Abstract: A light source for providing controllable illumination having the red, green, and blue components in selected intensity proportion, uses a lamp/filter assembly which projects light through a diffusing plate into a mixing chamber from the output end of which mixed light is emitted for illuminating photographic paper through a negative. The chamber is rectilinear, and the red and green lamps project toward opposite corners while the blue lamp projects along the axis of the chamber. A light pipe which has an input end facing the output end of the chamber extends into the chamber and extracts light which is processed in red, green, and blue channels having temperature stabilized phototransducer circuitry and control circuitry wherein signals corresponding to the intensity of the color components are processed in the channels and are modified by control signals which can be produced in the photo printer control computer.

Abstract: A photographic printing apparatus comprises a system for discriminating exposure information on a first print and memorizing exposure conditions of the first print corresponding to the exposure information, and a control keyboard for inputting an exposure correction amount of a second print with respect to the first print. Exposure conditions of the second print are determined by combining the exposure conditions of the first print with the exposure correction amount of the second print with respect to the first print. When the second print is produced by a second apparatus different from a first apparatus used for producing the first print, a system for inputting and memorizing a difference in setting conditions between the first and second apparatuses is also provided to determine the exposure conditions of the second print on the basis of the exposure conditions of the first print, the exposure correction amount, and the difference in setting conditions between the first and second apparatuses.

Abstract: An exposed and developed strip of film has a series of frames which are to be copied. The strip is scanned at a multiplicity of regions to measure the transparencies in the three primary colors, and the most transparent region of the film strip is established. The neutral density of each region of a frame is calculated as are the density differences between the respective region and the most transparent region in the three primary colors. The color density differences for each region are plotted on a color density diagram having six equally spaced axes which radiate from a common origin. The origin is defined by the color densities of the most transparent region while the respective axes represent the three primary colors and the three complementary colors. The color density diagram is divided into four color segments. The density differences for each region are vectorially added in the color density diagram to generate a resultant vector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for simultaneously printing and developing photographs, of the type essentially comprising three main assemblies, namely, respectively:a first exposure assembly A,a second assembly B in camera obscura;a third developing assembly C,characterized in that the cutting part of the fixed knife defines on the light-sensitive paper the part exposed by the light beam issuing from the lens.

Abstract: The invention provides an image density detecting unit for an image formation apparatus, which is made of a transparent optical medium, which has a reflecting plate whose section is substantially a quadric surface, and which has a focusing unit for focusing, by means of the reflecting plate, light incident on the transparent optical medium at a predetermined position inside the transparent optical medium.

Abstract: Color photo-reproduction of copy is assured by measuring and storing optical densities of the copy plus calibration data for densitometric equipment used in such measurement, as well as values of other pertinent parameters. This system involves interaction between a human operator and an inanimate assistant commonly recognized as a computer. The operator does such acts as juxtaposing a densitometric component of the system to parts of the copy, to density standards, and to trial reproductions so as to input density data retrievably to the computer memory. The operator also may supply, either by measurement or specification, actinic, chromatic, dimensional, and other relevant data. The computer displays, for the guidance of the operator, various announcements, inquiries, and instructions, as well as empirical and calculated values of data. The information variously supplied is processed by the computer according to appropriate procedures and computational rules.

Abstract: A hue identifying apparatus for use in color printing, comprising a device for creating high and low order address signals from the difference between a combination of two of the red, green and blue density signals read out at each point on a color photographic film and from that between another combination of two of said signals, and a hue region memory storing at each address the hue information based on a predetermined hue region defined in a two-dimensional coordinate system wherein the axes represent quantized values of the density differences. The address is designated by the high and low order address signals. The apparatus may further have a device for detecting inadequate exposure on the basis of the three-color density signals, and a device for obstructing the transfer of the hue information from the hue region memory or for selecting one of a plurality of hue region memories based on the output of the inadequate exposure detecting means.

Abstract: A color printing control system for making prints from negatives having a color printer and a microprocessor. The output of photocells which read color negatives is applied to the microprocessor enabling it to calculate print time signals. These signals are applied, for example, to paddles and move them into the light path to terminate light exposure. A print test probe reads the density of the prints and is coupled to the microprocessor and forms a feedback loop which allows the microprocessor to adjust its internal values. In this manner, color balancing is performed and prints made from over and underexposed negatives have the same density as properly exposed negatives, without knowledge of paper characteristics and without operator setup calculations.

Abstract: The method for reproducing at least one colored surface the color of which corresponds to a reference chosen from a color chart is characterized by the fact that during a first stage, there is recorded on a photographic emulsion of the same type a sensitogram developed by means of developing materials of predetermined characteristics, a densitometric analysis of said developed sensitogram is made and the results of said analysis recorded so as to establish an analytical record of the colors comprising the sensitometer with respect to the photographic emulsion and the developing products used. During a second stage, the exposure conditions for the photographic emulsion are determined to reproduce the color chosen from the color chart as a function of the information registered on the analytical record of the colors of the sensitogram. The apparatus used in this process comprises essentially an exposure unit (11), a sensitometer (16) and a central control unit (22).

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 printing plates, directly, without using film.

Abstract: An integrator for spectral analysis of printing illumination from photographic film including a lens for collimating the printing illumination into a beam. The integrator includes first and second color separation filters which divert respective colors from the beam. First and second phototransducers are provided for receiving the respective colors. A third phototransducer receives the beam passing through the first and second filters. Each phototransducer produces a signal representative of the intensity of the respective color.

Abstract: A method of copying a colored original involves measuring the transparency of localized regions of the original in each of the three primary colors. Three localized transparency ratios for each region are formed from the transparency values for the different colors. Three corresponding average transparency ratios for the original as a whole are computed from the localized transparency ratios. Each average transparency ratio is compared with a statistical average of similar ratios obtained from a large number of average originals. If an average transparency ratio of the original to be copied deviates from the corresponding statistical average by more than a predetermined amount, the number of each of the localized transparency ratios lying inside and outside of a predetermined range about the corresponding average transparency ratio of the original is counted. When the number outside of a predetermined range exceeds the number inside, a color dominant is assumed to be present in the original.

Abstract: A color correcting device for a color printing light source comprising light receivers arranged so as to be able to receive a light from a light source having passed through light adjusting color filters and a servo-device which compares an output from the light receiver with a reference value and can determine the amount of entrance into the light path of the light adjusting color filter by the compared output, whereby the color of the light source can be always properly corrected without re-adjusting the reference value in spite of the dirtying or deterioration of the light adjusting color filters and the replacement or deterioration of the light source lamp.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a light measuring and control data calculating device for use in a photographic enlarger. The device comprises first light detecting means for detecting the amount of light emitted from a light source, second light detecting means for detecting the emitted light amount at a position on the surface of an easel through the optical system and an original film in the enlarger, setting means for manually setting a preliminary desired amount of light to be emitted from the light source and calculation means for calculating an actually desired amount of flash light to be emitted from the light source for obtaining a desired total amount of the exposure light on the surface of the easel for making a suitable exposure on the printing paper to provide a best print.

Abstract: The proposed method for making half-tone images on printing plates comprises a step of individually controlling light beams to switch them on and off according to whether a reference value representing a photographic density of minute point of an original picture is or is not smaller than numeral signals allotted to many divisional elements constituting each of many small dots, wherein a unit area corresponding to single dot area is divided into plural fine network patterns each having its own tone reproduction characteristic different from those of other patterns whereby the resulting soft dots can be dot-etched for color retouching of the half-tone images.

Abstract: A color copying apparatus having a photoelectric color exposure control device is calibrated by making a copy of a calibrating original, which includes a gray stepped wedge, on a photographic copying material using an exposure determined by the photoelectric color exposure control device and assumed to be proper for achieving the desired density values in the developed image of the calibrating original. The density of the developed image of the gray stepped wedge is then measured in order to obtain actual density values, which are compared with corresponding desired density values. Finally, the photoelectric color exposure control device is adjusted for achieving the required exposure correction as determined during the comparison of the actual and desired values. The calibration is performed for each of the individual values so that correction of the control device is also achieved for each of the corresponding colors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling color film printing to improve the quality of prints obtained from degraded or deteriorated negatives. The method includes measuring the three color densities (R, G, and B) of the mask of the negative, e.g. a transparent film portion, and comparing these densities with the average densities of the mask of a normal negative, and varying the exposure conditions to compensate according to the degree of difference detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting the reciprocity law failure of a photosensitive material to be exposed, for use in a picture reproducing machine such as a process camera are disclosed. Luminous energies of an original picture and a standard picture are detected by a light detector, and then the exposure luminous energy is compared with the standard luminous energy by an arithmetic unit. Then, an exposure time is calculated in a calculator by using the comparison result and fundamental data such as the standard luminous energy, a standard exposure time predetermined, and a correction factor predetermined, which are recorded in data setup means.

Abstract: A reflective tunnel of rectangular cross-section with opposing parallel or converging, opposing sides has a light diffuser located at the output opening of the tunnel for integrating the light passing therethrough and a densitometer located near the input opening of the tunnel for measuring the composition of the light within the tunnel. A lamp is positioned at the inner focal point of each of a plurality of dichroic elliptical reflectors which are supported at the input opening of the tunnel so that light emitted by each lamp is projected into the tunnel directly toward the light diffuser. The lamps are symmetrically disposed about the optical axis of the reflective tunnel and the reflector axes intersect the axis of the reflective tunnel at a point which is located between the midpoint of the reflective tunnel and the output of the tunnel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus as described for determining the correct exposure time for either black and white or color negatives or positives. The apparatus fully automates the printing process by taking into account all necessary factors thus assuring first print capability. The density of the equipment light, the film and the filters are all measured at the same time and result in a single readout which will be the correct density-exposure time.

Abstract: An improved printer for exposing and printing a color printing paper is disclosed. Printing operation is performed with a certain color balance properly maintained by means of a cut filter assembly comprising three cut filters of a yellow filter, magenta filter and cyan filter each of which is actuated by signals delivered from a plurality of color photo sensors.

Abstract: A method for locating an abnormal original in a photographic print exposure control process is disclosed. In the method, a number of portions of the original are subjected to photometry, and an average of each of a number of characteristic values are determined from the measured values is calculated for frames which are considered to be included in a series of originals, and a plurality of these averages are used to distinguish the abnormal original from the normal original.

Abstract: Subtractive filters are moved into and outfrom the light path between a lamp and a supported color transparency in a color enlarger to provide three separate exposures for the colors red, green and blue. Operator setable means provides an exposure time for each color exposure based on the color density of a standardized transparency. Balance circuit adjusts the exposure time for each color exposure to compensate for differences in color density between the standardized transparency and a transparency from which a color print is to be made. The balance circuit includes a light intensity sensor between the transparency and the lens. Magenta and yellow filters are moved together into the light path to produce the color red. Yellow and cyan filters produce the color green. Cyan and magenta filters produce the color blue. At the end of the red exposure the cyan filter is moved back into the white light path before the yellow filter is withdrawn.

Abstract: A color copier has a control circuit for controlling the exposure of an original to be copied. The control circuit has a processing channel for each of the three primary colors. Each of the channels is associated with photodetectors which is sensitive to the color of the respective channel. The photodetectors sense the intensity of the light in the respective color transmitted through the original and generate signals indicative of the density of the original in that color. The density of the original in each color is compared with the neutral gray density of the original. The difference between the density of each color and the neutral gray density is used to calculate an undercorrection factor for the respective color. The undercorrection factor is used to regulate the exposure time for light of the respective color or the intensity of light of the respective color during exposure.

Abstract: A color print machine, which makes prints from developed color film, is provided with an automatic exposure control system. A memory stores control signals for adjusting the automatic exposure control system for predetermined differing color film types and is addressable for selecting the control signals to be furnished for the color film type involved. The color film is provided with machine-readable film-type identifying code markings prior to printing. A code-marking scanner performs machine-reading of the film-type identifying code markings and generates corresponding film-type signals. The memory is addressed, thereby selecting the control signals to be furnished to the automatic exposure control system for the particular color film type involved, in automatic response to the film-type signals.

Abstract: An exposure control method in which an exposure value for a designated or particular original picture is determined using in combination photometric values or exposure controlling characteristic values of a designated original picture and photometric values or exposure controlling characteristic values of at least one other original picture which is weighted with relativity to the designated original picture. With this method, pictures of similar or continuous scenes are reproduced with a uniform density and color. The method may be applied to photographic film, particularly, motion picture films, VTR photographing operations or picture printing operations.

Abstract: A color balanced scratch suppressing projection apparatus for color transparencies includes an objective lens having a rectangular aperture and defining first and second conjugate planes. An integrating bar having a rectangular cross section and first and second end faces is located with its first end face adjacent the first conjugate plane of the objective lens. A condenser lens, disposed between the first conjugate plane and the first end face of the integrating bar forms an image of the rectangular aperture on the second end face of the bar. The linear dimensions of the image of the rectangular aperture are an even multiple of the dimensions of the second end face.In one embodiment of the invention, the projection apparatus is a color transparency scanner, a flying spot light source such as a CRT is located at the second conjugate plane of the objective lens, and a plurality of color photosensors are located at the second end face of the integrating bar.

Abstract: A color photoprinter having a scanning light source and automatic control of contrast excursion limits and exposure level is disclosed. The printer is particularly well suited to contact printing with opaque image receiving materials. A prescan of the original photographic transparency, only, is made to determine the initial exposure level and contrast excursion limits to be expected on the opaque receiving material, and to establish the required automatic exposure and dodging control signals. The original is rescanned to generate signals which represent an unsharp, luminous, contrast controlling mask. These signals are retained in a memory, such as an image storage tube. The opaque image receiving material is then moved into intimate contact with the original for the actual exposing scan, which takes place with the unsharp luminous mask electronically superimposed on the scanning light source, in order to provide automatic contrast and exposure level control of the image during the printing step.

Abstract: A digital color printer system measures and provides a digital display for the primary color values of incident light from a colorhead for the system. The color mixture of light from the colorhead can be programmed in accordance with selected color values for the accurate reproduction of a print from a negative. The color printer system includes a microprocessor for carrying out various program functions for calculating, utilizing, and storing color value and exposure data, and a combined accessory unit including a keyboard, a input/output device, and a color analyzer probe interfaced with the microprocessor.

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 color photography printing process prints, a test print on the basis of color intensities of three color ranges transmitted through a small selected area of a test print. The exposure times for the three ranges are recorded besides the print in machine readable code. In the making of the final print the machine readable code controls the printing time. The times determined by the machine readable code may be corrected during the making of the final print by corrections determined by an expert observer of the test print.

Abstract: A color scanner for the graphic arts of the kind in which three uncorrected color-component analogue signals from the scanner are converted into digital form and are applied to the inputs of a three-dimensional look-up table or read-only memory in which are stored corresponding color-corrected signal values for the three colors and, if desired, for black. Individual one-dimensional color-component look-up tables are interposed between the analogue-digital converter and the three-dimensional look-up table. The functions performed by the one-dimensional tables may include logarithmic conversion of the input signals, for example. Preferably, further individual one-dimensional look-up tables are inserted between the outputs of the three-dimensional table and a digital-analogue converter preceding an output scanner.

Abstract: Color correction is conducted in a color printing system for negatives having undesirable color balance. The negatives are classified into groups, namely a group consisting of under-exposed negatives, a group consisting of over-exposed negatives, a group consisting of negatives exposed under tungsten light, a group consisting of negatives exposed under fluorescent light, a group consisting of negatives susceptible to color failure, a group consisting of negatives having high color temperature, a group consisting of negatives having low color temperature and a group consisting of aged negatives. In the color printing system, color correction is conducted in accordance with the group to which the negative to be printed belongs. The classification is carried out by measuring various characteristics such as large area transmission density (LATD), red, green and blue large area transmission densities, hue of the maximum density point, and ratio of area of particular colors.

Abstract: A light measuring apparatus for measuring the light transmitted through filters to a light sensor is equipped with a filter wheel having non light transmissive segments alternating with the light transmissive filters, which filter wheel is manually rotatable by a lever. By repositioning the lever through a certain angle, its motion is translated via a spring and various gears and additional transmission elements to rotate the filter wheel and periodically shield the light sensor. The shielding of the light sensor for short periods permits a determination of an error signal in the light measuring apparatus. To obtain a shielding time period above a required minimum independent of the speed with which the lever is moved, the motion of the filter wheel is automatically delayed by mechanical means.

Abstract: A subtractive color printing device for use between a source of white light and a color transparency or negative intended to be exposed to at least a portion of the spectrum of such source. An aperture is disposed in the exposure path between the light source and the negative. A plurality of color filters, each mounted on a separate carrier frame, are positioned for independent adjustment to different positions between one position fully exposing and another position fully spanning the aperture. Each filter carrier is driven to such different positions by a motor. A computer is programmed to power the motors, upon a user input, to drive the filter carriers to preselected positions.

Abstract: A photographic copying machine wherein copying light which issues from a light source and is directed toward an original is caused to pass through a light intensity weakening shutter of the venetian blind type. The shutter is adjusted to change the rate of passage of light therethrough in dependency on the intensity of signals which are generated by the exposure control system of the copying machine and denote the anticipated exposure times in the red, green and blue colors. If the anticipated exposure times are too short, the intensity of copying light which impinges upon the copying material is reduced by a stepwise adjustment of the venetian blind type shutter. Inversely, the shutter is caused to permit the passage of more light if the signals which are generated by the exposure control system denote a relatively long exposure times in the three colors.

Abstract: A photographic printer includes a sensor system for measuring the optical characteristics of each photographic film frame to be printed at a plurality of defined areas. Based upon the measured optical characteristics, the printer identifies and classifies the film frames into various types of scenes. The exposures used in printing each film frame depend upon the classification of that film frame. A user-selectable control permits the user to vary the sensitivity of the classification of one or more of the types of scenes in essentially a linear fashion.

Abstract: In a circuit for the control of exposure time with photographic enlarging equipment with variable enlargement ratio, and with a device for determining light quantity, a light sensitive electric transducer is provided a fixed distance to the negative plane of the enlarging equipment. Means for generating a signal representing the enlargement ratio, in the form of a potentiometer, modifies the signal derived from the device for determining light quantity to thereby produce a signal representative of the proper change of exposure time for a selected enlargement ratio. The circuit incorporates function generators to modify the signal from the light sensitive electric transducers to allow for the correction of the failure of the reciprocity law.

Abstract: A method of determining the amounts of light in the basic colors to which an original is to be exposed during a color copying operation to obtain a copy the colors of which are matched in dependence on the image recorded on the original includes the establishment of color density difference functional correlations from values denoting the results of measurements at a multitude of regions of the film strip which includes the original in question. The correlations can then be used for determining the light amounts for most of the originals. Furthermore, the originals are evaluated for discrimination between daylight and artificial light exposures as well as for recognition of originals including color dominants and, in the latter instance, also for ascertaining whether the color dominant was caused by image-important features.

Abstract: From color density triplets, obtained by the photoelectric point by point scanning of a negative, there are formed an integral density value, a mean density value and a maximum density parameter which are combined by linear combination to form a basic density correction value which modulates the overall density of copies to be produced from the negative. The negative is subdivided into concentric zones, and the more centrally located zones are given a greater weight than the outer zones when the integral density values and the maximum density parameter are being formed. A threshold value is formed and the negative is checked for areas of density greater than the threshold extending up to the margin, and the density values of image points included in such areas are reduced by a certain fraction.

Abstract: The exposed and developed frames of a color film are copied on the basis of information which is obtained by scanning the density of each frame in primary colors as well as on the basis of information which is obtained by imaging a series of gray filters having different densities onto one or more portions of the film outside of the film frames and scanning the density of the image of each filter. The information which is obtained as a result of such scanning is processed by a computer or an amplifier which controls the quantity of copying light in each of the primary colors, either by selecting the interval of exposure of each frame to light in each of the primary colors by controlling the intensity of light in each of the primary colors (if the exposure times in each of the primary colors are identical). The filters can be imaged prior to exposure of frames to scene light and/or shortly prior to development of the film in a processing laboratory.

Abstract: The provision in front of the image surface of a photosensitive element of a device that selectively directs image light with increased intensity to microscopic, spaced-apart portions of the image surface yields a photograph or like record having a selectively decreased contrast. The photograph is viewed independently of its location relative to the light directing device. Changing the apparent aperture through which image light reaches the light-directing device can control the amount of contrast decrease. Further, selective filtering of a portion of the incident light separately controls the contrast of high-exposure portions of the image.

Abstract: A photographic printer includes large area transmission density (LATD) sensors and a digital processor, such as a microprocessor, which calculates red, green and blue exposure times based upon the LATD sensor readings. The LATD sensors provide analog photosignals which are a function of light received. Voltage controlled oscillators for each color channel provide red, green pulse signals which have durations which are a function of the red, green and blue analog photosignals, respectively. Red, green and blue gate circuitry receives red, green and blue enable signals from the microprocessor together with the red, green and blue pulse signals from the voltage controlled oscillators. The outputs of the gate circuitry are red, green and blue gate signals which are supplied to red, green and blue counters, respectively, and permit the counters to count in response to a high frequency clock signal. The resulting count in each counter, therefore, is a function of the duration of the gate signal which it received.

Abstract: A color print machine, which makes prints from developed color film, is provided with an automatic exposure control system. A memory stores control signals for adjusting the automatic exposure control system for predetermined differing color film types and is addressable for selecting the control signals to be furnished for the color film type involved. The color film is provided with machine-readable film-type identifying code markings prior to printing. A code-marking scanner performs machine-reading of the film-type identifying code markings and generates corresponding film-type signals. The memory is addressed, thereby selecting the control signals to be furnished to the automatic exposure control system for the particular color film type involved, in automatic response to the film-type signals.

Abstract: In a color printer provided with an optical path into which a negative is brought and an image of the negative is focused on a photographic paper to make a color print, an exposure control device is provided. The exposure control device has a plurality of neutral density filters which can be put into the optical path of the color printer independently of or in combination with each other. The combination of the plurality of neutral density filters is selected to stepwisely change the total density of the combined neutral density filters according to the density of the negative brought into the optical path of the color printer. The plurality of neutral density filters are gray filters and have different densities.

Abstract: A photographic printer includes large area transmission density (LATD) sensors and a digital processor, such as a microprocessor, which calculates red, green and blue exposure times based upon the LATD sensor values. Prior to an exposure cycle, the LATD sensors are initialized, and LATD sensor readings are taken. From these initial sensor readings red, green, and blue initial exposure times are calculated, and an exposure cycle is initiated based upon these initial exposure times. During the exposure cycle, additional sensor readings continue to be taken on an asynchronous basis, and red, green, and blue exposure times are recalculated each time a reading is taken. The exposure times used during the exposure cycle are continuously modified and updated as a function of the recalculated exposure times. A running average of the sensor readings is maintained, and the modified exposure times are based upon a weighted average of the most recent sensor reading and the running average.

Abstract: A photographic printer includes incremental correction buttons or keys to permit the operator to request incremental color or overall density corrections. In addition, preset correction keys are provided which allow the operator to request a correction for a recognizable cause of off-balance prints such as incandescent or fluorescent lighting or snow scenes. The preset correction keys represent the desired correction for these recognizable causes which represent a combination of more than one incremental color or density correction.

Abstract: A controller for providing accurate analysis of color and density of the light from any color enlarger or the like. The controller is an on-easel analyzer having built-in automatic timer controls for controlling exposures from point 1 seconds to 99.9 seconds. Density and color filtration data provided by video or other off-easel analyzers are manually entered into digital switches on a control panel of the controller or such data can be automatically programmed in the controller through the use of punched paper tape or the like. The controller includes null indicator means to indicate a balance when the enlarger f/stop and color balance are adjusted. The controller may be programmed in units as small as 1 cc in color filtration ranges from 0 to 99 cc and density ranged from 0 to 199 cc. Controller also has a photo-sensitive probe, slope controls, a digital emulsion memory system and the controller can operate with substantially any color enlarger.

Abstract: A method for controlling exposure in the direct printing of color transparencies, the method comprising comparing the neutral density of an original transparency required to be printed with a reference transparency to obtain a measure of the difference in neutral density, this difference then being used to control the exposure time. Control is effected by increasing the exposure time for that portion of the density difference which exceeds a first positive limit by a predetermined amount which is less than the increase in exposure time required by the positive density difference below the first positive limit and decreasing the exposure time for that portion of the density difference which is less than a second negative limit by a predetermined amount which is less than the decrease in exposure time required by the negative density difference above the second negative limit.

Abstract: A lengthy strip of originals is transported along a transport path. Positioned along the transport path are a plurality of copying stations, for simultaneous copying of plural successive originals. The originals are transported setwise or batchwise, thereby lowering the average transport time per individual original and increasing copying-machine productivity without the need to speed up the performance of other operations attendant to copying-machine operation. When originals are correctly spaced and all copiable, they are processed setwise or batchwise as just outlined. When not spaced in accordance with a standard and/or when not all copiable, the machine changes over to one-at-a time operation, disabling all but the most downstream copying station, until the arriving originals are again all copiable and spaced by the standard distance. During normal operation, a strip of print paper is advanced by an increment corresponding to the plural concurrently exposed originals.