Abstract: A plurality of LEDs are used as a light source for projecting light onto a film negative recording an original image. The LEDs have different respective spectral characteristics, and are provided so as to incline with respect to a light axis, so that light emitted thereby has directivity toward a light axis. By this means, the light emitted by each LED has directivity, thus increasing the light quantity of light projected onto peripheral areas of photographic paper. Accordingly, density unevenness and color unevenness on the photographic paper can be easily distinguished without scattering the light from each LED more than necessary, as was done conventionally. As a result, there is no need for control which attempts to obtain sufficient scattered light by increasing the exposure time or brightness of each LED. Further, there is no need to provide a large number of LEDs, thus simplifying control of the emitted light quantities of the respective LEDs.

Abstract: A multi-stage microlens array with an array of compound lenses, each compound lens having a sequence of progressively smaller, higher-power lens elements. The array can have a high fill factor over the first-stage lens array, but still provide sufficient space between the terminal lens elements to accommodate structural support and components such as lens focus actuators. The microlens array can be incorporated into a printing system that includes an optical projection system, a scanning mechanism, an array of light-modulating image source elements providing an image source, and an image modulation mechanism that controls the image source as the printing surface is scanned. The microlens array can also be incorporated into an imaging system that includes an optical projection system, a scanning mechanism, an array of light-sensing detector elements, and a data acquisition system that records the detector response as the scanning mechanism operates.

Abstract: A photofinishing method, including the steps of: exposing machine readable metadata and a scene image within an entire safe frame area on a filmstrip; processing the filmstrip to produce a visible image including the machine readable metadata and the scene image; scanning the safe frame area to produce a digital image; extracting the machine readable metadata from the digital image; extracting the scene image from the digital image; and processing the scene image according to the extracted machine readable metadata.

Abstract: A digital exposure type photo processing apparatus having an illuminating optical system (30) for emitting light to a film (1), a photoelectric converter (50) for reading light transmitted through the film and converting the light into image data, an image processing device (60) for processing the image data to generate print data, and a digital printer (4) for exposing photographic paper based on the print data. The photoelectric converter (50) reads the transmitted light in a size larger than each image frame of said film, and converts the light into image data. The image processing device (60) includes an actual image extractor (62) for dividing the image data into actual image data corresponding to the image frame, and peripheral image data corresponding to regions around the image frame. The print data is generated from the actual image data so obtained.

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: A film assemblage of the self-developing type comprising a pair of upper and lower carrier sheets in juxtaposed relationship to one another. A pair of openings is provided in each of the carrier sheets. A photosensitive sheet and a positive receiving sheet are joined to outer surfaces of the upper and lower carrier sheets; respectively, so as to cover the respective openings. The pair of upper and lower carrier sheets is fixedly joined together in overlapping relationship, whereby the photosensitive and receiving sheets are in superimposed and spaced apart relationship thereby torming, in combination, an image area of the film.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with a storage unit for storing setting information including at least a size of a substitute recording medium, and a processing unit for executing a print instruction by automatically changing a size of a recording medium to be used to the size of the substitute recording medium based on the setting information stored in the storage means, when the size of the recording medium specified by the print instruction is not available.

Abstract: The user a mode setting section to optionally set one of a first mode that enables a predetermined operation necessary for recording, on the printing medium, a voice code image based on the voice input by the voice input section, and a second mode that disables the predetermined operation necessary for recording, on the printing medium, the voice code image based on the voice input by the voice input section. The mode set by the mode setting section is displayed on a display section incorporated in an output section. The predetermined operation that can be executed when the first mode is set is, for example, a voice input operation by a voice input section, a conversion operation by a digital conversion section, and a compression operation by a voice compression section.

Abstract: A printing cartridge includes a housing. An actuating formation is positioned on the housing and is capable of actuating a number of capacitive sensors in an array of such sensors. The actuating formation is configured to represent data relating to at least one of: a serial number of the cartridge, a media and a media colorant, so that the capacitive sensors, when actuated, together generate a signal carrying such data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing large format lenticular images on a lenticular sheet (902) having a plurality of generally parallel lenticules (903) on a front side of the lenticular sheet (902). A sensor (209) senses a beginning of each lenticule (903). A printhead (102) prints interleaved image information on the lenticular sheet (902) in a series of swaths (220). A width of each of the swaths (220) is less than a width of the lenticular sheet (902). Each of the swaths (220) is printed in a direction parallel to the lenticules (903) and each of the swaths (220) is printed in a direction perpendicular to the lenticules (903).

Abstract: A digital image sensing apparatus having a plurality of programs for connecting the apparatus to a plural types of external device. When sensed video image data is transferred to the external device, the characteristic of the external device is obtained so that the video image data can be converted into data in form receivable and interpretable by the external device. An application program is selected in accordance with the obtained characteristic, then the video image data is converted in accordance with the selected program, and the converted video image data is outputted to the external device.

Abstract: The method for exposing a printing plate copies a stored model onto a printing plate. The exposure device includes at least one exposure head (1). Each exposure head (1) has a light source (3), a picture generating unit (8) and a copying optical element (9). The picture generating unit (8) includes electronically controllable micro mirrors arranged in a grid. The stored model is divided into partial images, which are shown in succession by the picture generating unit (8) and the copying optical element (9). Successive partial exposures of the printing plate are made by the at least one exposure head, which is accurately positioned at respective successive exposure positions by an electric linear drive so that individual copies of the partial images are combined into a total image on the printing plate with a position accuracy of better than 5 microns. Exposure times are shortened while maintaining copy quality.

Abstract: A size sensor detects a standard-size printing medium or a panorama-size printing medium. An image processing section selects image data for an area to be printed from the image data according to the detected size of the printing medium and subjects the image data in the printing area to an image process, such as enlargement, according to the size of the printing medium. A printer prints the processed image data on the printing medium.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a document holder on which a document is placed; a document positioning member, wherein the document is positioned on the document holder according to the document positioning member; an image reading device for reading an image of the document positioned on the document holder; and a correcting device for correcting an inclination of the image read by the image reading device according to an inclination of the document positioning member. The inclination of the document positioning member is an inclination on the document holder for a primary scanning direction.

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.

Abstract: It is one objective of the invention to provide a thermal development apparatus and a cooling method that can suppress the deterioration of image quality due to development time variances.

Abstract: A memory aarrangement for exposure data used in multiple exposures stores gray level data which include a high bit portion and a low bit portion. The memory arrangement includes a first memory for storing the high bit portion of the gray level data and a second memory for storing the low bit portion of the gray level data. The first memory and the second memory can be controlled by separate chip selection control signals. Further, the memories are provided with two separate byte enable signals, respectively, to control accesses to a high byte and a low byte in each memory unit. In writing, the gray level data are written in an interleaving manner to avoid conflicts between data lines. In reading, the high byte and the low byte which are interleaved are exchanged before they are read out.

Abstract: A device is described for exposing both sides of a light sensitive sheet such as a printed circuit board panel according to imaging data. The device comprises an optical system for scanning the sensitive sheet by one or more beams. The optical system scans both sides with the scan lines on one side mutually positioned with respect to the scan lines on the other side. According to one implementation, the optical system includes two optical scanning units driven by a single source, with a switch alternating the beam from the source to one then the other optical scanning unit.

Abstract: A photographic film, which is accommodated in a cartridge provided with a storing element for storing printing information, is separated from the cartridge. An identification mark for having the film and the cartridge correspond to one another is applied to the film. The printing information stored in the storing element is read by a first reading device. The printing information read by the first reading device and the identification mark are stored in correspondence with each other. The printing information corresponding to the identification mark applied to the film is read by second reading device. In accordance with the printing information read by the second reading device, an image recorded on the photographic film is printed onto a photographic printing paper in a state in which the cartridge and the photographic film are separated from each other.

Abstract: The optical printer 1 comprises the fluorescent light-emitting tube 2 equipped with the anode 11 in a form of dot and the rotatable rotating filter part 15 equipped with the filters R, G, B. The film 3 is moved relative to the optical printer 1 set at a given position. The controlling means 30 rotates the rotating filter part 15, and, in synchronization with that, the fluorescent light-emitting tube 2 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 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 present invention relates to a system for the optimization of a copying light profile during copying of photographic originals in a photographic copier. The photographic copier comprises a light source for producing copying light, a number of light conducting means for guiding the copying light along a light path, and a local transmission modulator. An element with a known transmission profile is provided in the light path for being shone through, whereby no photographic original to be copied and of unknown transmission profile is found in the light path, and furthermore a transmission profile specific for the local transmission modulator is provided. The resulting copying light is measured broken down by area, and the profile of the copying light is measured and compared with a desired copying light profile. Based on this comparison, the transmission profile preselected for the copying process is optimized.

Abstract: A method for producing photographic prints includes the steps of optically capturing a plurality of images on an image storage medium, such as photographic film, a photosensitive electronic sensor, or both film and sensor, creating digital image files from the captured images, viewing on a display images produced by the digital image files, selecting desired ones of the plurality of images for printing as photographic prints, and making corrections to the desired images with respect to at east one of cropping, skewing and rotation parameters. The corrections and desired image information are stored in electronic form as an order file and the order file is transmitted to a photographic lab, which uses the transmitted order file to drive image printing equipment to automatically produce from the digital image files the photographic prints.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a photographic image print system, a photographic image printer, and a computer-readable storage medium having a photographic image print program stored thereon, which enable printing of pictures through simple operation and simplification of printing operation.

Abstract: An image correction method structured such that supplied image data is converted into image data which must be output when supplied image data is output by a printing apparatus including a line-type head, the image correction method including steps of performing: CMS-conversion (21) of supplied image data in three dimensional or higher order; increase (30) of a gradation accuracy of image data after the CMS conversion has been performed; a correction process (31) of image data having the increased gradation accuracy; and a multivalued dither process (32).

Abstract: Sheet media alignment and offsetting devices and methods in which all sheets output by the printer are more reliably moved to the correct output position. In one embodiment, each sheet is moved to an “aligned” position as it is conveyed through the alignment/offset mechanism and then, if offsetting is desired, the sheet is moved the desired offset distance from the aligned position to the correct offset position. Preferably, the aligned position is set to correspond to the correct non-offset output position so that each sheet is output to the correct position whether or not offsetting is used. In an alternative embodiment, each sheet is moved directly from the position it is received in the output device to either the aligned position for non-offset output or to the offset position for offset output.

Abstract: A film carrier which convenes photographic photosensitive material on which an image is recorded, over a scanning section through which light from a light source passes. The film carrier includes a base placed above the scanning section, a platen movable over the base, a mask which is set on the platen, a pressure plate which together with the mask sandwiches the photographic photosensitive material, a moving device which moves the platen reciprocally over the base, and a conveying device provided at the mask for conveying the photographic photosensitive material.

Abstract: A photosensitive media cartridge includes an ambient condition sensor mounted in the cartridge for sensing ambient conditions in the cartridge. When the cartridge is positioned at a media transfer position on an image forming device that permits the conveyance of media from the cartridge to the image forming device, image development or printing on the media in the image forming device is controlled based on the sensed ambient conditions in the cartridge.

Abstract: A print having information associated with the print stored in a memory coupled to the print. A print, processed by an image processing apparatus, having an attached memory for storing detailed information about the print and allowing contactless access using an electromagnetic frequency signal. A transceiver, connected to a control logic device, communicates with a transponder that is attached to the print substrate and is integrally coupled to the memory. The transponder is capable of receiving a first electromagnetic field (frequency) from the transceiver and deriving power and address information from the first frequency, then generates a second electromagnetic field (frequency) in response, where the second electromagnetic field is characteristic of the data stored in memory.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is composed of an image forming unit and a main controlling unit. The user can combine the image forming unit and main controlling unit of different types having different printing conditions such as image clock frequency, system speed and printing start timing, etc. Information items for determining resolution, image clock frequency, system speed time up to the beam generation timing from the horizontal synchronizing signal, time up to the beam generation timing from the vertical synchronizing signal and number of rotations of an optical beam deflecting device are shared with the main controlling unit and image forming unit through communication.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a film image read apparatus which allows a monitor to reproduce a film image in accordance with the intention of the photographer. To achieve this object, there is provided an apparatus including an information read circuit for reading predetermined information, other than image information, which is recorded on a film, an image read circuit for reading an illuminated film image, a metering circuit for metering the illuminated film image, a switching circuit for switching metering areas of the metering means for the film image, and a control circuit for controlling the switching means to switch the metering areas for the film image in accordance with the read information.

Abstract: A photographic system includes a photographic film having a unique identification code thereon. An identification tag is included with the photographic film; the identification tag bears a uniform resource locator that includes the unique identification code, and an associated password. The film is scanned after processing to generate a digital image and the unique identification code is associated with the digital image and stored in a digital storage device. A web server connected to the digital image storage device includes a resource identified by the uniform resource locator for accessing the digital image. A database accessible by the web server contains the unique identification code and the associated password wherein the resource is password protected and accessible by use of the password.

Abstract: An image reading system and computer readable medium storing control procedures thereof, to obtain a final image by displaying a plurality of images read under various image reading conditions and comparing the images. The image reading system includes an image reading device that divides an image into a plurality of areas, reads the plurality of areas and outputs image signals corresponding to the plurality of areas. A reading condition input device sets first and second reading conditions under which the image is read. An image processing device converts an image signal corresponding to a first area, among the plurality of areas, into a first image signal based on the first image reading condition, and converts an image signal corresponding to a second area into a second image signal based on the second image reading condition. A display displays respective images according to the first and second image signals.

Abstract: The application discloses a process for full-automatic and synchronous quick thermoprinting of stereoscopic color film and apparatus adopting the process, which uses the internationally recognized nontoxic oil ink to design patters on a transfer media, which media is in turn absorbed by a special thin film so as to be attached to a printing stock, and then it is put into the apparatus of the present invention. A gas pressure means pushes a pressure column of an inclined surface downward so as to contact and press a sliding mold jig of the inclined surface to synchronously move toward the center, so that each outer mold thermocompresses onto the outer surface of the printing stock form upper, left, right, front and rear directions simultaneously. After predetermined period at predetermined temperature, the mold automatically returns to its original position. The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the manual operation which is of lower efficiency and unstable quality.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for pre-exposing a camera film with images has a microprocessor-based control unit having a storage device (300, 316) for storing said images, an image generator such as a cathode ray tube (110) or graphics display (301) controlled by the control unit to produce an image for pre-exposing the film with said images, and a lens (130, 306) for focusing the image onto the film for said image pre-exposure.

Abstract: A thermal processing kiosk for processing thermal film provides multiple processing options for a user. The kiosk includes a user control in the form of a touchscreen to permit the user to enter processing instructions and/or information. The thermal kiosk is adapted to accept exposed film for processing and printing in accordance with the processing instructions. In one feature of the invention, a user can prepay for processing of the film at the time of purchase of the film. The pre-paid status can be provided on the film by a marker or identifier on the cassette or the film. This helps to simplify the user interaction at the kiosk when the user submits the exposed film to the kiosk for processing. In further features of the invention, the processing flow in the thermal kiosk can be adapted to provide for rapid processing and the kiosk can include a display to permit a user to preview images prior to printing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for developing photographic film and distributing visual prints.

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 so the size of the frame exposed on the film. The frame position indicator and aspect information are detected and used to control a film feeding operation in the optical image to video signal transformation operation. The user of the system can record order information on the film that is used to specify the aspect of the resultant photographic print, as well as the quantity of prints to be made. Such order information can be superimposed as a menu on a displayed video signal at the time the video signal is reviewed prior to producing a photographic print.

Abstract: When the image processing method and apparatus output a reproduced image of a photographed image on a monitor and the like, designate whether correction of image quality deterioration derived from a taking lens is performed or not based on the reproduced image and perform the correction in accordance with the designation of the performance, the method and apparatus perform at least once a sequential process including the steps of designating a correction intensity of the image quality deterioration, perform the correction of the image quality deterioration with the designated correction intensity and output again the corrected reproduced image after the correction is done, establish the correction intensity and perform the correction of the image quality deterioration based on the established correction intensity.

Abstract: There is disclosed a light guide for guiding light from a light source in a longitudinal direction and radiating the light to illuminate an object to be illuminated, which comprises a diffuser for diffusing the light from the light source along the longitudinal direction of the light guide, and a radiator for radiating the light diffused by the diffuser in a predetermined direction. By arranging the diffuser and the radiator so that a normal line passing through the center of the width of the diffuser is different from the predetermined direction at least in the vicinity of the light source when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the light guide, the illuminance distribution of the longitudinal direction of the light guide is uniformed.

Abstract: An image forming device is a digital composite machine which provides a plurality of image input modes in which image information is inputted in different forms, respectively. The image forming device is provided with (1) feed devices for supplying a plurality of types of recording materials, (2) a display device for displaying information regarding recording materials which are ready to be fed from the feed devices, (3) mode keys for selecting one from among the plurality of image input modes, (4) selecting keys for selecting one recording material on which image information is to be recorded, from among the recording materials displayed by the display device, (5) a recording section for recording image information inputted in the mode selected through the mode keys, onto the recording material selected through the selecting keys, and (6) a CPU for determining information regarding the recording materials to be displayed by the display section, depending on the mode selected.

Abstract: A digital photo system digitally exposes a light-sensitive material on the basis of digitized first image data, and outputs a print reproducing the first image data. The system includes an information input section, an image database, a data selecting section, and a data output section. The digital photo system ensures that high-quality photos of picturesque sites, mascots and other objects of interest can be offered to customers as prints free of charge regardless of weather, situation an other external conditions. In addition, the first image data may be assembled with the second image data as a constituent material for a composite image so that a composite picture can be produced in a simple but positive way.

Abstract: The photoelectric scanning device for original images contained on a photographic film has a film platform for the film, for temporarily holding the original images contained on the film in a respectively defined scanning position; a light source for illuminating the respective original image in the scanning position; a photoelectric converter for receiving light being transmitted through the respective original image in the scanning position, and for converting the received light into electrical scanning signals in a two-dimensional and pixel-by-pixel manner; an optical member for imaging the respective original image in the scanning position onto the photoelectric converter; and an electronic member for controlling the photoelectric converter and for reading out the electrical scanning signals which are generated by said photoelectric converter.

Abstract: A system for producing prints of a professional motion picture film by dye transfer, including a roll tank, a pin belt, and a transfer cabinet. A dye imbibed matrix film and blank film are superimposed together in a predetermined registration by rollers in the roll tank, creating a two-film sandwich, which is directed onto the pin belt. The pin belt includes a plurality of pins traveling in an orbital path, which detachably engage the two-film sandwich, thereby directing the two-film sandwich along a portion of the orbital path. The transfer cabinet includes a plurality of relatively large diameter rollers in a predetermined relationship to one another, and an elevator mechanism for adjusting the predetermined relationship. The rollers define a substantially rectilinear film path along which the two-film sandwich from the pin belt is directed. The film path has a length sufficient to allow complete dye transfer to occur at high drive speeds within the transfer cabinet.

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 firm along with aspect information relating to the size of the frames 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 thermal printer includes a thermal head, which records an image to a recording material. Feeder rollers feed the recording material relative to the thermal head. An EEPROM stores first distance data adapted to image recording to a predetermined first type of the recording material. A keyboard inputs second distance data representing a second type of the recording material at a time of image recording to the second type. A personal computer causes the feeder rollers to set the first and second types to the thermal head according to respectively the first and second distance data, and drives the thermal head and feeder rollers in synchronism. The image is recorded in first and second printing regions suitable to respectively the first and second types.

Abstract: A photographic film, which is accommodated in a cartridge provided with a storing element for storing printing information, is separated from the cartridge. An identification mark for having the film and the cartridge correspond to one another is applied to the film. The printing information stored in the storing element is read by a first reading device. The printing information read by the first reading device and the identification mark are stored in correspondence with each other. The printing information corresponding to the identification mark applied to the film is read by second reading device. In accordance with the printing information read by the second reading device, an image recorded on the photographic film is printed onto a photographic printing paper in a state in which the cartridge and the photographic film are separated from each other.

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 device 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 present invention is a method of supplying a developing solution to an entire face of a substrate to perform a developing treatment, including the steps of: moving a developing solution supply nozzle at a predetermined speed at least from one end to another end of the substrate while the developing solution is being supplied; measuring an amplitude of a wave on a solution face of the developing solution supplied on the substrate after the supply of the developing solution; and changing the predetermined speed of the developing solution supply nozzle based on a measured value. Accordingly, it is unnecessary to measure a line width or the like which is finally formed on the substrate before correction as in the conventional art, and thus the correction can be made earlier as compared with the conventional case, resulting in a reduced number of defective items and improved yield.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for sequentially superimposes images formed by a plurality of image forming stations for forming images of different colors, respectively, on a transferring material born and transported by a transferring material transporting member, which forms a misregister detection mark on the transferring material transporting member, illuminates to read the mark, calculates a misregister amount of the read misregister detection mark, and corrects the misregister of an image based on calculated results, wherein the apparatus adjusts an illuminating light amount according to a color of a misregister detection mark.

Abstract: A film scanner for scanning an image formed on a film, is provided with a line sensor unit that scans the image in a main scanning direction, and a table supporting the film. The table is slidable in an auxiliary scanning direction. A geared transmission is provided to receives the driving force of a driving source and outputs, to a table driving mechanism, one of a first and a second driving force. The first driving force is a force with which the table driving mechanism drives the table in a forward direction at a first speed, and the second driving force is a force with which the table driving mechanism drives the table in a reverse direction at a second speed that is different from the first speed.