Abstract: System and method for rapid measurement of an exposure light source and calculation of filter selection for proper color balanced exposure of a light sensitive medium includes measurement of the light source with a spectroradiometer and calculation of color log exposure differences for successive filters taken from a database list with the filter selection being based on a minimum overall difference value derived from the summation of the absolute values of the individual color log exposure differences.

Abstract: In order to provide a focus detecting optical system of the active type which is capable of effecting good focus detection and enables a space to be effectively used, the focus detecting optical system of the present invention is a focus detecting optical system provided with a light projecting system for applying a beam of light emitted from a light emission source to an object through a light projecting lens. A light receiving surface condenses the reflected beam of light from the object on a light receiving element through a light receiving lens, and measures the distance to the object on the basis of a change in the imaged position on the light receiving element to thereby detect the focus position. The light emission source is positioned with eccentricity by a predetermined distance from the center of the outer diameter of the light projecting lens in a direction orthogonal to the direction of a base length.

Abstract: A gray balance correcting method in which the deterioration of color balance correcting capacity can be avoided for an image photographed under different kinds of light sources, such that the influence of failure can be eliminated. An image recorded on a negative film is divided into a large number of regions. Density values of C, M and Y in the respective regions are measured. Maximum and minimum reference values for the C, M and Y colors are calculated based on the measured density values D. Then, conversion correlation coefficients, for the respective colors, are calculated to make values, after conversion of the reference values of the respective colors, coincident with D.sub.max and coincident with D.sub.min. The measured density values of C, M and Y are converted by using the conversion correlations determined from the calculated coefficients. In another embodiment, only maximum values are used as reference values.

Abstract: Sensitometric Quality Indicator Parameters (SQIP), including Color Radial Error (1), Average Density Error (2), Contrast Mismatch Error (3), HUE (4), and related Auxiliary Quality Parameters, are derived primarily from the deviations in aim values of the red, green, and blue density values over the standard range of exposure steps for a color photographic product. Normalized tolerance limit values common to SQIP 1-3 are established at one exposure reference level within the standard range of exposure steps. A composite graphical display of density deviations versus LOG H exposure, of SQIP 1-4 with associated tolerance limit values versus LOG H exposure, and of the Auxiliary Quality Parameters enables the rapid analysis and disposition of a batch of color photographic product with regard to sensitometric quality.

Abstract: Spectrometer apparatus for calibrating a color image scanner includes an opaque member, having an optical slit, movable into position on an optical axis of the scanner between its polychromatic light source and its lens in a plane occupied by a color image when it is scanned. A diffraction grating is similarly movable onto the optical axis between the slit and the lens. By having the grating in proximity to the slit, the opaque member and the grating can be part of a single assembly that can be easily moved into the optical axis in a convenient location near the scanning plane of the image scanner. The light source illuminates the slit and the diffraction grating disperses duplicate spectra off-axis across respective halves of the image sensor, from which data is obtained for calibration.

Abstract: A colorimeter for measuring transmitted, reflected, emitted and incident light comprises a pod that is demountably attached to a base and that contains a color-responsive detector and associated processing electronics. The detector mates with one of several detachable heads that are selectable to establish precise measuring conditions for the various measurements to be made. The colorimeter enables common and consistent calibration across all elements of the pre-press industry, from checking color proofs or color transparencies, to calibrating video color monitors.

Abstract: A system produces a standardized image of an object from an intermediate object recorded on film. An image of a spectrum of the light source illuminating the object is recorded on the film together with the image of the object. The image of the spectrum on the film is recorded by a film scanner and compared with the spectrum of a standatd illuminant. Color correction data is generated from the comparison. The color correction data may be used to control a photographic printer to produce a color corrected print. The color correction data may also be used to correct a digital image of the object produced by scanning the image of the object on film.

Abstract: A system for electronically recording a standardized color image of an object. The system incorporates a linear variable bandpass filter and a linear variable neutral density filter.

Abstract: In a negative inspection apparatus for providing exposure correction data, a data input device inputs visual inspection data of film frames, and a frame scanner provides transmitted light data for a large number of points of the frame so as to compute scanning data. Exposure correction data of a film frame is provided based on inspection data and scanning data of frame.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a means and method for the photographic art of selecting the proper color light filters used to make color prints by preparing a matrix of nine images on a single sheet of color print paper. An easel fashioned with an integral filter magazine encasement and a rotatable and trnaslatable pedestal allow nine discrete images to be exposed onto a single sheet of color print paper thereby eliminating the need for using several sheets of color print paper, which results in economy of materials and time.

Abstract: Apparatus creates an image on photographic film in which the light intensity of the light source for exposing the film is calibrated to a predetermined value by measuring the light intensity of the light exposure while varying the digital form of the drive signal for controlling the intensity. A successive approximation sequence is used until the intensity approximates the predetermined value.

Abstract: A predetermined gradation of film transmittance levels, e.g. a gray scale, provided by a film exposure system is calibrated so as to consistently create an image on photographic film in accordance with the predetermined gradation of film transmittance levels. A light source is responsive to a drive signal, for generating light so that the exposure of different portions of the film to the light can be varied as a function of the drive signal so as to vary the resulting transmittance level of the portions of the film after the exposed portions of film are developed in order that the image can be formed on the film, and a sensing device senses the transmittance level of a developed portion of film exposed to at least one preselected value of light exposure and generates a transmittance level signal representative of the sensed transmittance level.

Abstract: A method for electrostatically producing prepress printing proofs that accurately predict results of actual press runs for a given press having known or desired characteristic response.

Abstract: Codes (the so-called DX codes) recorded on a plurality of films are read to classify the films into a plurality of film types. Light is measured with respect to images on the films to obtain image densities, and, on the basis of the resultant photometric values, the image densities are obtained and are then stored in correspondence with the film types. A reference value is calculated on the basis of the image density that corresponds to the film type to which one of the films to be subjected to printing belongs. A color region is specified on the basis of the calculated reference value, and, on the basis of photometric values that belong to the specified color region, image density values for the three primary colors are calculated. The exposure for use in the printing of the film to be subjected to printing is determined from a reference printing exposure condition already stored and the calculated image density values for the three primary colors.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus has a CCD sensor, a white standard plate of a uniform density, a shading data memory, an analog/log converter or a digital/log converter, and a shading correction circuit. Shading correction can be performed with a simple circuit and requiring only a small-capacity memory.

Abstract: A densitometer for photography comprising a disk on which are disposed filters of three colors at predetermined circumferential spacing for measuring the transmission and reflection densities of negative and color reversal film and color print, and a visual sensitivity filter for measuring the reflection and transmission densities of monochromatic and monochromatic reversal film. Lamps and a light-receiving element are provided to enable measurment of the densities. The disks are rotatingly driven by a motor to bring seven filters into alignment with the light-receiving element. Density from the output of the light-receiving element is measured and compared to a reference density, and an exposure time correction factor is computed from the density differences and resulting color and density correction values. The correction values and factor are displayed and the data is externally output via an interface.

Abstract: A color slide transparency scanner projects an intense stripe of light through a color slide. Red, green, and blue filters successively filter the stripe of image from the slide. In some applications, a neutral density filter adds still more information from dark areas of the slide image. A carriage carrying the slide moves across the light. A CCD array detects the filtered images and converts them to analog electrical signals. Circuitry converts the analog signals to digital.

Abstract: Spectrometer apparatus, for self-calibrating a color image scanner of the line scanner or area scanner type, comprises a member, having an optical slit, movable into position on an optical axis of the scanner between its polychromatic light source and its focusable lens in a plane occupied by a color image when it is scanned. A diffraction grating is similarly movable onto the optical axis, a given distance from an image sensor of the scanner. The light source illuminates the slit and the diffraction grating disperses transmitted polychromatic light according to its wavelength, forming duplicate spectra off-axis across respective halves of the image sensor, with longer wavelengths being diverted to respectively higher angles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for classifying color originals into at least color photographs and other colored articles such as color printed articles, letters, handwriting, art graphics or the like by detecting the reflection densities of divisions into which the color original is spatially divided, using light sensors having peak sensitivities at different wavelengths for at least one of the three primary colors. The reflection densities are compared to obtain a difference or a ratio thereof and based on the result of the comparison, the color originals are classified as color photographs or as other colored articles.

Abstract: A hand-held prism and support structure, in which a positioning element is engageable with the head of a viewer for orientation and manipulation to position the prism as to enable the viewer to receive refracted light from a scene which is in advance of the viewer. The prism has an upper face and a pair of depending and converging faces, the positioning element being engageable with the nose of the viewer. A filter strip comprising different color filters is provided in advance of the prism and one eye of the viewer, there being a prism without a filter in advance of the other eye.A method of color photography includes viewing a refracted and, optionally, color-filtered image of a scene, and photographing the scene using color sensitive film and, optionally, a color filter.

Abstract: An improved method of spectrographically measuring density of a strip of photographic negative color film is disclosed. The method includes the steps of concurrently projecting an image of a photographic negative color film, having certain images recorded thereon, on each of a plurality of smaller divisional light beam receiving faces of an image receiving element with the aid of a plurality of projection optical systems. The optical systems include a color separating filter for separating projected light into three primary colors. The method further includes electrically scanning a number of photoelectric converting elements located on each light beam receiving faces, producing an output signal obtained by electrical scanning each face and storing the signal, and measuring relative density, degree of saturation and average density with respect to a part on the photographic negative color film corresponding to each of the light beam receiving face with reference to the stored signals.

Abstract: Adjustment of color density of a color picture to be recorded on a photosensitive material is performed in a color picture output device in such a manner that a test pattern print is outputted from the device and the density of the test pattern print is then compared with a standard pattern plate preliminarily prepared. After the actual output picture color density is measured by the standard pattern plate, the gain and offset for obtaining the standard density can be automatically calculated so as to thereby perform in smooth and high speed color picture outputting operation.

Abstract: In a photographic image information detecting method of the type in which light transmitted from an original film is received by a two-dimensional image sensor and image information is detected with respect to the divided a plurality of picture elements of the original film, a photographic image information is calibrated by the steps of detecting information of the photographic image of a reference film with respect to the original film in use of the two-dimensional image sensor, storing the thus detected information as data for calibration, and subtracting the data for calibration from the detected data regarding the image information of the original film so as to thereby obtain accurately calibrated information regarding the photographic image of the original film.

Abstract: The density of an original picture film must be measured in order to determine exposure and correction amount for printing in a photographic printing system. A photosensor was heretofore arranged near an optical path of the photographic printing system and used to measure the average density of a negative film in LATD. When an original film is printed on a photographic paper, it is necessary to adjust the exposure or correction amount for various sizes of the film due to the difference in diffusion by film size. Conventionally those adjustments are performed by visually judging the size of a film and inputting the information manually via a keyboard or reading a negative size status signal of a negative carrier.

Abstract: In an apparatus for reading a color image on an original wherein the color image is illuminated and scanned by light from a plurality of light sources each having different spectrum to discriminate color of the color image on the basis of the reflected light from the original, these plurality of light sources are driven by a driving signal which is produced in synchronism with original read scanning.

Abstract: A color analyzer for determining the exposure time required for printing color photographs by an enlarger comprising a measuring unit having three photoelectric cells. The analyzer is further provided with a control unit being electrically connected to the measuring unit and having an electric circuit for determining the exposure time. According to the present invention, the characteristic values of the color components, blue, green and red are measured by a respective photoelectric cell for a test print as electric signals generated by the cells at voltages of S.sub.BO, S.sub.GO, and S.sub.RO at the associated exposure time t.sub.o. These values are stored in a memory and the exposure time t of an arbitrary picture is determined with the aid of measured signals S.sub.B, S.sub.G and S.sub.R for the components blue, green, and red. This determination is computed by way of the formula:t=3t.sub.o /[(S.sub.B /S.sub.BO)+(S.sub.G /S.sub.GO)+(S.sub.R /S.sub.RO)].

Abstract: A new method of making it possible to quickly and easily determine the optimum exposure conditions for a photographic color printer is disclosed. The method is performed by way of the steps of preparing a plurality of test prints under different exposure condition using a standard negative film, measuring optical density for each of color components on the test prints, comparing their optical density with that of corresponding color component on a standard print, detecting change in optical density per unit positional change of correction key on each of the test prints with respect to each of color components, and determining corrective value required for correcting density difference between each of test prints and standard print with reference to the above change in optical density per unit positional change of correction key.

Abstract: A hand held and hand operated apparatus for analysis of the relationship between numerical values and displayed greyscale of pixels making up an image matrix. The apparatus has a pair of relatively movable members that are located relative to each other to display a greyscale in comparison relationship to window and level scales used to provide rapid analysis of a greyscale distribution of a given image. The members comprise a first cylindrical member concentrically accommodating a cylindrical sleeve. The first member has viewing ports ruled with scales representing values of selected window and level. The sleeve has the greyscale which can be selectively longitudinally and rotatably positioned relative to a viewing port to provide analysis information concerning the greyscale distribution of an image, such as the image on an X-ray film or displayed on a CRT.

Abstract: An enlarger having a light emitting device is provided wherein the amount and color balance of light to be emitted are controlled. The operator can set the amount and color balance of light. The enlarger can measure the amount and color balance of light at a plurality of points within a predetermined plane in which the printing paper is to be located. A first mode of operation can be set which presumes a predetermined standard film set in the enlarger and a second mode of operation can be set wherein a film to be printed is placed in the enlarger. The enlarger is capable of averaging a measured signal to determine an average amount and an average color balance of light wherein these measurements can be utilized to determine a proper amount and color balance of light to be received at the predetermined plane during an enlarging operation.

Abstract: A strip of exposed and developed color film is transported through a transparency measuring system. The transparency of each frame of the film strip in the three primary colors is measured at a multiplicity of regions. The transparency values are converted to density values which are processed to generate a set of data characteristic of the film strip and indicative of the color compositions of the scanned regions. The characteristic set of data and the density values for the individual regions are used to determine whether or not a respective region contains a color dominant. For each frame, the amounts of copying light in the primary colors are established from the density values of those regions which are free of color dominants and have a neutral gray color composition. The amount of copying light in each of the three primary colors is calculated so that the regions of the original having a neutral gray color composition are copied neutral gray.

Abstract: An enlarger for use in photography capable of printing a color copy from a color original film includes a light source for generating a plurality of primary colors and a microcomputer for controlling the light source. The microcomputer has various functions which are: for providing a plurality of exposure data corresponding to a plurality of primary colors; for designating at least one of the primary colors; for altering the exposure data corresponding to the designated primary color; for displaying an information relating to the exposure data to be altered; for indicating the direction of change in tone of the color copy caused by altering the exposure data; for selecting the type of the original film; and for controlling the relation between the direction of change in tone of the color copy as indicated and the direction of change in the exposure data as displayed in response to the selected type of original film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for recording information on the densities of various points of a photographic image such as a negative film by means of a photoelectric converter. The information on densities that change by small degrees as the image is scanned from its periphery toward the center is eliminated, and, if desired, the information on the density for areas discrete from the area having the density corresponding to the eliminated information and which has a density substantially the same as the density of that area is also eliminated.

Abstract: A device for measuring density of photographic transparencies, such as recorded photographic film, which is generally used in a color scanner system in which a photographic film carrying a colored image is scanned in X and Y directions with a light beam, so-called "flying spot", and the transmitted beam is separated into a plurality of component color beams which are then converted into electric signals indicative of densities of the respective component colors, which are then adequately adjusted in magnitude and utilized for preparation of multi-color printing blocks, the device having means for correcting density errors relating to polarization characteristics of the material of the film.

Abstract: An integrator for spectral analysis of printing illumination from photographic film including a lens for collimating the printing illumination into a beam. The integrator includes first and second color separation filters which divert respective colors from the beam. First and second phototransducers are provided for receiving the respective colors. A third phototransducer receives the beam passing through the first and second filters. Each phototransducer produces a signal representative of the intensity of the respective color.

Abstract: The color balance of photographic printing paper is determined by exposing one frame of the roll of negative film from which prints subsequently will be made with an image preferably from an especially prepared target-card. After processing, the negative or positive of the target-card exposure is printed on the paper being tested using a white-light exposure of known filtration, which is likely to be within correctable reach of the optimal filtration. The target-card bears a grid of superimposed lines which is used to measure the required filtration correction. The position of a desired neutral gray spot on the test print, which is the end-point of color balance determination, is found by matching against a standard paper gray scale.

Abstract: In an equivalent tone region detecting device, a position on a color picture is specified, so that video signals are provided separately according to the tricolor hues for the specified position through a scanning operation with a television camera, and similarly video signals are provided for another position through the succeeding scanning operation. The former and latter video signals are compared with one another, respectively, to determine whether or not the tone of the second position is equivalent to that of the specified position, whereby a region which is equal in tone to the specified position is detected.

Abstract: The color balance of photographic printing paper is determined by making three successive exposures of the same portion of a sample sheet of photographic color printing paper. Two of the exposures are made through a neutral-color optical wedge of linear density gradient. The third exposure is not made through the wedge. Each exposure consists essentially of a different primary color of light of predetermined intensity and duration selectively to stimulate each of the three color-sensitive emulsion layers in the printing paper. The composite image produced upon development provides a means for visually matching a known color standard such as a neutral gray card to a definite small area of the print produced. The position of the discovered matching area of the print relative to a central point of the composite print, such central point being automatically demarcated in the procedure, provides a direct correction to the trial color analyzer printing program to produce a fully corrected printing program.

Abstract: The focus of a picture image on a color film is evaluated by dividing the picture image into minute picture elements, detecting those portions of the picture image which are of flesh color from the separated color transmission factor or the color density of the picture elements, and using the information obtained regarding the flesh color portions to detect whether or not the picture image is out of focus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting the reciprocity law failure of a photosensitive material to be exposed, for use in a picture reproducing machine such as a process camera are disclosed. Luminous energies of an original picture and a standard picture are detected by a light detector, and then the exposure luminous energy is compared with the standard luminous energy by an arithmetic unit. Then, an exposure time is calculated in a calculator by using the comparison result and fundamental data such as the standard luminous energy, a standard exposure time predetermined, and a correction factor predetermined, which are recorded in data setup means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to elements for the execution of the method for the inspection of the reproduction quality of drawing elements which are exposed by means of a cathode ray tube on light-sensitive photo material. A simple and feasible development of the quality control of exposed photo material or other printing masters produced in this manner is achieved. The inspection ensues in that additional raster points are exposed which behave differently in response to different exposure and development conditions.

Abstract: An integrating densitometer for comparing unknown values of an integrated color print with reference values of a standard to indicate changes in density and quality and quantity characteristics of color for correcting the values of the unknown to have substantially the values of the reference, the densitometer having a photopic filter before a light sensor, and a master control for biasing simultaneously individually adjustable color controls.

Abstract: A color reference data base and method of making same by preparing colored swatches on photographic media corresponding to a plurality of color points located in the data base working area and placing each such colored swatch at its respective point within the working area, such colored swatches being prepared by selecting a set of up to three colored filters the color constituents of which, when located in the working area, determine a filter triangle such that the color point of the colored swatch or the complement thereof lies within or on the filtered triangle, determining the saturation time for each colored filter for the particular photographic media being used, computing the filter percentage needed for each colored filter, multiplying the saturation time for each colored filter by its respective filter percentage to determine its exposure time, exposing the photographic media through each colored filter for its respective exposure time, and developing the exposed photographic media.

Abstract: Measuring apparatus including a ruled member having alternate transparent and opaque zones. An optical coupler connecting the ruled member with electromagnetic radiation-conversion apparatus. The conversion apparatus may include a photomultiplier and a discriminator. Radiation impinging on the ruled member will, in part, be converted to electrical pulses which correspond to the intensity of the radiation.A method of processing electromagnetic radiation includes providing a member having alternating dark and light zones, establishing movement of the member through the beam of electromagnetic radiation with the dark zones interrupting passage of radiation through the rule, providing an optical coupler to connect a portion of the radiation with a conversion station where the radiation portion is converted into an electrical pulse which is related to the intensity of the radiation received at the conversion station.

Abstract: A color meter for measuring the respective intensity of the blue, green and red regions of an illuminating light source to provide the photographic information according to the measured value. The present invention provides an appliance, which directly provides, as the final output, the light balancing factor or the color compensating factor according to the necessary one from among the measured informations of the light intensity of each region of blue, green, red and an information determined according to using film, video image pickup tube, solid image pickup element, etc. and of which the operation is simple and the correcting filter can be simply and quickly determined.

Abstract: A high pressure mercury arc lamp such as the light source in a projection aligner is utilized in a photo resist calibrating process. The light source is utilized with narrow band interference filters centered on the mercury emission lines to isolate exposures to one narrow band of wave length at a time. The assumption is made (incorrectly) that the energy in each band of wave lengths from the high pressure mercury arc lamp is equal. Exposure to a narrow strip of photo resist--preferably in the form of a bar graph--on a semi-conductor wafer is made. A single wave length band is exposed for each bar of the graph. As each bar of the graph is scanned, exposure is varied in known ways (eg. linearly variable neutral density filters, changing apertures size, and/or varying exposure from changing wafer motion). The wafer is then developed and examined to determine the ratio of sensitivity for each wave length. A light meter is then placed in and exposed to the same high pressure mercury arc lamp.

Abstract: An exhaustion degree measuring board for measuring the fatigue of photographic processing solutions including a base member having at least one reference density window formed therein along with graduated scales corresponding to a control strip. The reference density windows have upper and lower portions with the upper portion being transparent for viewing the relevant part of the control strip and the lower part of at least one of the windows having a varying dot density. A center line with a reference mark is formed on the base for alignment with the control strip.

Abstract: A slope control type of exposure quantity control system is modified to include a portion for simultaneously controlling the extent of both color correction and density correction, and a portion for independently controlling only the extent of density correction, thereby allowing an automatic color printer to be set to desired values with respect to both color correction and density correction.

Abstract: A light measuring apparatus for measuring the light transmitted through filters to a light sensor is equipped with a filter wheel having non light transmissive segments alternating with the light transmissive filters, which filter wheel is manually rotatable by a lever. By repositioning the lever through a certain angle, its motion is translated via a spring and various gears and additional transmission elements to rotate the filter wheel and periodically shield the light sensor. The shielding of the light sensor for short periods permits a determination of an error signal in the light measuring apparatus. To obtain a shielding time period above a required minimum independent of the speed with which the lever is moved, the motion of the filter wheel is automatically delayed by mechanical means.

Abstract: A method of optimizing reproduction processes including the steps of preparing a physical standard, measuring the filtration and exposure values or densities used in preparing the standard, separating the image used in producing the standard into its color constituents using filtration values that are a function of those employed in making the standard, using a reproduction process to make many replicates of the standard, comparing representative samples of the replicate with the standard upon which the separations were based to measure the average difference in densities between the standard and such replicates, adjusting the filtration used in making the separations in response to such average differences until subsequent comparisons between subsequent standards yield average differences between acceptable, predetermined limits.

Abstract: A particular color is defined in terms of red, green and blue densities thereof. When the densities fall within a predetermined ellipsoid in a three-dimensional chromaticity coordinate system the axes of which respectively represent the red, green and blue densities, the color is defined to be of the particular color. The ellipsoid is represented by the following formula.dS.sup.2 =C.sub.11 dB.sup.2 +2C.sub.12 dB.multidot.dG+C.sub.22 dG.sup.2 +2C.sub.23 dG.multidot.dR+C.sub.33 dR.sup.2 +2C.sub.31 dR.multidot.dBwhereindB=B-BdG=G-GdR=R-RB: blue density of measured pointG: green density of measured pointR: red density of measured pointB: average blue densityG: average green densityR: average red densityRed, green and blue densities of a number of points on a color negative to be printed are measured by a measuring means.