Abstract: A device for monitoring a sheet material which device is used for a conveying apparatus for conveying sheet materials along a prescribed conveying path, said device comprising: a photoelectric conversion element which has a linear detecting area and outputs values which varies in accordance with an amount of light received at the detecting area, the amount of light changing due to the passage of a sheet material along the conveying path; and recognizing means which recognizes a position of a transverse direction end portion of the sheet material on the basis of a value output by the photoelectric conversion element. By disposing the edge of one half portion of the detecting area of the photoelectric conversion element at a reference position of each sheet material such as a central position of the sheet materials, a change in a width of the sheet material and even a minute amount of meandering of the sheet material can be reliably detected, and the width and a type of the sheet material can be recognized.

Abstract: A system for reading an image formed on a silver-salt film, comprising: (a) a magnetic information reading unit for reading magnetic information recorded on a magnetic recording medium on the film; (b) a feeding unit for feeding the film; (c) an illuminating unit for irradiating light to the image formed on the film; (d) a filter unit arranged between the illuminating unit and the film; (e) a photoelectric conversion unit for receiving the light from the illuminating unit, which is passed through the film, to convert the image formed on the silver-salt film to an electric signal; (f) a memory unit for storing an image signal from the photoelectric conversion unit; and (g) a control unit for controlling at least one of the feeding unit, the illuminating unit and the photoelectric conversion unit, on the basis of information of the information reading unit.

Abstract: A raster input scanner, and a reproduction system that uses that input scanner, having multiple depths of focus. The raster input scanner includes a light source for emitting light toward an image bearing member and at least two lens arrays, with the ability to selectably position any one lens array in optical conjugate relationship between the image bearing member on a transparent platen and a photosensor array. One of the lens arrays has a first depth of focus, while the other lens array has a second depth of focus that is different than the first depth of focus. Beneficially, the input scanner responds to an operator selection of which depth of focus is to be used to image a given image bearing member.

Abstract: A method of providing information on the back side of a developed photographic medium having an image carrying layer on the front side. The method comprises machine reading code on the developed imaging carrying layer on the front side of the photographic medium. In the method, information is printed on the back side of the developed photographic medium with a printer, based on the machine read code. An apparatus, which can execute a method of the invention, for providing information on a back side of a developed photographic medium having an image carrying layer on the front side, has a reader to read machine readable code in the developed imaging carrying layer on the front side of the photographic medium. The apparatus further has a printer communicating with the reader so as to print information on the back side of the developed photographic medium based on the machine read code. The method may include printing and developing the photographic medium.

Abstract: In a one-face mode, a first sheet discharge portion arranged on an upper face of an apparatus body, or a second sheet discharge portion arranged in the apparatus body so as to be freely opened and closed is opened, and a sheet forming an image on one surface thereof is discharged to this second sheet discharge portion. In a both-face mode, a sheet forming images on both surfaces thereof is conveyed to the first sheet discharge portion through a sheet discharge path formed by closing the second sheet discharge portion.

Abstract: A loading arrangement for a photographic copier especially for APS film including film cartridges is disclosed wherein the films are partially removed from the cartridge for processing and after processing again rewound into the cartridge, including means for the positioning of a cartridge in a working position, motor-driven unwind means for the partial removal of the film from the cartridge which is present in the windup condition in the cartridge and for the transfer thereof to film transport means provided in the copier apparatus, and motor-driven windup means for the rewinding of the film into the cartridge.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a carriage for holding a film holder holding a film, a motor for moving the carriage, and a housing for holding the carriage and the motor. While the motor moves the carriage, a first portion of the carriage is positioned by being slidably clamped by the housing, and a second portion which is in the opposite side of the first portion of the carriage is slidably positioned by a guide shaft. An image reading apparatus includes an image sensor for sensing an image from an original, a conveyor for conveying the original, a first board on which an image processing circuit for performing predetermined processing for an image signal output from the image sensor is mounted, and a second board on which a power supply circuit for supplying power to the image processing circuit is mounted.

Abstract: A printer control pictorial tool consists of an eye portion having a neutral gray, portraits arranged around the eye portion, and a gray background. The eye portion and the portraits are located within a photometric range that is equal to or less than a range covered by a photometry device of a photo-printer. The gray background has the same average gray density as the eye portion has. An area having a complementary color to a flesh color of the portraits is provided within the photometric range. The size, color and density of the portraits and the complementary color area are determined such that photometric values obtained from the photometric range are approximately equal to those obtained from the eye portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a load control device which includes a load that executes a job, a relay that selectively connects the load with a power supply, and a central processing unit that outputs a plurality of control signals. Also included is an application specific integrated circuit that outputs a load driving signal to the load in response to a control signal sent from the central processing unit, an output condition observing device that observes an output condition of the application specific integrated circuit and a timer that counts pulses when the output condition is active and does not count pulses when the output condition is not active. In addition, the load stops driving when the timer has counted the prescribed number of pulses.

Abstract: In a picture printing service, a customer can enjoy convenience equivalent to that in a network photo service by using a simple and reliable method, without special equipment, while a service provider can carry out order receiving processing without wasting time. When picture image data read from a film by using a film scanner are stored in an image server, search ID information of the picture image data to be used for searching for the picture image data is printed on a predetermined sheet or the like by using a printer in a format of an order sheet or the like to be used by a customer upon placing an order.

Abstract: A container for a system to collect, manage, process and move photographic material, contained in wrappers of a defined form, for example rolls (24) is associated with an automatic device to collect the photographic material to be processed and also with at least a processing machine (13, 14) including its own data processing unit (41). The automatic collection device includes means to recognize the client (28), means (29) to input commands and aperture means (23) for the introduction of the roll (24).

Abstract: Operation control device for photography printing and developing machines, wherein the images of negatives are projected on photographic paper, by exposing it, and wherein the exposed paper is then developed and printed. Device comprising central control means (23) communicating with the control unit (19) of each printing and developing machine (6, 7) and displaying means (monitor 17) for the negatives of each machine, contained into magazines (25), wherein such central control means (23) are adapted to set the data of the characteristics of the operative cycles to be carried out in the different machines and to control such cycles, independently from those of the other machines, and to activate at random every machine as soon as one operative cycle is ended, in order to permit a subsequent cycle to be carried out.

Abstract: The improved image recording apparatus includes an imagewise exposing device by which recording light modulated in accordance with an image to be recorded is allowed to be incident in a specified recording position; an auxiliary scanning transport device by which a light-sensitive material cut to a specified length is transported in an auxiliary scanning direction as it is held in the recording position and which has a first nip transport device and a second nip transport device; a supply device for transporting the light-sensitive material to be supplied in an appropriate posture into the first nip transport device; and a transport control device for controlling the supply device and the first nip transport device.

Abstract: The light-sensitive material transport device includes a placement and transport mechanism for placing and transporting the exposed light-sensitive material after it is received from the scanning transport mechanism. The light-sensitive material transport device also includes an auxiliary transport mechanism spaced apart upward from the placement and transport mechanism, for being driven in the same direction as the placement and transport mechanism. The light-sensitive material transport device receives the cut sheets of the exposed light-sensitive material from the scanning transport mechanism without imparting any effect to the scanning transport and can subsequently transport it in a stable and sure manner, as well as preferably performing correction of the curl of the cut sheets of the light-sensitive material.

Abstract: A method of processing customer image orders, each of at least one image capturing an original scene. An image content identification in the form of an image content identification signal, is generated based on an identification of one or more scene objects, for at least one image of a customer order. The generated image content identification is compared with different image content identifications stored in a memory in association with respective predetermined customer certificate data. When at least a generated image content identification matches a stored image content identification, generating a customer certificate from the stored certificate data associated with the matching stored image content identification. The method can be used with customer image sets which may not be image orders. An apparatus and computer program product which can execute such a method, are also provided.

Abstract: An image printing system for generating multiple printed image copies in response to an order. A processor can divide the order into multiple sub-orders for respective image printers, each sub-order having a sub-order header which includes a unique order identification and an indication of the number of copies of the image to be printed by the corresponding printer. A plurality of image printers are connected to the processor, to each receive a corresponding sub-order and print the corresponding sub-order header, and the numbers of image copies indicated in that header. A method which can be executed by such a system and a computer program product which can execute the method on a programmable computer, are also provided.

Abstract: A photographic camera system includes a photographic camera that can successively expose a photographic film in different frame sizes and an automatic printer for automatically printing the processed photographic film exposed with those different frame sizes. The camera varies the aspect of an exposure opening in the camera body and the film is fed for a length corresponding to the selected aspect by detecting a hole located in a marginal area of the film. The photographic camera magnetically or optically records at a location away from the hole an aspect information signal indicative of the selected aspect of the exposed frame on the photographic film, and the automatic printer automatically prints the photographic film using the magnetically or optically recorded aspect information signal detected from the photographic film.

Abstract: A control tool and method for calibrating a photographic printer and a photographic processor. The tool comprises an exposed unprocessed photographic filmstrip having a first image section for use in calibrating a photographic printer and a second image section for use in calibrating a photographic processor with respect to a predetermined aim. The first image section comprises a plurality of exposures of the same image, each image having a different exposure level, and the second image section comprising a plurality of density patches, each having a different exposure level. The exposed tool is developed so to determine the exposure levels. The exposure levels are compared with predetermined aims. The tool is printed if the measured data is within prescribed limits, or the film processor is adjusted in accordance with corrective measures if the measured data is outside said prescribed limits.

Abstract: A recorded image frame is distorted on the printing plate when image information or image data from a computer is recorded in the form of band strips, with a plurality of image elements dotted on each widthwise dotted line of the band, on a printing plate wound over a drum. The present invention permits an undistorted recording on the printing plate by an arrangement which includes a printing plate wound around a drum in the form of a right circular cylinder, an exposing assembly to record image information in the form of a band strip on the printing plate by means of light beam, a moving mechanism to move the exposing assembly in relation to the drum in the direction of the drum axis--by one band width per revolution of the drum--and a circuit to generate an incline distortion offsetting signal in a sawtoothed pattern having the cycle synchronized with that of the rotation of the drum with the initial writing position on the band as starting point.

Abstract: A photographic camera system includes a photographic camera that can successively expose a photographic film in different frame sizes and an automatic printer for automatically printing the processed photographic film exposed with those different frame sizes. The camera varies the aspect of an exposure opening in the camera body and the film is fed for a length corresponding to the selected aspect by detecting a hole located in a marginal area of the film. The photographic camera magnetically or optically records at a location away from the hole an aspect information signal indicative of the selected aspect of the exposed frame on the photographic film, and the automatic printer automatically prints the photographic film using the magnetically or optically recorded aspect information signal detected from the photographic film.

Abstract: A photofinishing system for automatically processing image and associated image data pursuant to customer output requests. The system includes an order manager operative to receive and control processing of the output requests and at least one source of image related data corresponding to the output request. An input interface receives the image related data from the source and converts the data to a digital data stream. A memory is included for storing the digital data stream. The system further includes a data parser disposed in communication with the memory to extract selected data streams according to the order manager and to reduce the data into respective image files having respective groups of data fields. An output module is responsive to the order manager and is operative to produce a photofinished output organized with respect to the data fields.

Abstract: A method provides archival storage of information related to a photographic film unit having a local data memory. In the method, a logical memory is allocated to the film unit. The logical memory unit is physically remote from the film unit. Photofinishing parameters for the film unit are written to the logical memory unit for use by a photofinishing unit. The photofinishing parameters are also written to the local data memory. After an expiration of time, the logical memory unit is no longer maintained. A replacement logical memory unit can be later reallocated to the film unit and the information in the local data memory can be written to the replacement logical memory unit.

Abstract: A photographic print copying station includes a scanner for scanning a photographic print. A mask is placed over the photographic print to indicate an area of the print for copying and an operator control is provided on the copying station for selecting a desired copy size. The copying station includes a logic and control circuit that responds to the signal produced by the scanner to recognize the mask area, separates the image area from the mask area, and resizes the image area to the selected copy size. The resized image is then printed by a printer in the copying station.

Abstract: The improved image recording apparatus includes a light-sensitive material supply section having a loader of a magazine containing a roll of a light-sensitive material in a lightproof case and a withdrawing device for withdrawing the light-sensitive material from the magazine; a cutter for cutting the light-sensitive material into sheets; an image recording section which has a scanning transport device for transporting the cut sheets of light-sensitive material for scanning and an exposing device by which the light-sensitive material is exposed to recording light modulated in accordance with digital image data; a transport device which transports the light-sensitive material from the cutter to the scanning transport device and which transports the as-exposed light-sensitive material to a next step; and a back printing section which is provided midway along the path of transport of the light-sensitive material by the transport device to record a back print on the non-recording side of the light-sensitive mater

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of processing at least one digital image of at least one photographic image and distributing at least one visual print produced from the at least one digital image. The method includes the steps of storing at least one digital image of at least one photographic image on at least one image server at a first location. Selective authorized access to the at least one digital image of the at least one photographic image from a second location is then facilitated. Orders are received for at least one visual print of the at least one photographic image from the second location. Based upon the orders at least one visual image is produced from the stored digital image at the first location in response to the at least one order.

Abstract: There is described an image recording apparatus, which includes an input device for inputting image data, a recording element to record images on an image recording medium in accordance with the image data, a memory device for storing a plurality of information groups having relationship between image data and recording energy control data, a discriminator for discriminating a sort of the image recording medium, a selector for selecting at least one information group out of the plural information groups in accordance with the sort of the image recording medium discriminated by the discriminator, and a controller for controlling the recording element on the basis of the information group selected by the selector.

Abstract: A method of setting chromatic correction in exposure determining algorithms of an automatic photographic printer using inferential illuminant detection derived from data recorded at a camera during picture taking. For scenes having a scene light level above a predetermined level, daylight chromatic correction is set at the printer. For scenes having a scene light level below this level, daylight chromatic correction is set at the printer if sufficient flash illuminant is determined from the recorded data to exist in the image otherwise a non-daylight chromatic correction corresponding to a high degree of chromatic correction is set at the printer.

Abstract: Apparatus for embedding information in a digital image digitized from a developed photographic film in response to a film property and information to be embedded into the digital image includes a scanner for scanning the image on the developed photographic film to produce the digital image. The apparatus stores the film property and has input circuitry for storing information associated with the image and to be embedded in the digital image. The apparatus responds to the stored the film property and the associated information for modifying a predetermined number of pixel values with the associated information in the digital image so that the associated information is embedded in the digital image, wherein the embedded information can subsequently be extracted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing an image onto a photosensitive media. The apparatus comprises a light source for producing an exposure light and an imaging active matrix liquid crystal display for providing images. The exposure light passing through the liquid crystal display for printing the images on the liquid crystal display onto the media. The liquid display is moved between a first position and a second position. A zoom lens is provided for adjusting the size of the image area on the photosensitive material so that substantially the entire width of the photosensitive material is filled.

Abstract: For the manufacture of large format photographic prints, the original image (V) is divided into a matrix arrangement of partial image originals (A.sub.1 -D.sub.4) consisting of lines (1-4) and columns (A-D) with lateral edges (R) which are parallel to the columns of the matrix arrangement. A linear arrangement of sequential latent partial pictures is produced from the individual partial image originals by way of a printer and by sequential projection, whereby the projection is carried out in such a way that the lateral edges (R) of the latent partial pictures which correspond to the lateral edges of the latent partial image originals extend parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) of the linear arrangement of the latent partial pictures. The exposed copy material (P) is developed in a pass-through developing arrangement, whereby a partial image copy is produced from each partial image original and the partial image copies are assembled to a complete compound picture (K).

Abstract: A method for judging an occurrence of an error when reading magnetic data obtained by scanning magnetic recording portions provided in conformity with the respective frames of a photographic film F by a magnetic data reader. The method comprises detecting whether or not a read state of the magnetic data has changed between successive frames, counting the number of changes in the read state and judging whether or not a data read error has occurred by comparing a count value with a judgment reference number.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a large-format scanner. In a preferred embodiment, a device for scanning an image on a medium having a width and providing signals representing the image includes a frame, a transport, a lamp and a plurality of sensors. The transport is mounted to the frame and is used for moving the medium along a first axis transverse to the medium's width. The lamp illuminates the medium. The lamp has a first end and a second end wherein the first end and the second end are folded back approximately 180 degrees, so that the lamp produces uniform brightness across the width of the medium. The plurality of sensors are proximate to the transport, span the medium's width, and the sensors provide a signal representative of a portion of the image within the illuminated portion of the medium. The device may also include a focal length adjustor, mounted to the frame between the sensors and the transport, for adjusting the distance between the medium and the sensors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for copying transparencies to a light-sensitive material, the apparatus including an illuminator for illuminating the original, wherein the illuminator has a plurality of individually addressable pixels which can be switched to light or dark and which are controlled according to a raster image. The density values of the original are first determined with a predetermined spatial and gray-scale resolution and the raster image is subsequently generated from the density values of the original according to the error diffusion method.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, an exposure head has blue light emitting elements, a base on which the blue light emitting elements are provided, bonding pads formed on the base, and an aluminum-made reflecting layer formed on each bonding pad. Each aluminum-made reflecting layer has a reflectivity of 90% or higher to blue light from the light emitting element with respect to the regular reflection component. Part of blue light generated by one of the light emitting elements may travel to an adhered surface of the light emitting element, but it is reflected by the aluminum-made reflecting layer without being absorbed by the adjacent bonding pad, so that that part of blue light is re-directed toward a microcapsule recording sheet.

Abstract: An image processing control information obtaining unit obtains input characteristic information of an image input unit and output characteristic information of an image output unit. The image processing control information obtaining unit further analyzes the state of an image input from the image input unit (that is, a target image to be processed) and obtains image analysis information. The image processing control information obtaining unit also obtains a requirement of an operator with respect to an image output from the image output unit as intentional information. An image processing parameter approximate reasoning unit approximately reasons at least one image processing parameter with respect to a predetermined image processing operation, based on the various pieces of image processing control information thus obtained.

Abstract: A photographic system includes a photographic camera that can successively expose a photographic film and an automatic printer for automatically printing the exposed and processed photographic film. The photographic camera magnetically or optically records at an area away from an exposure area of the photographic film an aspect ratio information signal indicative of a selected aspect ratio and a frame number signal, and the automatic printer automatically produces prints from the photographic film using the magnetically or optically recorded aspect ratio information signal and frame number signal detected from the photographic film.

Abstract: An exposing apparatus including a conveying device, a scanning device and an exposure device. The conveying device conveys a photographic film reciprocatingly during a first stroke and a second stroke opposite to the first stroke. The scanning device scans an image on the photographic film with light during one of the first stroke and the second stroke, and forms at least one of light reflected from the photographic film and light transmitted through the photographic film into line-shaped image light. And the exposing device exposes a light sensitive material to the line-shaped image light while conveying the light sensitive material relative to the line-shaped image light.

Abstract: There is disclosed a microfilm search device which detects a frame or between-frames dimension from a density change in the running direction of a microfilm to determine the presence of frames and search for a desired frame. The detected density change is binarized to determine the dimension of the frame or between-frames. When detecting the length of a portion where the binarized signal representing film transparent portion continues, the dimension is corrected short. When detecting the length of a portion where the binarized signal representing film non-transparent portion continues, the dimension is corrected long. The frame or between-frames dimension can be detected with high accuracy to enhance the frame searching accuracy. Moreover, pulse signals outputted from an encoder are counted by a counter to monitor the film feeding amount, and the counter is reset when frames are detected and when the film feeding direction is reversed.

Abstract: The improved light-sensitive material transporting device includes a belt conveyor for transporting a light-sensitive material as it is placed thereon; and an auxiliary belt conveyor that is driven in the same direction as a transport direction of the belt conveyor and which is spaced above the belt conveyor wherein a distance between the auxiliary belt conveyor and the belt conveyor decrease progressively from upstream to downstream in the transport direction of the light-sensitive material. The light-sensitive material transporting device is capable of transporting the light-sensitive material in a consistent and smooth manner while correcting the "curls" it has. In addition, by adopting the device in the distributing section which distributes individual sheets of the light sensitive material into a plurality of rows, the pathlength of the light-sensitive material can be shortened while, at the same time, the cost of the apparatus is measurably reduced.

Abstract: A recording apparatus records data on a sensitive material with a laser beam. The recording apparatus includes a data storage unit for storing data, a laser illumination unit for generating the laser beam, and a laser beam scanning unit for scanning the laser beam, which is generated by the laser illumination unit, at a predetermined position. The recording apparatus further includes a transporting unit for transporting the sensitive material to the predetermined position, a laser control unit for controlling the laser illumination unit to generate the laser beam on the basis of the data stored in the data storage unit, and an intensity change-over unit for changing over the intensity of the laser beam illuminating the sensitive material at the predetermined position, in dependence on the type of the sensitive material.

Abstract: The improved image recording apparatus includes a cutter for cutting a web of light-sensitive material into sheets of a specified length; a recorder which transports the cut sheets of light-sensitive material for scanning and exposes them in a specified recording position by recording light modulated in accordance with digital image data; a back printer for recording a back print on a reverse surface of the light-sensitive material; a cutting buffer as a transport zone of the light-sensitive material which is provided downstream of the cutter in the direction of transport of the light-sensitive material for scanning; a pre-exposure butter as a transport zone of the light-sensitive material which is provided upstream of the recording position in the direction of transport of the light-sensitive material for scanning; and a post-exposure buffer as a transport zone of the light-sensitive material which is provided downstream of the recording position in the direction of transport of the light-sensitive material

Abstract: A method of routing images in the form of image signals, in a photofinishing laboratory between a first device which provides the images, a workflow controller, and at least one image processor. Identifications of the images are communicated to the workflow controller. Image processing requests and associated image identifications are communicated from the workflow controller to the image processor. Images from the first device are retrieved at the image processor by: (i) communicating image identifications from the image processor to the first device; and (ii) in response to the identifiers received from the image processor, communicating the images corresponding to the received identifiers from the first device to the image processor without using the workflow controller as an intermediary. A photofinishing laboratory which can execute such methods is also provided.

Abstract: Without using a zoom lens, an image reading device in which image data of an image whose magnification has been changed can be obtained appropriately is provided at a low price. This image recording device moves and adjusts variable focal length lenses, on the one hand, and a photographic element (66), on the other hand, relative to one another, and separately. Accordingly, an original image whose magnification is changed by using variable focal length lenses is formed on the photographing element (66) by moving and adjusting the variable focal length lenses and the photographic element (66) integrally. As a result, image data can be read.

Abstract: A printing system including at least one printer for printing images on sheets in accordance with electrical image signals and control signals fed to the printer, a control unit for feeding electrical image and control signals to the at least one printer, and an input unit for receiving and feeding the electrical image signals to the control unit. The control unit includes an operating unit for generating control signals relating to a document-finishing operation on sheets for printing by the at least one printer and a display unit adapted to display operating information. The display unit displays a visual representation of a sheet or document in accordance with more than one selectable document-finishing operation by utilizing a single, adaptable visual representation. This adaptable visual representation is provided with selection areas which represent selectable document-finishing operations. A document-finishing operation can be selected by activating an associated selection area.

Abstract: An automatic trimming/printing apparatus for trimming frame images a formed on film and printing the frame images on a photosensitive material. The printing apparatus includes a trimming data input unit for acquiring trimming data of the frame images formed on the film (2), a projecting and exposing station (10) for projecting light from the frame images to the photosensitive material through an exposure lens (14), film transport rollers (33) for transporting the film (2) to the projecting and exposing station (10), and an exposure control unit (42) for effecting exposure based on the trimming data acquired. The exposure control unit (42) has a shift exposure function.

Abstract: A film scanner is capable of reading an image formed on a film in accordance with a photographing mode recorded in each frame of the film. In this film scanner, an image formed in each frame of a film held by a film holder is projected onto a linear image sensor by a focusing optical system to read the image with the linear image sensor. A magnetic information detection unit detects magnetic information recorded in each frame of the film, and a system controller identifies a photographing mode of each frame of the film. In accordance with the identified photographing mode, an image read area of each frame is set and a subscanning motor is driven in accordance with this image read area. The subscanning motor is driven in the area outside of the image read area at a faster speed than in the image read area. Therefore, a read time can be shortened as compared to the case wherein all frames are read in the broadest image read area. Trimming works can be omitted.

Abstract: A conveyor for a photo-processing apparatus having an exposing section and a developing section is disclosed. The conveyor conveys the photo-sensitive material from the exposing section to the developing section. A power source for conveying a photo-sensitive material in a vertical direction and a guide mechanism for guiding the photo-sensitive material in a lateral direction are installed in the conveyor. The lateral guidance of the photo-sensitive material by the guide mechanism is interlocked with the vertical conveyance by the power source to reduce the number of motors.

Abstract: There is disclosed a microfilm search device for detecting the presence of frames from a density change in the running direction of a microfilm, in which even if a frame contains therein a portion having substantially the same density as that of an interspace between frames, the portion is prevented from being incorrectly determined as between-frames, and frames are correctly detected to prevent a search error.

Abstract: A photographic and video image system for transforming an image on a frame of a photographic film includes a structure in the overall form of a photographic printer having an image transformation element that transforms an optical image from the film into a video signal. A frame position indicator, which can be a hole or an optical or magnetic signal, is recorded on the film along with aspect information relating to the size of the frame exposed on the film. The frame position indicator and aspect information are detected and used to control a film feeding operation in the optical image to video signal transformation operation. The user of the system can record order information on the film that is used to specify the aspect of the resultant photographic print, as well as the quantity of prints to be made. Such order information can be superimposed as a menu on a displayed video signal at the time the video signal is reviewed prior to producing a photographic print.

Abstract: A document scanning unit is disposed so that a scanning direction of a document on a table glass by a lamp unit is equal to a longitudinal direction of a photoreceptor drum provided in a mechanism unit. A face-down tray is mounted above the document scanning unit, and a face-up tray is positioned on a side of the apparatus opposite to the face-down tray with respect to the mechanism unit. The discharge-opening switching section switches the discharge openings so that a recording sheet is discharged to the face-down tray in a printer mode, or to the face-up tray in a copy mode. This structure enables a reduction in the size of an image forming apparatus by decreasing the width of the apparatus without increasing the height thereof. Moreover, with this structure, it is possible to perform the discharge of sheets according to operation modes, namely the printer mode and the copy mode.