Abstract: A system and method for ordering visual prints from digital image data. The system and method include acquiring digital images from a digital image storage medium, assigning a unique identification code to the acquired digital images, storing the acquired digital images in association with the unique identification code, printing at least one index sheet of the digital image, the at least one index sheet containing visual print ordering information and the unique identification code, providing visual print information, producing visual prints based on the print order information, and providing the visual prints to a customer.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a paper storage part; weight sensors for measuring the weight of paper stored in the paper storage part; a paper feed counting part for counting the number of sheets fed from the paper storage part; a memory unit for storing the weight A applied to the weight sensors, exclusive of the weight of paper, the weight B of standard paper, and the set number C of sheets for checking that specifies the intervals at which the remaining quantity of paper is to be checked; a control panel; and a CPU. The CPU accurately calculates the actual weight of each sheet of paper from a change in paper weight per feed of the set number C of sheets for checking.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of reducing time and effort of fixing the jammed film and capable of reducing waste of films not jammed when fixing the jammed film. The apparatus has: a film feeding section including a containing tray capable of containing photosensitive films and a shielding shutter to shield light into the containing tray; a plurality of processing sections to perform processing to a photosensitive film; a conveying mechanism to convey the photosensitive film along a predetermined conveying path leading continuously through the processing sections; a collecting section capable of collecting the photosensitive film on the conveying path; and a control section to control the conveying mechanism so as to convey photosensitive films in a jammed processing section and a processing section upstream of the jammed processing section to the collecting section when the photosensitive film is jammed on the conveying path.

Abstract: A device for exposing, developing and cutting reeled photographic material comprises an exposure unit, a cutting unit and a developer unit, and transport mechanisms associated therewith and operable to transport the reeled photographic material or to hold it stationary. A first buffer container is disposed between the exposure and cutting units and a second buffer container is disposed between the cutting and developer units. The buffer containers have flaps for selectively closing and opening the buffer containers whereby the reeled photographic material may be transported above them when they are closed and buffered therein when they are open.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to form an image effectively by reading the image from the same film on which the image and information concerning the image have been recorded in different methods. To attain the object, there is provided an image processing apparatus of the present invention comprising optical read means for optically reading image data from a film and magnetic read means for magnetically reading additional information concerning the image data from the film. Consequently, the image indicated by the image data can be formed effectively by automatically selecting the size of a paper, a zoom ratio of the image or the like on the basis of the additional information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a makeover workflow method or system that can be associated with a digital photofinishing arrangement and allows selected images or products to be made again to replace a product which has been damaged, incorrectly produced, or which may need correction to the image content for appearance defect removal. The makeover workflow system or method of the present invention utilizes processing data or metadata used to process the original image to remanufacture the same or improved product or image. With the processing data or metadata from the original processing of the image, changes can be made by adjustment to the first time corrections which are added to or subtracted from the original metadata or processing data. The makeover process of the present invention permits a reproduction of a defective image from the acquired image without having to go back to the original film or input media.

Abstract: A photolithography processing system includes a table for supporting a wafer, a plurality of illumination tools for illuminating a surface of the wafer positioned on the table, including a plurality of first illumination tools positioned laterally at different heights to illuminate the surface of the wafer at various predetermined angles of incidence and a second illumination tool to illuminate the surface of the wafer vertically from above the wafer on the table, a camera for taking pictures of the surface of the wafer, and a controller for controlling operations of the robot, the plurality of illumination tools and the camera and for detecting the presence of impure matters on the surface of the wafer, the controller including an elevating unit to slide up or down the first illumination tools and a luminous intensity unit to control luminous intensity.

Abstract: Images being processed in a photographic laboratory system into different forms of output are automatically evaluated to determine for each image whether it is of sufficient quality to merit processing into a selected form of output. Each image is individually evaluated by determining a grade value for each of one or more characteristic properties of the image, by assigning a target value to each of the characteristic image properties relative to each available form of output, and by comparing the grade value to the target value for a selected form of output.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the stray radiation condition of a projection system, is presented herein. The invention includes providing a detector with a detector aperture coincident with the image plane of the projection system, measuring a reference parameter in accordance with the projection beam intensity, measuring a stray radiation parameter of an image of an isolated feature and calculating a coefficient representative of the stray radiation condition of the projection system based on the measured stray radiation parameter and the reference parameter. The extent of the detector aperture fits within the extent of a notional shape, which is defined by first scaling down the shape of the feature and subsequently displacing each line element constituting the edge of the scaled down shape, parallel to itself, over a distance of at least ?/NA in a direction perpendicular to that line element.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a pair of sheet transporting members having rotary shafts on the same axis in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of a sheet, and rotatively driven independently of each other to thereby transport the sheet, a detector provided along a cross direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the sheet for detecting the transported state of the sheet transported by the sheet transporting members, and a controller for drive-controlling the pair of sheet transporting members on the basis of the detection information of the detector, and effecting the correction of a sheet position in the cross direction and the correction of the skew feed posture of the sheet relative to the transport direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a semiconductor wafer is provided for reducing dimensional variation by feeding forward information relating to photoresist mask CD and profile to adjust the next process the inspected wafer will undergo (e.g., a photoresist trim process). After the processing step, dimensions of a structure formed by the process, such as the CD of a gate formed by the process, are measured, and this information is fed back to the process tool to adjust the process for the next wafer to further reduce dimensional variation. By taking into account photoresist CD and profile variation when choosing a resist trim recipe, post-etch CD is decoupled from pre-etch CD and profile. With automatic compensation for pre-etch CD, a very tight distribution of post-etch CD is achieved. In certain embodiments, the CD and profile measurements, trim, etch processing and post-etch cleaning are performed at a single module in a controlled environment.

Abstract: A mask of the present invention has a circuit pattern to be transferred to a substrate via an optical system, and an inspection pattern to be used for a measurement of a line width of the pattern transferred to the substrate. By using such a mask, the time for proceeding from inspection to actual device exposure can be shortened.

Abstract: An image recording device has a supporting surface which supports a photographic printing paper at an exposure position, and a conveying roller pair in a vicinity of the supporting surface. A projecting height of a nip position of the conveying roller pair from the supporting surface is 5 ?m to 300 ?m. Further, a step between the supporting surface at the exposure position and a conveying guide adjacent to the supporting surface is 1.0 mm or less. The shock or vibrations, which are generated at the leading end or the trailing end of the photographic printing paper are reduced. Moreover, the conveying roller pair and a pressing roller block propagation of vibrations to the exposure region.

Abstract: A photographic film product is configured and purchased by providing an electronic database of information describing at least one photographic film product that can be configured by a purchaser via a digital communications network; displaying at the purchaser's location remote from the electronic database information describing instructions to enable the purchaser to configure the at least one photographic film product; the purchaser uploading at least one digital image from the purchaser's location remote from the electronic database; the purchaser providing a payment identifier specifying an account to be debited to pay for the configured photographic film product; configuring the photographic film product to include the uploaded digital image; and sending the configured photographic film product to a designee of the purchaser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for printing and/or displaying a customer image order in which a digital record of a customer order containing a plurality of images is obtained. In the method and apparatus of invention, at least one image is selected for printing or displaying as a special effect preview print. This selected image can be modified so as to form a special effect image. The modification is preferably a modification which involves the creation of a black and white image, a sepia image, high color saturation, a cartoon image, bordered image, etc. This provides the consumer with an opportunity to view their originally captured image in a form where the image has a different appearance, characteristic, or look applied to it.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying the validity of a customer order by a service provider. The service provider receives a photofinishing order for at least one photofinishing product. An estimated weight of the photofinishing order is determined based on the known average weight for each of the at least one photofinishing product and package that is containing the product and compared with the actual package containing the photofinishing order. The order is shipped if the difference between the actual weight and the estimated weight is within tolerance.

Abstract: A multi-beam scanning apparatus has a scanning unit that has a plurality of semiconductor lasers and scans laser beams emitted from the plurality of semiconductor lasers; and a controller that transmits a standard signal associated with a control of the plurality of semiconductor lasers to the scanning unit. The controller has a standard signal generator that generates and outputs a sequence of pulse signals as the standard signal. The scanning unit has a plurality of laser drivers, a standard voltage generator, and a standard voltage setter. The standard voltage setter detects each of a plurality of common pulse signal sections of the standard signal in accordance with its signal-wave characteristic, and transmits each value of the plurality of standard voltage sections to a corresponding laser driver in accordance with a detected common pulse signal section.

Abstract: The remote photographic processing system connects one or more photographic processing sites to a center having a database which stores a photographic printing condition at the photographic processing apparatus installed in each of the photographic processing sites via a communication line. The system then stores the photographic printing condition of previous printing such as simultaneous printing at each of the photographic processing sites. When each of the photographic processing sites which has received a request for later printing such as reprinting inquires the database in the center as to whether the photographic printing condition at the time of the previous printing corresponding to the request for the later printing is stored therein or not and catches that the photographic printing condition is stored, the request for the later printing is processed using the thus stored photographic printing condition.

Abstract: An image recording device for exposing a sheet of photosensitive material is disclosed. The device has a plurality of roller pairs disposed upstream and downstream with respect to a conveyance direction of the photosensitive material. The plurality of roller pairs nip and convey the photosensitive material, ensuring flatness of the material at an exposure position. The device also has a support member that supports a back surface of the photosensitive material. The device also has a plurality of pressing members, disposed between pressing roller pairs, which press the photosensitive material against the support member. The device also has a release mechanism which causes the nipping and release of nipping by at least one of the roller pairs and the pressing and release of pressing by the pressing member.

Abstract: A photographic printer and a method of printing in which the printer is interfaced with a defect detection or scanning system is adapted to inspect photographic paper for defects as it is consumed by the printer. In the system and method of the present invention, when a defect is detected, the printer is enabled to either skip over the defect area or to reprint the affected image. With respect to the defect, when detected, the present invention provides either for the utilization of a defect marker, such as a hole punch, which provides a physical mark on the paper in close vicinity of the defect or an electronic device capable of transmitting the precise location of the defect to the printing section. The hole or electronic signal is recognized by the printer, to enable it to either skip the defective frames or reprint the images.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to properly set an original reading position in sheetfed scanning. To achieve this object, a background near a sheetfed scanning position is read to detect the distal end of a white sheet member arranged near a platen roller, and the reading position in sheetfed scanning is set.

Abstract: An image processing method to conduct an image processing on image signals indicating an image obtained through photographing by a photographing apparatus for generating image signals for output. The image processing method has a determining process to determine a content of image processing to be conducted on the image signals based on information about environment light in the course of photographing, information about flashlight in the course of photographing, and on at least one of information about zoom magnification in the course of photographing and information about ISO speed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a paper storage part; weight sensors for measuring the weight of paper stored in the paper storage part; a paper feed counting part for counting the number of sheets fed from the paper storage part; a memory unit for storing the weight A applied to the weight sensors, exclusive of the weight of paper, the weight B of standard paper, and the set number C of sheets for checking that specifies the intervals at which the remaining quantity of paper is to be checked; a control panel; and a CPU. The CPU accurately calculates the actual weight of each sheet of paper from a change in paper weight per feed of the set number C of sheets for checking.

Abstract: An exposure condition determination system and method, including a database configured to store a first information about a past exposure; and an exposure condition determination unit configured to determine an exposure condition suitable for a new mask which is newly made, based on said first information stored in said database and a second information about an exposure using said new mask. The first information includes at least one of a) a first mask information about properties of a mask used in said pas exposure; b) a first resist process information about properties of a resist process employed in said past exposure; c) an exposure condition information about an exposure condition employed in said past exposure; and d) a first aligner information about properties of an aligner.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus that includes a light source, a polygon mirror for deflecting a plurality of light beams emitted from the light source, and an image focusing system for causing the light beams deflected by the polygon mirror to form spots on surfaces of a plurality of photosensitive drums, wherein the image focusing system is disposed between the polygon mirror and the photosensitive drums, and includes scanning lenses for causing the beams deflected by the polygon mirror to form spots on the respective surfaces of the photosensitive drums, and the central axes of the scanning lenses are spaced a predetermined distance from optical axes extended from the center of the light source.

Abstract: A perforation and image exposure system comprises an image exposure apparatus and a punch unit. The image exposure apparatus has a first reference pin for defining a lateral position of a plate through contacting with one side edge of the plate contacting a pair of first positioning pins, and image exposure means for exposing the image into the plate subjected to positioning by the pair of first positioning pins and the first reference pin. The punch unit has a second reference pin for defining a lateral position of the plate through contacting with one side edge of the plate contacting a pair of second positioning pins, and perforation means for forming punched holes for positioning on the plate subjected to positioning by the pair of second positioning pins and the second reference pin.

Abstract: A memory card is set into a slot of a printer. The printer distinguishes whether or not frames of the memory card are recorded in a grouping format. When the frames are recorded in the grouping format, a main-index picture merely including representative frames of the grouped frames is displayed. Selection of the representative frame changes the picture to a sub-index picture for displaying an index of the frames included in the group concerned. In comparison with a case in that all the frames are displayed on the sole index picture, classification of the frames is easily grasped. Further, the frames may be confirmed every group so that it is easy to search the frame.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically determining the shipping weight and cost of a plurality of photofinishing items from a service provider without physically weighing the photofinishing order. A computer system receives photofinishing orders from the customers and associates an order ID with respect to each of the photofinishing orders. The orders are filled and sent to a packing station for assembling the photofinishing order. Each order is placed in a shipping package having the order ID thereon in a machine readable format. A reading device reads order ID and obtains information for determining the associated estimated weight for each package. A printer produces a manifest to be used in shipping the plurality of photofinishing orders wherein the manifest provides the estimated weight and cost for each of the orders that is given to the shipping agent for shipment to customers.

Abstract: An original feeding device 100 for feeding a sheet-shaped original comprises an original loading tray 2 for loading the original, a width direction aligning plates 5 and 6 for aligning the width direction of the original loaded on the original loading tray 2, and an original size indicator 7. The original size indicator comprises the scale for indication an original size, and is disposed so that the original size indicated by the width direction aligning plate 6 can be checked by any of a first view point from above for the original feeding device 100 and a second view point having an equal height to the feeding device and also sidelongly fronting the same device.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying the validity of a customer order by a service provider. The service provider receives a photofinishing order for at least one photofinishing product. An estimated weight of the photofinishing order is determined based on the known average weight for each of the at least one photofinishing product and package that is containing the product and compared with the actual package containing the photofinishing order. The order is shipped if the difference between the actual weight and the estimated weight is within tolerance.

Abstract: Imaging device and cover therefor. One embodiment of the imaging device comprises a frame assembly and at least one hinge releasably mounted to the frame assembly. The at least one hinge pivotally couples the frame assembly in one location on the imaging device. The at least one hinge is readily removable from the frame assembly and remountable to couple the frame assembly in another location on the imaging device.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for automating receipt of orders for additional printing of a photographic print, including order information relating to desired image processing. In a print order receiving machine, when a photographic print is inserted, an image of the photographic print is read and displayed on a monitor (steps 150, 152). When order conditions are inputted, an image which is processed on the basis of the order conditions is displayed on the monitor (steps 154 through 158). Further, when input of the order conditions is completed, the order conditions and order information based on the order conditions are set. The set order information is printed onto a photographic print as an invisible two-dimensional bar code. Copying processing of the photographic print is carried out on the basis of the order information which is read from the photographic print.

Abstract: One implementation of the invention is a self-service film processing system. In one embodiment, the self-service film processing system comprises a display and a film processing system. The film processing system operates to develop and digitize film provided by a customer to produce digital images that are then displayed to the customer. The self-service film processing system may include several additional components, such as various types of payment systems, image input systems, output devices, and customer input devices may be incorporated into the self-service film processing system. The film processing system may comprise a wet-chemistry film processing system or a digital film processing system. Another implementation of the invention is a prepaid photoprocessing card. In one embodiment, the prepaid photoprocessing card comprises a media and an encoded data device.

Abstract: A quality assurance system for retail photofinishing includes a communication network; a retail photofinishing site including photofinishing equipment, a client computer connected to the communication network, and a process monitoring device connected to the computer; and a server located at a service center and connected to the communication network.

Abstract: A thermal development apparatus for developing a thermal development film, having a heating section, which has at least a partially cylindrical surface for transporting and heating the film and plural parallel pressing rollers to press the film onto the cylindrical surface. When “P” denotes the pitch with which the pressing rollers are provided, and “l” denotes the shortest distance between the leading or trailing edge of the effective image area and the leading or the trailing edge of the film, the relationship of l>P is satisfied.

Abstract: A negative film setter has film holders for having set therein films to be fed. Each of the film holders has both a detecting sensor for detecting whether a film is set therein and a lamp which is lit when a film is set in a film holder and which is not lit when a film is not set therein. Therefore, a user can determine at a glance whether or not films are set in the film holders, thus allowing the user to skillfully set a plurality of films at film setting sections. Accordingly, due to detection by the detecting sensor, the negative film setter can recognize in which film holder a film is set, and films can be fed in a sequential order.

Abstract: A paper handler, in combination with a printer comprising, a paper inlet into that which paper enters the paper handler; where the paper has leading edge. The paper handler further comprises a paper exit where paper exits the paper handler and travels from the paper handler to the inlet of the printer. A drag system is also included that contributes to handle the paper handled by the paper handler thereby providing for seamless continuous paper flow through the printer. The paper handler further comprises an optic sensor capable of sensing marks on the paper. The optic sensor communicates with the printer indicating sensing of the marks by the optic sensor.

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: A film fixing instrument for fixing films of different scales comprises: a loader for loading said films and comprising a loader window, said loader comprising a plurality of couplers on the sides of said loader window; an adjuster for adjusting said loader window, said adjuster comprising a plurality of fixers coupled with said a plurality of couplers, said loader selectively installed on said loader; a film clip for securing said films on said film fixing instrument. The films of different scales can be fixed on said film fixing instrument by adjusting the coupling method between said adjuster and said loader.

Abstract: An image recording device which cuts an elongated photosensitive material, and disposes plural rows of photosensitive material sheets in parallel, and simultaneously conveys the photosensitive material sheets. The elongated photosensitive material pulled-out from a magazine is cut by a cutter into a plurality of sheet-shaped photographic printing papers of predetermined widths. The photographic printing papers are conveyed by first conveying roller pairs to predetermined positions on a conveying path. Due to nipping of the first conveying roller pairs being released, the photographic printing papers, which have been conveyed to conveying positions of respective rows, abut a stopper such that trailing ends of the photographic printing papers are aligned. Further, due to the plurality of photographic printing papers being nipped by second roller pairs, the plurality of photographic printing papers are conveyed toward an exposure position simultaneously in plural rows on the conveying path.

Abstract: A sheet supply portion is disposed in the lowermost portion of a printer so as to be substantially horizontal. A main conveying path for guiding a sheet from a transferring roller to a fixing device is disposed in a substantially vertical direction so as to be along the back of the printer. The guide surface of a sheet delivery guide constituting a conveying path leading from the fixing device to a pair of sheet delivery rollers is a flat surface.

Abstract: A sheet delivery mechanism designed to discharge successive sheets to different delivery positions includes offset rollers, an offset unit, an offsetting force generator and an offset unit swinging mechanism. The offset rollers is rotatably supported by the offset unit to discharge each sheet in a sheet transport direction. The offsetting force generator produces a driving force for shifting the offset unit back and forth along a direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction between a reference position and offset positions. The offset unit swinging mechanism swings the offset unit about an axis parallel to rotary shafts of the offset rollers in such a manner that a sheet output direction in which the offset rollers eject each sheet varies to a direction pointing away from a sheet delivery tray when the offset unit is shifted along the direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction by the offsetting force generator.

Abstract: A photographic image print system, a photographic image printer, and a computer-readable storage medium having a photgraphic image print program stored thereon are provided to enable printing of pictures through a simple operation, as well as simplification of the printing operation itself, e.g., by avoiding repetitions of identical operations which would otherwise be continuously performed.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus and method subject image data to predetermined image processing to obtain processed image data and execute both of outputting a print according to the processed image data and outputting the processed image data to an image file. The apparatus and method create information for identifying an original before an image of the original is read to input the image data and storing the original identifying information in a data base in relation to the image file, read out, when a reprint is requested by designating the original identifying information, predetermined processed image data from the image file of the data base based on the original identifying information and output the print according to the predetermined processed image data. As a result, the apparatus and method are capable of easily designating a corresponding image file when a reprint is requested and capable of easily outputting the reprint from the image file without the need of an original film.

Abstract: An X-ray film package includes a protective cover for sandwiching plural X-ray films stacked on one another, to obtain a cover-fitted sheet stack. A packaging bag contains the cover-fitted sheet stack. A packaging case contains the packaging bag with the cover-fitted sheet stack contained therein. A producing history managing method for the X-ray film package is provided. A producing history bar code is printed to the protective cover, the producing history bar code being obtained according to producing or packaging of the X-ray films. Also, the producing history bar code is printed to the packaging bag, and to the packaging case.

Abstract: Sheets of recording paper are stacked and put on a push-up plate, and the uppermost recording paper is moved by pickup rollers and is separated by separation pawls. The separated recording paper is further moved by the pickup rollers so as to be carried out to the conveyance path between an upper guide and a lower guide. Notches are provided in those regions of the lower guide which correspond to the corner parts of the recording paper. Owing to the notches, the corner parts of the recording paper deformed by the separation pawls do not come into touch with the lower guide, so that the bending and jamming of the recording paper can be prevented from occurring.

Abstract: A print-order receiving apparatus is capable of receiving a customer's order for photographic prints through a recording medium electronically recording image data therein. The apparatus includes a box-like apparatus body, a slot formed in the apparatus body for attaching the recording medium and a reading driver unit for reading the image date from the recording medium as attached in the slot. The slot defines an aperture plane with its peripheral edges, the aperture plane being upwardly inclined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to control the atmosphere inside of a xerographic control module of an image forming device so that a dew point condition is not reached. The parameters of the atmosphere within the xerographic chamber which are controlled include pressure, temperature and humidity.

Abstract: 50 An image forming apparatus having a pair of sheet transporting members having rotary shafts on the same axis in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of a sheet, and rotatively driven independently of each other to thereby transport the sheet, a detector provided along a cross direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the sheet for detecting the transported state of the sheet transported by the sheet transporting members, and a controller for drive-controlling the pair of sheet transporting members on the basis of the detection information of the detector, and effecting the correction of a sheet position in the cross direction and the correction of the skew feed posture of the sheet relative to the transport direction.

Abstract: A paper feed apparatus according to the present invention has a door adapted to be opened and closed as paper is supplied, successively feeds paper on the top portion of a paper carrying tray, and raises the tray as the paper is fed. In this paper feed apparatus, a first detector that detects the presence of paper is located below a paper feed position by a margin corresponding to a given number of paper sheets, and a second detector that detects the presence of paper is located below the first detector. If an open state of the door is detected, the paper carrying tray is lowered to a position where the second detector ceases to detect the presence of paper. If the first and second detectors detect the presence of paper after the tray is lowered in this manner, the tray is lowered to the position where the second detector ceases to detect the presence of paper.