Photographic Patents (Class 358/302)
  • Patent number: 5594514
    Abstract: An image capture system intended to provide an image capturing device for use by the general public at sites having objects of interest. The image capture system is designed to accept a user's image recording medium and allow the user to capture on the user's image recording medium either a real image or a stored image of the object of interest. The system generally includes an objective lens, a viewing screen, a compartment for receiving an image recording medium, a memory device to store a stored image, a display device to display the stored image capable of being capture on the image recording medium, a projection device for projecting the stored image onto the image recording medium, and a control mechanism to control the operation of the memory device, the display device and the projection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Kevin J. Klees
  • Patent number: 5589902
    Abstract: A photo installation having an acquisition element intended to receive the optical image of a subject desired to be photographed. The acquisition element is connected to a central processing unit for storing the optical information thus received. The installation is provided with a screen connected to the acquisition element that allows simultaneous viewing by the subject of the image received by the acquisition element. A printing device is provided to take a photograph or a sequence of photographs upon command of the subject. A half-silvered mirror is mounted on the optical axis of the acquisition element and directed along the bisector of the angle defined by the respective optical axes of the acquisition element and the screen so as to generate a virtual image of the screen on the optical path of the acquisition element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: KIS Photo Industrie (SARL)
    Inventors: Henri Gruel, Michel Moraine, Serge Crasnianski
  • Patent number: 5576836
    Abstract: A multi-picture image printing system includes a reception portion for receiving a plurality of recording mediums sequentially, each recording medium carrying a plurality of pictures; a multi-picture image generator operable to read the plurality of pictures recorded on each recording medium and generate a multi-picture image based on the read plurality of pictures; a printer operable to print the generated multi-picture image on a sheet; a medium discharger operable to discharge recording mediums; a sheet discharger operable to discharge printed sheets; a storing unit including a plurality of containers for containing discharged recording medium and printed sheet; and a controllers operable to control the medium discharger, sheet discharger, and the storing unit to place a recording medium and a printed sheet bearing a multi-picture image having pictures recorded on the recording medium in the same container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Homare Sano, Katsumi Miwa, Norimasa Kubota, Kimitoshi Hori
  • Patent number: 5572330
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus for processing gradation images which includes a pattern forming circuit for forming a predetermined pattern on a medium. A detecting device detects the predetermined pattern on the medium and generates a detection signal. A processing circuit processes the input image signal in accordance with the detection signal and outputs a reproduction signal. A setting device manually sets an image signal processing condition of the processing circuit, thereby accomplishing optimization of the image processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuatsu Sasanuma
  • Patent number: 5570195
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming images by allowing a light beam to be scanned and exposed on a photosensitive body includes a single detecting device for detecting the light beam scanned and exposed onto the photosensitive body, a plurality of signal generating devices for generating a predetermined control signal on the basis of an output from the detecting device, and an output control device for controlling the routing of an optical signal output which is output from the detecting device to the objective signal generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tsunao Honbo
  • Patent number: 5555123
    Abstract: A moving mask is incorporated in a flying spot scanner to reduce flare. The mask obscures all portions of the object being scanned, except for a small region surrounding the point currently being scanned. The mask moves to maintain registration with the flying spot. A rotating slotted disk with curved slots in cooperation with a fixed mask having a slot is described as one mechanism for achieving such masking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Martin C. Kaplan
  • Patent number: 5550639
    Abstract: A recording apparatus photographs document images on a microfilm and photoelectrically reads the document images. The apparatus enables a mode to be selected in which only the reading of document images is executed. In a mode in which only the photographing of images on a microfilm is executed, efficient photographing is possible by making full use of the ability of the photographing device to photograph at high speed. A mode in which the document is photographed on the microfilm at the same time that the document is being read can also be selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeru Sugita
  • Patent number: 5548408
    Abstract: An image processing system has at least one rotatable drum which has an optical memory on its outer surface constituting an active write/read memory of a raster image processor for a digital image written thereon. The optical memory modulates light illuminating the optical memory from a light source for imaging the image from the optical surface onto a photographic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Doron Koren
  • Patent number: 5522657
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Feraydoon S. Jamzadeh, Robert E. Zeman
  • Patent number: 5504583
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Feraydoon S. Jamzadeh, Patrick A. Cosgrove
  • Patent number: 5481330
    Abstract: The present invention is a panoramic photograph processing system which will provide a non-peculiar panoramic photograph with continuous color and brightness between consecutive photographs by setting the same exposure condition for panorama-mode frames of a film and performing printing of the panorama-mode frames under the same exposure condition. An output from a photometric sensor is amplified by an amplifier and is then converted to a digital signal by an A/D converter. The digital signal is supplied to a central processing unit (CPU). The digital photometric data from the A/D converter is input to the CPU together with various pieces of photograph information from a photograph information input circuit. A liquid crystal for displaying a shutter speed and a panorama-mode in a finder and a liquid crystal for displaying a latent image bar code data indicating the start position of a panorama-mode are controlled by the CPU via liquid crystal drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masafumi Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 5477331
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukuo Yamaguchi, Toshiya Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5463410
    Abstract: In a laser beam printer, automatic optical quantity (APC) control is performed based on an optical quantity detection output to generate a laser beam having a predetermined quantity of light. In each scanning cycle, APC is effected by utilizing a period (unblanking period) in which the laser device is forcibly actuated to generate a horizontal synchronization signal. The unblanking period may be changed according to the print paper size or image formation/non-image-formation periods. Also, light quantity control may be effected through a plurality of scanning cycles before image formation and may be effected by utilizing the unblanking period during the period corresponding to the intervals of print sheets. Techniques also provided to prevent a transfer unit from being contaminated by toner images formed as a byproduct of APC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Uchiyama, Akio Noguchi, Yukihide Ushio, Shinpei Matsuo, Youji Serizawa, Makoto Takeuchi, Kazurou Yamada, Junichi Kato
  • Patent number: 5461440
    Abstract: An image signal output unit converts an image on a film, which has undergone photography, into an image signal. An image storage unit stores the image signal. A read unit reads the identification code of a camera which is recorded on the film which has undergone photography. An information storage unit stores image quality degradation information and the identification code in pairs. An image processing unit reads out the image quality degradation information from the information storage unit on the basis of the identification code read by the read unit, and corrects the image signal stored in the image storage unit by using the read image quality degradation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Toyoda, Masafumi Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 5455135
    Abstract: An electrophotographic photosensitive member includes an electroconductive substrate, a photosensitive layer disposed on the electroconductive substrate, and a protective layer disposed on the photosensitive layer, the protective layer containing a resin formed by polymerization of compounds each having two or more ion polymerizable functional groups, and electroconductive particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akio Maruyama, Kazushige Nakamura, Shoji Amamiya, Shin Nagahara, Haruyuki Tsuji, Masaaki Yamagami, Michiyo Sekiya
  • Patent number: 5426453
    Abstract: A media spacing system for a fiber optic CRT printer. The system has a film coating over the fiber optic portion of the CRT, outside the phosphor display area, which keeps the media a fixed distance from the display area to provide for a uniform display of data on the media. The film may be applied in multiple layers, with each successive layer having a larger size, to create a rounded edge for the coating. A pressure plate is placed on the opposite side of the media from the film coating to keep the media firmly against the film coating. A compliant element, such as foam rubber, attaches the pressure plate to a fixed bracket to allow the pressure plate to adjust for bow and twist of the CRT, while maintaining pressure against the media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Anhorn, Daniel C. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5400152
    Abstract: An apparatus that produces digitally generated index prints and normal optical prints as part of the normal printing operation, without requiring the negatives to be cut and handled separately. The foregoing is accomplished by using the exposure determination and subject classification data generated for the normal optical printing operation to rapidly provide the low resolution digital data for creating the individual index print images, during the normal optical printing operation. While the digital images are being created, each digital image is being simultaneously corrected for its own exposure requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Joseph A. Manico, David L. Patton, Thomas R. Roule
  • Patent number: 5396276
    Abstract: An optical beam scanning apparatus comprises means of modulating the optical power of a laser beam produced by a laser beam source, means of shaping the laser beam profile, and means of deflecting and focusing the shaped laser beam on a scanning plane. The optical power of the laser beam is varied in synchronism with the variation of the optical power distribution so that the peak level of optical power of the laser beam is kept constant. The optical power of the laser beam on the photosensitive drum is kept constant irrespective of the beam diameter, and printed dots of intended diameters can be produced, whereby fine multi-tone images can be printed stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuto Senda, Akira Arimoto
  • Patent number: 5383027
    Abstract: A portraiture printer system receives portrait film which carries portrait images provided by a portraiture camera. A frame grabber receives portrait images carried on the film and converts them into digitized images. An edit station processes the digitized images. The edit station manipulates the sequence of the images and their composition. A printer receives the digitized images and prints the digitized images on an image recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Lifetouch National School Studios Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald B. Harvey, Jon A. Holmes, Keith A. Benson
  • Patent number: 5352552
    Abstract: An image-bearing member suitable for carrying an electrostatic image and/or a toner image is formed by forming a surface layer on a substrate or a photosensitive layer. The surface layer comprises a polymerized and cured product of a photoionically polymerizable compound having two or more functional groups, and shows excellent mechanical and electrical resistance as well as excellent charge-retaining characteristic. As a result, the surface layer provides an image-bearing surface suitable for electrophotography. The surface layer may be a protective layer or a photoconductive layer when it constitutes a photosensitive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akio Maruyama, Naoto Fujimura, Kiyoshi Sakai, Shin Nagahara, Noriko Ohtani, Seiko Nakano
  • Patent number: 5335007
    Abstract: A scanning device for an electronic photography printer which comprises a photosensitive drum, a rotary cylinder horizontally disposed and provided with spiral slits which are spaced from one another, an LED array horizontally penetrating the inside of the rotary cylinder and having a plurality of LEDs which are disposed on the LED array and each having a width of the same distance as the space between respective spiral slits of the rotary cylinder, a horizontal slit plate disposed between the photosensitive drum and the rotary cylinder and having a plurality of slits which are inclined on the basis of the horizontal line of the horizontal slit plate and spaced from one another, and a self-focus lens array horizontally disposed between the photosensitive drum and the horizontal slit plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Goldstar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hoon B. Choi
  • Patent number: 5325216
    Abstract: A raster output scanner interface apparatus for receiving subpixel address data and pixel video data that are synchronized with a raster output scanner on a pixel basis, and for sending video output to the raster output scanner that is synchronized with the raster output scanner on a pixel basis. The apparatus provides a programmable switch that receives as inputs both the pixel video data and the pixel video data delayed a programmable amount by a programmable delay buffer. The output of the switch is the video output that is sent to the raster output scanner. The amount of delay of the programmable buffer is programmed by a controller in response to the subpixel address data. The controller also controls the switch in response to the subpixel address data and the pixel video data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Vincent W. AuYeung
  • Patent number: 5301034
    Abstract: A transparent master is mechanically sensed to detect the emulsion. The master is then advanced into a projection arrangement where a scanner scans the master point-by-point and line-by-line to generate signals containing data on the master. The signals are entered in a memory and electronically enhanced. The enhanced signals are sent to a cathode ray tube which produces a printing beam responsive to the signals. The printing beam prints an image of the master on copy material. If sensing of the emulsion indicates that the master is inverted, the image of the master is electronically inverted in the projection arrangement to thereby obtain a normal copy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Friedrich Jacob
  • Patent number: 5296322
    Abstract: A photosensitive member suitable for use in an electrophotographic apparatus is constituted by an electroconductive support, and an intermediate layer and a photosensitive layer disposed in this order on the support. The intermediate layer comprises a reaction product of a polyol compound comprising at least one of a polyol compound [I] represented by Formula (1) shown below and a phosphated polyol compound with a polyisocyanate compound: ##STR1## wherein A denotes ##STR2## B denotes --R.sup.4 --O--, A and B may be connected at random or in blocks with each other, Z denotes an active hydrogen compound residue; R.sup.1 is an alkylene group having 1-9 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 is an alkylene group having 1-10 carbon atoms; R.sup.3 is an alkyl group, alkenyl group, aryl group or aralkyl group having 1-20 carbon atoms; R.sup.4 is an alkylene group having 2-10 carbon atoms; k is a number of 1-12 m is a number of 1-250; n is a number of 0-100; and p is a number of 0-5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignees: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Dai-Ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Koyama, Naoto Fujimura, Yuichi Hashimoto, Tetsuo Shiraiwa, Shigeo Mori
  • Patent number: 5294508
    Abstract: An electrophotographic photosensitive member is constituted by an electroconductive support, and an intermediate layer and a photosensitive layer disposed in this order on the support. The intermediate layer comprises a reaction product of a mixture including a polyol compound [I], a polyol compound [II] having an OH equivalent different from that of the polyol compound [I] and a polyisocyanate compound. The polyol compound [I] is a polyether polyol compound having an OH equivalent of at least 500 and 2-60 OH groups per molecule; and the polyol compound [II] is a polyol compound having an OH equivalent of at most 300. The photosensitive member shows stable electrophotographic performances over wide environmental conditions from low temperature--low humidity to high temperature high humidity due to the intermediate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Koyama, Naoto Fujimura, Yuichi Hashimoto, Tetsuo Shiraiwa, Shigeo Mori
  • Patent number: 5283142
    Abstract: The present invention provides an image-holding member which comprises an electroconductive support and a resin layer formed on the support, wherein the surface layer of the image-holding member contains a copolymer having the structure units represented by the formulas [I] and [II]: ##STR1## where A is a linear, branched or cyclic alkylidene group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an aryl-substituted alkylidene group, arylene-dialkylidene group, --O--, --S--, --CO--, --SO--, or --SO.sub.2 --; and R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 are respectively hydrogen, halogen, or an alkyl or alkenyl group of 1 to 4 carbons; ##STR2## where R.sub.5 is an alkylene or alkylidene group of 2 to 6 carbons; R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 are respectively an alkyl group of 1 to 3 carbons, a phenyl or substituted phenyl group; and n is an integer of from 1 to 200, and the copolymer containing the structure unit of the formula [II] in an amount of from 0.1 to 50% by weight Of the total weight of the copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinya Mayama, Naoto Fujimura, Kiyoshi Sakai, Noriko Ohtani, Katsumi Aoki, Noriyoshi Ogawa, Satoshi Kanayama
  • Patent number: 5281992
    Abstract: A method of producing photographic prints in a printer is provided, in which it is possible to adjust at least the color composition of the light to be emitted by an exposure means of the printer, an image of a master photographic image being reproduced on the screen of a color monitor by making use of an image converter means, which is adapted to be introduced temporarily into the ray path of the printer. The monitor image is calibrated at least with regard to the color of a first optimized print while maintaining the copying light constant. An exposure means suitable for carrying out this method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Detlev Schmerler
  • Patent number: 5278013
    Abstract: There is disclosed an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a photosensitive layer containing a disazo pigment represented by the following general formula (1) or (2); ##STR1## The photosensitive member has excellent durability and high sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshio Kashizaki, Koichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5270141
    Abstract: The present invention provides an excellent image-holding member, comprising an electroconductive support, a resin layer formed on the support, and an interlayer provided between the support and the resin layer, said interlayer containing a reaction product of an acetal resin and an organometallic complex compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noriko Ohtani, Teigo Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 5254423
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrophotographic photosensitive member comprising a conductive support and a photosensitive layer provided thereon, wherein the surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member contains a polymer having a component unit represented by the following Formula (1) and a polymer having a component unit represented by the following Formula (2) and a component unit represented by the following Formula (3) in a certain proportion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinya Mayama, Naoto Fujimura, Toshiyuki Yoshihara, Kiyoshi Sakai, Hideki Anayama, Hideyuki Ainoya, Katsumi Aoki
  • Patent number: 5246806
    Abstract: An electrophotographic photosensitive member is constituted by an electroconductive support, and an intermediate layer and a photosensitive layer disposed in this order on the support. The intermediate layer comprises a reaction product of a mixture including a polyol compound [A] and a polyisocyanate compound[B] satisfying at least one of the following conditions (i) and (ii): (i) the polyol compound [A] is a high-molecular weight polyol compound, and (ii) the polyisocyanate compound is a polyoxyalkylene segmentcontaining polyisocyanate compound. The photosensitive member shows stable electrophotographic performances over wide environmental conditions from low temperature - low humidity to high temperature - high humidity due to the intermediate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Koyama, Naoto Fujimura, Yuichi Hashimoto, Tetsuo Shiraiwa, Shigeo Mori
  • Patent number: 5246807
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photosensitive member. The photosensitive member has an electroconductive support and a photosensitive layer formed thereon containing oxytitanium phthalocyanine, and a surface layer of the photosensitive member contains a copolymer having a first and second structural units represented by the formulas ##STR1## Further the invention relates to an electrophotographic apparatus, device unit, and facsimile machine utilizing the electrophotographic photosensitive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuro Kanemaru, Hideyuki Takai, Itaru Yamazaki, Shinya Mayama, Masato Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5245438
    Abstract: An image formation apparatus includes a writing device for selectively writing image data on a liquid crystal cell by beam light, a printer for printing out an image on a recording medium, an erasing device for erasing the image written on the liquid crystal cell by a beam of light from a specified region, and a controller for controlling the writing device for writing a novel image in the region from which the previously written image has been erased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoichi Yamamoto, Masao Narumiya, Hirokazu Fujita
  • Patent number: 5231506
    Abstract: A hybrid multiple color print reproduction scheme for a digital color image photo-finishing system employing a digitally driven high spatial resolution color printer converts a stored digital positive (e.g. RGB-representative) color image into a second digital color (e.g. CYM-representative) image. This second digital image effectively corresponds to a mirror-reversed complement of the positive color image and is digitally adjusted such that its tone and color characteristics optimize reproduction of the positive image via a conventional chemical development process. The complement color image is output to a digital printer which prints an `internegative` image onto a transparency medium, rather than the customary print paper. This digitally produced `internegative` is used to replicate multiple copies of the original image using a conventional analog electro-optic system and an associated chemical-based print developing unit, thereby providing a substantial savings in reproduction time and costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Joseph A. Manico, Stephen H. Kristy
  • Patent number: 5229585
    Abstract: A laser imaging system includes a cartridge of photographic film, a laser imager, a film processor and an image management system responsive to image input data for controlling the imager and film processor. An optical bar code with a unique cartridge ID, film size, film type information and film sensitometric information is attached to the cartridge. The laser imager includes a cartridge receiving mechanism, a cartridge opening mechanism, a laser scanning system and an optical scanner mounted to the cartridge opening mechanism. Information is read from the bar code as the cartridge is opened. The image management system controls the laser imager as a function of the input data and the sensitometric information read from the bar code. The image management system causes the film processor to develop the film as a function of the film type information read from the bar code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Richard R. Lemberger, Terrence H. Joyce
  • Patent number: 5212569
    Abstract: The light beam scanning apparatus of the present invention which is capable of recording or reading an image of high quality has a memory unit that stores datum representing the intensity of light in association with scanning density and a selector that selects said light intensity data from said memory unit according to a particular scanning density.Therefore, when the scanning density is changed by altering the transport speed in sub-scanning direction, the intensity of the light beam emitted from a light source such as a laser is adjusted by the data which is selected by the selector from the memory unit according to the scanning density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norihisa Takada
  • Patent number: 5191353
    Abstract: The temperature of LED print bars utilized in a printing system are maintained within a specified differential range, with respect to each other. Each print bar has an associated heating and cooling element. The temperature of each print bar is monitored and compared during operation. When a temperature differential greater than a preset tolerance range is detected, either the hotter operating print bar is cooled or the lower operating print bar is heated, or a combination of cooling and heating is applied to the out-of-tolerance print bars. The cooling and/or heating of the print bars is continued until the temperature differential is reduced so as to be within the preselected or predefined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen C. Corona
  • Patent number: 5184154
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the image quality of a CRT recorder wherein image information is transmitted to the image receiving medium through a plurality of tracks provided on a phosphor stripe of the CRT. An algorithm in the memory determines the deflection of the electron beam so that the tracks are activated in a predetermined order. As the image receiving medium is scrolled past the CRT faceplate, the image will be exposed on the image receiving medium so that no two adjacent image lines are exposed by adjacent tracks. In a further embodiment, image lines are produced by activating the tracks in a random order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventor: Kerry L. Shaklee
  • Patent number: 5184227
    Abstract: A photographic printer having a print station for generating photographic prints from photographic film frame images and an exposure determination film frame image scanner used in determining print exposure operating conditions at the print station. The printer is provided with an index print signal generator responsive to the output of the exposure determination film scanner to produce a matrix of film frame image signals from which index prints are produced by either the print station or by means of a separate printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Walter D. Foley
  • Patent number: 5177501
    Abstract: An electro-optical recording device for use in dot matrix color recording which uses three identically configured arrays of light gates is described. The three identically configured light gate arrays are arranged relative to one another at such an angle that their optical axes intersect in the recording plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Alcatel N.V.
    Inventor: Ulrich Seyfried
  • Patent number: 5173783
    Abstract: A setup device for automatically generating setup condition data for a process scanner is provided with an image reader and an image analyzing processor. An arbitrary number of originals are arranged on an original drum, which is mounted on the setup device. Respective images of the originals are read with an image reader of the setup device, and are statistically analyzed. A setup condition for each original is automatically determined and setup condition data representing the same is obtained. The setup condition data is stored in a floppy disk, which is transported to the process scanner. The process scanner reads the setup condition data from the floppy disk and establishes the setup condition in an image signal converter. The original drum is also transported to the process scanner, in which reproduction of the images of the originals is conducted without an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Oku, Naohiko Kawashima, Masayoshi Matsuba
  • Patent number: 5168283
    Abstract: A printing system operating in a charged area development environmental utilizes a high resolution image print bar in cooperation with a low resolution image discharge bar to expose a charged surface of a photoreceptor with a minimum of stress being applied to the high resolution bar. The high resolution bar is addressed from an image data source so as to expose areas of the photoreceptor which correspond to informational areas of the image being printed. The low resolution bar is addressed from the same data source so as to discharge the photoreceptor surface in non-informational areas such as background areas and interimage areas. In a preferred embodiment, both the high and the low resolution bars are LED arrays located in a common exposure station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hammond, James D. Rees
  • Patent number: 5165073
    Abstract: A facsimile system which produces variable resolution and size images on a reproduction medium is disclosed. A timing means produces two signals which control resolution in a first direction. The first signal controls release of pixels from a memory buffer to modulate the beam intensity of a cathode ray tube while the second signal controls the sweep in the first direction of the electron beam of the CRT. Resolution and size in a second direction is controlled by repeating lines of image data until the desired resolution is achieved. Hardware savings in the facsimile can be achieved by connecting a direct memory access controller to a graphics microprocessor through the host post of the graphics microprocessor and by using alternating banks of memory for storage of image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Honeywell, Inc.
    Inventors: Kerry L. Shaklee, Alvin R. Rothe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5162919
    Abstract: A light beam scanning apparatus includes a light source array composed of a plurality of light sources, which are arrayed in a predetermined direction, a shutter array composed of a plurality of electric shutters, which are arrayed in a direction corresponding to the predetermined direction, and a lens array composed of a plurality of lenses is located at positions corresponding to the positions of the electric shutters of the shutter array. The lenses form images of light beams, which are produced by the plurality of the light sources, as light spots having predetermined diameters on a material. A control circuit controls the timing, with which the light beams are produced by the plurality of the light sources, and the timing, with which the plurality of the electric shutters are opened and closed, such that the material may be scanned with the light spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuji Ono
  • Patent number: 5126759
    Abstract: An LED printhead or the like includes a data bus for carrying multibit digital image data signals for grey level recording. A token bit signal is generated and shifted through registers upon the printhead to enable image data registers associated with each LED to latch the image data signals in appropriate order. The image data signals control the energization times for recording pixels. A digitally adjustable current mirror controls the level of current to each LED during recording. Digital current data signals for controlling this level of current are also communicated over one of the lines of the data bus. A token bit signal is also used to control the latching of current data signals in registers storing the digital data used for current control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Small, Mary A. Hadley, Martin Potucek, Hieu T. Pham
  • Patent number: 5112759
    Abstract: An electrophotographic photosensitive member comprises an electroconductive support and a photosensitive layer laid on the electroconductive support, the photosensitive layer containing a compound represented by the following general formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R in a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group or heterocyclic group; X is substituted or unsubstituted benzenediyl, 2,3-pyridinediyl, 3,4-pyridinediyl or 2,3-pyrazinediyl; Y is an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom or a dicyanomethylene group, Z is an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, a dicyanomethylene group or ##STR2## m is an integer of 1 2 or 3; and n is an integer of 0 or 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiro Senoo, Kazushi Iuchi, Hajime Miyazaki, Shintetsu Go, Toshie Miyaji
  • Patent number: 5105281
    Abstract: A color video printer has a liquid crystal body acting as a shutter extending across a color printing paper. The liquid crystal body includes a first shutter array for a first color, a second shutter array for a second color, and a third shutter array for a third color, and an electrical arrangement for supplying first, second, and third color signals to the respective first, second, and third shutter arrays. Relative motion between the liquid crystal body and the color printing paper is provided in a direction to cause the liquid crystal body to scan the paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Kusaka
  • Patent number: 5103316
    Abstract: A method for the formation of images utilizing a plurality of optical image memories into each of which image information is written and from each of which said image information is read out sequentially to obtain image-information light that is used for the formation of images; wherein said image information written into one of said optical image memories is read out therefrom at the time when other image information is being written into another predetermined optical image memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuru Ogura
  • Patent number: 5097480
    Abstract: The invention comprises a laser light source for a raster laser display. The laser light source comprises a laser cavity, a lasing medium within the cavity, a lasing light source and a series of mirrors within the cavity arranged to reflect the beam of laser light repeatedly through the lasing medium. An acoustic modulator is included having an acoustic medium within the path of the beam within the cavity. Video information on each pixel of the display is converted to an RF signal and fed to a piezoelectric crystal which is coupled to the acoustic medium. The acoustic medium is arranged within the laser cavity with respect to the incident laser beam such that, in response to the acoustic information, the laser beam is either directed towards the screen, or when not needed for the display is directed towards one of the mirrors such that the beam can continue to propagate through the lasing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: The MITRE Corporation
    Inventor: Richard W. Pease
  • Patent number: RE33931
    Abstract: In this laser pattern generator, plural laser beams are arranged in a closely spaced, noninterfering array. The beams are concurrently deflected across a region of the target surface by an acousto-optic deflector driven by a swept frequency drive signal. The target is moved perpendicular to the direction of deflection to reposition it for exposure during the next stroke of the beams. The extent of target offset in the direction of deflection is measured and used to control initiation of modulation during each deflection stroke, so that each portion of the generated pattern begins from a uniform reference line on the target. Pattern data is supplied to the beam modulators in accordance with data clock pulses the repetition rate of which is established by the rate of change of frequency of the deflector drive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: American Semiconductor Equipment Technologies
    Inventor: Theodore R. Whitney