Abstract: A process is shown for making available digital photographic images. The process comprises: sending to a processing laboratory an exposed photosensitive film strip to be developed, digitizing each of the developed images without any printing of the images, destroying the film strip and providing several options to a customer for obtaining and/or viewing their digital images.

Abstract: In an image recording device, pressing rollers are disposed closer to an exposure position than conveyance roller pairs disposed upstream and downstream from the exposure position. Thus, rising of a trailing edge of a photographic printing sheet which has passed through a conveyance roller pair disposed immediately upstream from the exposure position and of a leading edge thereof prior to reaching the conveyance roller pair disposed immediately upstream from the exposure position can be suppressed, and excellent image recording can be performed. For example, pressing by the pressing roller and nipping by the conveyance roller pair are released before the leading edge of the photographic printing paper respectively reaches the pressing roller and the conveyance roller pair disposed immediately downstream from the exposure position.

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 &mgr;m to 300 &mgr;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: An apparatus and method for performing correction of at least one of correction of chromatic aberration of magnification, distortion aberration, deterioration of marginal luminosity and defocusing on the image data is disclosed. The method and apparatus designates a lens type taking lens manually and then performs correction of the image quality deterioration using the designated lens type and a position information of the image.

Abstract: A standard color image and at least one processed image are printed on a single sheet of photosensitive material. The standard color image is obtained by carrying out standard image processing on a single original color image. The processed image is obtained by carrying out image processing under different processing conditions on the original color image. The different processing conditions may be the processing conditions for altering an image tone, image sharpness, image gradation, image trimming, an image size enlargement scale factor, or a combination of at least two of them. Various prints, which are obtained from image processings carried out by setting the processing conditions to various different processing conditions, can thus be seen easily.

Abstract: An automatic self-service installation for printing photographs stored in digital form includes a digital medium reader for reading and retrieving digital data from stored image(s) which a user wishes to restore on a paper print. A central processing unit manages the installation and permits interaction with a user. An interacting device, actuatable by the user allows user selection of image(s) within the digital medium for printing, and production of the image(s) on paper medium. An exposure system for the selected image(s) is associated with a facility for storing and moving a photosensitive paper. A chemical treatment unit includes developing baths and a facility for automatic transfer of developed photosensitive paper into the baths. The installation also includes a facility for drying paper print(s) obtained after printing and a receptacle for storing and permitting removal of the produced print(s).

Abstract: The image recording method and apparatus focus or image a two-dimensional image formed by a group of two-dimensionally disposed light source elements through an optical system on a recording medium which is moving in a relative relation to the group two-dimensionally disposed light source elements. The method and apparatus deflect light from the group of two-dimensionally disposed light source elements to move the image focused on the recording medium in synchronism with a movement of the recording medium such that the image can remain stationary at least in a main scanning direction in a relative relation to the recording medium. The group of two-dimensionally disposed light source elements can be produced by a two-dimensional spatial light modulator illuminated with an illumination light flux.

Abstract: Plural line sensors are arranged parallel to each other in a predetermined order and with a predetermined interval, and they read different lines on a manuscript respectively. A delay module outputs an image signal output from at least one of the plural line sensors with a delay for a number of lines according to a number of pixels which corresponds to shifts of reading positions of the plural line sensors. An ahead-reading signal acquiring module outputs the image signal acquired from at least one line sensor other than a last stage line sensor of the plural line sensors as an ahead-reading signal. The image processing device outputs the image signal wherein the shifts of the reading positions of the plural line sensors are corrected by the delay module, and outputs the ahead-reading signal acquired by the ahead-reading signal acquiring module.

Abstract: A camera is used for recording information related to deterioration of image used for image processing in at least one selected from a photographic film, a film cartridge and a recording medium, provided with an information specifying unit which specifies at least one of image quality deterioration information related to image quality deterioration of the photographic image caused by a photographic lens of the camera and image quality deterioration correction information for correcting the image quality deterioration. An information recording unit records at least one of the image quality deterioration information and the image quality deterioration correction information, or at least one of the image quality deterioration information and the image quality deterioration correction information in combination with photographing information as related 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: A high-speed digital photographic printing system and method includes image-specific backprinting and automatic tracking and sorting of printed jobs. The system includes one or more photographic printers, where each printer can have a different printing rate. A scheduler schedules printing orders to the different printers. The printer-independent image rendering is conducted asynchronous to the printing to maximize the printing throughput. In some embodiments, the rendering image processor does the vast majority of the image processing and outputs a printer-independent data file (generally much larger than the source image data file) that requires little if any further data manipulations or processing in the exposure unit.

Abstract: A control tool for monitoring a predetermined process condition in a photographic process and method of making the control tool. The control tool includes a support element having a plurality of rows, each row having a plurality of visual density patches and representing a different process condition. At least one of the rows is used for monitoring a process condition being monitored and at least one of the other of the rows identifies an out-of-control process condition. The plurality of rows of visual density patches are designed to be correlated with a process control strip that has been processed in the photographic process to be monitored, the support element further having textual information identifying at least one process condition and describing the process condition that may need to be corrected in response to correlation of the control strip to the control tool.

Abstract: A printing cartridge is releasably engageable with a printing device having a linear reader for reading a barcode and a central processor capable of interpreting data carried on a barcode. The printing cartridge includes a housing. Media and media colorant supply arrangements are positioned within the housing and contain a supply of media and a supply of media colorant, respectively. Feed mechanisms are positioned in the housing for feeding the media and the media colorant to a printing mechanism. A barcode is depicted on the housing, the barcode being readable by the linear reader and defining a code representing data relating to the media and the media colorant.

Abstract: A printer (100) able to print in a plurality of output formats depending on width of media (160) loaded in the printer (100) is disclosed. The printer (100) provides high resolution and grayscale imaging capability for monochromatic applications. Illumination optics (11) receive a source light beam, from one or more LEDs, uniformize and polarize the beam and direct the beam through a polarization beamsplitter (50). The polarization beamsplitter (50) directs one polarization state of light to one or more LCD spatial light modulators (52), which modulate the polarization of the polarized beam to provide output exposure energy suitable for image marking on media (160). An optional sensor (234) allows printer (100) to automatically detect the width of a given type of media (160) in order to select from a set of compatible output format. Multiple segments of media (160) at the image plane (150) simultaneously.

Abstract: To achieve for a photographic film conveying device that no external force causing conveying speed to vary is applied to a photographic film during image reading, after a preceding photographic film is discharged from a reading conveying path, the time until a subsequent photographic film is conveyed to the reading conveying path is not long, or even if a photographic film set in a film supplying section is elongate, image reading of photographic films by an image reading section can be carried out efficiently, there is provided a photographic film conveying device comprising a section setting a discharge conveying section in a withdrawn state or a conveying state, a section controlling conveying of preceding and subsequent photographic films, or a section switching a conveying path of a photographic film.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus provided with a function for binding a set of recording sheets by interposing said set of recording sheets between a folded cover sheet. When cover mode is set, the cover sheet is transported in a folding unit. The folding unit is controlled so as to fold said cover sheet into three sections of a front cover, spine and back cover. Content copy sheets are inserted in the folded cover sheet. The image forming apparatus is capable of cleanly binding documents even when the set of recording sheets is thick because the cover sheet can be folded in three.

Abstract: A photo minilab includes a computer or other device for estimating processing times of jobs accepted by the minilab.

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

Abstract: A system and method provide reliable and effective notification to customers that film rolls they have deposited with a vendor for processing have been returned and are available for retrieval. The method includes storing customer identification data in a data repository that accompanies a film roll container, reading customer identification data from the data repository after development of the film roll in the film container, and generating a notification message for delivery to the customer corresponding to the customer identification data. The notification message informs the customer that the developed film is available for retrieval from the deposit site. Entry of the data for storage in the data repository may be performed by a customer or deposit site employee through a keypad or through a scanning device that reads a customer token.

Abstract: A method of identifying whether a particular brand of photochemicals has been used in the processing of photographic prints by providing information relating to the process chemistry on the back of the prints.

Abstract: In a digital output service of photographs, smooth operation of an additional recording service is aimed at by letting a user or an operator of a service provider easily understand the number of photographs addable to a storage medium. The free space size of a storage medium is detected each time new or additional recording therein is completed, and information regarding the free space size is indicated to a customer by being recorded on a recording medium corresponding to the storage medium, such as index print for the storage medium. On this occasion, the free space size is indicated as the number of films or exposures such as “6 25-exposure films” (6 (25 Exp)) or “160 exposures” (160) so that a user who is not familiar with expressions in bytes can readily understand it.

Abstract: An image exposure apparatus in which positioning of a photosensitive material, such as a printing plate to be wound around a rotating drum, is implemented in a small space. A turning unit and a transport conveyor are provided at a plate supply/transport section. The turning unit trains the printing plate about the rotating drum and feeds the plate to the transport conveyor. At the transport conveyor, the printing plate is transported and a leading end of the printing plate abuts pin rollers. Then, a positioning motor is operated to move the turning unit and the transport conveyor integrally. Thus, the printing plate abuts another pin roller in a width direction to implement positioning of the printing plate. The leading end of the positioned printing plate is then fed to a puncher by the transport conveyor.

Abstract: A heat development and transfer process in which a photosensitive material and an image receiving material are laminated and wound around an outer peripheral surface of a drum, the photosensitive material and the image receiving material being pressed and laminated between at least one roller and the drum. The photosensitive material and the image receiving material are heated while being conveyed along the outer peripheral surface of the drum synchronously with a rotation of the drum. The photosensitive material and the image receiving material laminated are kept in a state in which they are pressed onto the outer peripheral surface of the drum by a belt supporting mechanism or a roller support mechanism. Subsequently, the photosensitive material and the image receiving material are passed through the entrance of the heating conveying path again, and then the photosensitive material and the image receiving material are stripped.

Abstract: An image reproducing apparatus to reproduce input image data supplied from an image data supply source as a visible image, which comprises a display, a printer, and an image processing device which shares hardware for processing the input image data to obtain image data to be represented on the display and image data for image recording with the printer. The image processing device includes an image processing section to subject the input image data to specified image processing steps and a data converting section to convert the thus processed data to the image data for displaying and the image data for image recording. The apparatus can reduce the distinction between the image to be represented on the display and the image to be reproduced on the hard copy, or the distinction found on the images reproduced in the image output devices due to the output properties thereof, with reduced cost of the image processing device.

Abstract: An exposure device comprises a plurality of optical members including a light emitting unit which emits laser light based on an image signal and a polygon mirror which deflects the laser light in a main scanning direction. The optical members are positioned with respect to one another with high accuracy and attached to a case. A cover deformable by external force is attached to an opening portion of the case. An opening to allow passage of laser beam is formed in a predetermined portion of the cover. A dustproof glass is attached to the opening via an attachment member made of a rigid body.

Abstract: Photo-images are read from film using a digital film processing (DFP) system, and then transmitted for processing, along with any necessary associated information. After processing, the images can be stored in a database or transmitted to an image delivery system, such as a personal computer or kiosk, where a print, negative, computer file, or other representation of the image is prepared for delivery to a customer. All or any part of the image processing, archival, manipulation, retrieval, and delivery systems and associated interfaces may reside on an Internet web site.

Abstract: A digital reorder system and med is disclosed for making reprints from a negative strip. The strip advances toward a digital scanner which reads the bar code adjacent each frame to determine frame number and other parameters, and an image associated with each frame is scanned by a digital camera. Computer software manipulates the bar code information and the scanned image to place the image in a proper orientation. Consequently, the operator need not spend time orienting the negative strips prior to insertion into the feeder. The reorder system can include a multiple strip feeder which receives a stack of negative strips and automatically feeds the strips one-by-one into the reorder system.

Abstract: An optical printer including a fluorescent light-emitting tube equipped with an anode in a form of dot and a rotatable rotating filter part equipped with filters R, G, B. A film is moved relative to the optical printer set at a given position. A controlling means rotates the rotating filter part, and, in synchronization with that, the fluorescent light-emitting tube is made to emit light by the image signal of every color of red, green and blue. The image can be formed by moving the film one time relative to irradiation with the light in a state of a dot transmitted selectively through each filter of red, green and blue. Since the head is fixed and the film is moved, room for the movement of the head which has been conventionally required is not required. Spatial room for the slide of the filter is not required differently from the slide-switching type-filter of the conventional art.

Abstract: The emission level of a laser source at the non-imaging time when image data “0” is input and the emission level at the imaging time when image data “1” is input are controlled so that each of them becomes a desired level. The light output intensity is stabilized at all times regardless of variations in ambient temperature. As a result, images uniform in density can be obtained.

Abstract: A belt is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow (F) by a motor to cause first and second feed roller pairs to feed a stimulable phosphor sheet in the direction indicated by the arrow (X2). Before the stimulable phosphor sheet is scanned by a light beam, the belt is rotated a predetermined length in the direction indicated by the arrow (E) by the motor. Thereafter, the belt is rotated to cause the first and second feed roller pairs to feed the stimulable phosphor sheet in the auxiliary scanning direction indicated by the arrow (X1). When the stimulable phosphor sheet is scanned by a light beam, the belt is stably held in a desired position on the driven pulley, but is not slid sideways, allowing the stimulable phosphor sheet to be fed highly accurately in the auxiliary scanning direction.

Abstract: A method of producing an image of least a portion of a photographic image onto a photographic receiver including receiving a digital image corresponding to the photographic image, the digital image comprising pixels, and locating the relative optical position of a photographic image, the lens, and the photographic receiver in response to pixels of the digital image and illuminating a portion of the photographic image of high subject content to produce an image of such portion onto the photographic receiver.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus which outputs an index print of information representing a plurality of pictures having picture size of different aspect ratios, with each of the plurality of pictures being respectively assigned a number in numerical order. The image processing apparatus detects size information for each of the plurality of pictures based on the respective aspect ratios, and a picture output order different from the numerical order is determined based on the detected size information for each of the plurality of pictures.

Abstract: Device for the self-service collection of photographic material, such as rolls of film, throwaway cameras, negatives for reprinting or otherwise, to be subjected to processing, said photographic material being placed by users in envelopes (13), or in other similar containing means, solidly bearing an identification code and equipped with a corresponding ticket or receipt which can be detached and kept by the customer to collect the processed photographic material, the envelopes (13) being first compiled by the users with their own identification data and with data regarding the processing required and then introduced into collection means (19), such as a sack, a box or similar, equipped with introduction slits (18), said device comprising detection means (26, 27) located upstream of said collection means (19) and suitable to verify at least the validity of said identification code, said detection means (26, 27) governing closing means (20) which can be selectively activated and suitable to prevent the passage

Abstract: A writing apparatus (10) for forming images from digital data onto color motion picture film or other photosensitive media (32), the apparatus employing a single spatial light modulator (30) and having a hybrid light source (20) with three components: a red laser (40), a green laser (42), and one or more blue LEDs (18). Each component of the light source is adapted to the sensitometric response characteristics of a particular motion picture film type. The apparatus allows high-speed imaging to photosensitive media (32).

Abstract: To achieve for a photographic film conveying device that no external force causing conveying speed to vary is applied to a photographic film during image reading, after a preceding photographic film is discharged from a reading conveying path, the time until a subsequent photographic film is conveyed to the reading conveying path is not long, or even if a photographic film set in a film supplying section is elongate, image reading of photographic films by an image reading section can be carried out efficiently, there is provided a photographic film conveying device comprising a section setting a discharge conveying section in a withdrawn state or a conveying state, a section controlling conveying of preceding and subsequent photographic films, or a section switching a conveying path of a photographic film.

Abstract: Parallel cutter arrangement for a photographic laboratory, comprising: at least two cutters, each cutter for cutting a received web into print sheets; a feeding device which feeds the received webs to the cutters and the cut print sheets away from the cutters to a collecting station, said feeding device receiving at least two webs, each web bearing a plurality of photographic prints, photographic prints belonging to the same customer order being arranged in a sequence on each web, wherein prints of the same customer order may be present on different ones of the received webs; and a controller which controls the feeding device and the cutter such that, if prints of the same customer order are present on different webs, print sheets belonging to the same customer order arrive at the collecting station without an intermediate print sheet of an other customer order.

Abstract: The image reading method comprises the steps of scanning an original in a direction of arrangement of original images to read the original images by pre-scanning; setting up image processing conditions of the read images in a reverse order to a pre-scanning order; processing the read images based on the image processing conditions; displaying the processed images: subjecting the displayed images to image verification in the reverse order; and scanning to original in the reverse direction to the pre-scanning direction to read the original images by main scanning as a result of the image verification. The image reading method is capable of reading the original images recorded on a film or the like, wherein each step of pre-scanning, verification and main scanning is efficiently performed and, when a digital photoprinter or the like is utilized, prints of good quality are outputted constantly with a high productivity.

Abstract: Methods for storing and retrieving digital image files, such as photographs taken by a digital camera, to and from an archival image storage system such as a file server or a mass storage medium. A combination proof sheet and order form is printed containing an array of thumbnail images, corresponding image selection user designation areas, and a storage selection user designation area markable by the user to specify selected images to be stored on or retrieved from the image storage system. The form is scanned to detect the user designation areas completed by the user, and then perform the indicated operation. A printing system includes programming for generating, scanning, and processing the form, and for storing and retrieving the selected images.

Abstract: A method of pre-exposing photographic film with latent images comprises the steps of: providing a film container (18) having a housing defining a film slot therein and a film-winding tool (46) opening; providing a roll of unexposed film; securing a leading end of the film to a film-winding tool (46) arranged on the opposite side of an exposure opening from said roll of unexposed film and enclosing the film leading end and winding tool end (46) in the container (18) with the tool extending from the film-winding tool opening; enclosing the film container and roll of film in a light-tight enclosure (12, 14); sequentially exposing the film to a series of images directed onto the film, and advancing the film by rotating the film-winding tool (46) between each exposure; withdrawing the film-winding tool (46) from the container (18) and closing said opening therein; and opening the enclosure and removing the film container (18) having the pre-exposed film loaded therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photographic capturing device for the capturing of photographic image information from photographic media with a light source, with a stage for the photographic medium to preset a reference position for the projection of the photographic medium by way of a projection optics onto a detection element which detects the light originating from the light source and modulated by the photographic medium according to the image information, whereby a sample carrier with a sample is provided for the control of the focus of the projected image, and a positioning mechanism which removably places the sample carrier at the reference position for projecting the sample onto the detection element by way of the projection optics.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus includes a projection optical system which projects a pattern of a first object (e.g., a reticle) to a second object (e.g., a wafer) by using an exposure beam in order to transfer the pattern from the first object onto the second object, a diaphragm which sets a numerical aperture of the projection optical system, and a mechanism which keeps temperature of the diaphragm substantially constant during an exposure operation by the projection optical system.

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: An image reading apparatus for imaging an original document or photographic film includes an original placement bed on which to place the original, and a reading device to form an image of the original. A transparent original adapter, detachably connected to the image reading apparatus, includes a delivery device that moves the original along an original placement plane of the original placement bed. The transparent original adapter also includes a lighting device that illuminates the original as the reading device forms the image of the original. A film position adjustment device adjusts the original away from the original placement plane when the original is moved, and against the original when the image of the original is read by the reading device.

Abstract: A light beam emitted from a light source is supplied to an optical modulator having cells that are controlled depending on image information to be recorded, and then light beams reflected by the cells are guided to a light collecting device. The light beams are then collected in an auxiliary scanning direction and reach a photosensitive medium to record an image thereon. The cells of the optical modulator are individually controlled in a main scanning direction depending on different image information, and controlled in the auxiliary scanning direction depending on identical image information.

Abstract: The illumination optical system includes an illumination light source and a spatial light modulator having a plurality of elements which reflect incident light from the illumination light source to form outgoing light and which flexibly switch a deflecting direction of a principal ray of the outgoing light between at least two directions including a first deflecting direction and a second deflecting direction, wherein a first angle between an incident direction of a principal ray of the incident light and the first deflecting direction is set to be approximately equal to a second angle between the first deflecting direction and the second deflecting direction and/or the first and second deflecting directions of the principal ray of the outgoing light inclines with reference to a normal line to an element array surface of the spatial light modulator. The image display apparatus and the image exposure apparatus have the above illumination optical system.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a diffusion box unit comprising a plurality of diffusion boxes, which each correspond to different sizes of photographic films, and controls the unit in such a manner that the diffusion box, which corresponds to the size of a film whose image is to be read, is positioned on an optical axis of a light source. Accordingly, the responsibility imposed upon an operator can be reduced and the error of choosing a wrong diffusion box can be prevented.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus is arranged to project one unit of a circuit pattern onto the surface of a resist on a substrate to be manufactured and to expose it over the surface of this resist. The exposure apparatus includes a processing unit that enables forming a high-resolution circuit pattern image on the substrate by the use of an image display which is able to ensure a wide display region without deteriorating the resolution, and that when dividing the one unit of circuit pattern into a plurality of regions in order to ensure an inexpensive, reliable exposure operation, divides it so that adjacent ones of the divided regions may partly overlap each other. An exposure device includes a plurality of optical systems each of that projects one of a plurality of the divided regions onto the surface of the resist on the substrate.

Abstract: A method and system for photofinishing, includes generating a unique roll ID number for a roll of photographic film to be finished; recording customer order information for the roll of film; associating the customer order information with the unique roll ID number in a central computer facility; marking the roll of film with a machine readable version of the unique roll ID number; and reading the roll ID number on the roll of film, and accessing the customer order information from the central computer facility to control a photo finishing operation, whereby the roll of film can be transported to a photofinishing laboratory without the use of an envelope bearing customer order information.

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

Abstract: In a printing device which prints a color image on a photosensitive material by allowing an exposing head to modulate light from a light source for each pixel in accordance with image information, the exposing head is constituted by superposing three LCS's in the light-axis direction. The respective LCS's control the transmission and interruption of only the respective blue, green and red color components so that color tones in the respective pixels with respect to an image printed on printing paper are controlled based upon the subtractive color process. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the generation of pixel offsets in an image printed on the photosensitive material by using a simple structure, and consequently to provide a printing device having a superior processability.