Including Patents (Class 355/38)
  • Patent number: 5638155
    Abstract: In a photographic printer including a print-exposing device having a light source and a light controlling filter, an image recorded onto a film is printed on a photosensitive material by irradiating, onto the photosensitive material, light emitted from the light source and transmitted through the light controlling filter and the film. The light transmitted through the light controlling filter and the film is incident upon a photometric device, and the photometric device photometrically measures the image recorded on the film. The quantity of light incident upon the photometric device is controlled by a control device so as to reduce the quantity of light to a quantity of light which is lower than a quantity of light when printing exposure is carried out, in a case in which printing exposure by said print-exposing device is suspended for a time longer than a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruo Takanashi
  • Patent number: 5636001
    Abstract: Exposure control for cameras and photographic enlargers in which image light from a lens or light source is reflected off a spatial light modulator having a plurality of controllable elements able to be positioned in three dimensions. This reflected light is received by a photoelectric conversion device, analyzed by electronics, modulated and reflected by the spatial light modulator in a second dimension onto photosensitive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: John Collier
  • 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: 5555073
    Abstract: A photographic copying apparatus has a DX code reader for reading a DX code or identification code on negative film, a film scanner for acquiring density information of the negative film, and an exposure station for exposing printing paper. The exposure station is controlled based on exposure information derived from conversion information selected with reference to the identification and density information. A reference film is test-coped for correction purposes, and conversion information for plural types of film is corrected based on density of the test copy and density of the reference film measured by the film scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Walter Grossman, Kuraji Nitta, Koji Kita
  • Patent number: 5515136
    Abstract: An image recording apparatus having a light source which illuminates light to one of a reflection original image and a transparency original image, and an imaging lens system which uses the light reflected or transmitted from the original image after being emitted from the light source to form an image on a photosensitive surface of a photosensitive material. A plurality of light emitting diodes are used as the light source. Accordingly, controlling the current to the diodes allows control of a quantity of light without changing the color. It therefore becomes unnecessary to provide a diaphragm mechanism for the imaging lens system. As a result, the apparatus can be made small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomonori Nishio, Takatoshi Ohtsu, Atsushi Uejima
  • Patent number: 5506656
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for measuring the optical density of an original, especially a three-color negative, from which photographic prints are made, to control how much printing light of each color penetrates the original when the image is projected onto a color print medium that is sensitive to these colors. The spectral sensitivity of the measuring apparatus is adjusted to that of the print medium. Measuring light is projected through the original and is resolved into at least one spectrum. The intensities of the light at the various ranges of wavelength are weighted and totaled in accordance with the spectral sensitivity of the particular print medium. Light valves with translucencies that can be adjusted to the sensitivity of the print medium to that range of wavelengths are distributed along the spectrum. The accordingly weighted intensities of the light of each color are separately sensed and measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, AG
    Inventor: Wilhelm Nitsch
  • Patent number: 5502541
    Abstract: An automatic photographic printer is programmed to determine, from image classification pixel scan data, the existence of panoramic image frames interspersed among full size image frames on a film strip. The printer is initially set to assume all image frames are panoramic images until any one of the following test conditions is found that then indicates the image is not panoramic: (a) an initial pixel value indicates the existence of film density, (b) differences in pixel density values in rows within the non-panoramic areas of the frame indicate the existence of film density or (c) pixel density values on opposite sides of a line separating panoramic from non-panoramic frame areas indicate the absence of a frame edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Richard Olliver
  • Patent number: 5488450
    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 unit for transporting the photosensitive material through the projection-exposure section and the image-exposure section. The image-exposure section includes a plurality of exposure units 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, a moving device for moving the plurality of exposure units and the photosensitive material relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the lines, and a moving-exposure control unit for controlling operations of the exposure units and the moving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki, Co.
    Inventor: Toru Tanibata
  • Patent number: 5461457
    Abstract: A method of determining an amount of exposure in a process of reproducing a face density, which is extracted from an original image of a photographed human subject, at a target density. When there are a plurality of people among photographed subjects and face densities differ greatly, the face densities are divided into two groups of higher and lower face densities. Thereafter, the face density of a group which is determined to be a standard density is finished as an appropriate density. Further, in a process of effecting reproduction at the target density, density correction of a face is not effected in a case in which a face density of a photographed subject is extremely high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5438389
    Abstract: A film analyzer calculates exposure correction amounts for red, green, and blue colors in an image of an original frame of a spliced long film by using the characteristic values of a scene determined from the output of a color image sensor. For a low LATD frame having a minimum value of three-color LATDs smaller than a reference value, a density of an ND filter to be used for printing is calculated in accordance with a difference between the minimum value and the reference value. The long film is loaded into an auto-printer from the film analyzer. A photometry sensor measures three-color LATDs of an original frame set to a print station of the auto-printer. A print exposure time of each color is calculated from the three-color LATDs and exposure correction amounts. Immediately before the low LATD frame is set to the print station, an ND filter having the density determined in advance is inserted into a printing path. Three-color LATDs are measured while the ND filter is inserted into the printing path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiichi Kito, Tsutomu Kimura, Junji Sugano
  • Patent number: 5434645
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akihiro Usami
  • Patent number: 5424802
    Abstract: A photographic printer has a first polarizing beam splitter for splitting light from a light source into a first polarized light and a second polarized light. The first polarized light passes through a first liquid crystal cell having a liquid crystal material held between grid-like transparent electrodes. At this time, the plane of polarization of the first polarized light is changed in each small region formed in the liquid crystal cell. The first polarized light then enters a second polarizing beam splitter. On the other hand, the second polarized light enters the second polarizing beam splitter after its plane of polarization has been changed. At the second polarizing beam splitter, the first polarized light and the second polarized light are combined and then projected on a print paper via a photographic film so that an image recorded on the photographic film is exposed and printed on the print paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirofumi Saita
  • 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: 5404196
    Abstract: A method of making photographic prints wherein photographic data relating to photographic conditions of an original frame is recorded on a photographic film at the time of photographing the original frame, so as to determine the print exposure amount for printing the original frame. When it is determined with reference to the photographic data that a primary subject of the original frame has a proper density on the photographic film, the original frame is printed at a basic print exposure amount which is determined without using density data of the original frame. If it is determined with reference to the photographic data that the basic print exposure amount should be corrected for the original frame, an exposure correction amount is calculated based on the photographic data and/or the density data of the original frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Terashita, Naoto Kinjo, Kunihiko Kanafusa, Shinpei Ikenoue
  • Patent number: 5400152
    Abstract: An apparatus that produces digitally generated index prints and normal optical prints as part of the normal printing operation, without requiring the negatives to be cut and handled separately. The foregoing is accomplished by using the exposure determination and subject classification data generated for the normal optical printing operation to rapidly provide the low resolution digital data for creating the individual index print images, during the normal optical printing operation. While the digital images are being created, each digital image is being simultaneously corrected for its own exposure requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Joseph A. Manico, David L. Patton, Thomas R. Roule
  • Patent number: 5400115
    Abstract: A printer has a light source and an objective which direct a light beam along a predetermined path, and a unit in the path for measuring the density of a master to be reproduced. The measuring unit includes a filter combination of at least two filters downstream of the objective and a light sensor downstream of the filter combination. The filter combination has a transmission pattern which shifts as the angle of incidence of the light beam on one or more of the filters changes. At least one of the filters is pivotable in order to vary the angle of incidence of the light beam on the same. This allows the transmission pattern to be shifted so as to adjust the measuring unit to the spectral sensitivity of the copy material used for reproduction of the master.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Reimund Muench
  • Patent number: 5392093
    Abstract: A photographic printing apparatus having a single light source and a reflecting mirror. The mirror is provided between the light source and the light-modulating device having light-modulating filters, a mirror tunnel and diffusers and has a light-passing portion. Most part of the light from the light source is reflected by the mirror and used for exposing negative films after passing it through the light-modulating device. The remainder of the light from the light source passes through the light-passing portion and is used for scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayuki Kojima
  • Patent number: 5369463
    Abstract: In recording an image on a recording medium such as photographic film, position information used for the detection of a principal image is recorded on the recording medium. The position information is read when a hard copy of the image is produced. A characteristic value is derived from within the area of the principal image detected in accordance with the position information. A print exposure amount used for producing a hard copy is determined in accordance with the characteristic value. The position information may be the information directly or indirectly representing the position of the primary image. The indirect representation may be a combination of a subject distance and a focal length of a taking lens. This combination determines a reference size of a face or figure image on a frame. By detecting an image having the same size as the reference size, the principal image such as a facial image or a figure image can be identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Terashita, Jin Murayama
  • Patent number: 5365306
    Abstract: According to a process for regulating the amount of copying light in a closed control loop of a photographic color photocopier equipped with color filters, the copying light influenced by the color filters is selectively measured in the primary colors, red, green and blue. A deviation resulting from the comparison of the real values with predeterminable set values is subdivided into a color deviation and a brightness deviation. The color deviation is compensated by regulating the color filters, whereas the brightness deviation is converted into a correction factor for the lighting time, so that for each primary color the product of the light intensity real value by the effective lighting time is constant and identical to the product of the light intensity set value by the lighting time set value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Durst Phototechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Verner Delueg, Alex Vinatzer
  • 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: 5357315
    Abstract: An exposure condition is determined with reference to a difference between a density value Dx of a negative film to be printed and a corrected density value DNi (i=x) of a reference film. The method comprises the steps of: measuring density values DNi of a plurality of types of reference films and light amounts Li of a light source at times of measurement of the density values DNi; storing the density values DNi and the light amounts Li as memorized density values and memorized light amounts corresponding to the respective reference films; measuring a current light amount L of a current light source which is used for exposure of the negative film to be printed; calculating a difference logL-logLi=.delta.i between the light amount L and each of the memorized light amounts Li; correcting each of the memorized density values DNi by the use of the difference .delta.i.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5353095
    Abstract: An image frame to be printed is divided into a plurality of portions, and the portions are photometrically measured. Photometric data necessary to determine an exposure condition is selected. Weighting factors, which are to be applied respectively to selected photometric data, to data obtained from first data obtained by photometric measuring of a plurality of films in accordance with film type identifying codes, and to data determined from second data obtained by photometric measuring of image frames to be printed which are recorded on a single film, are set based on the first data. The exposure condition is determined based on a value obtained by addition of respective weighted data. Hence, influence of color failure can be eliminated, and variations in film characteristics due to deterioration over time and the like can be eliminated. Accordingly, high-quality prints are thereby consistently obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takaaki Terashita
  • Patent number: 5349418
    Abstract: A CRT apparatus for illuminating color photographic negatives to faithfully produce colored hard copies in photographic printers without the use of dark shutters, heat shields and/or moving color filters. The preferred embodiment of the present invention employs an ordinary color television with a R, G, B input, driven by a signal controller and a specially designed CRT. The controller previews and analyzes the negative with inputs from an ordinary color television camera illuminated by a standard light source. A sample of the recording media for the hard copy, which was exposed to a pattern generated by the controller and displayed on the CRT, acts as a standard reference for the controller's mathematical manipulations to analyze the hard copy media sample, and control the Kelvin temperature and luminance settings of the CRT when exposing the hard copy through the subject negative in order to achieve automatic color balance in the hard copy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Lifetouch Inc.
    Inventor: Talmadge W. Hopson
  • Patent number: 5337130
    Abstract: In an exposure control method for photographic printing, average transmitted light from an original on an photographic film is color-separated, and an average photometric value for each color is obtained by measuring each color-separated light. A tentative exposure amount is determined based on the average photometric value. A color dominancy in the original image is evaluated by an analysis of image information which is obtained through a color-separated scanning of the original image, and the tentative exposure amount is corrected based on an evaluation result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuaki Satoh
  • Patent number: 5325150
    Abstract: Film scanner apparatus for a photographic printer system in which the film scanner is provided with reflection and transmission densitometry capability using a single light source for film scanning as well as both transmission and reflection densitometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Bruce E. Rottner, Walter D. Foley, Dennis N. Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 5311251
    Abstract: A method of operating a photographic printer to provide for automatic setup for a plurality of film types and conditions in which film term data for film types encountered by the printer is automatically created and periodically updated to reflect current experience using accumulated historical density data derived from scanning of film strips and in which exposure of image frames from a current film strip to a photosensitive medium is adjusted either by average density information stored for one or more film types from the historical data or by average density information derived from the current film strip with determination of which average density information to use being made automatically by comparison of either or both of film type or average minimum density information of the film strip with the corresponding stored information. Automatic adjustment of tungsten illumination exposure and automatic updating of slope compensation factors for under- and over-exposed negatives are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Roule, Richard Olliver, Dennis N. Beaulieu, William G. Irwin
  • Patent number: 5309199
    Abstract: Process for the production of photographic copies from photographic copy masters in a photographic copy apparatus, wherein initially in a measuring station of the photographic copy master an exposed photographic master material, on which photographic copy masters are exposed, is analyzed master by master. In the process, the measuring data necessary for the exposure of each master is determined, together with the size and the position of the center of each copy master on the film. A number is assigned unambiguously to each master, the number being determined by scanning an expanded DX code provided in periodic intervals in a border area of the master material by a single bar code detector used in the measuring station to read the expanded DX code. The number is determined by reading the expanded DX code. The numbers assigned to the copy masters, together with the associated measured data, are passed on to a computer and control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Gretag Imaging, AG
    Inventor: Beat Frick
  • Patent number: 5303000
    Abstract: Strips of coherent, exposed and developed film frames are advanced past, and discrete frames are placed onto, a window at a monitoring station where successive increments of the film frames are monitored by a device having photocells forming at least one row which extends transversely of the path of advancement of strips. The monitoring device is at a standstill during advancement of strips but is transported past a discrete frame at the monitoring station. Such monitoring device can ascertain the density of film frames, and its photocells generate signals which are used to image the frames onto photographic paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Benker, Ulrich Klueter, Reimund Muench, Erich Nagel, Wilhelm Nitsch, Volker Weinert, Hans-Joachim Vedder
  • Patent number: 5296890
    Abstract: A light source for use in exposing photographic material through a negative. The source includes a plurality of lamps, one appropriate to each emulsion layer of the material to be exposed. Each lamp has a reflector projecting a light stream through a dichroic filter which limits the energy of the stream so that it acts on a single layer. The separate streams are then combined into a single stream which is further treated to eliminate rays exceeding a predetermined angle. Cut off blades may be used to terminate the projection of any one or more of the individual streams for certain definite times depending on the desired exposure of each separate emulsion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventor: Roy A. Clapp
  • Patent number: 5295006
    Abstract: An exposure system for a color video printer capable of obtaining a uniform exposing to liquid crystal display panels for red, green and blue colors by common use of a light source being movably disposed. The exposure system includes liquid crystal display panels for red, green and blue colors disposed at an upper portion of a casing so as light being incident thereupon not to be interfered with each other, a light source for illuminating the liquid crystal display panels, a light source supporting and light-reflecting member being movable in the casing for containing the light source therein and reflecting the light toward only a desired panel, and a driving member for moving right and left the light source supporting and light-reflecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Goldstar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwang J. Lee
  • Patent number: 5281992
    Abstract: A method of producing photographic prints in a printer is provided, in which it is possible to adjust at least the color composition of the light to be emitted by an exposure means of the printer, an image of a master photographic image being reproduced on the screen of a color monitor by making use of an image converter means, which is adapted to be introduced temporarily into the ray path of the printer. The monitor image is calibrated at least with regard to the color of a first optimized print while maintaining the copying light constant. An exposure means suitable for carrying out this method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Detlev Schmerler
  • Patent number: 5262821
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a condition setup/upkeep print for either setup or upkeep of normal exposure conditions of a photographic printer. A plurality of images are formed by copying images of standard negative films on the setup/upkeep print under given copy conditions, and an identification mark is applied on the print. The identification mark is set in such a manner that copy conditions such as the kinds of the standard negative films and exposed states are represented as a set of identification marks in association with each of the plurality of images. The copy conditions of the images are identified by the identification mark applied on the print. Either setup or upkeep of the normal exposure conditions of the photographic printer can accurately be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsukazu Hosoya
  • 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: 5245383
    Abstract: A color balance measuring device for regulating color balance in a photographic printer in which color images recorded on a film are printed onto photographic paper to obtain photographic prints. In the color balance measuring device, a density measuring portion and a pusher member, which is movable in a direction of the density measuring portion, are provided opposing each other with a transport path of the photographic prints interposed therebetween. The density measuring portion and the pusher member are disposed at predetermined distances with respect to surfaces of the photographic prints. A white reference plate is provided at a density measuring portion side of the pusher member. The density measuring portion is pushed via the white reference plate by movement of the pusher member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Terumi Matsushita, Yoshio Ozawa
  • Patent number: 5237425
    Abstract: A compiler for producing a catalog of colors for a printing system using two colorants, black plus a highlight color. The compiler executes the color programming language and constructs one or more catalogs of inks in the form of fonts, defines tiles, expands the tiles to form characters, and creates a printable listing/error sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Joanne M Tagami, Robert C. Hsu
  • Patent number: 5229822
    Abstract: The present invention provides a photometric unit designed for a photographic projector-printer assembly, which does not require a movable portion and is thus simple in its structure and eliminates any time lag in focal length change. The photometric unit 20 is diagonally offset with respect to the projection-side optical axis and has two area sensors 9 and 10 mounted in parallel with each other on a common substrate plate 8 and two image-formation lenses 11 and 12 having different focal lengths, which are located in operative association with the two area sensors. The optical axis a of one image-formation lens 11 having a longer focal length is positioned such that it intersects the optical axis of the projection optical path at a point O on the negative film, whereby a negative film image formed on either one of said area sensors depending upon the size of the image on said negative film is photoelectrically converted for photometry measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Yamamoto, Kazuhiko Katakura
  • Patent number: 5227837
    Abstract: Object brightness color information is recorded on a recording medium such as a photographic film at the time of taking an object image. In making a photoprint, the brightness information or color information is read from the photographic film, and is used for the calculation of a print exposure amount. The brightness information is used to convert photometric values at respective measurement points within a frame into brightness information. The color information is used to obtain the actual color of an object at respective measurement points. In one embodiment, effective measurement points are determined in accordance with the value of brightness information at respective measurement points, and characteristic values to be used for the calculation of a print exposure amount are derived by using the effective measurement points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takaaki Terashita
  • Patent number: 5227845
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing a copying operation contains a photosensitive drum, a focusing optical system for directing reflected light from an original image onto the photosensitive drum, a lamp for lighting the original image, a light quantity sensor for detecting the quantity of reflected light from the original image and for controlling the quantity of light of the lamp on the basis of the detected value of the quantity of reflected light, a first filter provided in an optical path of the focusing optical system so as to cut-off light having a wavelength not longer than a predetermined value, and a second filter provided on a light-detection surface of the light quantity sensor. The second filter has a cut-off wavelength point shorter than the first filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Hiranuma, Koji Fukushima, Yoshihiro Maekawa
  • Patent number: 5225867
    Abstract: A chromatic image recording apparatus comprises a gradation control member, an image reading member, a hue characteristics calculating member and a hue characteristics control member. In the chromatic image recording apparatus, the optimum exposing conditions of an original having a deviated color balance can be easily established. The output chromatic image of desired quality can be obtained, irrespective of any hue characteristics of the chromatic image on the original. When a brightness characteristics calculating member and a brightness characteristics control member replace the hue characteristics calculating member and the hue characteristics control member, the output chromatic image of desired quality can be obtained, irrespective of any brightness characteristics of the chromatic image on the original.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Nagata, Yoshinori Endo, Keiji Seo
  • Patent number: 5223892
    Abstract: A photographic printing method in which a plurality of image frames photographed on a negative film by a camera, which photometrically measures different areas on an object by a plurality of photometric elements and which determines an exposure, is printed onto photographic paper. Printing processing is effected at an average exposure of the plurality of image frames. Namely, all of the image frames of the negative film are photometrically measured. Average densities of each of R, G, and B of an entire image surface are calculated. An average value of the average densities of all of the image frames of the negative film is calculated. An amount of printing exposure is determined using this average value. Printing processing of all of the image frames is effected at this amount of printing exposure. Accordingly, a large proportion of prints having appropriate densities can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinpei Ikenoue, Takaaki Terashita
  • Patent number: 5218402
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for printing a color image from a photographic transparency onto a photosensitive medium is claimed. A plurality of light sources each provide light of a different color when energized. The different color light of each light source has a light intensity level established by an energizing level applied thereto. A light integrator combines the different colored light from the light sources to produce light of a composite color along a primary optical path. The photographic transparency is disposed along the primary optical path such that the composite color light passes through the photographic transparency and produces a projection of the color image from the photographic transparency. An electronic imager is provided for imaging the projected color image of the photographic transparency. A device is provided for exposing the photosensitive medium with the projected color image. A power supply is provided for energizing the plurality of light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Dennis N. Beaulieu, Robert L. Horton
  • Patent number: 5212518
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a tonal conversion method for a faded color original picture useful upon producing a printed picture in a halftone from a faded color photographic original in a continuous tone. As picture information of tonal conversion, unfaded light intensity values (Xn) of a pixel in a faded color photographic original, instead of density information values (D.sub.Fn) of a corresponding pixel of the same, are used. The light intensity values (Xn) may be rationally determined, utilizing an assumption of dye loss and density characteristic curves (S-DCC) of a photographic photosensitive material. The light intensity values (Xn) are then converted into halftone dot area % values by conduction of a specific tonal conversion formula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Yamatoya & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Numakura, Iwao Numakura
  • Patent number: 5210570
    Abstract: A method for determining an exposure for printing an original image of a photographic film onto a photographic paper. The method includes the steps of; scanning an image on a photographic film to obtain an image data; obtaining plural region characteristic values which includes a maximum density value, a minimum density value, and an average density value in each of plural areas of an image for example; obtaining plural image characteristic values from the region characteristic values; calculating a linear first order sum of the image characteristic values; and selecting one of plural predetermined sets according to the result of the calculating step. The exposure is determined with the regression equation predetermined for one of the predetermined sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Minamisawa, Akemi Kosugi, Yasuaki Satoh, Yoshiaki Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 5194891
    Abstract: This invention relates to the process of producing an inherently color biased image composition. More specifically, the invention is concerned with identifying the inherent color bias characteristics of an image, so that the image density variation from the image production system targeted density can be compensated by including a complementary color zone to be included in the computation by an image analyzer, thereby automatically achieving optimum color balance in the projected image. Another aspect of the invention relates to the process of producing color images using color panel(s), being concerned with a method of visual identification of an absence or an additional presence of a hue that tilt the color balance on a hue sensitive color panel. These methods are apt for color photographic prints control as well as for any color image production systems working on similar color production principles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventor: Chiu L. Gan
  • Patent number: 5192970
    Abstract: An exposed and developed filmstrip and band of similar length are connected edge-to-edge. An address for each negative of the filmstrip is imprinted on the band in the form of a bar code adjacent to the respective negative. The negatives are scanned and exposure values are calculated for the negatives from the resulting data. The exposure values are used to make proofs, and the exposure values for each negative are then stored in a memory under the corresponding address. When an order for final copies of a particular negative is subsequently received, the address of the negative is read from the band and used to retrieve the respective exposure values from the memory. The final copies are thereupon made based upon the retrieved exposure values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gunter Findeis, Wilhelm Nitsch, Hans-Juergen Rauh, Wolfgang Zahn, Helmut Treiber, Hans-Georg Schindler
  • Patent number: 5182594
    Abstract: A CRT apparatus for illuminating color photographic negatives to faithfully produce colored hard copies in photographic printers without the use of dark shutters, heat shields and/or moving color filters. The preferred embodiment of the present invention employs an ordinary color television with a R, G, B input, driven by a signal controller and a specially designed CRT. The controller previews and analyzes the negative with inputs from an ordinary color television camera illuminated by a standard light source. A sample of the recording media for the hard copy, which was exposed to a pattern generated by the controller and displayed on the CRT, acts as a standard reference for the controller's mathematical manipulations to analyze the hard copy media sample, and control the Kelvin temperature and luminance settings of the CRT when exposing the hard copy through the subject negative in order to achieve automatic color balance in the hard copy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventor: Talmadge W. Hopson
  • Patent number: 5177532
    Abstract: When to perform subsidiary exposure before or after main exposure or concurrently therewith with a quantity of light corresponding to about 1/50 to 1/100 of the quantity of light of main exposure, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention can automatically set the standard conditions of subsidiary exposure in response to setting of the standard conditions of main exposure, and can set the optimal conditions of colors and intensity of subsidiary exposure in accordance with the amount of adjustment of gradation. Therefore, even when variations arise in the characteristics and processing conditions of a light-sensitive material or any desired gradation is chosen, natural and fine images can always be formed with no color balance distorted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Takagi
  • Patent number: 5168303
    Abstract: A photographic printing method for printing a film image onto photographic paper by estimating the color temperature of a subject illuminant, and by changing, in correspondence with the color temperature estimated, a degree of correction of the image density in which an improper color balance occurs in color reproduction with a change in the color temperature of the subject illuminant. By changing the degree of correction in correspondence with the estimated color temperature, it is possible to allow the hues of the subject illuminant to be reflected on the prints. In addition, it is also possible to change the degree of correction in correspondence with the light-source-color information indicative of the photographer's intent in expressing the hues of the original scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinpei Ikenoue, Takaaki Terashita
  • Patent number: 5164765
    Abstract: The copying light of a source of copying light is attenuated in areas using a mask with different density ranges to influence the density by areas of a copy to be produced from a copy master. The appropriate area of the mask is selected by analyzing a location dependent density variation of the mask stored in matrix form in a computing and evaluating unit by predetermined criteria. A photographic copying apparatus associated with the process includes an exposure station with a mask mounted on a slide. The slide may be displaced in response to control signals determined and generated in the computing and evaluating unit. The slide is displaced in a plane parallel to a transport plane of the copy master in the beam path of a source of copying light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Gretag Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christa Strobel, Rolf Bronnimann
  • Patent number: 5164764
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining a color filter value, which is to be used for a specific original for exposing a gradation change paper, comprises a recording device (16), an inverting circuit (17) and a monitor (18), which operates in a black-and-white mode of operation, as well as an electronic contrast control device used for said monitor (18) and calibrated such that each adjustment value of the electronic contrast control device has associated therewith a color filter value which relates to a color filter (8, 29) to be used upon exposing the gradation change paper and on the basis of which a contrast of the print corresponding to that of the image on the monitor will be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: bbs AG International
    Inventors: Detlev Schmerler, Gerhard Brugger