Abstract: Disclosed herein is a photographic printing apparatus including at least one of image-rotating lenses 25 and 26 which enables the production of prints of the same size from photographic films both of full size and half size by a 45-degree rotation of said image-rotating lenses 25 and 26.

Abstract: A copying apparatus having a lens position control device capable of setting the copying lens in plural positions for obtaining plural image magnification ratios. The lens position is determined by a control device in response to signals from a lens position detector and pulse signals from a pulse signal generator.

Abstract: An electrostatic copying process and apparatus capable of forming copies in at least two different ratios. The formation of a copied image involves exposure scanning of the image of an original document and projecting it on a photosensitive member through an optical device. The change of the ratio of copying is achieved by changing the ratio of projection of the image of the document onto the photosensitive member by the optical device, and also changing the speed of the scanning.

Abstract: A variable magnification electrostatic copying apparatus comprising a transparent plate on which to place a document to be copied, an optical system for projecting the image of the document onto an electrostatographic photosensitive member at any desired projecting ratio selected from a plurality of projecting ratios in an exposure zone located along the moving path of the photosensitive member, and a driving means for moving at least a part of the optical system and the transparent plate relative to each other. The optical system includes at least one position-variable optical element assembly adapted to be held at any of a plurality of positions corresponding to the aforesaid plurality of projecting ratios. The variable magnification electrostatic copying apparatus includes a unique improved means for varying the projecting ratio of the optical system by moving the position-variable optical element assembly.

Abstract: An improved enlarger for producing prints from an image bearing negative includes a film carrier, an enlarging lens, a light source, and a supporting pole for moving the elements to different operative positions. The apparatus is provided for inputting a signal representative of the focal length, and detectors are provided for determining a first and second datum position with the enlarging lens focused at each position. The information representative of these positions can then be used to automatically provide an in-focus position for the enlarging lens at a desired magnification level when the film carrier is subsequently moved.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus comprises a projection device operable with a photomask having a semiconductor circuit pattern therein and includes a projection lens for projecting the image of the photomask to a photosensitive member sensitive to the image of the photomask projected by the projection lens. The apparatus further includes an illuminating device for illuminating the photomask, a memory circuit for storing the time characteristic .DELTA.l of a focus error occurring in the projection lens due to the exposure light from the photomask having passed through the projection lens, a history detector for detecting the illuminating history to/t of the illuminating device, a transmission signal forming device for forming a transmission signal regarding the transmission factor .tau.

Abstract: A method and machine for automatic focusing in a projection system with continuously variable magnification, wherein an original picture is projected onto a photosensitive material by a focusing lens, wherein one of these three members is fixed and the other two members are moved in a direction of a light axis by moving means, wherein the positions of the two moving members are detected by detectors, and wherein control means controls that, when the magnification of a picture image is changed, one moving member having a larger moving rate than that of the other moving member is moved ahead of the other moving member and the other moving member is moved dependent on the one moving member so that the picture image projected may constantly be focused onto the photosensitive material.

Abstract: An automatic focusing apparatus according to the present invention is constructed of a base on which a substrate is placed, detection means for detecting a pressure of air which is caused to flow out of an interspace between the substrate and an orifice by spurting the air from the orifice toward the substrate, reference pressure generation means for generating a reference pressure which is necessary for setting a standard distance between the substrate and the orifice, a pressure transducer which receives pressure signals from said detection means and said reference pressure generation means and which converts a pressure difference between these pressure signals into an electric signal, base drive means for moving the substrate in parallel with the orifice on the basis of the output signal from said pressure transducer, and offset signal generation means for generating a signal which, when superposed on the output signal from said pressure transducer, serves to shift the substrate from the standard distance.

Abstract: An electrophotographic copying apparatus includes a photosensitive member in the form of an endless belt having images of the document formed on its surface in a predetermined position by exposure to an optical image of the document while travelling. The photosensitive member has a peripheral length which includes a reserve when the photosensitive member is trained over a group of rollers without loosening, and is divided into a first section including a predetermined exposing position, a third section and a fourth section connected at one end thereof to opposite ends of the first section and accommodating the reserve in length by loosening the belt, and a second section connected to opposite ends to the other end of the third and fourth sections. At least one copying processing means other than a scanning and exposing means is located in the vicinity of the second section.

Abstract: A copying apparatus capable of varying the imaging magnification of the image of an original projected upon a photosensitive medium has an imaging optical system for forming the image of the orignal on the photosensitive medium, and a member for supporting the imaging optical system. The imaging optical system is provided with a plurality of optical elements. At least one magnification changing optical element of the optical elements is capable of changing its position relative to the other optical elements to vary the focal length of the imaging optical system. The member for supporting the imaging optical system includes a first device capable of moving at least one of the magnification changing optical elements by a minute amount in the direction of the optical axis, and a second device for moving the magnification changing optical elements by a predetermined amount to vary the focal length of the imaging optical system.

Abstract: A drive controlling mechanism of optical members for use in a copying apparatus, including an optical member, a pair of pulleys, a drive pulley for driving the pulleys for the rotation, a wire wound around the pulleys and the drive pulley and secured to the optical member, a pair of urging members for urging the pulleys in opposite directions for preventing the optical member from being brought out of contact with the stopper member, a plurality of stopper members for stopping the optical member at predetermined positions, a pair of detecting members for detecting swing movement of the pulleys, and a control circuit.

Abstract: A variable magnification copying apparatus which includes a first shaft having thereon a plurality of gears different in diameter, a second shaft having thereon a plurality of gears different in diameter, the gears of smaller diameters on the second shaft corresponding to the gears of larger diameters on the first shaft, a cam shaft having thereon a plurality of cams corresponding to the pairs of gears on the first and second shafts, a lever biased so as to bear against each of the cams, and a relay gear rotatably supported on each of the levers, and in which the movement of the levers is controlled by intermittent rotation of the cam shaft, the gears on the first shaft are operatively associated with the gears on the second shaft through the relay gears on the controlled levers, and the number of relative rotations of the first and second shafts is varied by the gear ratio of the operatively associated gears, whereby the ratio of the original scanning velocity to the velocity of a photosensitive medium is ch

Abstract: A photocopier scanning system has a scanning member (which may be the scanning lamp, a scanning mirror, a scanning slit, or a document carrier) on a scanning system powered by a d.c. drive motor synchronized to the rotation of the a.c. main drive motor for the other components of the photocopier. A variable programmer using a phase locked loop control circuit including pulse encoders slaved to the motors maintains strict synchronization between the scanning drive motor and the main drive motor with an appropriate proportionality dependent upon the image magnification/reduction ratio of the photocopier. The optical system may include a movable zoom lens element which gives infinitely variable selection of the magnification/reduction ratio, and which can readily be connected to the programmer to achieve an infinitely variable proportionality between the speeds of the scanning drive motor and the main drive motor to suit any such magnification/reduction ratio.

Abstract: An automatic focusing system for a slide projector which utilizes a pair of photocells is provided with a non-linear response characteristic to introduce a change in the sensor balance point when a glass covered film slide is projected as opposed to when an open film slide is projected. Accordingly, glass covered film slides and open film slides can be randomly intermixed without changing the projector focus.

Abstract: A driving device for optical scanning unit of electrophotographic reproducing apparatus wherein a variable speed transmission of the driving mechanism of the optical scanning unit is installed on the outside of the drive mechanism mounting panel so that the desired speed ratio can be obtained by replacing the minimum amount of parts required.

Abstract: An electrophotographic copying apparatus includes a photosensitive surface capable of retaining an electrostatic latent image for at least two cycles of the surface so a first copy of an original can be made upon scanning the original and the latent image can be recycled to produce a second copy of the same original during the return of the scanning mechanism. The apparatus includes an improved mechanism for driving the scanning mechanism, as well as improved developing and transfer stations. The improved scanning mechanism includes a movable carriage having a vertical slotway. A pin is held within the slotway and driven by a flexible cable to travel in an endless path to move the carriage back and forth beneath the original. The carriage may include a second slotway for holding a second pin driven by a flexible cable arranged in an endless path extending a distance longer than the first mentioned path. Either of these pins may be engaged to its slotway to vary the length of travel of the carriage.

Abstract: In an automatic focus controlling device, a bilinear type CCD is driven in synchronization with pixell clock pulses having a predetermined frequency to generate time series electric signals corresponding to brightness of an image formed thereon. The time series electric signals are caused to pass through a low-pass filter and a band-stop filter. The low-pass filter cuts off signal components having a frequency higher than the predetermined frequency of the pixell clock pulses, and the band-stop filter cuts off components of the signals having a frequency near the half of the frequency of the pixell clock pulses. Contrast signals free from noises are obtained by differentiating the signals having passed through the filters, and focus is controlled based on the contrast signals.

Abstract: A portable, detachable image reader and memory for use with a photocopy machine to read and temporarily store video images of documents and objects to be copied; and provided with one or more additional features including adjustable focusing for documents of different size, legability indicators to provide an estimate of the reproducibility of the video image, document levelers, and others.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for resizing artwork by using in combination with a headline setter device, an apparatus which allows the headline setter device to be used in addition to its normal typesetting function, to resize existing artwork.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a picture reproducing apparatus such as for instance a camera, which comprises an original plane, an objective plane, and a picture plane, by means of driving means in the form of direct-current motors. The motors are controlled by means of voltage pulses, each motor being stopped after each supply of pulses, and the width of the pulses being regulated in response to the voltage across the motor in question. The direct-current motor thereby replaces a stepping motor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a maximum resolution indicator for photographic apparatus. The indicator utilizes a photocell which is scanned by a rotating disc having an aperture located on a surface thereof and communicating with the surface of the photocell. The output of the photocell is monitored to determine a maximum amplitude for high frequency components indicative of the content of the projected image. When the high frequency components as propagated through a high pass filter are of maximum amplitude, the system is at an optimum focusing point indicating to the operator that the image may be impressed upon a suitable film or that a picture can be taken in the case of a camera.

Abstract: The vertical and horizontal lengths of an original document (28) are automatically sensed and compared with the vertical and horizontal lengths of a copy sheet (38) and the reduction ratio of a variable magnification optical system (33) is automatically adjusted in accordance therewith so that the maximum length of the image of the document (28) is equal to the corresponding vertical or horizontal length of the copy sheet (38). The image may be selectively parallel to the vertical length or the horizontal length of the copy sheet (38) regardless of whether the image is parallel to the vertical or horizontal length of the document (28). In one form (21) of the invention the document (28) is placed on a platen (27) so that the image is parallel to the vertical length of the platen (27) regardless of whether the image is parallel to the vertical or horizontal length of the document (28).

Abstract: The optical elements of a copier are automatically aligned by positioning the elements under the control of signals from an image-dissecting scanner. The scanner, mounted to receive the image normally presented to the photoconductor, examines a master document placed in the position normally occupied by a document to be copied. Optical adjustments are made as a function of the examination of lines on the master document by the scanner. The contrast between a line and its background is maximum when optical elements between the master document and the scanner provide the sharpest focus of the line image to the scanner. Signals from the scanner for a plurality of lines on the master document determine optimum positioning of the optical elements. The scanner determines the apparent spacing between lines, which are a known distance apart on the master document, to position the optical elements for a desired magnification.

Abstract: A keyboard having numerical and function keys, function lights to indicate the function being performed, and a digital display, is coupled to a microcomputer. A copy-layout frame has a pair of transparent framing members each of which include first and second arms that have a right angle therebetween. The members are placed relative to one another to define an included rectangular area and are slidably movable relative to one another to correspondingly adjust the area. Orthogonally crossing first arms of the members are provided with a clip which maintains the orthogonal relationship between the arms and carries a sensor which senses movement of each arm under the clip. The sensor is coupled to the computer.

Abstract: A photographic copying apparatus wherein a composite mask is installed between the plane of photographic paper and a variable-focus optical unit which images a light source or an original into the plane of photographic paper. The movable sections of the mask carry pairs of photodiodes. A control unit adjusts the optical unit when the latter projects light onto both photodiodes of each pair in a direction to reduce the projected image and in the opposite direction when none of the photodiodes are illuminated. The adjustment is terminated when the size of the projected image is such that only one diode of each pair is illuminated.

Abstract: Methods are described for the preparation of a light sensitive collection surface for use in directly or indirectly printing copies on which text and images are arranged according to a predetermined layout.

Abstract: The system according to the invention comprises means for displacing the lens and the object enabling magnification and focusing to be adjusted in dependence upon the lens used and co-operating with servocontrol means for the position of the lens which provide for automatic focusing while keeping magnification constant.

Abstract: A web of copying material is transported on-edge through an exposure-station web guidance system provided with a masking system which includes stationary and shiftable transverse-edge framing plates. The projected image of a first longitudinal-edge reference line on the copy table supporting the original is brought into register with a corresponding reference line of the masking system. The projection scale is adjusted to cause the format-breadth of the projected image to be at most slightly smaller than the format breadth of the web, but in no event greater. The projected image of the first transverse edge of the original is brought into register with the edge of the stationary framing plate, and then that of the second transverse edge with that of the shiftable framing plate. This registration is effected by sensing infrared-light images of the dark-light transitions associated with the transverse edges of the original. An exposure is performed.

Abstract: Reproduction camera provided with means for displacing the lens and the original table, which include signal devices that emit electrical signals respectively representing the positions occupied by the lens and by the original table. Each signal device consists of a cam-roll type decade counting unit with drive shaft, of which each roll consists of a cam wheel with ten cams, and each cam wheel cooperates with a rotating ten-step switch with digital output.

Abstract: An adjustable camera mounting device including a print holding panel located at an operating station at one end of the device and an elongated camera-mounting guide track extending generally normal to said panel with a pair of camera-mounting slides carried on said track, one for mounting the main camera body and the other for mounting the lens of the camera, and having controllably rotatable drive shafts constructed and arranged so that the operating controls are positioned at the operating station and rotation of one shaft moves both slides together without varying the spacing therebetween and rotation of the other shaft moves only the camera focusing, lens-mounting slide to permit the camera position and focus to be quickly and easily adjusted for different sized prints to be copied and also including indexing counters located at the operating station and connected to said shafts to indicate the respective positions of the slides.

Abstract: An automatic focussing attachment for photographic enlargers for lengthening and shortening the length of the enlarger bellows to automatically focus the lens as the enlarger is raised and lowered to vary the size of the image. A pivoted link of variable effective length has one end connected to a point fixed with respect to the base of the enlarger and the opposite end portion connected to the focussing knob of the enlarger so that as the enlarger is raised and lowered on its support column the focussing knob will be rotated to maintain the focus of the lens. The variable effective length link has several forms including a plurality of pivoted leaves and a sliding telescoping mounting.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically adjusting a microscope in focus, said microscope comprising a stage on which a specimen is to be placed, an objective, an objective tube and a driving member for relatively moving said stage and objective tube. Said apparatus comprises a nozzle member mechanically coupled to said objective tube and being opposed to the specimen, said nozzle being connected to an air pump so as to blow or suck an air stream from said nozzle member, a pressure detector for detecting pressure variations of said air stream to produce an electric signal which varies as a function of a distance between said objective and specimen and an electric motor energized with a signal related to said electric signal and mechanically coupled to said driving member of the microscope.

Abstract: An auto-focus camera includes a range finder device having no moving parts. First and second stationary lens devices receive radiation from an object along two spatially separate paths. First and second sensing devices, each comprising a plurality of photo-responsive elements, are arranged to receive the radiation passing through the first and second lens devices, respectively. The first and second sensing devices provide electrical signals representative of the relative position of the intensity distribution of the radiation passing through the second lens device and falling on the second sensing device with respect to the position of the intensity distribution of the radiation passing through the first lens device and falling on the first sensing device. A detecting circuit connected to the first and second sensing devices provides an output signal indicative of that of a plurality of predetermined zones in which the object is located.

Abstract: A device for detecting focussing in an optical instrument such as a camera which has an objective lens and a plane, at which light sensitive film may be disposed, upon which a real image of an object is intended to be focussed. The device comprises a window to which the eye of the operator is held, and means for projecting light to the operator's eye which looks at the real image of the object formed by the objective lens. The light projected on the retina of the operator's eye is reflected back into the camera and is directed to focus-judging means in the nature of a light sensitive member which detects when the retina of the operator's eye is optically conjugate with an imaginary reference plane located in a position optically equal to a plane on which a real image of the object formed by the objective lens is intended to be focussed, thus also detecting when the position of the real image coincides with said reference plane so that the selected object is properly focussed.