Abstract: In printing photographic film, photographic images or defocused images due to improper adjustment of focus at the time of photography should be eliminated from printing. There have been proposed various methods for the purpose. The typical prior art system is defective in that as its aperture has two different photometric systems, the sampling positions at larger and smaller spots should be synchronized to make the system complicated and bulky. The prior art system is further detrimental in that it has only one function, and therefore sensors for image photometry and frame position detection should be provided separately. This invention uses an image sensor having smaller picture elements for detecting image information, and spots for detecting defocused image are formed by the image sensor. This invention system therefore can precisely detect defocused images without necessity of plural photometric systems, and therefore can control exposure amount as well as detection of frame images.

Abstract: To scan gels optically, a gel scanner includes a gel holder and an optical system mounted for motion with respect to each other. The optical system includes a tungsten halogen lamp, first aperture, second aperture, beam splitter and first and second light paths; the first aperture having a dimension in the direction of motion of the gel with respect to the optical system of less than 0.5 millimeter and a dimension in a direction transverse to the direction of motion of less than 10 millimeters. The lamp and first aperture are mounted on one side of said gel holder and the second aperture is mounted on the other side of said gel holder.

Abstract: In an auto-focus apparatus of the invention, an image sensor (e.g., a CCD) produces an image signal corresponding to an image on a microfilm. The image signal from the image sensor is encoded to a binary image signal by a binary encoding circuit. Alternation points (i.e., leading or trailing edges) of the binary image signal are counted by a counter. A system controller fetches count values from the counter, and detects an image position corresponding to a maximum count value. The system controller causes a lens driving circuit to move an imaging lens to the detected image position.

Abstract: An optoelectric circuit for measuring the different optical densities of an image carrier, a toned test patch in an otherwise untoned imaging area of a photoconductor surface in a xerographic apparatus, wherein a LED (46) irradiates a test area of the surface, a phototransistor (47) receives radiation reflected from the text area, an amplifier (51) amplifies the output signal of the phototransistor, the LED is driven by the amplified output current of the phototransistor, and the current through the LED is used as a measure of the optical density.

Abstract: An apparatus for scanning a transparency image original wherein scattered light emerging from the original is guided through lens or diffraction gratings onto a diffusion screen attached to a light mixer. In the light mixer, the light is mixed by multiple reflection and, at a light exit of the mixer, is guided to a cross-sectional transducer formed of a plurality of optical fibers. These fibers conduct the light onto a photoelectric transducer. The apparatus works with high efficiency and reduces an image falsifying influence of the Callier effect to such a degree that it no longer has a disturbing appearance in reproduction.

Abstract: A scanning type optical microscope comprising a pair of light deflectors disposed between a laser light source and an objective lens for performing two-dimensional scanning of an object requiring observation by varying the incidence angle of a light entering the objective lens, and a pair of split detectors receiving a light coming from said object, wherein the light deflectors are disposed at the position of the pupil of the objective lens or at a position conjugate therewith or in their vicinity. This microscope has a high resolving power and allows an easy performance of a special microscopy and is convenient to handle. The paired detectors are arranged to be rotatable about an optical axis and allows free alteration of the orientation of differentiation of the differential observation image. A light-blocking plate can be provided within the detecting optical system for removing O-order diffraction light contained in the detection light, whereby permitting dark field microscopy at a very low cost.

Abstract: A densitometer providing simultaneous sensing of the density in precisely adjacent portions of plural adjacent tracks. The densitometer preferably operates with stellar a pattern in which two reference tracks have been photographically recorded either side of a central specimen track of a star. The simultaneous detection of the three tracks insures a high degree of alignment between the reference and star tracks so that the correlation of their relative positions is a more accurate indication of the shift between the reference and star tracks. Alignment controls and the ability to microscopically view the radiation path through the densitometer facilitates set-up of the system to the high accuracy of results that it can achieve.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for inspecting a surface having a photosensitive layer on a wide film web from which lateral margins are slit away, by detecting defects of the photosensitive layer of the surfaces of the lateral margins. The intensity of a line of light which is projected onto a lateral margin of the web is modulated by the surface of the lateral margin and received by reflection by a line sensor for producing an analog video signal which in turn is converted into two binary signals of high and low output levels. From the combination of the two binary signals, the presence of a defect is detected, because the intensity of the modulated reflected light will vary from a value characteristic of the absence of a defect.

Abstract: An inspecting device for inspecting a thin film coating material applied to a material being treated such as glass includes a projector and a photoreceptor disposed across the material being treated, a manipulator for enabling relative movement of these projector and photoreceptor along the coating material applied to the material being treated, and an electric circuit part for producing a control signal when output of the photoreceptor exceeds a specified value.

Abstract: A photometric apparatus includes a light source, apparatus for oscillating a light beam spot across a sample, apparatus for measuring secondary light from the sample, and apparatus for determining the specific portion of the sample to be examined by photometry. With this photometric apparatus, each of a plurality of microscopic areas of the sample can be evaluated accurately.

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: The transmission density of a photographic original is measured at parts thereof using a pair of light measuring systems having different measuring areas. A characteristic value of the frequency distribution of the difference between measured transmission densities obtained from the pair of light measuring systems is used to distinguish blurred images from sharp images.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically checking and correcting register adjustment of a multi-color sheet-fed printing press wherein register marks are read by an ink densitometer on a remote control desk. The densitometer head is mounted on an X,Y positioning mechanism under the control of a register control computer so that the densitometer head scans cross-shaped register marks to determine both axial and peripheral register error. Preferably both right-hand and left-hand marks are used in order to pecisely determine skew or diagonal error, and the densitometer head rapidly traverses from one mark to the other mark. Preferably each register mark is made up of offset component marks of the primary colors and the positions of the marks are matched with their respective colors by the time sequence of scan path points of intersection. One color is chosen as a reference from which desired positions are calculated for the other component marks.

Abstract: The optical densities of both the background and the image areas of an original are measured so as to obtain a control signal useful in photocopying the original, by a system which includes a detector for generating a measuring signal representing optical densities detected on the original; a detector for deriving from the measuring signal a peak signal level representing the background density; first and second detection circuits for producing respective output signals representing numbers of measuring signal portions detected at first and second reference signal levels, which levels differ from each other and each from the peak signal level; a control rendering the reference signal levels dependent in magnitude on the derived peak or background signal level, and preferably proportional to it; and a comparison circuit for deriving from the output signals a control signal indicating in relation to the background density the relative amounts on the original of image information items that have optical densitie

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring pattern area percentage of engraving film with a transparent member for placing the film thereon, an optical device having a light source and light receiving unit, a moving device for relatively moving the transparent member and the optical device, and a control device which has a memory for storing the data concerning the light transmission quantities given by the optical device and a calculating device for calculating pattern area percentage corresponding to each column defined on the printing plate of a printing machine used. The number and width of columns of the printing plate varies depending on the number and spacings of ink supply keys. The control device controls the moving device which moves the placing member in the direction of each column. The optical device has a slit which width can be changed in accordance with the number and widths of ink supply keys mounted on a primary machine used.

Abstract: A densitometer comprises a first carrier supporter for supporting a carrier formed of a cellulose acetate film for carrying a blood serum specimen after an electrophoresis process is completed and a second carrier supporter for supporting a carrier for a blood serum which is formed of a gel or the like and reinforced with a transparent plate. The first and second carrier supporters are disposed between a light projector and a light receiver in such a manner that the density measurement of fractionated patterns of a blood serum may be effected upon occasion by supporting either the carrier formed of a cellulose acetate film or the carrier formed of a gel or the like.

Abstract: A measuring table for facilitating the accurate densitometric measurement of a measuring field strip on a paper sheet is disclosed. The table carries a removable hold-down plate that is positioned between side stop rails and a registering rail. The hold-down plate is held in place on the table by cooperating electromagnets and ferromagnetic metal disks and holds a sheet of paper in place between the plate and the table's surface. The hold-down plate also includes a measuring slot so that a densitometer positioned on the upper surface of the plate is afforded optical access to the measuring field strip imprinted on the paper sheet.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus is provided capable of obtaining image area information from both photograhic films and printing plates. The apparatus includes a scanner assembly carrying two independent light sources for use in the respective plate and film scan operations. The scanner assembly is mounted for movement over a film/plate support surface and carries a columnar sensor array positioned to receive light transmitted through films being scanned. The same sensor array is utilized for receiving light reflected from plates when in the plate scan mode. Optical baffle members are operated by a manual control knob which also controls energization of the appropriate light sources.

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: Provided are a wafer exposure method and apparatus wherein a mask of a desired chip pattern is exposed in a reduced scale onto a wafer coated with a resist film, and a number of resist patterns are transferred onto the resist film by the step and repeat method. During the transfer of the resist pattern, the thickness of the resist film is measured, and the exposure is controlled according to the measured thickness of the resist film.

Abstract: In apparatus for scanning a transparent original with a scanning beam relative an optical axis, a tapered optical bar is positioned adjacent the transparent original to collect a diverging beam emerging from the original and, by means of internal reflection, reduce the divergence of the beam relative the optical axis. The emerging beam is especially diverged when the scanning beam sweeps away from the optical axis or is scattered by an artifact, such as a scratch, on the original. Particularly in the case of a polychromatic beam emerging from a color transparency, the tapered bar is interposed between the transparency and color dichroic beam separating mirrors to reduce angle shift and polarization color shading due to light rays diverging from the optical axis upon the dichroic interference layers.

Abstract: An indexing fixture with many seats can be rotated in such a way as to present in each succeeding time interval a different seat at a reader. An electronic processing unit can control, under the control of a keyboard, different sequences of presentation of said seats of the indexing fixture and different modes of presentation of the detected data on an optical display, a graphic recorder and a magnetic recorder.

Abstract: Glass screens with different line numbers are used to determine the photoelectric scanning and sampling rates which provide signal samples reliably representative of the density of the off-set image dot structure. Using these rates, the corresponding ink consumption values are determined, totaled over the image, and displayed.

Abstract: A fractionating method in electrophoresis wherein, in order to make it possible to automatically and accurately fractionate a pattern obtained by the electrophoresis of a sample to be measured, respective peak tops or minimum points of the pattern obtained by electrophoresizing the sample to be measured are made to correspond to respective peak tops or minimum points to be obtained by electrophoresizing a normal sample by making the basic positions coincide with each other and the minimum points in the sample to be measured located in the positions nearest to the minimum points on the normal sample are made boundary points or the boundary points are determined on the basis of the ratios of the lengths from the basic position to the respective peak tops or minimum points in the sample to be meaured nearest to the values of the above mentioned ratios in the normal sample.

Abstract: Successive frames of spliced-together exposed and developed photographic films are examined prior to introduction into a copying machine to prevent the reproduction of film frames having blurred images. Portions of or entire film frames at an examining station are spot scanned, line-by-line, and the resulting video signals are processed to determine one or more quotients which denote the ratio of maximum density gradient to density range of the respective film frames, the ratio of first and second density gradients obtained on scanning the entire frequency spectrum or the lower density portion of a film frame, and the ratio of frequency of occurrence of the first and second density gradients. Such quotient or quotients are compared with a threshold value and the results of comparison are used to classify the film frames as suitable or unfit for the making of reproductions.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for evaluation of a film processor, particularly an x-ray film processor, based on a photodetector signal sequentially indicating the optical density of graded density test areas on a developed film and comparing the output thereof to a preselected voltage relating to the acceptable/too dark threshold of an unexposed or base fog area, the acceptable or too light threshold of a maximum density or dark area and the acceptable/too light and acceptable/too dark threshold of a medium density test area. Sequence testing of the graded density areas is functionally related on a single film strip to timing marks, adapted to be read by photodetector and timing circuitry, the timing marks and graded density test areas being linearly spaced and relatively disposed along the length of film strip.

Abstract: A film processor having film transport rollers driven by a drive motor, a sensor for generating a signal representative of roller transport speed and a film density detector arrangement that includes a photodetector responsive to the intensity of a light source for generating a reference background level signal against which processed film is compared is characterized by a monitoring arrangement which periodically samples the photodetector output signal and adjusts a reference background level signal in accordance with fluctuations in the output of the scanner arrangement. To prevent the system from reacting to momentary perturbations in background level a moving weighted averaging technique is employed. The rate at which the reference background level signal is sampled is determined by the transport roller speed.

Abstract: A densitometer comprising a recorder so adapted as to be capable of recording a set of analytical data obtained with a photometric system twice at a definite recording interval, an index arranged at a position apart by a distance equal to said recording interval from the recording pen of said recorder, a switch for setting boundary point and another switch commanding erasure of boundary point, said densitometer being so adapted as to permit setting and erasing boundary point by using the first recorded densitogram and said index.

Abstract: A method for detecting samples by comparing outputs corresponding to a carrier portion free from sample with those corresponding to a carrier portion onto which a sample is applied while detecting said outputs with a plural number of sample detectors arranged in the direction perpendicular to the shifting direction of a carrier, selecting a sample detector showing the highest output reduction ratio as the one to be utilized for sample detection and detecting the end edge of a sample as a time at which output of said sample detector changes from a level darker than a preset value to another level brighter than said preset value.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring for faults in translucent strip material, such as photographic film, comprises a transport device 16, 12, 13, 22 for continuously moving the film 11 in its longitudinal direction and an optical scanning device 23 including a beam divider 21 which divides a single series of scanned light beams 14 into first and second sets of scanned light beams 14a 14b. The first set of light beams 14a is used to carry out transmission measurements on the film as it passes in tensioned condition between two spaced apart rollers 12, 13 and the second set 14b is used to carry out measurements in reflection as the film passes around the surface of a roller 16. The roller 16 has an air permeable surface and air is blown through this surface from the inside of the roller to form an air cushion between the film and the roller.Faults are detected by the electronic processing circuitry 18 in response to variations in the transmission and reflection measurements carried out by the light detectors 15 and 17.

Abstract: A strip of negatives is transported over a slit extending transverse to transport, and the image of successive slit-like elements of each original is projected onto the row of photosensitive zones of a CCD image sensor unit. A photodetector also receives the image of each slit-like element, either simultaneously with the CCD image sensor unit or earlier at a more upstream location, and generates an output signal indicating the average transparency of the whole slit-like image element. The average-transparency signal is used to control the clocking frequency of the clock signal which drives the CCD image sensor unit, either by changing the clocking frequency for each read-out of the image sensor unit or by changing the clocking frequency once per original, in the latter case a peak detector circuit being used to ascertain the transparency of the maximum transparency slit-like element of each original.

Abstract: A negative whose printability is to be automatically ascertained is subdivided into a central zone, a foreground zone, and a background zone. Whole-zone density signals are produced for the foreground and background zones, and the central zone is scanned to generate a maximum-density signal indicating the density of the maximum-density point within the central zone. The negative is rejected for being underexposed when both of two conditions are met: first, the larger of the foreground and background whole-zone density signals fails to exceed a first limit value; and second, the difference between the central-zone maximum-density signal, on the one hand, and the smaller of the foregound and background whole-zone density signals, on the other hand, fails to exceed a second limit value. The negative is rejected as overexposed when the average of the foreground and background whole-zone density signals fails to exceed a third limit value, irrespective of the density of the central zone.

Abstract: In a method for calibrating or checking a densitometer section of a cataphoretic apparatus use is made of a calibration film comprising a transparent and flexible sheet and a pattern applied on the sheet and having a known density and the calibration film is fed into the densitomater with the aid of a mechanism for feeding usual sample bearing films. After the calibration for the densitometer has been completed using the introduced calibration film the film is discharged out of the densitometer with the aid of a mechanism for discharging the usual sample bearing films.

Abstract: Apparatus for analyzing an image member such as a photographic film bearing an image to be printed and providing information as to the image area. The information may be utilized in determining initial ink key settings for a printing cylinder on which the image is to be printed. The image member is positioned on a support surface and a scanner assembly including a light source and light sensors scans the surface. Light transmission readings are taken from calibration film strips on the support surface and at positions on the support surface corresponding to the locations of the ink key columns of the printing cylinder. The data are calibrated and normalized using the calibration readings. The data are also corrected for the number of layers in the image member. Data from ink key columns which will not be utilized in printing the image analyzed are discarded. A procedure is provided for removing the effect on the data of any non-image material on the image member.

Abstract: In a noise rejecting compensation circuit for developing apparatus to be replenished with developing liquid during a time when the integral value derived from summing up an electric signal through integrator means by predetermined periods reaches a predetermined value from another value, said electric signal is transformed through photocell means from a light emitted from light source means and interfered with film means, differential amplifier means is provided at the input side of said integrator means, leakage by-pass having condenser means is connected with said differential amplifier means in parallel, and leakage contact means is provided to be closed at a time when said light source means is turned off in said leakage by-pass means.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic cataphoresis comprises means for feeding a blood serum bearing film; a cutter for cutting the film to a given length; means for supplying a buffer solution for wetting the film with a buffer solution; a blood serum applicator including a serum application member, a serum dish assembly, an abutment, a rinsing vessel, a drip mechanism and means for carrying the film; a cataphoresis compartment for forming fractionated patterns of the serum applied to the film; dyeing, decolorizing and drying stations for dyeing, decolorizing and drying the serum bearing film as it is delivered from the cataphoresis compartment; and a densitometer including a vessel of a clearing liquid, a light source and a detector for effecting a colorimetric determination of the serum specimen. In this manner, a determination of a blood serum is automatically achieved by the cataphoretic process.

Abstract: Spots representing quantities of deposited material in, for example, chromatograms are scanned optically and a video image is generated. The video image is, in turn, subjected to line by line sampling with a sampling and storing circuit which has a level control and which operates a gate transmitting oscillator pulses which are counted. The count represents the optical density at each scanned line. The count represents the surface area and density for each of the portion of the optical density of a particular level and hence represent the volume of the material deposited at the spot.

Abstract: Apparatus for analyzing an image member such as a photographic film bearing an image to be printed and providing information as to the image area. The information may be utilized in determining initial ink key settings for a printing cylinder on which the image is to be printed. The image member is positioned on a support surface and a scanner assembly including a light source and light sensors scans the surface. Light transmission readings are taken from calibration film strips on the support surface and at positions on the support surface corresponding to the locations of the ink key columns of the printing cylinder. The data are calibrated and normalized using the calibration readings. The data are also corrected for the number of layers in the image member. Data from ink key columns which will not be utilized in printing the image analyzed are discarded. A procedure is provided for removing the effect on the data of any non-image material on the image member.

Abstract: Apparatus for analyzing an image member such as a photographic film bearing an image to be printed and providing information as to the image area. The information may be utilized in determining initial ink key settings for a printing cylinder on which the image is to be printed. The image member is positioned on a support surface and a scanner assembly including a light source and light sensors scans the surface. Light transmission readings are taken from calibration film strips on the support surface and at positions on the support surface corresponding to the locations of the ink key columns of the printing cylinder. The data are calibrated and normalized using the calibration readings. The data are also corrected for the number of layers in the image member. Data from ink key columns which will not be utilized in printing the image analyzed are discarded. A procedure is provided for removing the effect on the data of any non-image material on the image member.

Abstract: Light from a light source is transmitted through an original at a scanning station to a light detector. A rotating scanning disk located in the path of this light is provided with equiangularly spaced radial scanning slots. A light-blocking plate located between the light source and the scanning disk defines a scanning slot extending transverse to the transport direction of the original. Light passing through both the original and the transverse scanning slot is projected as a slot image onto the surface of the scanning disk. The radial slots and the transverse slot cooperate to define a scanning spot which sweeps across the original, and thereby performs one line-scan operation, as one radial slot sweeps across the slot image on the scanning disk. The angular span between adjoining radial slot is greater than that of the slot image so that, during intermediate intervals between successive line-scan operations, light transmitted through the original does not reach the light detector.

Abstract: Densitometer for quantitative determination of the contents of a sample spot on a TLC plate or the like, wherein the spot is scanned in a zigzag way by a light beam having a minute cross section. The peaks of the signal measured in the individual strokes of the zigzag scanning across the spot are connected to obtain an envelope signal, which is differentiated. By change of the polarity of the differentiated signal the valley point between two successive peaks in the envelope is detected so that integration of the measured signal caused by each of the components in the sample spot is conducted separately from integration of the measured signal caused by the other components.

Abstract: Densitometer for quantitative determination of a sample spot on a thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plate or the like having besides the spot an area of impurities developed thereon, wherein the surface of the plate is scanned in a zigzag way by a light beam having a minute cross section. In one stroke of the zigzag scanning of the area containing impurities immediately before the spot the measured signal is integrated and stored by a first integrator and in each and every one of the succeeding strokes of the scanning of the spot the measured signal is integrated by a second integrator. The stored integrated value of the first integrator is subtracted from the integrated value of the second integrator in each and every one of the scanning strokes across the spot and the result of the subtraction is integrated for quantitative determination of the spot without errors caused by the impurities contained in the sample.