Abstract: An alignment system (30) is provided for use during the lithography process of producing multiple layer (24-26) integrated circuits. The location of each previous layer (24-26) in the integrated circuit is measured and evaluated with respect to each other and the wafer (14). The next layer is placed on the wafer (14) in a manner which optimizes its alignment relationship to each of the previous layers (24-26). Weighting factors are used to optimize alignment in multiple layer (24-26) integrated circuits.

Abstract: Alignment between a mask and a photosensitive substrate is performed using a first reference mark formed on the mask and a second reference mark formed on the photosensitive substrate. After that, the mask and the photosensitive substrate are relatively moved, so that an image of one of a light-shielding pattern and a light-transmitting pattern formed at a position different from the first reference mark on the mask is formed on the second reference mark on the photosensitive substrate. Then, a circuit pattern formed on the mask is transferred onto the photosensitive substrate, and a partial region including the second reference mark is exposed with the image of one of the light-shielding pattern and the light-transmitting pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a both-side telecentric projection optical system and an exposure apparatus equipped with this projection optical system. In particular, the projection optical system has a structure for quite favorably correcting various kinds of aberration such as distortion in particular, while securing a relatively broad exposure area and a large numerical aperture.

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: New types of apertures to vary the size and shape of the aperture area without the need to change the whole aperture plate in off axis lithography. The off axis illumination apertures allow the size and shape of apertures to be changed without having to change the aperture plates for each step in the lithographic process. The aperture plate is fitted with simple shutter mechanisms that allow the ready adjustment of the aperture openings.

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

Abstract: A photographic printing method and apparatus are characterized in that negative films are provided with marks which are indicative of whether the printing of index pictures is desired prior to the process of printing, and index pictures are systematically printed when it is determined that the printing of index pictures are desired through examination of the marks.

Abstract: A dual-mode photographic printer which can be used to make both two-dimensional and three-dimensional photographs of different sizes having a plurality of print material cassettes which separately supply 2D and 3D print material of different sizes or types of 2D print material or of 3D print material. An easel is transported to one of the cassettes to pick up a section of print material according to the printing mode and the magnification. The same easel moves the print material to different locations for 3D printing. A chemical processor is included in the printer so that photo-processing is part of the on-line printing process.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a light control means in a stepper.The light control means of the present invention has a twofold structure consisted of at least more than two blades which open a circuit pattern designed on a reticle; and a subblade which can close selectively a portion of the circuit pattern. The sub-blade is mounted above or below one of the at least more than two blades, and is movable in every directions in response to the instruction from the blade control system.Accordingly, the present invention provides a exposure process which can selectively cover only the dies that will be overlapped with the EBR gap of the wafer using sub-blade, thereby increasing the number of the net-die.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus for forwardly and reversely photographing images on two rows of film, the leader of the film is transported in a set amount before starting photographing images on the first row, and after photographing on the second row terminates, the trailer of the film is transported in an amount set on the basis of the amount of the leader transport.

Abstract: A projection imaging system is described for patterning large, flexible substrates at high exposure speeds and desired resolution, the substrates being in the form of a continuous band fed from a roller for cost-effective electronic module manufacturing. From the continuous band, segments of one panel size are sequentially exposed one at a time. The segment being exposed is held rigidly on a scanning stage, on which is also mounted a mask containing the pattern to be formed on the substrate. The imaging subsystem is stationary and situated above the scanning stage. The mask is illuminated with a hexagonal illumination beam and a region of similar shape is imaged on the substrate. The stage is programmed to scan the mask and substrate simultaneously across the hexagonal regions so as to pattern one whole panel.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus includes an optical system for projecting an image of an original onto a film, and a camera unit detachably mountable relative to a main body of the apparatus. The camera unit includes a case, which includes a supply reel and a takeup reel. The apparatus also includes a holding unit disposed on the main body of the apparatus for detachably holding the camera unit in a first posture and in a second posture opposite to the first posture, and a display unit for separately displaying a photographable amount of the film within the camera unit when the camera unit is held in the first posture and a photographable amount of the film when the camera unit is held in the second posture.

Abstract: The platemaking system is a system that produces a printing plate by using an exposure device 8 to print on original film that has imposition data consisting of multiple page data imposed on photosensitive film. The system is equipped with page data layout device 2 and exposure device 8. Page data layout device 2 indicates page layout data that contains positioning information and size information of each page data for the purpose of impositioning multiple page data on photosensitive film. Based on that page layout data, each page data is laid out at the imposition position of the photosensitive film, imposition data is created and the indicated page layout data is output to exposure device 8. Exposure device 8 receives the page layout data via network line NL and moves the original film to the corresponding position in accordance with the received page layout data after which the exposure process is carried out.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to scanning exposure apparatus and exposure method to achieve simultaneous projection of images of plural regions on a mask onto a photosensitive substrate with correcting an orthogonality error of a pattern on the mask or photosensitive substrate. If the pattern on the mask or photosensitive substrate has an orthogonality error causing a deviation of a certain angle in a first direction perpendicular to a scanning direction as it goes in the scanning direction, the mask and the photosensitive substrate are rotated relative to each other in the plane thereof to align one coordinate axis in a coordinate system of each pattern with the first direction.

Abstract: A process and device for adjusting distance for purposes of parallel positioning of a workpiece relative to a mask at a preset distance in which production can be done easily and with low costs. A workpiece is held at a distance from a mask on a work-holding fixture and one of the work-holding fixture and a mask carrier carrying the mask is moved by a moving device toward the other to bring the workpiece comes into contact with the mask. After such contact has occurred, movement of the moving device is continued until a signal is transmitted to a system controller from each of at least three alignment devices which are arranged on the work-holding fixture or the mask carrier, the alignment devices having calibration device which essentially begin to move beginning at a time at which the workpiece and mask come into contact with one another and can no longer execute any further relative movement.

Abstract: In an electronic color printing process in which an array of images from respective frames of a filmstrip or the like is provided on print receiver sheets or alternative storage media from information signals representing image information, producing prints from the array of images. The prints are produced by prescanning, at low resolution, an array of images contained on respective frames of a filmstrip or the like. Information data, obtained during low resolution prescanning, of at least the scene content of the respective images, are stored and operating parameters based on the stored information data are calculated to determine required process functions of the electronic printing process. Based on the determined required process functions, optimum process functions for the electronic printing process are set.

Abstract: In an electronic color printing process in which an array of multicolor images from a filmstrip is reproduced on print receiver sheets or alternative storage media from color information signals representing a plurality of sets of color separation image information, producing prints from the array of multicolor images. Such print production, comprises prescanning, at low resolution, an array of different multicolor images contained on a filmstrip. Information data, obtained during the prescan, of scene content of the respective image frames, and additional information data of at least one of where frames of the army are located in the filmstrip, what type of filmstrip is being scanned, and what are the conditions of each frame, is stored. Look-up-tables based on the stored information data are defined, and the stored information data is processed with the defined look-up-tables to produce prints of the army of multicolor images.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes a first recording device for recording an original image on a recording medium, storage device for storing a plurality of pieces of index information a selection device to select a piece of index information, a counting device to determine the number of times the piece of index information has been selected and a second recording device for recording the index information selected from the plurality of pieces of index information, and the determined number on the recording medium.

Abstract: A photographic processing method for developing a film having been photographed, printing the developed film on a photographic paper and developing the photographic paper, the film being accommodated in a cartridge and set in a predetermined position of a photographic processing apparatus. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing the film or the cartridge with an ID number for identifying the film; (b) making an index print in which respective images of a plurality of frames of the film are arranged in numeral order of the film; and (c) providing the index print with the ID number read from the film or the cartridge. With this method, one is able to find out in which film and in which frame of the film an image desired to be copy-printed is present.

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

Abstract: A method and device for rotating images about an optical axis by changing the direction of a light path by a composite mirror unit having a simple structure. A printing device has a light source for emitting light to an image Xa on a negative film, a printing lens for adjusting the magnification of the light that passes through the image, and a composite mirror unit for reversing the light path to print an image Ya on a printing material. The entire composite mirror unit can be rotated through a predetermined angle about a rotary shaft by a driving motor. The composite mirror unit has two oppositely arranged mirrors which are mounted on separate blocks and so as to be inclined by 45.degree. with respect to the vertical. By turning the unit by .+-.45.degree. from the reference position (0.degree.), the image will rotate by 90.degree. or 270.degree. with respect to the image Xa.

Abstract: A film drive mechanism for positioning film relative to the optical stage of a commercial printer. The mechanism includes a film drive assembly and a mount base assembly. The film drive assembly includes an elongated frame member, a feed spool mounted on one end of the frame member, a takeup spool mounted on the other end of the frame member, and guide means for moving the film between the spools along a longitudinal feed path. The film drive assembly is mounted for lateral movement on the mount base assembly. The film drive assembly is adjusted on the mount base assembly for a particular width of film by a selector knob positioned on a selector shaft carried by the film drive unit and including a plurality of tabs selectively coacting with a detent in a guide shaft carried by the mount base.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for preparing a print image out of a subject image formed by a photographic optical system and recorded on a recording medium comprises a unit for supplying data on the optical performances of the photographic optical system, a unit for setting a trimming magnification determining the trim range of the subject image recorded on the recording medium, a unit for setting the size of the print image, a unit for setting a maximum enlarging magnification for enlarging the subject image to a print image on the basis of the data read and the trimming magnification; and a unit for determining a final enlarging magnification for enlarging the subject image to a print image on the basis of the maximum enlarging magnification and the size of the print image.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for reformatting microfiche to microfilm, paper, films or other substrates, and methods of reformatting microfiche into microfilm, paper films, or other substrates.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a film drive unit used with photographic film printers. A mount base having a central aperture is adapted to be secured proximate the optical stage of a photographic printer. A pair of substantially parallel rails are attached to the mount base and oriented so as to lie substantially in the plane of the mount base. A pair of carrier blocks having upwardly projecting cradle portions are mounted for sliding movement on respective rails. An outwardly projecting keeper shaft is secured to the mount base and has a pair of keeper pins adapted to extend away from the shaft. A brace member supports a film drive assembly proximate the central aperture and has a pair of pins positioned on opposite sides so as to engage the cradle portions of corresponding carrier blocks. At least one spring-biased retaining element is disposed in the cradle portion of each carrier block.

Abstract: A high speed multi-magnification photofinishing printer for selectively projecting images onto a projection plane containing photographic paper at a plurality of different magnifications is disclosed herein. This printer includes means for supporting a given image bearing photographic negative, means cooperating with the negative for producing a given image bearing light beam, and a plurality of spaced apart but fixed magnification lenses, each of which is designed to project the given image bearing light beam onto the photographic paper contained within the projection plane at different magnifications. The printer also includes light beam position altering means for selectively and alternatively causing the image bearing light beam to pass through any one of the plurality of fixed magnification lenses and onto the photographic paper, whereby to selectively and alternatively project the image bearing light beam onto the paper at one of the different magnifications.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus, wherein a film storage unit is detachable from the main unit even when the film storage is reversed so that the positions of the supply and windup sides of film will be switched, enables a user to replace film for reciprocatory recording with the film loaded in the storage unit, and helps reduce fogging and improve operability.

Abstract: Heretofore multi-image photographic printers capable of making packages of different sized prints up to 11.times.14 inches, have had to incorporate a separate and complete set of objective lens arrays for each negative size to be printed. This discloses a multi-image printer which provides a large number of different sized negative apertures using only one or two sets of primary objective lens arrays in conjunction with multiple secondary optical components, these primary objectives and secondary components are each designed with a residual of aberrations of opposite nature, so that in combination these act to mutually correct each other.

Abstract: A photographic printer has at least two film carriers which are moved together in a direction perpendicular to a film transporting direction. A photographic film is subjected to light measurement while drawn out from a film cartridge on the first film carrier and, simultaneously, another photographic film is subjected to printing while rewound back into a film cartridge on the second film carrier. The printing is performed according to the result of previously performed light measurement. Upon completion of the printing in the second film carrier, the respective film carriers are moved to change over the operation steps such that the photographic film on the first film carrier is subjected to printing, and that the film cartridge into which the printed photographic film has been rewound is replaced by a new film cartridge on the second film carrier.

Abstract: A projection exposure apparatus is disclosed which includes an illumination system with a masking mechanism having an aperture of variable shape, a projection optical system, a photoreceptor disposed adjacent to an image plane of the projection optical system, and an adjuster for adjusting the masking mechanism, wherein the adjuster is contributable to reduce the size of the aperture and to shift the position of the aperture, such that, with the cooperation of the projection optical system, a relatively small light pattern is produced on the image plane and the produced light pattern is displaced along the image plane, and wherein the photoreceptor receives light from the produced light pattern.

Abstract: A process for producing micropatterns on large-area substrates, especially liquid crystal displays, in which patterns are transferred from at least one mask onto a substrate by optical means which contain lens or mirror systems. Patterns are sensed continuously from the mask in small areas and transferred by an optical system to the substrate. The transfer system, the mask, and the substrate are positionable relative to one another. The process enables large-area displays having side lengths of at least 10 centimeters to be manufactured reliably and in large quantities. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanism for selectively positioning a plurality of different lens units along the optical center-line of a photographic printer. The lens units are mounted on a common carrier and are successively moved into alignment along the optical center-line in response to overall movement of the common carrier, such as along a path that is oblique to the optical center-line. The plurality of different lens units are typically arranged substantially horizontally with respect to one another on the common carrier, and typically include a plurality of lenses having different powers of magnification of focal lengths. The common carrier engages a threaded drive bar disposed substantially parallel to the path that is oblique to the optical center-line to produce movement of the common carrier in relation to the optical center-line. The drive system cooperates with a guide means to retain the original orientation of the common carrier as the common carrier moves along the oblique path.

Abstract: Plural images and plural register marks are printed on a photosensitive material with an original plate including an original image and register marks. Two kinds of masks are prepared before the printing: a photocomposing mask for masking the original image and the register marks on the original plate, and an exposing-out mask for masking the images and the register marks on the photosensitive material. First, the plural images and the register marks are printed on the photosensitive material while overlaying the original plate with the photocomposing mask by a photocomposer. Secondly, the photosensitive material is exposed with the exposing-out mask overlaid. Even if the plural images complementary are to each other, the total procedure can be performed easily while using the two masks. The two masks can be fabricated easily on the basis of the shape of the original image and of the positions and orientations of the plural images on the photosensitive material.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus in an exposure operation involving image composing or photocomposing, adapts an alignment method for defining the actual positions of all the shot areas on a wafer by sample alignment prior to the exposure operation. It is assumed that a substrate, such as a wafer, is provided with regularly positioned plural image transfer areas each of which is divided into at least two partial areas, and the apparatus executes superimposed exposures with different of the same patterns respectively by a step-and-repeat or step-and-scan-method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for additionally photographing information for retrieval during the photographing of an original image on a microfilm is disclosed. A slit light from a light source is projected on the microfilm while the microfilm is being transported. The length of the information for retrieval to be additionally photographed on the microfilm can be freely set by controlling the period of the projection of the light on the microfilm. One displaying device is adapted to project light in the pattern of one numeral on the microfilm while the microfilm is at rest.

Abstract: A proper layout of a composed image is simulated and conformed on a monitor screen before printing the composed image. Framing lines are displayed to define a printing area on the monitor screen according to a desired printing magnification. Two originals, which are complementarily covered, are separately placed in a printing station of a printer and shifted so as to display their images at a desired location with respect to the framing lines on the monitor screen, thereby simulating a desired layout of the two images as a composed image.

Abstract: A picture display comprising elemental prints having enlarged divisional images with separation arranged in a matrix on a print holder so as to form a single picture, and a printing method and apparatus for making the picture strips as the elemental prints from a single frame of an original film. The printing apparatus has a printing stage movable in two directions perpendicularly intersecting each other so as sequentially to place divisions into which the image frame of the original film is notionally divided in a matrix in printing position for exposing a photographic paper to enlarged divisional images of the divisions in order by column or row, thereby making a picture strip with a row or a column of the enlarged divisional images formed thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electronically mapping an updatable microfiche includes a microprocessor-based analyzer programmed to control and evaluate optical scanning of the imaging frame areas arranged in generally parallel rows and columns. Optical photosensors are used to detect the presence of a frame mark within an expected region of an imaged area. An electronic data mask retrievably stored in a mask table memory array is used to screen the output data from the sensors. The mask table is derived from relative sensor position data collected during a scanning operation on a calibrated microfiche. A look-up table memory array is used to store the results of an evaluation scan by storing which frames are imaged and which are available for imaging.

Abstract: Images projected by an image-focusing optical mechanism including a display unit such as a CRT display are photographed on a photosensitive medium such as a photographic film. First, the optical mechanism is positioned in a reference position. Then, the optical mechanism is displaced by successive intervals while photographing the images successively on the photosensitive medium at respective areas thereon with the optical mechanism. After all of the images have been photographed, the optical mechanism is positioned in the reference position again in preparation for photographing images on a next photosensitive medium.

Abstract: A picture display representing an enlarged image is divided into print portions arranged in predetermined fashion on a display panel to display a complete enlarged picture. A printing apparatus for making the print portions from a single frame of an original film has a printing stage movable in two mutually perpendicular directions sequentially place in printing position each of a plurality of divisions into which the single image of the original film is nominally divided, in order to make enlarged print portions.

Abstract: A boundary display device is used in a photographic printer performing so-called division-printing by which partial prints are produced from an image frame of a negative film to construct a composite greatly-enlarged print. The boundary display device comprises a transparent plate and lines which represent the boundaries of areas into which a scene of a film frame is nominally divided. The transparent plate is placed in an opening of a film carrier of the printer so as to view how the scene is divided prior to the division-printing. Based on the viewing, the position of the film in the opening is moved slightly if necessary.

Abstract: A flat panel display device, such as a liquid crystal panel display device, of large size and a method and apparatus of manufacture of the same. The display device may be provided by discrete or divided display sections. For the manufacture of the panel display device, a pattern for forming picture elements and a drive circuit therefor is photolithographically transferred onto the whole surface of a substrate or base plate in a step-and-repeat manner. In one aspect of the invention, different masks having patterns corresponding to portions of the first-mentioned pattern are used. After the pattern of one of the masks is transferred onto one portion of the substrate, the one mask is replaced by another which the substrate is moved stepwise so that the pattern of the other mask can be transferred onto another portion of the substrate.

Abstract: A device for producing photographic exposures of images appearing on an image screen onto a film platform carrying a plane film comprises a support holding a number of objectives and displaceable parallel to the axis extending through the central point of the image screen and the central point of the film platform. The platform carries one objective fixed to the platform of one magnifying property and four additional objectives which have such magnifying properties that each of them projects the picture field area of the screen on only one fourth of the usable film surface.

Abstract: A photographic printer makes enlarged elemental prints of portions, into which a single image frame of an original film is divided, and used to make a large size picture display. There are provided a film holder, movable in two dimensions; a position index panel with a plurality of possible positions corresponding to the portion for positioning the film holder to align the center of each portion with the printing axis of the photographic printer; a position indicating panel with a plurality of position indicating light emitting elements for selectively indicating a position where the film holder is to be placed; and an indicating member which is movable over the position indicating panel. The light emitting elements indicate the corresponding possible positions of the positioning panel. When aligning the indicating member with a light emitting element which is now emitting light, the film holder is placed in position so as to print a portion of the image frame to be printed into the printing position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a screen printing machine having a position adjusting means for carrying out adjustment of position of a material to be printed having a plurality of alignment marks in a direction of X, Y and .theta.. The adjusting means comprises a placing means for placing and positioning the material to be printed, a means for displacing the placing means in a direction of X and moving and carrying the placing means from a recognition station to a printing station, and a means for displacing the placing means in a directin of Y. The displacing means is composed of a mechanism in which both side portions of the placing means are respectively independently displaced in the direction of Y to make adjustment of positions of the placing means in the directions of Y and .theta..