region a first difference is formed between the density values of two basic colors, a second difference is formed between the density values of one of these basic colors and the third basic color, and the average density is formed from the density measurements of the three basic colors. In each case, a functional relationship with the average density is produced, known as a color density difference curve, which describes the color behavior of the recording material on which the copy is to be made.

Abstract: A control negative has at least a frame which has a center eye portion reproducing a neutral gray on a reference print formed under optimum exposure conditions, and a background area consisting of a gray base portion and a plurality of color chips dispersed over the gray base portion. The gray base portion reproduces a neutral gray and each color chip has a specific color on the reference print. A couple of portraits are disposed on opposite horizontal sides of the center eye portion, to represent an upper and a lower limit of flesh tone on the reference print. A density control chart and a color control chart are disposed in the same horizontal center line as the center eye portion. The density control chart has white and gray areas disposed adjacent to each other. The color control chart has a gray area and a color scale consisting of a series of color segments.

Abstract: A method of digital photofinishing comprising the steps of: producing a digital color image in optical printing densities of a color image captured on photographic media; processing the digital image with a scene balance algorithm to produce a balanced digital color image; using a contrast normalization algorithm, remapping the balanced digital color image to a preferred tone reproduction position; mapping the contrast normalized digital color image through a hard copy media characteristic curve to produce a digital image mapped to print densities of the hard copy media; sharpening the mapped digital color image with a sharpening algorithm optimized to avoid unacceptable artifacts; and digitally printing the sharpened digital color image onto hard copy media.

Abstract: A method of digital photofinishing comprising the steps of: producing a digital color image in optical printing densities of a color image captured on photographic media; increasing the under-exposure gamma of the digital color image using a media under-exposure gamma adjustment algorithm; processing the under-exposure gamma adjusted digital color image with a scene balance algorithm to produce a balanced digital color image; mapping the balanced digital color image through a hard copy media characteristic curve to produce a balanced digital image mapped to print densities of the hard copy media; sharpening the mapped balanced digital color image with a sharpening algorithm optimized to avoid unacceptable artifacts; and digitally printing the sharpened digital color image onto hard copy media.

Abstract: A device for point-form photoelectric scanning of a transparent object to be measured is disclosed and is provided with a transport arrangement for transporting an object to be measured. An illuminating arrangement exposes the object to measuring light in a line-shaped measuring line extending across the object transverse to the transport direction. A collector arrangement collects measuring light passed through the object in the area of the measuring line. A photoelectric converter arrangement, optically connected with the collector arrangement, converts measuring light passed through the object into corresponding electrical signals. The collector arrangement includes a multiplicity of light conductors, an optical multiplexer with multiple inputs corresponding in number to the multiplicity of the light conductors, and an output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing high quality prints from photographic negatives employ a printer with a system that scans the negatives optical densities region by region. Corresponding quantities of light are calculated, the first prints are then printed using these quantities, and thereafter these quantities are stored in a memory to be retrieved at a later time for duplicate prints. To locate the stored values representing the first printing light quantities, the densities employed to calculate the light quantities are associated with those quantities in the memory. The negatives are scanned again when the subsequent prints are to be printed. The measured densities are then compared with the densities stored during the first printing process. If and when the results are similar, the identity of the two negatives is confirmed and the first printing light quantities are obtained from the memory and employed for producing the subsequent prints.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a printer of a photofinishing system, comprising:(a) a reference film strip carrying at least one reference image;(b) a reference chart carrying multiple renderings of the reference image representing different printer exposures; and(c) a substrate carrying printer correction factors needed to change a photographic print obtained from the reference image on the reference film strip, to match any desired rendering on the reference chart. A method of producing the above reference chart, and a method of calibrating a printer of a photofinishing system, are also provided.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for reading an image recorded on a photographic film includes: a solid-state imaging device on which an image derived from light transmitted through the photographic film is formed; a density-measuring device for receiving the light transmitted through the photographic film and for measuring a large area transmittance density of the image for each color of R, G, and B; and a correcting device for correcting image color signals on the respective colors of R, G, and B outputted from the solid-state imaging device, on the basis of a ratio of large area transmittance densities of the image for the respective colors of R, G, and B determined from an RGB output of the density-measuring device.

Abstract: A color copying apparatus for constantly obtaining a high-quality print irrespective of a change in film characteristics due to deterioration is disclosed. A reference image recorded on the film is photometrically measured to determine film characteristic data. After transformed values of an original image have been stored normalizing conditions are determined, and a transformation formula or table is generated in correspondence with a film type. Pixels are then selected from the original image set in the printing position, and a characteristic amount of the image is calculated and made to correspond to print characteristic data. An abnormal frame is then determined, and an exposure amount is determined by setting coefficients of an exposure calculating formula. Also disclosed is a color copying apparatus for constantly obtaining a high-quality print on the basis of the density of a reference image and the density of a print frame.

Abstract: A method for determining a state of a processing solution in a printer processor which exposes a photosensitive material to a light emitted from a light source and processes the material with processing solution, the printer processor having a function to correct exposure conditions in response to at least the amount of light from the light source, a characteristic of the photosensitive material, and a state of the processing solution by adjusting a plurality of exposure condition correction parameter values, comprising the steps of: (a) storing change history of at least one of the exposure condition correction parameter values; and (b) determining whether or not the state of the processing solution is in a preferable state based on the stored change history of at least one of the correction parameter values. Therefore, the characteristics of the change in the processing solution state appear in the history of change of the exposure condition correction parameter values.

Abstract: A method of color balance determination for use by a color copying apparatus utilizing a gray estimate established as a functional relationship among at least three basic color density values measured from regions within multiple image frames of a film order. This functional relationship is preferably a fitted line to a set of measured density values from which density values from regions of high color saturation have been excluded. To discriminate these high color saturation regions, the color saturation is determined relative to a gray point calculated as a weighted average of minimum density and image average density values. Further improvement in the gray estimate is achieved by limiting the set of measured density values to regions of high modulance ("edge effect") within the image frames.

Abstract: A light-pattern illuminating apparatus comprises: a light-pattern holding device in which, when a light pattern is applied to one surface thereof, the light pattern is written, and from which, when reading light is applied to another surface thereof, the written light pattern is read; a light-pattern writing device for applying the light pattern corresponding to image information to the one surface of the light-pattern holding device in a state in which at least vertical scanning is controlled; a light-pattern reading and illuminating device for illuminating another surface of the light-pattern holding device with the reading light and for illuminating an image receiving element with the light pattern which has been read from the light-pattern holding device; and a controlling device for controlling the duration of illumination of the image receiving element with the light pattern so that the duration becomes approximately an integral multiple of the period of vertical scanning.

Abstract: According to the improve method for use with image inputting apparatus to set the illuminance of reading light, the measurement with the image sensor is performed with the light source stop being adjusted to a specified initial value of degree of opening in the absence of original in an optical path and if an output from the image sensor is not within a specified range, either adjustment of the quantity of the light from the source or readjustment of the light source stop using a light source stop table which represents the relationship between the degree of opening of the light source stop and the output of the image sensor or both the adjustment of the quantity of the light from the source and the readjustment of the light source stop are performed and another measurement with the image sensor is performed in the absence of original in the optical path and these steps are repeated until the output from the image sensor comes to fall within the specified range, and if the output falls within the specified ra

Abstract: Classifying and detecting original images on a roll of film so that a photographer can describe and identify to the photofinisher the type of images of interest to the photographer and to identify which images by category on the roll of film are to receive certain customer requested procedures such as multiple prints, enlargements or no printing of that image at all.

Abstract: A magnetic head and line sensor are mounted along the transport passage of a color negative film. The magnetic head reads trimming information recorded on a magnetic recording layer of the negative film, and sends the trimming information to an image processing unit. The line sensor scans an original frame of the negative film synchronously with the transportation of the film and reads the image data of the frame one line after another. In accordance with the trimming information, the image processing unit generates image data for a trimmed image so as to fully use the width of the color paper, and sends the image data to a line printer unit. The line printer unit scans a light beam synchronously with the transportation of the color paper, to record the trimmed image, one line after another, on the color paper.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing film has two processing units and transport rollers for conveying film past the units. One of the units may include a scanning device and the other unit may include a copying device. Alternatively, the two units can comprise a prescanning device and a main scanning device, respectively. The apparatus further has a receiving station for film cartridges and at least one separate receiving station for film which is not confined in cartridges. Film can be fed to the transport rollers from either station.

Abstract: An index printer in which density correction can be reliably effected and in which an appropriate image can be printed is obtained. When a standard image data such as a so-called Bull's eye is input from an image memory to a gray image processing portion of a sub-control portion, data which is greater than a predetermined threshold value Q is extracted from the standard image data and is averaged so as to set a standard gray image. The set standard gray image is displayed on a whole surface of a display surface of a liquid crystal panel via a liquid crystal panel driver, and is printed onto a photographic printing paper by a light source.

Abstract: An image printer includes a projection exposure unit for projecting and exposing a film image on to a photosensitive material, an image exposure unit for exposing the photosensitive material based on exposure image information with setting an exposure amount for each of a plurality of areas, an image reader for reading information of the film image with the information being divided into a number of areas, and a correction-information instructing unit for instructing correction information for correcting the image information read by the image reader. The image exposure unit generates the exposure image information based on the image information read by the image reader means and on the correction information instructed by the correction-information instructing unit.

Abstract: An in-line index printing system includes a sensor that determines the average density value of a photographic frame, a programmable light source and a video camera. The average density value calculated by the sensor is used to set the current levels supplied to a set of red, green, and blue LEDs to produce light that compensates for the exposure and color characteristics of the photographic frame. The film is illuminated by the light produced by the programmable light source and the video camera captures an image of a frame on the film. The image is digitized, and stored in a memory of a computer where it can be manipulated, if desired to enhance the color. The images from the frames can be printed on a color laser printer, a CRT printer, or transmitted over a computer network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: An image processing method in which an image of an original is read by an image input device, the read image data is converted to density data used when printing onto a photosensitive material, and an image is obtained on the photosensitive by digital exposure, wherein, when the image data is converted to the density data used when printing onto the photosensitive material, the image data is corrected on the basis of parameters determined by combinations of print finish characteristics, including at least image input device characteristics, which affect a print image when the image of the original is printed on the photosensitive material by an analogue exposure system. On the basis of the above parameters, the density data is obtained while the image data is corrected. For this reason, an image finish print in the digital exposure system can obtain an image quality which is equal to that of a finish print in an analogue exposure system.

Abstract: An image testing method which improves an image testing ability and enables rapid testing processing. When an operator effects testing for an image displayed at a set test position and instructs alteration of a printing condition set by the testing, the image is scrolled and the next image is displayed at the test position without the altered image being displayed. When the next image is displayed at the test position, the operator starts testing for the next image without moving his/her line of vision.

Abstract: A photographic color printer includes a color video camera for making specialty prints. A memory is provided to store different color compositions for printing light including an initial color composition and additional color compositions which surround the initial color composition. The memory also stores camera adjustment parameters for each additional color composition so that, when the color composition of the printing light is shifted away from the initial color composition, the camera can be adjusted to the new color composition. The camera is adjusted to the initial color composition by exposing the camera to light of this composition. Following such exposure, the camera is sequentially exposed to light of the various additional color compositions. The camera is adjusted to each additional color composition in order to obtain the camera adjustment parameters which are to be stored in the memory.

Abstract: A photographic printer has a lamp which projects light through a cut-off filter, a filter unit, and a diffusion plate. The light travels further through a film negative, an objective lens, and to a polarizing beam splitter. The beam splitter provides the light to a spatial light modulator and to an exposing/enlarging lens. The spatial light modulator includes a light modulating layer of a homeotropically oriented nematic liquid crystal having a negative dielectric anisotropy. Layers of transparent electrodes in the spatial light modulator are provided with a predetermined voltage of a predetermined frequency. A write CRT, controlled by a controller and control unit, provides light to the spatial light modulator so that the light from the beam splitter can be modulated with an appropriate correction. The modulated light and the light from the beam splitter are made incident on a photographic color paper. The photographic printer has improved compensation for blur caused by dust on the optical path.

Abstract: A copier for making prints from photographic negatives has two copying stations arranged in series. A filmstrip is conveyed through the stations in succession, and each negative of the filmstrip is scanned upstream of the copying stations. The data obtained upon scanning is analyzed to calculate the amounts of copy light for the negatives and to determine whether the respective negatives are to be copied under standard conditions or nonstandard conditions. Masters requiring standard conditions are normally copied in the upstream copying station and pass through the downstream station without being copied. On the other hand, masters requiring nonstandard conditions are transported through the upstream station without being copied and are subsequently copied in the downstream station.

Abstract: A photographic printer includes a light source for radiating light rays for photographic printing to a film; a unit for fixing the film; a unit for providing a film information signal by detecting the light filtered through the film; an image processing unit for processing the film information signal and generating a corresponding control signal; an image display unit located between the light source and the film for displaying an image corresponding to the control signal; and a focusing unit for forming an image on a printing paper according to the light filtered through the image display means and the film.

Abstract: A photographic image exposing apparatus includes a white light source and a filtering device provided between the white light source and a photographic paper. The filtering device has color filters corresponding to respective light spectrums and is operable to interrupt a light beam traveling from the white light source to the photographic paper to separately allow the corresponding light spectrums to pass therethrough. A light amount adjuster is operable to change respective interrupting times of the color filters with respect to a predetermined exposing range.

Abstract: A color copying apparatus for constantly obtaining a high-quality print irrespective of a change in film characteristics due to deterioration over time and the like is disclosed. A reference image recorded on the film is photometrically measured to determine film characteristic data. After logarithmically transformed values of photometric values of an original image on one film set in a printing position have been stored, normalizing conditions are determined on the basis of average image data, and a transformation formula or table for transformation between the film characteristic data and image data is generated in correspondence with a film type. Pixels are then selected from the original image set in the printing position, and a characteristic amount of the image is calculated and is made to correspond to print characteristic data by means of the transformation formula or table.

Abstract: An adjustable iris diaphragm assembly (26) in a zoom lens system (16) of a photographic printer (10) is calibrated for each magnification setting by progressively adjusting the aperture opening until a predetermined light intensity is detected by a sensor (36) near a paper plane of the printer and then determining an output voltage of a feedback sensor (88) of the iris diaphragm assembly. A correlation is established among magnification settings of the printer, iris stop settings, and sensor output voltages to enable the printer to accurately set the iris for a desired exposure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing index prints makes the trend of compensation for main prints coincide with the trend of compensation for the index prints. When a scanner determines an exposure compensation amount for each frame based on image data of each frame of a negative film, the information representing the exposure compensation amount for each frame is transmitted to the drive controllers via a controller. In a main print section, an exposure process is performed by the drive controller based on the information regrading the exposure compensation amount for each frame, thereby obtaining a main print. In an index print section, an exposure process is performed by the drive controller based on the same information regrading the exposure compensation amount for each frame, thereby obtaining an index print. Also, a density adjusting method easily and automatically adjust unevenness in density produced in an image printing stage.

Abstract: The improved method of determining the amount of exposure for use with an image forming apparatus reads the red, green and blue densities of an original image on a pixel basis and determines the amount of exposure of a light-sensitive material in accordance with the result of the reading step. In the method, those pixels of the same color which have been found to have red, green and blue densities within respective predetermined ranges as a result of the reading of said original image are added and after at least part of the pixels that represent a color having a greater number of pixels than a specified value are removed, the remaining pixels are used to perform mathematical operations for determining the amount of exposure.

Abstract: In an apparatus for reproducing a photographed image on each frame of a developed photographic roll film, wherein each frame includes an image region on which the photographed image is provided and a memory region in which information with regard to the photographed image is stored, an information reader for reading the information stored in the memory region; a processing circuit for processing image signals photoelectrically obtained by an image reader on the bases of the information; and the processed image signals are displayed on the screen.

Abstract: A method of printing regular photographic prints on a strip of paper along with index prints--that is, prints with images that are smaller than those in the regular prints--from series of negatives on rolls of film. The smaller images are projected next to and one after another along the strip to produce an index print as wide as the strip. The regular prints and the index prints are printed at different points along the strip. The results of area-by-area measurements of the negatives obtained while the regular prints are being printed are exploited to control light quantities while the index prints are being printed. The distance the strip of paper advances from one printing point to the other is regulated to ensure that paper is advanced to the index print printing point once the last negative in a series has been projected onto the strip until the trailing edge of the last print arrives at the margin of the exposure area in the index print printing point.

Abstract: A monitor adjusting system facilitates image adjusting procedures such as color or density correction. Prior to printing an image onto photosensitive paper, the exposure settings are selected so that the printed image on the print paper will have proper colors and densities. Initial adjustments are made to the exposure setting based on the actual images being developed. To check the correctness of the changes in exposure setting for the actual images, the operator inserts a color calibration (reference) film strip which is read and displayed by the system. The film strip will display two images: (1) a reference scene of a human subject or a landscape and (2) either a density chart or a color chart. The images are used as indicators of the correctness of the adjustments made.

Abstract: A photometric system for a photographic printing apparatus having an exposure device for projecting light traveling from a light source (21) through a mirror tunnel (24), along a projection path through a photographic film (2) to printing paper (3). An opening (24b) is formed in a side wall (24d) having a mirror surface for forming the mirror tunnel. The photometric system includes a photometer (60) disposed outside the mirror tunnel for metering only light entering through the opening (24b) from a region of the opening (24b) and a region displaced from the region of the opening (24b) toward the light source, and a reflection mirror (31; 71) for deflecting the light entering through the opening (24b) toward the photometer (60). The reflection mirror (71) is switchable between a first position for deflecting the light entering through the opening (24b) toward the photometer (60), and a second position for covering the opening (24b).

Abstract: The improved apparatus for forming a color image by slit scan exposure has means for changing the position of a line sensor assembly relative to the shorter side of the slit light that has passed through a slit and means for constructing color filter tables that represent the relationships between the amounts of insertion of the color filters into the optical path and the quantities of the admitted exposing light on the basis of the measured data on the quantity of the slit light measured by using the line sensor assembly with its position being changed relative to the shorter side of the slit light.

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.

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.

Abstract: A method of making a high-quality print avoids carrying out photometry twice on images on a film. In a first transporting process for transporting the film in a first direction, photometry is carried out on all of the images on the film that are to be copied by dividing the images into a number of pixels, logarithmically transforming thus obtained photometric values into photometric data sets, and storing all thus transformed photometric data sets in correspondence with individual images on the film. At least some of the photometric data sets are used to determine a condition of selection for selecting photometric data of pixels. The photometric data thus selected is used in determining the exposure amount of the images, and photographic prints are made during a second transporting process using the determined exposure amounts.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a scan exposure unit for performing a slit scan exposure on a light-sensitive material, a line sensor that is provided in an optical path branching from the optical path of slit exposing light and that reads the original image prior to the slit scan exposure of the light-sensitive material, a memory for storing image signals, a monitor for displaying a monitor image using the stored image signals, a device for designating the principal area of the original image from the monitor image, and an exposure computing unit for computing the conditions for proper exposure using both the information on the principal area and the image signals stored in said memory.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to estimate subject illuminating light using the minimum number of on-photography information. When no flashes of light exist, color differences R-G and G-B are calculated based on image information detected by an image sensor and the calculated color differences are plotted on color coordinates. It is further determined whether R-G and G-B distributions fall within a fluorescent-lamp light region or a tungsten light region (106). If it is determined that the distributions fall within the fluorescent-lamp light region, then the subject illuminating light is estimated as light such as a night view or fireworks, which is emitted from a light source other than the fluorescent lamp, when an average intensity (BV).ltoreq.-1.5 ?EV!. Further, the subject illuminating light is estimated as the fluorescent-lamp light when -1.5 ?EV!<BV.ltoreq.3 ?EV! and is estimated as daylight producing a green failure when 3 ?EV!<BV.

Abstract: An image printer includes a developing unit for developing a photosensitive material, a transport device for transporting the photosensitive material through an exposing position to the developing unit, an image exposure unit for exposing the photosensitive material with image information at the exposing position with dividing the image information into a plurality of lines extending perpendicular to a transporting direction of the photosensitive material. The printer further includes a measuring device for measuring intensity of light irradiated from a light irradiating end of the image exposure unit with respect to the photosensitive material and a correcting device for correcting the exposure amount based on measurement data of the measuring device.

Abstract: A photographic printer has yellow, magenta and cyan color-correcting filters, which are inserted in a light source and a developed photographic film. A frame to be printed is measured photometrically in three-color separation to obtain optical density of three primary colors. Positions for setting the filters in a light path are controlled according to the density. The frame is printed by the printing light on color photographic paper. Data of plural density domains, dividing a three-dimensional density space, are preset. The density space is defined by coordinates on which the density of the three primary colors is taken. Data of matrix elements are stored in association respectively with the density domains. One of the density domains is selected in accordance with the density obtained from the frame. Matrix elements associated with the selected density domain are selected from the matrix elements.

Abstract: A photographic printer can process a plurality of films each housed in a separate cartridge concurrently with high efficiency. The printer has a base and a rotary table rotatably mounted on the base. Four cartridge holders are mounted on the rotary table along its circumference at angular intervals of 90.degree.. Mounted on the base around the rotary table are a cartridge supply unit, a scanner unit and a printing/exposure unit arranged opposite to three of the four cartridge holders, respectively. The scanner unit and the printing/exposure unit are provided separately from and driven independently of each other, so that the film processing steps in these units can be carried out concurrently.

Abstract: A color image processing apparatus includes a plurality of image reading units, each of which reads an original image and produces a color image signal, a color image recording unit which records a color image in accordance with the color image signal, and a correction unit provided for each of the plurality of image reading units to correct the color image signal such that each image reading unit has the same overall spectral sensitivity characteristics.