Abstract: Improvement in the microfilm camera for reading an amount of money of an addressed bill or check brought into a bank, the amount of money being written in the column for writing the amount of money by the drawer of the addressed bill or check, for printing the read amount of money for magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) and for photographing the image of the addressed bill or check on a microfilm. The improved microfilm camera, provided by the invention, comprises an OCR for reading the amount of money written by the drawer, an MICR printer disposed downstream of the OCR for printing the amount of money read by the OCR, and an optical system for photographing the image of the addressed bill or check on a microfilm after the addressed bill or check is printed for MICR by the MICR printer.

Abstract: A data printing apparatus of this invention controls the emission timing or the emission interval of a light-emitting means on the basis of a signal according to traveling of a sheet film along a traveling path so as to print data free from blurring of characters or a variation in interval between characters on the sheet film having no perforations. After an exposure operation is ended, the apparatus feeds the sheet film from an exposure position along a spool wall. Light corresponding to digital numerals representing a date is emitted by light-emitting elements, and the date to be printed by the light-emitting elements is focused on the sheet film by an optical system. The date on the sheet film is printed during traveling of the sheet film along the spool wall.

Abstract: A photograph printing method for printing on a photographic printing paper a plural number of images which are photographed on a film, the method comprising steps of detecting photographing information of the film, determining frames of the film including the images having equal or similar photographing conditions each other by use of the photographing information, and determining equal or similar amount of print conditions corresponding to the same or similar photographing conditions of the frames thus determined, and printing the images by use of the equal or similar amount of print conditions thus determined.

Abstract: A method of automatically controlling exposure when printing from film which is exposed under controlled lighting conditions. The prevailing lighting conditions are determined by photographing a standard subject in the form of a gray-scale board with at least one field of gray and illuminated by the studio lighting. The gray scale is recognized as a standard subject during region-by-region analysis of the film's frames and the results obtained from the gray scale are employed as a film-specific standard in computing the levels of light to use for printing.

Abstract: An image projection system for all surfaces of a three dimensional object such as a polyhedron in which direct and angle reflected image patterns are projected from superpositioned non-overlapping mask patterns mounted on different levels where the separation of the levels is related to the size of the object. The apparatus and process permits simultaneous photolithigraphic printing of conductors on the top and all sides of a cube shaped stack of integrated circuit chips.

Abstract: To locate a reference exposure on a non-perforated leading and/or trailing portion of a filmstrip in conformity with scene exposures associated with respective exposure locating perforations in the filmstrip, a pair of perforation sensors are spaced apart a distance which is the same as the pitch of the exposure locating perforations. When one of the two sensors detects an exposure locating perforation and the other does not, the leading or trailing portion is determined.

Abstract: A film tabbing apparatus and methodology for processing supply of photographic film including single frame chips and multiple frame strips. The chips and strips are moved along a linear feed path in a single file through the apparatus, a tabbing tape is moved along the linear feed path with the longitudinal edge of the tape positioned approximate an adjacent longitudinal edge of the film file, the proximate longitudinal edges of the tape and the film file are secured together utilizing adhesive tape, and a coded indicium is provided on the tape corresponding to each frame of the film file. The adhesive tape may be applied in an overlying relation to the seam between the film file and the paper tabbing tape, in an underlying relation to the seam, or tapes may be applied simultaneously in an overlying and an underlying relation to the seam. A human readable indicium is also provided on the tape corresponding to each frame of the film file.

Abstract: A photographic processing apparatus adapted to put photographic prints and their corresponding index print together in ejecting these two types of prints made in different processes. The apparatus includes: an printing-development mechanism for photographic print; an index print making mechanism which reads the images of the developed film, arranges the images sequentially to display the same on at least one index print and ejects the index print through an index print outlet; and a print sorting device which sorts out the photographic prints and the index print corresponding thereto together. Time and labor for collation between the index print and the corresponding photographic prints can be dispensed with.

Abstract: A system and method of image reproduction in color with preferential tone mapping are provided in which the method includes the steps of capturing original scene parameters and creating a visual reproduction of the scene, the method additionally comprising:performing a transformation of said captured scene parameters, said transformation being such that, taken in conjunction with untransformed characteristics of the capturing and creating steps, it results in a reproduced tone mapping having instantaneous gamma values of viewed reproduction density relative to density of the original scene which are greater than a minimum value of A and less than A plus 0.35 times scene exposure density over a scene exposure density range of from 0.60 to 1.45 as measured relative to a zero density, 100% diffuse reflector in the original scene, the instantaneous gamma values within scene exposure density range further lying entirely within a range of values subtended by an angle of 14.degree.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus provided with a reader for reading information for identifying an original document; a recording unit for recording the image of the original document on a recording medium; a selector for selecting a first mode or a second mode; and a controller for causing the recording unit to record the image only when the identifying information is read by the reading means if the first mode is selected, or causing the recording unit to record the image regardless of the reading of the identifying information if the second mode is selected.

Abstract: An image printer includes a projection-exposure section for projecting an image born on a film onto a photosensitive material, an image-exposure section for exposing the photosensitive material based on image information comprised of a plurality of image areas each including color data relating to a plurality of colors, and a transport device for transporting the photosensitive material through the projection-exposure section and the image-exposure section. The image-exposure section includes an exposure device for dividing the image information into a plurality of lines and exposing the photosensitive material with switching exposing colors corresponding to the plurality of color data by switching over a plurality of color filters, and a moving device for moving the exposure device and the photosensitive material relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the lines.

Abstract: A method for making photographic cards by imprinting a message directly on the reverse side of a photograph, in a plurality of configurations including singular cards, cards in sheet form, cards in roll form and cards in a new and improved continuous form with tractor feed selvedge strips and perforations for separating the photographs from each other and from the selvedge strips. Each configuration of photographic cards is comprised of developed photographs having a photographic image surface (32) on one side and a message printed directly on an imprinting surface (34) which is the reverse side of the photographic paper material (30) using a computer (22) with a printer (24) attached and controlled by a software (20) program used by a computer operator (18) to create and edit messages and control the printing of said messages.

Abstract: An image printer includes a projection-exposure section for projecting and exposing a film image onto a photosensitive material, an image-exposure section for exposing the photosensitive material based on exposing image information with setting an exposure amount for each of a plurality of areas of the exposing image information, and a reader device for reading the image information of the film image with the image information being divided into the plurality of areas. The image-exposure section generates the exposing image information through composition of the plurality of areas of the image information read by the reader device, image information stored in advance in the image-exposure section and of further image information inputted from another input device.

Abstract: Photographic apparatus is provided for combining film and prints with packaging material including an image of customer inscribed graphics, such as a return address, provided with the order. The graphics are captured and stored electronically as an image that is linked to the film and prints and reproduced on packaging or other material for returning the order. The packaging is provided at the finishing station in a plurality of different formats corresponding to the size of the prints or the thickness of the completed order. The finishing station selects the appropriate format for the order and reproduces the image of the customer inscribe graphics on the selected format.

Abstract: A machine produces photographic color prints both from images captured on film and from digitally encoded images. A conventional machine used to make color prints from images on film is provided with a one-line cathode ray tube (7 or 7a or 7b) positioned along the path followed by a strip of light-sensitive paper (31) from a supply roll (3) to a set of chemical treatment baths (60), preceding or following a printing surface (29). A projecting head (71) of the one-line cathode ray tube generates a pencil-thin line comprising a high number of pixels in a notably broad range of colors. The single lines are emitted gradually and in ordered succession by the projecting head (71), impacting on a corresponding length of the light-sensitive paper (31) as it advances across the head, thus generating an image of high definition and chromatic fidelity directly on the light-sensitive surface.

Abstract: A 3D printer and method which uses a beamsplitter or a mirror to form a reflected image which is a mirror image of the actual image exposed on the print material. A CCD detector array is placed on the reflected image plane to monitor the key-subject registration. The beamsplitter or mirror is physically linked to the print material cassette so that the CCD detector array shares the same projected image that is exposed on the print material regardless of the printing position. With such an approach, the CCD detector array can directly detect any off-alignment due to mechanical errors or distortion/aberration by the projection lens.

Abstract: A method of making photographic prints wherein photographic data relating to photographic conditions of an original frame is recorded on a photographic film at the time of photographing the original frame, so as to determine the print exposure amount for printing the original frame. When it is determined with reference to the photographic data that a primary subject of the original frame has a proper density on the photographic film, the original frame is printed at a basic print exposure amount which is determined without using density data of the original frame. If it is determined with reference to the photographic data that the basic print exposure amount should be corrected for the original frame, an exposure correction amount is calculated based on the photographic data and/or the density data of the original frame.

Abstract: Developed photographic film has frames of a 35 mm full size and of a panoramic size recorded thereon. A panoramic frame is detected in a photographic printer. A masking is set on the panoramic frame as detected so as to mask the frame. Photometry and pick-up of the panoramic frame is performed while the panoramic frame stands masked by the masking. Photometry of the panoramic frame as masked is performed. On the basis of the photometric value, exposure information is calculated. A finished image is simulated and displayed on a monitor CRT as picked up, in simulation according to the exposure information. The panoramic frame is inspected through the simulated finished image. The masking is retracted from the panoramic frame. The monitor CRT displays a simulated finished image while the masking stands retracted. For a frame of a wide-vision size an a frame designated for pseudo-zooming printing, similar operation is performed for simulation.

Abstract: A portraiture printer system receives portrait film which carries portrait images provided by a portraiture camera. A frame grabber receives portrait images carried on the film and converts them into digitized images. An edit station processes the digitized images. The edit station manipulates the sequence of the images and their composition. A printer receives the digitized images and prints the digitized images on an image recording medium.

Abstract: A data printing apparatus of this invention controls the emission timing or the emission interval of a light-emitting means on the basis of a signal according to traveling of a sheet film along a traveling path so as to print data free from blurring of characters or a variation in interval between characters on the sheet film having no perforations. After an exposure operation is ended, the apparatus feeds the sheet film from an exposure position along a spool wall. Light corresponding to digital numerals representing a date is emitted by light-emitting elements, and the date to be printed by the light-emitting elements is focused on the sheet film by an optical system. The date on the sheet film is printed during traveling of the sheet film along the spool wall.

Abstract: A self-contained portable copy serializer for use with photocopy machines which have a transparent copy window upon which an original document is placed for copying and a copy light which traverses the copy window during copying includes a shallow housing with a variable and incrementable display which may be disposed at the copy window in association with an original document, which may be provided, for example, with a notched out corner or cut out window in which serialization characters are to appear on the copies. The display of the serializer presents to the copy machine window an image of serialization characters which are copied onto the copies along with the image of the document original. The serializer increments the display characters in response to a preselected number of copy machine cycles as indicated by passage of the copy machine light to serialize both single page and multi-page forms, for example.

Abstract: A method for making a plurality of colored sportcards comprising the steps of forming a master panel with a matrix of borders, each associated with a window area; cutting each window area into a border opening; pasting a photograph behind each window opening; making a colored photocopy of the master panel and the colored photographs; pasting a back panel on the rear of the photocopied panel having indicia related to each of the images within the photocopied window openings; and then cutting the photocopied panel and the back panel to as many sub panels as there are photocopied windows to form a plurality of sportscards. The process is repeated so that each individual photograph is made into as many sportscards as desired.

Abstract: A film pasting apparatus for pasting a color separation film on a base film used for a photomechanical process, comprises a lower table for placing a base film and having optical sensors, an upper table disposed above the lower table and having suction means and pasting means, a film tray for storing a color separation film on which a first registration mark having two line segments defining a predetermined angle and a second registration mark having two line segments parallel to the two line segments of the first registration mark are formed at positions corresponding to the sensors, film picking means for inserting the film tray into the apparatus main body below the upper table to draw the color separation film to the upper table by the suction means, film registering means for withdrawing the film tray from the apparatus to detect the registration marks of the color separation film drawn to the upper table by using the sensors, for registering the color separation film based on a result of detection of th

Abstract: A photographic process for institutional groups in which several exposures are taken of each subject in the group. After the film is developed, the negatives are printed in proof form on a single sheet of proof paper and an order form is simultaneously printed on the same sheet of proof paper to create a combined print and order form. The combined print and order form is delivered to the subject with an envelope including information with respect to packages symbolically identified on the order form, the subject marks the order form to indicate the packages desired for each proof print, the subject returns the marked combined print and order form with payment in the envelope to the photographic lab and the photographic lab, produces final photographic prints from the order information contained on the combined print and order form.

Abstract: The feeding of a photosensitive material is automatically controlled to a desired length corresponding the size or volume of an additional image to be printed so that manual data input operations can be minimized. The volume of the additional image is estimated from attribute data detected by an attribute data detector and used for determining the location of printing the image on the photo-sensitive material. Also, the orientation of the image to be printed is determined from data of a vertical position detector. With reference to those information, the length of feeding and the location of cutting marks for the photosensitive material are calculated. Resultant signals are fed to a double exposure means, a cutting-mark applying means, and a photosensitive material transfer means for optimum control of exposure actions.

Abstract: A photographic film is provided with bar codes indicating frame numbers attached to respective frames of the photographic film and a specific bar code indicating a specific part thereof. The specific bar code is located before or after the specific part of the photographic film. Each frame number bar code is read to determine the decimal frame number of each frame of the photographic film. If the bar code attached to the last frame is not read, it is determined that the bar code not read indicates a frame number for the last frame by reading the specific bar code before or after the fault in reading the bar code of the last frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a film cartridge, having a spool end and a film ingress/egress slot, containing an exposed photographic film through a photofinishing process comprises a pallet adapted to hold the film cartridge. The pallet includes an interior opening for holding a film cartridge in fixed relation to the pallet with the spool end and the film ingress/egress slot of the film cartridge exposed to permit the spool end to be rotated to thrust the photographic film out of the film cartridge and to return the photographic film to the film cartridge.

Abstract: The invention is a method for controlling automated photographic equipment, for example, printers, color analyzers, film cutters and film baggers. Machine readable data is permanently imprinted on photographic negatives. Included in this data is discreet identifying information for a single photographic negative frame. A data base is separately created, with each record correlating to the individual photographic negative. The combined information from the photographic negative and the data base are used to operate a variety of automated photographic printing equipment, via a computer network.

Abstract: A data imprinting device for a camera wherein the exposure of imprinting data is changed by the information from the film sensitivity setting means. The device is provided with imprinting exposure control means operating in such a manner that when the picture exposure correction factor setting means is operated in a direction to increase the exposure, the data exposure determined based on the film sensitivity setting means is caused to increase.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing images recorded on a photographic filmstrip wound on a film spool contained in a cartridge, the photographic filmstrip having machine-readable frame numbers associated with the images recorded thereon and the photographic filmstrip being associated with a device for storing film related data including frame numbers identifying selected images to be reproduced.

Abstract: A control area is imaged on photo-sensitive graphic arts material to be evaluated for the sharpness of images printed on the material through the various stages of the reproduction process. The control area includes a light transmitting image divided into a plurality of segments where the image is a sharp-edged line element of a fixed preselected width. The line element is repeated from segment to segment in a preselected pattern of line elements separated a preselected distance apart by a space. The first segment of a control area has a solid optical density. At the opposite end of the control area is positioned a second segment having a substrate optical density. An intermediate segment includes a plurality of sections in which the line elements in each section are spaced apart the same distance, and the spacing between line elements varies from one section to the next. Thus, a range of spatial frequencies of repeating line elements is provided in the control area.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a scanner for scanning a plurality of document so that n images corresponding to the documents are obtained, n being an integer greater than 2, an image generating means for successively generating m number images different from each other, m being an integer greater than 2, an image composition circuit for combining an i-th image (i=1, 2 , . . . , and n) obtained by the scanner and a j-th number image (j=1, 2 , . . . , and m) with each other so as to output a composite image I.sub.ij, a printing mechanism for printing the composite image I.sub.ij on a recording sheet, and an output unit for outputting the recording sheet having the composite image I.sub.ij formed thereon.

Abstract: A color original image is divided into many picture elements and each picture element is resolved into three colors of red, green, and blue lights to photometrically measure them and a histogram of hue values is obtained in accordance with the data obtained through photometry. The obtained histogram is divided into mountains, it is judged which divided mountain each picture element of the color original image belongs to in order to classify the picture elements into groups corresponding to the divided mountains and divide the color original image every group. Then, at least one of the divided regions is selected to extract the data for the selected region as feature image data.

Abstract: A process of addressing sets in which a list of M addresses is stored in a memory of a printer and the printer is programmed to print one or more sets of N prints on print media. A print outline, with a selected identifiable area superimposed thereon, is displayed on an interactive display screen. In one example of operation, copies of the M addresses from the list are successively printed on N prints at the selected identifiable area on each of the N prints.

Abstract: A system and method of image reproduction in color with preferential tone mapping in which the image reproduction is subjected to a scene parameter transformation which when taken in conjunction with untransformed characteristics of the image reproduction system and method results in a reproduced tone mapping having instantaneous gamma values of viewed reproduction density relative to density of the original scene which are greater than 1.0 and less than 1.0 plus 0.35 times scene exposure density over a scene exposure density range of from 0.6 to 1.45 as measured relative to a zero density, 100% diffuse reflector in the original scene. Preferably, the instantaneous gamma values within this scene exposure density range further lie substantially within a range of values subtended by an angle of 14.degree. as measured from a reference point at 0.0 scene exposure density and 1.0 viewed reproduction density gradient.

Abstract: Overhead and data loss are reduced when transferring data via magnetic recording in a magnetic layer of an elongate photographic filmstrip, by providing a trappable data sentinel at the beginning of a data field. The data sentinel comprises a pair of reserved characters which establish a data character boundary for data in the field and also identify the nature of this data. The data sentinel is trapped by an identity comparator and also read by a host computer or processor. Data fields employing the data sentinel format can be embedded within a start sentinel/end sentinel track architecture.

Abstract: An automated film encoding and decoding system for bringing photographic film from the state of exposure to subject matter through all of the processes required to produce finished photos and package the same. The system includes an encoder coordinately operative with a camera for the placement of a human and machine readable code on the film the decoder capable of reading the code for the control of production-processing equipment in laboratories provided with such equipment. The human readability of the code accommodates production-processing of the film by attendant personnel and also allows for quality control check of automated production-processing equipment. The encoding includes film frame identification information, subject matter information and registration mark information all of which may be utilized on a single exposure situation.

Abstract: A price printer for printing prices relative to photographic processing, which is suitable for a printer-processor for printing image recorded on photographic films onto photographic papers. The price printer is disposed in a position where each image printed on the photographic paper is detected. The number of defective prints selected by detection is input by an operator. The number of the defective prints is subtracted from the total number of prints which is automatically input from the printer-processor to calculate the number of prints to be delivered to a customer and compute a print price to be printed. Therefore, a proper statement of delivery can be made at a time and the efficiency of work can be improved. A photographic-film carrier capable of automatically detecting information about the length of a processed photographic film can be provided. The price printer can read the length information so as to determine the kind of the photographic film and automatically set and print a development price.

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 improved photofinishing packaging apparatus and related method is described in which a film bar code is read, and identification indicia which may be different from the film bar code is encoded onto the corresponding prints generated from the film. The film bar code is then paired with the identification indicia, which pairing is stored in a computer. Later, the packager uses the pairing to match up the film with the corresponding prints.

Abstract: A microfilm reader capable of printing out a printed image having the extension same as that of the original image recorded in the microfilm at a reduced size without the need of any instruction from the operator or other means. The microfilm used in the microfilm reader has a mark as an internal standard scale which is photographed on a marginal portion of each frame of the microfilm. The length of the scale mark is read and determined to know magnification ratio necessary for printing out a copy image having the same as the corresponding original, and the magnification ratio is varied by a zoom lens of optical system or an electronic processor for processing image signals. In a modified embodiment, a microfilm having an information mark (i.g., a bar code, numerals, characters or format) indicating the dimensions of the original or reducing ratio at the original image photographing step.

Abstract: An image processing system comprises a camera in which control information is recorded, as well as image information, and a reproducing apparatus that is controlled by the control information to determine the arrangement of an array of reproduced image frames on the same reproducing medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photographic film cartridge including a cartridge, a spool carried in the cartridge for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the spool, a film wound into a roll around the spool, the film having frames each of which has an area to be exposed larger than 350 mm.sup.2 but smaller than 1200 mm.sup.2, an optical data-input region formed in the film having an area larger than 15% of the area of the frame, and at least one of electrical data-input device and magnetic data-input device being formed in the film or the cartridge.

Abstract: Exposure control apparatus, and various accompanying methods, for use in a photographic camera for improving the overall quality of photographed images, i.e. increasing the number of acceptable and higher quality images, that are produced by the camera for user-selected non-standard display sizes and/or different focal length photographing modes over that obtainable by adherence to ISO/ANSI exposure standards. The quality improvement is attained through user selection of a desired display size and/or focal length photographing mode for each image to be captured followed by an optimization, for that size and mode, of various photographic exposure parameters (exposure settings and, where appropriate, flash parameters). The invention violates the ISO/ANSI exposure standards where necessary to improve image quality, for the desired display size and focal length photographing mode, beyond that which would result from adherence to these standards.

Abstract: An image storing method includes the steps of: reading an image of an original including index information to provide image information; recording the image information on a recording medium; reading out the image information recorded on the recording medium; detecting the index information included in the image information which is read out from the recording medium; and generating an index file showing the relationship between the detected index information and a storage address of the image information recorded on the recording medium. Also disclosed is an image storing apparatus which records on a recording medium image information of an original including index information, which is provided from an image reading device.

Abstract: A method of recording information onto a photographic film provided with a magnetic recording layer comprises steps of reading once the information recorded on a predetermined track of the magnetic recording layer and recording it again onto the same track. In consequence, recording of the information can be conducted using a recording signal of high signal strength to improve the reliability of the information.

Abstract: A virtually transparent magnetic layer is included as an additional layer in a photographic film strip. Information exchange between various users of the film such as, for example, the film manufacturer, the camera user, the dealer and photofinisher, is facilitated by plural longitudinal magnetic tracks on the film that begin and end within individual frames. Each track is dedicated to the writing and reading of a predetermined set of parameters relating to the corresponding frame, for easy access by a particular one of the various users. Each user has the capability to read and/or write information in self-identifying data fields in the corresponding tracks.

Abstract: In a film exposure apparatus and method of exposure using the same which are disclosed herein, a plurality of frames arranged in a longitudinal direction of a belt-shaped film are exposed sequentially to light for transcript of an image onto each of the frames. The film exposure apparatus comprises an illumination system, a photomask disposed at a location to which light from the illumination system is applied, a photomask position adjusting mechanism, a projection lens of projecting an image of the photomask irradiated, and a film feed mechanism for step-feeding the film one frame by one frame. The belt-shaped film is provided with at least two or more film-side alignment marks on each frame, and the photomask is provided with a circuit pattern whose image is to be projected and transferred onto the film, and photomask-side alignment marks in correspondence to the film-side alignment marks.

Abstract: A virtually transparent magnetic layer is included as an additional layer in a photographic film. Information exchange between various users of the film, such as the film manufacturer, the camera user, the dealer and photofinisher, is carried via plural longitudinal magnetic tracks on the film, each track being dedicated to the writing and reading of a predetermined set of related parameters. The tracks are divided into data fields. A data field includes a virtual identification code and a plurality of sub-fields representative of different parameters. The virtual identification code serves as an address to corresponding stored instructions which identify and interpret the data in the corresponding sub-fields. Look-up tables addressed by said virtual identification codes can include bit-map instructions, state identifier instructions, and/or scaling algorithm instructions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the chaotic filming of documents in which the latter are equipped with a first code, and then in unordered sequence are filmed with the application of a pulse code, wherein of the first code applied respectively on the documents fed for filming at least the address is detected and intermediately stored, the pulse code on the exposed film is detected and continuously added up, and the number corresponding to the image of the relevant document in the pulse code and the address of the first code are jointly stored as the image address.According to a first embodiment the documents are paged in unordered sequence and then filmed with the allocation of a blip pulse code. According to a second embodiment, documents are provided with the code allocated respectively by a computer, whereby the computer contains the code and optionally further information in store. The documents are then filmed in unordered sequence with the simultaneous application of a pulse code, using a camera.