Identifying, Composing, Or Selecting Patents (Class 355/40)
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Patent number: 6081317Abstract: An image reproducing method includes a step of obtaining a print reproducing an object based on image information obtained by photographing the object, wherein logarithm E of object brightness satisfies formula (1) and formula (2) is effected with the logarithm E,D(E1).ltoreq.D(E).ltoreq.D(E2) (1)0.7.ltoreq.(D(E+0.1)-D(E))/0.1.ltoreq.1.3 (2)wherein D(E) represents density on the print reproduced by the logarithm E of object brightness, Dmin represents minimum density reproduced on the print, and D(E1) and D(E2) satisfy the following formulas.D(E1)=Dmin+0.15D(E2)=Dmin+0.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Konica CorporationInventors: Shouichi Nomura, Tsuyoshi Haraguchi, Yoshiaki Yamanaka
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Patent number: 6078383Abstract: A film carrier includes a roll carrier for supplying and returning a rolled film between a supply reel and a take-up reel to retrieve any frame on the film, and a fiche carrier for holding a sheet film and capable of retrieving any frame on the film. A pedestal portion, including guides, shifts the roll carrier and the fiche carrier in the same plane between respective predetermined retard positions and respective application positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Canon Denshi Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Minoru Sashida
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Patent number: 6072563Abstract: Printer throughput is increased in a printer that prints sequential images on a film strip onto a matching strip of photosensitive printing paper. A film gate supports two or more images on the film strip. An illuminator provides light to the images in the film gate. An optics system focuses the film images onto separable areas of the printing paper and a shutter over each printing area individually exposes the printing areas.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1997Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Stanley W. Stephenson
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Patent number: 6072186Abstract: A film picture image viewing apparatus minimizes the effects of noise by prohibiting operation of an illumination device whenever a reading or a playback device is operated. The film picture image viewing apparatus includes a support substrate. The illumination device includes a discharge tube and a reflector. The discharge tube provides light when energized. The reflector is anchored to the support substrate and has a pair of oppositely-disposed ends with a receiving hole formed in each end. Each of the receiving holes is sized to receive the discharge tube in a manner to minimize thermal conduction from the discharge tube to the reflector after the discharge tube becomes energized.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1997Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Norikazu Yokonuma, Kazuyuki Kazami, Hideo Hibino, Hisashi Okutsu
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Patent number: 6064528Abstract: A laser printer and an illumination system for the laser printer records onto light sensitive medial. The laser printer and illumination system includes laser diode arrays, array illumination optics and cross-array illumination optics. The cross-array illumination optics combine light beams from the laser diode arrays so as to illuminate a spatial light modulator and confine incident light within a cross-array width of the modulator.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: John M. Simpson, Jr.
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Patent number: 6064833Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Takahiko Saito, Akira Nakanishi, Shunzi Obayashi, Hideki Toshikage
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Patent number: 6062746Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for thermal development comprising a receiving chamber for a thrust cartridge, drive means to advance thermal film from said thrust cartridge and rewind film into said thrust cartridge, a magnetic reader and writer to read and write magnetic information onto the film, an accumulator to gather said film after it has left the cartridge, a heater located between said chamber and said accumulator to develop said thermal film as it passes between said cartridge and said accumulator, an optical scanner to produce an electronic file representation of the film image information, and a lighttight container for said chamber, heater, and accumulator.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Timothy W. Stoebe, Lyn M. Irving, David H. Levy, Richard P. Szajewski
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Patent number: 6064464Abstract: A copying machine such that both successive automatic sheet feeding and sheet through operation are possible. Two independent units of an original transporting unit (DF) (61) and automatic sheet feeding unit (AF) (600) respectively fulfill an automatic sheet feeding function for successively feeding a plurality of originals (by taking out the originals one by one) and an original transporting function for moving an original to an original supporting plate from a sheet feeding position. The control of the DF (61) is basically made by a controller in the main body of the copying machine and the control of automatic sheet feeding of the AF (600) is made by a controller in the AF (600). When the AF (600) performs automatic sheet feeding, the AF (600) controls the original transporting operation of the DF (61) in place of the main body of the copying machine.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Copyer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hidenori Yamada
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Patent number: 6064463Abstract: A blade is pressed against a developing roller for regulating the amount of toner which is deposited on a surface of the developing roller. The blade is formed with a slant face at its tip end, to which the toner is transported along a direction of rotation of the developing roller. An angle of aperture .theta. at a toner inlet portion defined by the developing roller and the slant face is set at 12.5.degree. or more, the angle of aperture counting in an angle .psi. of the slant face, elastic deformation and radius (R) of the developing roller, and an angle .alpha. related to a nip width w on which the blade contacts with the developing roller. Such an angle of aperture .theta. provides a great allowance for a free length l of the blade, thereby permitting the blade to maintain a constant toner mass for forming a uniform toner layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masanori Yamada, Takayuki Yamanaka, Toshihiko Takaya, Tadashi Iwamatsu, Atsushi Inoue, Nobuyuki Azuma, Keiji Yasuda, Kazuhiro Matsuyama, Hiroshi Tatsumi
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Patent number: 6058272Abstract: 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 and 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Takahiko Saito, Akira Nakanishi, Shunzi Obayashi, Hideki Toshikage
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Patent number: 6055037Abstract: A photographic printing system for a photographic film stored in a cartridge with a cartridge ID. This system includes a receiving unit for receiving the cartridge storing the photographic film, the receiving unit having an information input for inputting first printing information on the photographic film as linked with the cartridge ID of the cartridge, a printer/processor unit, and an information controller for communicating, by using the cartridge ID as a key, with the receiving unit and the printer/processor unit, to control and record printing information for the cartridge ID. The printer/processor unit includes an information reader for reading second printing information recorded on the photographic film drawn out of the cartridge, and a printing processor. Third printing information is generated from partial printing information read by the information reader and partial printing information inputted by the receiving unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Miyawaki
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Patent number: 6050733Abstract: Two typing units are disposed in a photographic printer, facing a back face of an exposed color paper. The typing unit comprises a typing head and an ink ribbon cassette which is endless type and is removable. As for 135-type photographic film, one-line typing mode is selected. In this case, one of the typing units is actuated to type information concerning a frame number of the photographic film, an exposure correction value and so forth for the back face of the color paper in one line. In this one-line typing mode, the typing unit being used is changed whenever the typing relative to one photographic film is over so that ink ribbons of the typing units are prevented from being unequally consumed. As for IX240-type photographic film, two-line typing mode is selected. In this mode, both of the typing units are actuated to type various information in two lines.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1997Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 6052174Abstract: A condition-setting method for a photographic printer is disclosed, which is capable of performing the condition-setting work both simply and rapidly. In setting conditions for a digital exposure section, a single condition-setting image data having added thereto a correction value for the condition-setting process that has been performed at a surface exposure section is produced by an image signal processing section and stored in an image memory. A subsidiary control section sets an exposure time for the digital exposure section on the basis of the condition-setting image data stored in the image memory. The conditions need not be set for the digital exposure section using a plurality of Bull's eye negative films having different negative film densities, thereby simplifying the condition-setting job.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1996Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akirou Terajima, Kazuhiko Katakura
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Patent number: 6049376Abstract: A protective arrangement (20, 30), method and scanner that prevent scratching of a scanning surface (11) of a scanner (15). The protective arrangement can be removably mounted on the scanning surface so as to limit or reduce access area to the scanning surface. Further, the protective arrangement is positioned on the scanning surface in a manner that permits placement of an image to be scanned, such as a document or object, between the scanning surface and the protective arrangement. The protective arrangement can be in the form of bands (20a, 20b) and/or a planar grid structure (30) which can be removably attached to a body of the scanner. The protective arrangement can also define at least one opening that permits manipulation of the image to be scanned to a desired position on the scanning surface, while the image to be scanned is located between the protective arrangement and the scanning surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1998Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Samuel Reele, Russell J. Cope
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Patent number: 6049392Abstract: A printing system for printing an image of a photographic film having an identification code onto a photosensitive material comprises a first reading device for reading the identification code; a second reading device for reading image information on the photographic film; a first inputting device for inputting a first correction data for the image information read by the second reading device; a second inputting device for inputting a second correction data for the image information read by the second reading device; a third reading device for reading the identification code from the photographic film; a printing device for printing the image of the photographic film onto the photosensitive material; and a control device for controlling the printing device on the basis of the correction data corresponding to the identification code read by the third reading device.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1997Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Konica CorporationInventor: Akira Kida
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Patent number: 6048110Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for thermal development comprising a receiving chamber for a thrust cartridge, drive means to advance thermal film from said thrust cartridge and rewind film into said thrust cartridge, a magnetic reader and writer to read and write magnetic information onto the film, an accumulator to gather said film after it has left the cartridge, a heater located between said chamber and said accumulator to develop said thermal film as it passes between said cartridge and said accumulator, and a lighttight container for said chamber, heater, and accumulator.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1998Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Richard P. Szajewski, David H. Levy, Lyn M. Irving, Timothy W. Stoebe
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Patent number: 6046794Abstract: A control device for reducing a marking time in a marking device. This control device performs control operations whereby an image 20 of an area that circumscribes the entire "ABCDE" pattern of an original image is retrieved, the circumscribed area image 20 is divided into a plurality of image segments 19 of a predetermined size, and each of the plurality of image segments 21 is sequentially displayed on a mask.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1995Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu SeisakushoInventor: Masashi Ichihara
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Patent number: 6041191Abstract: 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 width of an exposure opening in the camera body in the film-feed direction and the film is fed a length corresponding to the width of the exposure opening. The photographic camera records an exposure opening position signal indicative of the size of the exposure opening on the photographic film, and the automatic printer automatically prints the photographic film using the exposure opening position signal detected from the photographic film.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1999Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Takahiko Saito, Akira Nakanishi, Shunzi Obayashi, Kyoji Genda, Hideki Toshikage
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Patent number: 6038011Abstract: During the photographing of an image, photographic data corresponding to the image, such as a photographing date, subject brightness and distance, a shutter speed, an aperture size, data about illumination light, as well as photographic intention data, are recorded on a photographic film. An index code for identifying a recording format of the photographic data is recorded on the photographic film along with the photographic data. During printing, the index code is read out from the photographic film, and one of a plurality of predetermined data conversion tables which are memorized in a printer are selected so as to convert the photographic data into printer codes that can be used in the printer. Then, the photographic data read from the photographic film is converted according to the selected conversion table. Based on the converted photographic data and photometric values obtained from the image to be printed, a print-exposure amount is determined.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1993Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinpei Ikenoue, Takaaki Terashita
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Patent number: 6038012Abstract: A photo identification card system includes a housing having a chassis, a camera, a data input device, a processor, a printing device and a display. The camera records a video image and is integrally attached to the housing. The data input device receives information related to the image. The processor, which is contained in the housing, arranges the recorded image and the information into a selected format for an identification card. The printing device prints the recorded image and the information in the selected format for the identification card. The printing device is a self-contained unit that is integrally attached to the chassis and is not modified to be attached to the chassis. The display displays the recorded image, and is attached to the housing having a closed position that is flush with an outer surface of the housing, and having an opened position for when system the display is in use.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1997Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Optical & Electronic ResearchInventor: Frederick O. Bley
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Patent number: 6038014Abstract: An improved high speed package printer for producing a plurality of high quality photographs of varying size, shape, and style based on one or a plurality of different film negatives. The improved package printer of the present invention accomplishes the goal of increased throughput and speed through the use of an automatic paper-loading feature, ultrasonic proximity sensors for dynamically measuring paper-slack loops, off-center printing for eliminating the need to advance the paper for punching after each exposure, a rotational prism for creating 10".times.13" photographs without physically rotating the film, a 13-UP lens deck including 12 wallet lenses and a single 5".times.7" retro-focus lens for creating 12 wallet-sized photographs and one 5".times.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1999Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Lifetouch Portrait Studios, Inc.Inventors: E. John Adolphi, Gerald A. Jensen, Michael Breckenridge, Todd Kuester, John Lawson, Patrick J. Galloway
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Patent number: 6034759Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus including a first principal portion extracting device which extracts a principal portion of an image based on image data, a display device which displays an extraction result of the principal portion of the image extracted by the first principal portion extracting device, input device for inputting first instruction information for indicating whether the extraction result displayed on the display device is correct and also inputting second instruction information for indicating a region to be newly extracted as a principal portion, and second principal portion extracting device which extracts a new principal portion based on the second instruction information inputted by the input device.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1998Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jun Enomoto
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Patent number: 6031599Abstract: The present invention provides a photo printer with an adjustable thermal print head. The printer includes a cantilever mechanism that raises or lowers a thermal print head for either removing a photo or printing the photo. The force exerted on the thermal print head is adjusted by an adjusting mechanism which uses an elastic mechanism with an adjusting screw and a spring. A platen roller feeds the photo through the device. The contacting stress between the thermal print heads and the platen roller is individually adjusted so that pressure can be maintained evenly at all times.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Mustek Systems Inc.Inventors: Gary Sheng, Hans Chang, Jones Chang
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Patent number: 6025903Abstract: A piece negative feeding apparatus for successively feeding piece negatives to an exposing section. The apparatus includes a piece negative storage 10 for storing piece negatives 2 in a plurality of orders, as divided into the orders each consisting of at least one piece negative, a negative transport mechanism 20 for transporting the piece negatives from the piece negative storage 10 to the exposing section 8, and an order demarcation recognizing device 7a for recognizing demarcations between the orders based on order identifiers 3 storable in the piece negative storage 10 and transportable by the negative transport mechanism 20.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1997Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tohru Yoshikawa, Hiroshi Miyawaki
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Patent number: 6025904Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an optical exposure unit for forming an image on photosensitive material by exposing the material with light beam generated from a first light beam source and transmitted through a photographic film; and a digital exposure unit for forming an image on the photosensitive material by exposing the material with light beam generated from a second light beam source according to digital image data. The optical exposure unit and the digital exposure unit share a single common exposure point. The optical exposure unit includes a masking mechanism for delimiting an exposure area on the photosensitive material, and this masking mechanism and a head module of the digital exposure unit are integrated together as a unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1998Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yutaka Kiyonaga, Motoaki Murakami
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Patent number: 6020951Abstract: An improved high speed package printer for producing a plurality of high quality photographs of varying size, shape, and style based on one or a plurality of different film negatives. The improved package printer of the present invention accomplishes the goal of increased throughput and speed through the use of an automatic paper-loading feature, ultrasonic proximity sensors for dynamically measuring paper-slack loops, off-center printing for eliminating the need to advance the paper for punching after each exposure, a rotational prism for creating 10".times.13" photographs without physically rotating the film, a 13-UP lens deck including 12 wallet lenses and a single 5".times.7" retro-focus lens for creating 12 wallet-sized photographs and one 5".times.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1999Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: Lifetouch Portrait Studios, Inc.Inventors: E. John Adolphi, Gerald A. Jensen, Michael Breckenridge, Todd Kuester, John Lawson, Patrick J. Galloway
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Patent number: 6018381Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a printer of a photofinishing system, comprising:(a) a reference film strip carrying at least one reference image;(b) a reference chart carrying multiple renderings of the reference image representing different printer exposures; and(c) a substrate carrying printer correction factors needed to change a photographic print obtained from the reference image on the reference film strip, to match any desired rendering on the reference chart. A method of producing the above reference chart, and a method of calibrating a printer of a photofinishing system, are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1997Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Peter Vanderbrook, Geoffrey John Woolfe
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Patent number: 6018382Abstract: A paper mask device can alternatively hold a first paper mask or a second paper mask. The first paper mask has a mask aperture to which a lith film with appropriate lettering is attached. The second paper mask has a mask aperture for making an index print composed of a plurality of index frames. The paper mask device can hold a lamp box for illuminating the lith film when the first paper mask is held in the paper mask device. The paper mask device holds the paper mask so as to be pivotal about an axis that is disposed in a center of a leading end of the paper mask in the mask inserting direction, so that inclination of the mask aperture is adjustable through a positioning device which holds opposite side edges of a trailing end portion of the paper mask in the masking position.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1997Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiyuki Tsuzawa
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Patent number: 6017157Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1996Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: PictureVision, Inc.Inventors: Philip N. Garfinkle, Yaacov Ben Yaacov, Elliot D. Jaffe
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Patent number: 6014199Abstract: A film containing first sections with narrower panoramic frames and second sections with wider normal frames is scanned to obtain density values. To distinguish the panoramic frames from the normal frames, the density values along two longitudinally extending strips near the edges of the film are checked for each film section. Each strip has a length equal to that of the respective frame, and the strips border the narrower panoramic frames but are located within the wider normal frames. The density distribution in each strip is compared with density distributions previously derived from the borders of panoramic frames.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1996Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Agfa Gevaert AGInventor: Hans-Georg Schindler
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Patent number: 6014201Abstract: An improved high speed package printer for producing a plurality of high quality photographs of varying size, shape, and style based on one or a plurality of different film negatives. The improved package printer of the present invention accomplishes the goal of increased throughput and speed through the use of an automatic paper-loading feature, ultrasonic proximity sensors for dynamically measuring paper-slack loops, off-center printing for eliminating the need to advance the paper for punching after each exposure, a rotational prism for creating 10".times.13" photographs without physically rotating the film, a 13-UP lens deck including 12 wallet lenses and a single 5".times.7" retro-focus lens for creating 12 wallet-sized photographs and one 5".times.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1999Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Lifetouch Portrait Studios, Inc.Inventors: E. John Adolphi, Gerald A. Jensen, Michael Breckenridge, Todd Kuester, John Lawson, Patrick J. Galloway
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Patent number: 6008879Abstract: Presence or absence of paper is detected by individual sensors and data content stored in a backup RAM is checked out at the time when an external power source begins to supply electric power, and paper feeding operation is automatically performed by a CPU in accordance with detected states and the stored data content.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hironori Masutani
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Patent number: 6008886Abstract: An improved high speed package printer for producing a plurality of high quality photographs of varying size, shape, and style based on one or a plurality of different film negatives. The improved package printer of the present invention accomplishes the goal of increased throughput and speed through the use of an automatic paper-loading feature, ultrasonic proximity sensors for dynamically measuring paper-slack loops, off-center printing for eliminating the need to advance the paper for punching after each exposure, a rotational prism for creating 10".times.13" photographs without physically rotating the film, a 13-UP lens deck including 12 wallet lenses and a single 5".times.7" retro-focus lens for creating 12 wallet-sized photographs and one 5".times.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1999Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Lifetouch Portrait Studios, Inc.Inventors: E. John Adolphi, Gerald A. Jensen, Michael Breckenridge, Todd Kuester, John Lawson, Patrick J. Galloway
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Patent number: 6008878Abstract: A photographic processing apparatus having a checking function to collating negative films and prints. The photographic processing apparatus includes a trouble detecting device 5j for detecting a trouble of collating disagreement occurring during processing of the negative films 2 and printing paper 3 to affect collation between the negative films 2 and prints 3 in one unit, and a notifying device 180 operable in response to trouble information provided by the trouble detecting device 5j for notifying that finished products transported by a collating transport device 70 have the trouble of collating disagreement.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hironori Masutani
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Patent number: 6006042Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1997Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Takahiko Saito, Hideki Toshikage, Norifumi Kawashima
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Patent number: 5995196Abstract: A negative sheet (1) for storing piece negatives (10) has reorder information recording sections (6) formed thereon for recording reorder information on the piece negatives (10), respectively. A printer/processor (100) determines additional printing conditions for image frames (10a) to be additionally printed, based on the reorder information read by a detector (93) from the reorder information recording sections (6) of the negative sheet (1) fed to the printer/processor (100). The piece negatives (10) to be additionally printed are drawn out of the negative sheet (1), and the image frames (10a) are printed on printing paper with the additional printing conditions determined.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., LtdInventors: Shigeki Nishida, Hideoshi Nishikawa
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Patent number: 5995197Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining information from a film includes a CCD line sensor for dividing a photographic film into a multiplicity of portions to meter portions in a predetermined range, including the image recording range on the photographic film, to sequentially output photometric data; an optical film for reducing a light beam made incident on the CCD line sensor from a region in the predetermined range and outside the image recording range on the photographic film; photometric condition adjusting component for adjusting the photometric condition of the CCD line sensor such that it corresponds to the quantity of a light beam made incident on the CCD line sensor from the image recording range; sampling circuits for extracting, from photometric data output from the CCD line sensor, photometric data of a portion on the photographic film in which a predetermined optical characteristic corresponding to information, which must be detected or obtained from the photographic film, exists by a film edge detecting saType: GrantFiled: October 27, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tatsuo Yoshino
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Patent number: 5995192Abstract: In a method for copying originals onto photographic single-sheet copy material, the original is scanned, and on the basis of the scanning values obtained the requisite quantities of copying light for the ensuing copying of the original onto the single-sheet copy material are ascertained. First, the unexposed single-sheet copy material is transported into the exposure beam path, then acted upon by the quantities of copying light ascertained previously, and finally removed for further processing. During the removal of the exposed single-sheet copy material, the next piece of unexposed single-sheet copy material is being transported into the exposure beam path.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Gretag Imaging AGInventor: Rudolf Wacker
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Patent number: 5995201Abstract: When no trimming is executed, the optical magnification is fixed and the electronic magnification is changed each time a print size changes in a film original having the same film size, even if recorded images have a different size. Further, the fixed optical magnification is the standard or set optical magnification, which permits the image of the film original to be projected to the effective image region of the image sensor in the state that it inscribes or nearly inscribes the effective pixel region to the greatest possible degree. As a result, a high quality print can be obtained without the deterioration of image quality in high productivity, and without the need of effecting the troublesome optical magnification by operating the zoom lens. Further, when trimming is executed, since preference is given to the optical magnification over the electronic magnification, even if only a part of the image recorded on a film original is enlarged, the deterioration of image quality can be prevented or minimized.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasunobu Sakaguchi
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Patent number: 5995193Abstract: A self-contained device for recording data encoded either in visible or invisible form or both on a medium, and for playback of data encoded either in visible or invisible form or both on the medium, the device comprises a case for forming a self-contained housing for the device; a recording portion for recording either or both visible and invisible ink on the medium, or recording either or both visible and invisible dye; and a detecting portion for detecting either or both visible and invisible ink, or detecting either or both visible and invisible dye.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Thomas M. Stephany, Bryan D. Bernardi
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Patent number: 5995194Abstract: By the present invention, on the basis of information read from a magnetic recording section of a negative film (Step 200), when it is judged that there are a plurality of negative images to be exposed by the same exposure amount (the judgment in Step 212 is affirmative), a film type is identified to determine the film base density thereof, and a predetermined reference density value is added to the film base density so as to obtain a density control amount which controls the density of a print image (Steps 216 through 220). Thereafter, a color balance mean value of a large number of negative images of the same type is detected and a weighted mean value of a color balance mean value among a plurality of negative images to be exposed and the detected color balance value to obtain a color control amount (Step 222).Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takaaki Terashita
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Patent number: 5991010Abstract: The amount of light emitted from a lamp is adjusted by a turret and a diaphragm for each light of the component colors and is irradiated on a photographic film via a light diffusion box. Light transmitted through the photographic film is made incident on a three-line CCD via a lens unit. In order to read a film image, first, the photographic film is conveyed at high speed in a predetermined direction and is read under a predetermined reading condition (pre-scan), and based on image data obtained by the reading, a recorded position of each image is determined and a reading condition during fine scan is calculated for each image, and each image is read under the calculated reading condition while the film is conveyed at relatively low speed in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction (fine scan).Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomonori Nishio
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Patent number: 5984445Abstract: The improved back printing apparatus for recording a back print on a non-exposed surface of a light-sensitive material to be subjected to wet photographic processing comprises a charging section to be charged with an ink which is heat-fusible but solid at ordinary temperatures and which is not water-soluble; a melting section for melting the ink; and a print head from which the ink melted in the melting section is jetted to record the back print. Using this back printer, one can produce sharp back prints of high quality without causing any adverse effects on the light-sensitive material A and yet good handling properties are assured.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignees: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoyuki Morita, Tomoya Norinobu
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Patent number: 5978067Abstract: 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 width of an exposure opening in the camera body in the film-feed direction and the film is fed a length corresponding to the width of the exposure opening. The photographic camera records an exposure opening position signal indicative of the size of the exposure opening on the photographic film, and the automatic printer automatically prints the photographic film using the exposure opening position signal detected from the photographic film.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Takahiko Saito, Akira Nakanishi, Shunzi Obayashi, Kyoji Genda, Hideki Toshikage
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Patent number: 5978066Abstract: Film frames are scanned preparatory to copying and a set of density values is generated for each frame. When a frame exhibits excessive contrast, a mask is calculated using the respective set of density values. The calculated mask is formed on an LCD or LED matrix which is in register with the frame. An image of the masked frame is then projected onto copy paper by a zoom objective. The mask has a size which is a function of the magnification factor and/or the mask-to-frame distance.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert AGInventors: Helmut Treiber, Friedrich Jacob, Gunter Findeis
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Patent number: 5973765Abstract: A method and an apparatus for printing images on different mediums, such as images recorded on a photographic film and index print images onto photographic paper while an image printing device is reduced in size. A film carrier is positioned to a first position so that images recorded on a negative film set on the film carrier are exposed by a light source. Further, the film carrier is moved to a second position so that images formed on a liquid crystal panel are exposed by the same light source as that used for the exposure of the images on the negative film.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1996Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kaoru Uchiyama, Toshio Itoh, Eiichi Kito, Toshiyuki Hiroishi
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Patent number: 5969797Abstract: A printer control film and a film carrier allow proper management of the printer control film. When a Bull's-eye serving as the printer control film is inserted into the film carrier, magnetic information recorded on the Bull's-eye is read out. When it is judged based on the read out information that the Bull's-eye is an unused one, a start time of use is recorded on the Bull's-eye together with an apparatus ID. When it is judged that the Bull's-eye was used before, the apparatus ID, the used period, the number of times of use, and the like are read out from the Bull's-eye. When it is judged based on these data that the Bull's-eye carries proper images necessary for a conditioning operation, the number of times of use is updated. Subsequently, images recorded on the Bull's-eye are printed onto a printing paper.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1999Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shuji Ajimu, Mitsukazu Hosoya
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Patent number: 5969804Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for placing a contact print slide (134) in a photographic printer (10) having a platen (54) for supporting a photographic paper (32) during exposure of an image (88, 90) onto the paper at a paper print gate (36) at the platen.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1999Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Carl W. Roy, John A. Schempp, Jr.
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Patent number: 5966198Abstract: A printer/processor for performing printing processes on both piece negatives taken out of a negative sheet and an elongate negative film. This printer/processor includes a negative sheet loader (2a) for receiving the negative sheet (10) containing the piece negatives (NP), a handling device (6) for drawing the piece negatives out of the negative sheet, an elongate negative film inlet (2c) for receiving the elongate negative film NF, a transport line (130) extending to an exposing section (110), and a branching device (8) selectively movable between a first position to form a passage for connecting the handling device and the transport line, and a second position to form a passage for connecting the elongate negative film inlet and the transport line.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co, LtdInventors: Yuji Yamamoto, Hidetoshi Nishikawa, Yasutaka Kayama
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Patent number: RE36535Abstract: A methodology for handling photographic film in which a video image of each frame of film is acquired on a diskette as the frames are originally being processed in the photographic laboratory, the diskette is transmitted to the photographer's studio, along with the proof prints, for viewing by the photographer/subject, the photographer/subject makes further desired corrections or adjustments of each frame by viewing the video image of each frame on a computer monitor, the farther corrections or adjustments are recorded on the diskette for each frame, and the revised diskette is returned to the photographic laboratory where it is used in conjunction with the film to produce final photographic prints. The final photographic prints thus graphically and objectively reflect the precise desires of the photographer/subject.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1997Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Inventor: Ray Hicks