Abstract: A photographic processing system. On a photographic film used for photographing images, an ID for specifying the photographic film is recorded in advance by codes which are mechanically and visually readable. On an accommodating case for accommodating the photographic film therein, the ID for specifying the photographic film is recorded in advance by the codes which are mechanically and visually readable. A reader reads at least one of the ID recorded on the photographic film, the ID recorded on the accommodating case, an ID recorded on a photographic printing paper onto which the images recorded on the photographic film are printed, an ID recorded on a DP bag used for handling photographic materials between a DPE shop and a lab, and an ID recorded on an index sheet on which the images recorded on the photographic film are recorded.

Abstract: A method of correcting the light amount irregularities for a photographic printer in which an image displayed on a two-dimensional display unit is exposed by transmitting or reflecting the light from a light source through or from the two-dimensional display unit is disclosed. An LED light source is turned on with a predetermined driving voltage applied to all the pixels of a liquid crystal panel. The image on the liquid crystal panel is exposed for a predetermined length of time by the light transmitted through the liquid crystal panel and developed thereby to produce a photographic print. The density at a point corresponding to each pixel of the liquid crystal panel is measured. The light transmittance correction amount for each pixel of the liquid crystal panel is determined in such a manner that the density measured at each point conforms to a predetermined reference density (a minimum value of density measurement, for example).

Abstract: An image recording medium, such as a photographic negative filmstrip, has recorded thereon a plurality of images. An index print includes a support sheet on which are recorded a plurality of positive images corresponding to the plurality of images recorded on the filmstrip. The support sheet is physically attached directly to the filmstrip, thereby inhibiting separation of the index print from its filmstrip.

Abstract: A system for ordering photographic prints including an order form, an index print, and a keyboard. The order form has writable frames for a user to write reprint information such as the number of requested reprints; the index print has images representing the various images to be ordered; and the keyboard has frame number input keys to select a particular image for reprinting. The order form, index print, and keyboard have corresponding layouts to facilitate identifying and selecting corresponding images, frames, and keys.

Abstract: A device for recording or transferring graphical information from a sample medium for analysis and storage purposes includes a generally planar, transparent base which overlies the sample with the information to be recorded. A generally transparent recording medium overlies the base and is provided with indicia. By comparing the indicia with the information recorded on the recording medium, an analysis can be made. At least a part of the indicia may be used to form an anti-tampering arrangement which prevents unauthorized tampering of the information stored on the recording medium. A method of recording graphical information representing medical data for analysis and storage purposes is also part of the invention.

Abstract: A consumer interactive apparatus and method for ordering photofinishing services for a photosensitive film. The photosensitive film is provided with a device for indicating a prepaid amount of photofinishing services available. The apparatus includes an input device for allowing entry of a photofinishing order, a mechanism for receiving a film containing a magnetic media for indicating a prepaid amount of photofinishing services, and reading device for reading the magnetic media for determining the amount of prepaid photo services available. The input device allows the user to select the desired type of photofinishing services with respect to the film being supplied to the apparatus. The apparatus allows the customer to order photofinishing service as desired by the customer and also allows debiting of the magnetic layer such that the amount remaining after the placement of the order is placed on the magnetic layer.

Abstract: A split image exposure method capable of realizing high-resolution and high-quality exposure of an image by suppressing discontinuity of density and color in junctions between split images when the original image divided into a plurality of subdivisions is exposed using a planar element. A LCD panel can be positioned at four different locations in a horizontal plane, and it receives light from a light source in respective locations and can print a transmission image onto a color printing paper through a projection lens system by exposure. A reference mark is captured based on a difference in the amounts of light received by light receiving portions of the sensor, whereby the positioning of the LCD panel can be completed. The occupancy ratio of image data representing each split image is varied in double-exposed or fourfold-exposure areas, and the density of each pixel of the liquid crystal panel is controlled in accordance with this occupancy ratio.

Abstract: A method for producing copies of photographic originals, wherein an original is scanned regionally. With the aid of measurement data thus obtained, a decision is made in a test step, on the basis of specified criteria, whether the original is worth copying or not. On the basis of this decision, the particular original is or is not copied onto photographic copy material. In the test step, the scanned original is assigned to at least one of at least three categories of originals; namely a first category which includes originals that are unequivocally worth copying, a second category which includes originals that are unequivocally not worth copying, or a third category which includes originals that are neither unequivocally worth copying nor unequivocally not worth copying.

Abstract: An automated film processing system, comprising: a film having at least one recordable section for storing at least one customer selected electronic address; a film finishing system for reading the electronic addresses recorded on said film, developing said film, digitizing the images developed on said film, and for transmitting the digitized images to the customer selected electronic addresses; and at least one customer station, remotely located from said film finishing system, said station electronically connected to said film finishing system for receiving and displaying the digitized images when addressed by said film finishing system. Photographs taken by a photojournalist are automatically communicated to a remotely located news agency by recording a telecommunication address for the remote location on the film. The data can be prerecorded on the film or recorded by the photographer before dispatching the film to a processor.

Abstract: An exposure of a color film is scanned at a multiplicity of points in each of the primary colors. The color compositions of the points are evaluated to identify color compositions characteristic of skin tones, and a color space is created based on these color compositions. Scanned points whose color compositions lie in the color space undergo an examination to ascertain whether or not they actually represent skin. The examination is concerned primarily with the positions of such scanned points within the exposure and secondarily with density differences between the points and specified zones of the exposure, density differences between adjacent points, and the nature of any groups formed by the points, only those scanned points which actually represent skin are considered when calculating the amount of copy light for the exposure in each primary color.

Abstract: An improvement of microfilm camera with a marking device in which an image of a document is photographed on a roll film mounted in a cassette using a slit exposure system and a two-dimensional digital image of a mark is recorded on the roll film. The microfilm camera comprises: an image taking lens for forming the image of the document on the roll film; a mark taking lens having an optical axis inclined in the length side direction of the roll film with respect to that of the image taking lens; and a digital image generator for generating a one-dimensional digital image extending in the width side direction of the roll film and formed by said mark taking lens at or in close vicinity of the image forming position of the image taking lens. The two-dimensional image of the mark is recorded on the film by changing the one-dimensional digital image synchronously with traveling of the film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of individual prints and index prints from films which contain recorded data regarding the circumstances surrounding the exposure of the individual pictures stored on the film. Recorded data on the film is read, the data being associated with an individual picture and concerning a desired print format for the individual picture. The recorded data is preferably stored magnetically, but may also be stored optically. The system produces an individual print of the individual picture having a format based on the read data. The system also identifies, by modification of an image of the individual picture formed on the index print, the region of the film printed on the individual print and of the regions not printed, based on the read data.

Abstract: In photographic equipment for reading magnetically recorded data on a film strip, gradual degradation of the read data signal caused, for example, by material buildup on the magnetic read head is detected by monitoring the read data signal to indicate when the signal falls below a normal signal level but is still above a minimum threshold at which data loss would result. Apparatus useful for this purpose includes first and second comparators for sensing the decline of the data signal level into a range falling between a first predetermined normal signal level threshold and a second lower predetermined signal level preferably at or slightly above minimum detectable signal level. With such an arrangement, even though data is still capable of being read and decoded, the operator of the data read equipment is given advance warning of the incipient read data problem sufficiently in advance of read failure condition to allow corrective action, e.g. cleaning of the read head, before actual data read failures occur.

Abstract: Process for preparing film strips for subsequent orders, the film strips belonging to a customer order. Each film strip includes a number of numbered masters which are fed into a preparation station. There, they are glued to a carrier belt and coiled into a film roll, which can be used at subsequent processing stations. Customer-specific order data regarding the desired number of copies of specific masters and, where applicable, the desired copy format, are entered via an input unit in the preparation station and stored onto a carrier medium which is compatible with the subsequent processing stations. In the process, the customer-specific order data are entered before the film strips are fed in.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for printing sound code icons on photographic prints produced from filmstrips having images with varying orientation, size and or format. A sound-on-print print gate includes a pair of selectable LED icon printers for printing a binary coded sound icon on either edge of the photographic print depending on normal or inverted image orientation. The icon printers are mounted for translational movement lengthwise of the print paper, the positioning being determined by the format of the print: panoramic, normal or HDTV aspect ratios. A computer controlled system is disclosed which determines the orientation, size and format and positions the icon printers in response thereto at the print gate.

Abstract: When negative images on a negative film are stored in a negative image storing unit, an index print image is constructed by an index constructing section in an image processing unit on the basis of the inputted images, which is displayed as a positive image on a monitor through a display instructing section. Images having different top-to-bottom directions in each of lateral and vertical image groups are indicated by key operation on a keyboard connected to the image processing unit with respect to the index print image displayed on the monitor. The direction of the indicated image is changed by a direction changing section in the image processing unit, and then the image is displayed on the monitor again. An index print image after changing the direction is displayed in an index printing section (on a liquid crystal panel). Thus an index print is prepared.

Abstract: There is provided a microfilm cassette capable of reducing the case size and obtaining a rational arrangement of elements such as reels and photographic roller. The microfilm cassette includes: a case having a substantially rectangular shape as viewed from the top; a supply reel and a take-up reel mounted inside the case and arranged adjacent to each other horizontally in the length side direction of the case; a photographic opening located around the center of one short side of the case; a photographic roller arranged in a position opposite to the photographic opening; and a shutter for opening and closing the photographic opening. The short side of the cassette case on which the photographic opening is located may be bulged and expanded outwardly around the center of the photographic opening, so that the mark taking lens and the image taking lens can be arranged close to each other.

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

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

Abstract: A film feeder/winder is capable of winding films compactly, feeding films backward and keeping films damage-free. A plurality of films wound in a magazine case are fed one by one into a film guide. The film guide is partially openable, so that a film being fed backward can be looped by protruding from the film guide. Films are fed into a scanner/exposure unit for scanning and printing. After printing, films are fed into another magazine case and wound into a roll. It is possible to print any additional films by inserting them into an inlet opening of an extra passage branching from the film feed path. Also, a film being fed backward may be guided into this extra passage until it protrudes from the inlet opening. Both magazine cases have guides and rollers for smoothly winding films around their respective film take-up cores.

Abstract: An index print includes a recording sheet having positive images corresponding to respective images on an image recording medium and being right-side-up or up-side-down on the recording sheet. The index print further includes eye-readable means on the recording sheet which relate to the positive images. The invention is characterized in that the eye-readable means is positioned relative to the positive images to permit at least a portion of the eye-readable means to be read without being up-side-down on the recording sheet when viewing the positive images right-side-up on the recording sheet, whether the positive images are recorded right-side-up or up-side-down on the recording sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photographic printing apparatus and method in which an image is printed on the front of a print paper and a respective frame number is printed on the back of the print paper at a predetermined position for a plurality of frames of a negative film. The present invention accounts for situations in which the frame number fails to be retrieved from location data existing on the negative film. This is achieved by examining and computing information for a group of data assigned before and after the particular frame in question.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing prints of different formats from negatives in the form of strips. The negative images are printed in one reproduction scale on one section of a strip of stock during a first pass of the strip through the printing mechanism, the printing mechanism is readjusted, and the negative images are then printed in another, different scale on a subsequent section of the strip of stock during another pass of the strip through the printing mechanism.

Abstract: A photographic processing system prints images from photographic films onto photographic printing paper and comprises: a film setting section for setting exposure conditions by which the images are printed onto photographic printing paper, a storage section for storing the exposure conditions for respective images recorded on the film, an exposure condition setting section for setting exposure conditions of the images of the photographic film when photographic prints corresponding to the images recorded on the film are reprinted, and a printing section which is responsive to the film setting section or the exposure condition setting section to print images based on the exposure conditions.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for printing individual customer rolls of photographic film in a batch that differs from the film batch during development. Individual film rolls are collected during printing in batches that are based in major part on optimizing the use of photographic paper. The film is scanned after development to determine information available only then, such as the image format, and the film is batched during printing based on efficient paper use. Each film roll is provided with a unique identification number that is used for tracking the film rolls throughout processing and printing. Information required for printing is entered into the system in association with the unique number and is used in combination with information determined after film development for optimizing the printing operation based on the paper required.

Abstract: An image frame selecting apparatus for a photographic printer includes a film receiving unit (30) defining a receiving surface (31) for receiving a photographic film (2), and a positioning indicator (35a) for positioning the photographic film on the receiving surface. The receiving surface is divided into a plurality of areas (31a) corresponding to image frames on the film. An input device (33, 34) selects an image frame to be printed, by designating at least one of the areas. The photographic printer has an image reading device for reading the image frames from the photographic film, a storage device for storing image information of the image frames read, an image processor for generating positive images of the image frames based on the image information stored in the storage device, and a monitor for displaying the positive images of the image frames. A control means unit (100) is provided for generating position data relative to the photographic film of the image frame selected.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and coding information regarding the defects into a photosensitive web containing a magnetic media. The system includes a scanner for scanning a photosensitive web for determining defects and producing a signal which provides information with respect to the defect. The system further includes a device for taking the signal and transforming it to a form capable of being placed on the magnetic media; and a recording head for recording the information onto the web. The information read may be used to locate and remove the area of the web containing the defect or advancing the web so that the portion of the web having the defect will not be used.

Abstract: A film image processing apparatus comprises an image pickup device that picks up a photographic image formed on developed film, a screen image signal output device that outputs a screen image signal to display the image that has been picked up on a monitor screen as a screen image, a reading device that reads information related to the photographic image from an information recording area provided on the film, an input device that inputs external information from an external device connected to the film image processing apparatus, a display device that outputs a display signal to display text information related to the photographic image on the monitor screen and a control device that controls the display device so that at least either the read information read by the reading device or the external information input from the external device is displayed on the monitor screen as text information together with a screen image of the photographic image corresponding to the information.

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 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.

Abstract: During the processing of an order in a photographic printer, a developed copy film strip can be scanned negative by negative and point-by-point in a scanning station of the printer. From the scan signals, density values for exposure time determination in three partial colors and details on the image field number of the scanned negative can be obtained, and these data are stored in a memory, coordinating the determined three partial exposure times with the corresponding image number. All negatives of the copy film strip are exposed successively on photographic paper on an enlarged scale, using the determined exposure times. In a further step, a number of successive negatives of the film strip are exposed on full-scale or reduced scale in matrix form onto a single sheet of said photographic paper.

Abstract: A film loading and unloading mechanism sends out a film from a cartridge in which a film with a magnetic recording portion is contained and rewinds the film. A magnetic information reading and writing mechanism reads information recorded in the magnetic recording portion of the film and may write change information in the magnetic recording portion. An image reading mechanism reads image information recorded in the film. An output device outputs both types of information. The magnetic data recorded on a film with a magnetic recording portion is read, and displayed on the monitor screen, allowing bit error and damage of magnetic data to be checked.

Abstract: A print processing method used in a photographic printer which can print images on a negative film which have different aspect ratios. The print processing method comprises the steps of judging the aspect ratio of each of the images printed on photographic paper, and printing cumulative numbers of prints of each aspect ratio onto the photographic paper of a final printing. The number of prints per aspect ratio can be easily known, and the cost of the prints can be calculated more efficiently.

Abstract: An apparatus to process photosensitive material, such as a film, on which is recorded a sequence of frames. The boundary of a frame must be satisfactorily determined to permit the cutting of the frame. If a boundary cannot be satisfactorily detected, a modification process involving the selective positioning of the film will be executed to align the film for cutting purposes.

Abstract: A photographic image exposing apparatus capable of surely cutting off light leaked from an exposing head to avoid deterioration of quality of an image after projected.

Abstract: A photographic printer has a main exposure section which successively prints, onto a photographic printing paper, images of a plurality of image frames recorded on a developed photographic film; and a secondary exposure section for forming, on a sheet-shaped photographic printing paper, an index print in which the images recorded on the plurality of image frames are arranged lengthwise and breadthwise. The photographic printer includes, as a light source for exposure of the index print, a high luminance reflecting type LED which emits parallel light of a blue color component of light, a high luminance reflecting type LED which emits parallel light of a red color component of light, and a high luminance reflecting type LED which emits parallel light of a green color component of light. The photographic printer also includes a liquid crystal panel on which light from the high luminance reflecting type LEDs is incident, and which exposes the photographic printing paper.

Abstract: A photographic film inspection apparatus for inspecting a photographic film before it undergoes exposure.

Abstract: An image printer has an image exposure unit for exposing a photosensitive material with an image of a film, a recording data input unit for inputting recording data to be exposed on the photosensitive material in accordance with the image, and a recording data exposure unit for exposing the photosensitive material with the recording data inputted from the recording data input unit.

Abstract: In a printer processor, magnetic information is read out from a negative film by a magnetic head unit while the negative film is transported on a negative film carrier. Further, the density of each image is measured by an optical sensor of a sensor unit so as to detect a blank frame and an improperly exposed frame, thereby selecting images to be printed. After determining the print size of the selected images, a last image to be printed last, and a second last image to be printed before the last image is printed are specified. Based on the print sizes of the last image and the second last image, the printing order is determined before printing is performed.

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 method of labeling photographic paper during photofinishing processing includes making a print having a print image portion and an adjacent label image portion, placing a code on the photographic paper to denote placement of a line of perforation to separate the print image portion and label image portion, exposing the label image portion with labeling information, generating an image on the label image portion, detecting the code for placing the line of perforation on the photographic paper, and forming the line of perforation at the detected location to separate the print image portion and the label image portion.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the photofinishing of a roll of photosensitive material in accordance with the customer usage of the film. The film having a magnetic layer on which an instructional code is placed either by the manufacturer and/or user of the film. The instructional code is indicative of the preferential subject matter to be photographed. The system may include a camera for use in reading the predetermined code and adjusting the camera settings in accordance with the instructional code. The photofinisher can use the instructional code so as to properly manipulate the image during processing and/or printing in accordance with the instructional code.

Abstract: A photographic printing method and apparatus for producing photo prints from a plurality of separated negative film pieces of a negative film. The present invention enables efficient printing operation by allowing an operator of the photographic printing apparatus to subject all of the negative film pieces of the negative film, as a whole, to a data reading operation, a print determining operation, and a printing operation. Thus, the present invention eliminates delay times that exist when negative film pieces are individually subjected to the data reading, print condition determining, and printing operations.

Abstract: An index print preparation and feeding apparatus comprising: a means for preparing index prints for a film; an order identifying means for identifying order information of the film; a means for storing a multiplicity of the index prints; a collating means which has a first identifying mechanism for recognizing the order information of the index print and a second identifying mechanism for recognizing the order information on a DP bag or film placed, and which collates the order information recognized by the first and the second mechanisms; and a means for feeding the index print to the feeding position.

Abstract: A photographic printing apparatus includes a sorting apparatus comprising a plurality of receptacles for receiving negative films and prints which circulate in a closed loop path between a film loading station in close proximity to an exposure apparatus and a print loading station where prints, cut from a continuous web of photographic paper, are delivered. The receptacles are driven such that each receptacle related to a receptacle loaded with a specific negative film at the film loading station is positioned in the print loading station in time before a cluster of prints made from the specific negative film is delivered from the photographic printing apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a film cartridge which can be looked up easily and a film image input system which can obtain a high quality image by using the film cartridge. The image signal of each frame image, of which the image quality is adjusted, is recorded in the EEPROM of the image record unit to be mounted on the film cartridge, in which the photo film is stored in a roll, so as to correspond to the frame number while the developed photo film is printed. And, the film image input system controls the adding circuit, the multiplying circuit and the gamma correction circuit based on the respective R, G, B color signals, which are respectively outputted to the black level controller, the white level controller and the gradation controller from the EEPROM, and outputs an image signal, which has the same gradation characteristics as that of the image signal which is recorded in the EEPROM, to the encoder.

Abstract: A process for recording camera and exposure information on photographic film, reading the information during photofinishing and re-recording the information magnetically on the film. According to one feature, disclosed with a single use camera, the process includes the ordered steps of recording camera capabilities on the film and then loading the film into a camera having those capabilities. The process further includes the steps of exposing the film in the camera to a scene, processing the film to develop and print the scene using the recorded camera information and re-recording the information magnetically on the film. According to another feature of the invention, disclosed with multiple use cameras, the camera optically records exposure information on the film. The photofinishing operation then reads the optically recorded information, uses the information and magnetically re-records the information on the film.

Abstract: In combination with a digital recording medium having recorded thereon individually addressable digital data files containing still images, motion sequences and sound sequences, an index print, having a plurality of index images representing the still images, motion sequences and sound sequences on the digital recording medium, the index images including a subject matter descriptor, an index code usable for addressing the individual digital data files, and a type indicator for indicating the type of subject matter contained in the data file.

Abstract: When images are photographed by using a photographic film at which a magnetic recording layer is provided, photographic information regarding the entire film and photographic information regarding respective image frames can be magnetically recorded. A method and an apparatus are provided for the recording or for printing the photographic information which is magnetically recorded. In a case in which a printing area is limited, magnetically-recording of or printing of non-prior information is limited so that prior information is printed on the printing area prior to the non-prior information. For example, the information regarding an image frame is printed on the printing area of the back surface of the photographic printing paper prior to the information regarding the entire film.

Abstract: A system for generating from unimaged plates a plurality of exposed lithographic plates to be provided to a press for use in printing. The system is for use with a film exposer for exposing a negative which includes an identifying code identifying the negative. An exposing station has a first reader for reading the identifying code and has an exposer for exposing a number of unimaged plates to generate an image thereon from the exposed negative. The number of exposed plates corresponds to the identifying code read by the reader. A bending station has a second reader for reading the identifying code on the exposed plates and has an optical punch bender for bending the exposed plates in accordance with information corresponding to the identifying code.