Abstract: It is assumed that there are a plurality of areas where a transfer is to be performed at a long pitch, in an original film, and a plurality of areas where a transfer is to be performed at a short pitch in each of the areas where a transfer is to be performed at a long pitch. On a sub-scan stage the original document is sub-scanned in the area where a transfer is to be performed at a short pitch, by performing at least one small step transferring, which is a transfer performed at a short pitch. Thereafter, a large step transferring which is a transfer performed at a long pitch, is performed on the sub-scan stage. The sub-scanning is repeated by performing the large step transferring and the small step transferring.

Abstract: A method and system of producing image prints and other physical manifestations of images from an order specifying one or more recipients and, for each specified recipient, a set of one or more images associated with that recipient. For each recipient specified by the order, the images associated with the recipient are separated into at least one printable unit of images. Each printable unit of images can be scheduled for image processing and/or printing in an optimized manner (e.g., according to a global scheduling algorithm and/or a “just-in-time” scheduling algorithm). Also, for each recipient, the images associated with the recipient may be separated into one or more sub-orders, and each sub-order may be separated into one or more sub-batches.

Abstract: There is disclosed a film scanner for scanning picture frames on photographic film. A plurality of filmstrips are spliced into a long photographic film web (17) and wound around a reel when placed in a film supply device (42) of the film scanner. The photographic film web is advanced from the supply reel through a film passageway to a film wind-up device (44). The film supply device and the film wind-up device are provided with loop formers (83, 91) for forming loops (17c, 17d) of the photographic film web before and behind a movable film table (52). After a picture frame of the photographic film web is positioned and fixed in a light permeable window (56) of the film table, the film table is moved back and forth along the film passageway. In synchronism with the reciprocating movement of the film table, the film scanner sequentially makes pre-scanning, focusing and fine scanning.

Abstract: An autofeeder and media object digitization system. A receptacle for media objects is coupled to align a first wall with a clip to hold the media object. A suction device forming part of the first wall sucks a media object against a suction plate. The suction plate then moves the media object into engagement with the clip. The clip is driven to move the media object past a scanning window. A release lever or the clip is triggered to release the media object after it has passed the scanning window.

Abstract: A transparency adapter for use with a scanner comprising a scanner light source, a scanner platen and a scanner lid. The transparency adapter comprises a light table comprising a stationary light source separate from the scanner light source. The stationary light source comprises a light table operating state for illuminating transparent media for viewing and a transparency adapter operating state for illuminating transparent media while it is being scanned by the scanner, thereby creating a scanned image of the transparent media, the scanned image having an output orientation. The transparency adapter further comprises at least one mounting device on the light table to hold the transparent media in an input orientation during the light table operating state.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus adaptable for two resolutions has two carriages with different resolutions. The carriages are disposed in the cover and the scanning bed of the scanning apparatus respectively. Each carriage includes a lens and a sensing module and the sensing module and the lens are at a fixed distance. The optical lengths between the lenses and the documents to be scanned are different so that the resolution produced by the carriage in the cover is different from the resolution produced by the carriage in the scanning bed.

Abstract: Scanner density values of a digitized image of an original film are processed so that a projection of the digitized image closely matches that image which a film projector would produce when projecting the original film. A method comprises the steps of transforming the scanner density values to printing density values; digital color balancing by writing the printing density values and a LAD patch onto film; printing the film is printed to LAD; transforming the images from device dependent color space values into device independent color space values; carrying out a relationship between the device independent color space and a display device output to obtain RGB code values; adjusting any non-linearity between the RGB code values and the display device output; and scaling the adjusted RGB code values to an appropriate bit depth.

Abstract: A film scanner has a transport table for transporting the film held by a film holder in a sub-scan direction, a transport mechanism for moving the transport table in the sub-scan direction, a line sensor and a line sensor drive circuit for obtaining an image of the film. The transport mechanism is provided with a scan motor driven in predetermined steps. The line sensor and the line sensor drive circuit are configured to read the signal at a first timing corresponding to a rotational position of the step of the scan motor and read the signal at both of the first timing and a second timing where the motor temporarily stops, due to overshoot, at an angular position between first timings.

Abstract: In a recording device, electrostatic recording units of Y, M, C and K are arranged along the direction of the feed of a recording sheet by a belt unit. The device forms latent images corresponding to image data by optical scanning of an exposure device onto a rotating photosensitive drum, develops the latent images with toner components having different colors, and then transfers the developed images onto the recording sheet on the belt unit. A color matching processing unit performs color matching processing including color slippage correction of different color images. An automatic color matching mode processing unit works the color matching processing unit when conditions beforehand decided in the state that an automatic correction mode is set up are realized.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for automating receipt of orders for additional printing of a photographic print, including order information relating to desired image processing. In a print order receiving machine, when a photographic print is inserted, an image of the photographic print is read and displayed on a monitor (steps 150, 152). When order conditions are inputted, an image which is processed on the basis of the order conditions is displayed on the monitor (steps 154 through 158). Further, when input of the order conditions is completed, the order conditions and order information based on the order conditions are set. The set order information is printed onto a photographic print as an invisible two-dimensional bar code. Copying processing of the photographic print is carried out on the basis of the order information which is read from the photographic print.

Abstract: A display device has a display section having scanning lines, and first and second scanning drivers having output lines for supplying scanning signals to the two ends of the scanning lines in the display section. When the potential of at least one of the output lines of the first or second scanning driver is fixed or unfixed due to an error in the first or second scanning driver, the output line at the fixed or unfixed potential is disconnected from the corresponding scanning line in the display section.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus and method in which no complicated control is carried out and suitable adjustment of the color balance can be carried out in accordance with the type of a photographic material. First, the type of a photographic film to be read is acquired. When the photographic film is a negative film or a sepia-tone film, a filter for negative film is set on an optical axis of illumination light. When the photographic film is a positive film or a black-and-white film, a filter for positive film is set on the optical axis of illumination light. In either state, a film image on the photographic film is read.

Abstract: After scan conditions are determined by the pre-scan, a temperature of a focus lens unit is measured. When the difference between the measured temperature and a set temperature data stored in a RAM is less than 4° C., a focus position is calculated based on set focus position data in the RAM and temperature correction data which is decided according to the temperature difference. When the temperature difference is 4° C. or more, a focus search operation is carried out to detect the focus position. Focus position data and temperature data, obtained by the focus search operation, are written in the RAM as set focus position data and set temperature data. It is possible to omit the focus search operation if temperature fluctuation is small.

Abstract: When a shutter button of a digital camera is pressed, a picture signal fetched from a CCD is converted to a digital signal and compressed and written into a nonvolatile memory means like a flash memory card as a picture file which can be identified uniquely. By turning on a reproduction switch, a picture file is read out from the nonvolatile memory means, the compressed data is expanded and converted to an analog signal, and the converted picture is displayed on a liquid crystal display. By pressing a display feed key, another picture file is read out and displayed. A user can produce a control file for controlling print processing, display processing, transmission processing and the like for the picture file by selecting a particular picture file using an operation key. The nonvolatile memory means can be removed. By mounting this memory means on a printer unit, display unit or picture transmission unit, the digital camera also can be used during print, display or transmission of the picture.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a scanning starting point of an image scanning apparatus includes a platen, carriage, and a number of marks. The X-Y coordinate system defined by the platen has an X-axis defined by a first wide margin of the platen and a Y-axis defined by a first long margin of the platen. The carriage moves along the Y direction. The marks inside the image scanning apparatus indicate different Y coordinate values. The method for positioning a scanning starting point of an image scanning apparatus is as follows: the nearest mark to the document to be scanned is first chosen as a reference point. The vector from an image starting point of the document to be scanned to the reference point is then obtained. The carriage finally moves to the reference point chosen as a starting point and proceeds to scan.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defect detection through color-filter channels is provided. The present invention includes an electronic scanner or similar device having a multilinear imager, a computer, and software that implements all the color channels of the multilinear imager to collect IR information in order to detect defects on a physical medium. The present invention implements methods to increase IR gathering speed and/or increase the clarity of captured images on multilinear-imager devices. These improvements are accomplished by capturing infrared (IR) light through each color-filter channel such that image defects such as dust and scratches are removed. In one embodiment of the present invention, IR information is collected from each color channel at different scan positions in either a one-pass or a two-pass scanning system.

Abstract: A digitizer having a dual exposure technique is combined with an associated LUT for each exposure. Each LUT may have a transfer function including a logarithmic operator resulting in a digitized image with improved photometric resolution and increased dynamic range. A digitizer utilizing multiple exposures at approximately equal exposure time intervals provides a noise reduction for lower optical density portions of the data medium further contributing to increased dynamic range. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: The image scanner 101 comprises a manuscript conveying unit 102 having conveying rolls 115, 116 for conveying a manuscript 111 and a first light source 114, and a manuscript reading unit 103 mounted on the manuscript conveying unit 102. The manuscript reading unit 103 detects movement of the manuscript 111 in the sub-scanning direction 118 by a rotation detecting roll 122 driven by the conveying roll 115. When the manuscript 111 is a reflection-type one, only a second light source 124 is switched ON to read the manuscript 111. When the manuscript 111 is a transmission-type one, only the first light source 114 is switched ON to read the manuscript 111. The image scanner 101 does not have a fixed platen. One-dimensional CCD 131 is fixed. The image scanner 101 can therefore be small in size.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an image reading apparatus which enables high-speed reading of an image transmitted through a transparent material such as a photographic film or an image reflected by a reflective material. In the image reading apparatus, a transparent material such as a photographic film is first conveyed in a conveying direction thereof, and an image frame to be read is positioned at a reading position. After the image frame is positioned, light emitted from a lamp is made into slit light by a light diffusion box, a longitudinal direction of the slit light coinciding with the conveying direction of the photographic film, and the slit light is irradiated on a portion (line) to be read of the photographic film. Light transmitted through the portion of the photographic film is imaged by a lens unit onto a light-receiving surface of a line CCD (a reading sensor) which is disposed along the longitudinal direction of the photographic film.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus in which extended image reading time is prevented when high quality image data is obtained, which image data is corrected by invisible light such as infrared light which is transmitted through an original. In a CCD scanner, visible light emitted from a light source is irradiated onto a photographic film. Infrared light emitted from the light source is reduced by an IR light reducing filter to be irradiated onto the photographic film. Visible light which has been transmitted through the photographic film is irradiated on a linear CCD by a lens unit, and the infrared light is reflected by a dichroic mirror to be irradiated on the linear CCD. Accordingly, the reading of invisible light can be effected at the same time that the reading of visible light is effected. It is therefore possible to prevent image reading time from becoming long due to the time required for the receiving of invisible light.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing calibration of photographic media. More particularly, the method and apparatus are based on measurements of areas of minimum optical density of a given photographic medium. Such measurements, when combined with reference optical density vs. exposure calibration data for related photographic media, provide an estimate of the optical density vs. exposure relationship of the given photographic medium. The method and apparatus of this invention are especially applicable for the calibration of photographic media used in hybrid imaging applications.

Abstract: A method of producing a low resolution image from a sparsely sampled extended dynamic range digital image, including the steps of: providing a sparsely sampled extended dynamic range image sensing device having fast photosites with a predetermined response to light exposure interspersed with slow photosites with a slower response to the same light exposure; using the image sensor to produce a sparsely sampled high resolution digital image having fast pixel values produced by the fast photosites and slow pixel values produced by the slow photosites; and constructing a low resolution digital image from the sparsely sampled high resolution digital image by using only slow pixel values or only fast pixel values from the sparsely sampled high resolution digital image.

Abstract: A plurality of image data to print a panorama image is selected from a plurality of image data photographed by a digital camera. The selected plurality of image data is read out and a panorama image composition processing is executed. The panorama image is printed on the basis of the image data which was panorama image composition processed and is printed as a panorama image without transmitting through a personal computer.

Abstract: The image reading device has a reading operation control processor that automatically starts a reading operation. In the reading operation, first, it is determined whether a film is attached to the image reading device. When the film is not attached to the image reading device, the reading operation is not proceeded. Conversely, when the film is attached to the image reading device, a pre-scanning operation is performed in which an image recorded in a film is read with a relatively coarse pitch, after a waiting time has passed. Then, a regular scanning operation is performed in which the image is read with a pitch finer than that of the pre-scanning operation.

Abstract: An image reading device is provided in which processing of magnetic information and image reading can be carried out efficiently, and parts can be arranged highly efficiently in terms of space. By conveying an APS film in a pull-out direction, magnetic information is read by a magnetic head, and an image frame is prescanned by a line CCD. Next, the APS film is conveyed in a take-up direction, and fine scanning is carried out by the line CCD and magnetic information is written by a magnetic head. In this way, because writing of magnetic information can be carried out during conveying for fine scanning, processing time can be shortened. Moreover, because a distance between the magnetic head and the line CCD is not restricted, the magnetic head and the line CCD can be disposed at positions which are efficient in terms of space.

Abstract: A scanner system for imaging a transparent media object comprising an illumination source for concurrently illuminating a first and second scan line of a media object, and a carriage comprising a photosensitive device located within the carriage and a light pipe affixed to a surface of the carriage is provided. The carriage is configured to receive on a first region of the photosensitive device light passed through the first scan line and the light pipe is adapted to redirect light passing through the second scan line onto a second region of the photosensitive device. The photosensitive device is operable to sample light directed onto the first and second regions.

Abstract: The invention provides a film holder for an advanced scanner having a notched and grooved frame surrounding a central support, preferably a glass plate. The frame contains grooves along the side edges of the frame that correspond with accepting gears of a scanner such as a 4,000-dpi scanner. The central support provides a mounting surface for a piece of film to be scanned, wherein the film is mounted on the central support with a mounting fluid. The mounting fluid smoothes over imperfections in the film and central support, and holds the film secure to the support over the entire surface area of the film, thereby improving scan quality.

Abstract: In order to reduce time required for inputting images of a film, an image reading apparatus comprising a first detecting section which detects starting positions of respective frame images of the film and positions of marks, a storing section which sets and stores, on the basis of the starting positions and the positions of the marks detected by the first detecting section, a position of a frame corresponding mark, which corresponds to the starting position, every each of the frame images, a second detecting section, provided at downstream side of the first detecting section, which detects the position of the frame corresponding mark every each of the frame images and an image reading section which reads each of the image frames in order of frame number thereof on the basis of the stored contents in the storing section and detection data detected by the second detecting section, is provided.

Abstract: A flow sensor detects a flow rate of cooling air from a compressor, and a determination is made as to whether or not the detected flow rate is abnormal. A determination is made by a diaphragm position sensor as to whether or not a diaphragm is located at such a critical position that a quantity of light illuminated onto a photographic film is large, possibly resulting in degeneration of a photographic film. A lamp is turned off if the diaphragm is located at the critical position and the flow rate of the cooling air is abnormal.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for automating receipt of orders for additional printing of a photographic print, including order information relating to desired image processing. In a print order receiving machine, when a photographic print is inserted, an image of the photographic print is read and displayed on a monitor (steps 150, 152). When order conditions are inputted, an image which is processed on the basis of the order conditions is displayed on the monitor (steps 154 through 158). Further, when input of the order conditions is completed, the order conditions and order information based on the order conditions are set. The set order information is printed onto a photographic print as an invisible two-dimensional bar code. Copying processing of the photographic print is carried out on the basis of the order information which is read from the photographic print.

Abstract: A negative film setter has film holders for having set therein films to be fed. Each of the film holders has both a detecting sensor for detecting whether a film is set therein and a lamp which is lit when a film is set in a film holder and which is not lit when a film is not set therein. Therefore, a user can determine at a glance whether or not films are set in the film holders, thus allowing the user to skillfully set a plurality of films at film setting sections. Accordingly, due to detection by the detecting sensor, the negative film setter can recognize in which film holder a film is set, and films can be fed in a sequential order.

Abstract: A mixed-element stitching and noise reduction system includes apparatus and methods for producing an image dataset having a reduced noise content without substantially impacting image reproduction accuracy. Such noise reduction is provided by replacing a portion of a first, higher noise image dataset with a portion of a second, lower noise dataset. In a preferred embodiment, two image datasets comprising a color-stitched image and a luminance image are received from a DFP image capturing system. The received images are preferably separately stitched and separately converted to a color-space in which a luminance data channel is separated from image color information. The luminance channel of the luminance image is then preferably substituted for the luminance channel of the color-stitched image. More preferably, a log-time stitching technique is used and the stitched images are each converted to an L*a*b* color space.

Abstract: An image processing and manipulation system provides a user the opportunity to customize images exposed on dry process photosensitive film. That is, the system of the present invention permits a user to choose a particular look that is to be associated with exposed images on photosensitive film. The looks can be, but are not limited to, for example, accurate color reproduction, portraiture, brilliant color, black and white, etc. Therefore, with the system of the present invention, a customer is presented with the option of choosing a photographic appearance and or look that the customer desires for planned images. In the system and method of the present invention, an order based on a photographic film selected by the customer and a selected appearance characteristic is associated with the images exposed on the film. A code is assigned to at least a sample of the selected film and/or the order.

Abstract: In a device for scanning films using at least one sensor with discrete light-sensitive elements, the light-sensitive elements of the sensor are randomly addressable for the read-out of video signals. Provision is made for an arrangement for addressing adapted to the imaging of the film on the sensor. In this case, the film may be imaged with the entire width on the sensor. Groups of pixels onto which in each case the filmed image, the perforation and, if appropriate, an optical sound track are imaged are addressed and read out separately.

Abstract: A graphical image scanner scans pixelated regions of a color image to measure light intensities in a plurality of hyperspectral bandpasses for each pixel. The scanner transforms the hyperspectral bandpass intensities into device-independent color representations for each pixel, using scientific color representations, for example, as defined in CIE-31 and CIE-76 colorimetry standards as devised by the Commission Internatonale de l'Eclairage (CIE).

Abstract: A light source module arranged in an image scanning device having a scanning platform and an image-pickup module for scanning a transparent object is disclosed, The light source module includes a cover, a light source mounted in the cover for emitting light to the scanning platform for scanning a transparent object, a RGB filter mounted between the light source and the scanning platform for filtering off the light into RGB lights, a switching mechanism connected to the RGB filter for being controlled to alternately allow one of RGB lights to be transmitted to the scanning platform, and a transmission mechanism for carrying the light source, the RGB filter, and the switching mechanism to move with the image-pickup module for accomplishing the scanning operation to the transparent object.

Abstract: The image processing method sets an image processing condition of an image using either image data of an image clipping area corresponding to the image or extended image data which is image data of an extended image area that is wider than the image clipping area in a direction in which a plurality of images is continuously recorded; represents an image obtained by processing the extended image data in accordance with the image processing condition and the image clipping area or only an image within the image clipping area obtained by processing said extended image data in accordance with said image processing condition; judges whether the represented image clipping area is appropriate or not; and modifies the image clipping area in accordance with a result of the judging. Even when a frame clipping error occurs in a photoprinter, the method can consistently output an appropriate image preventing decrease of work or production efficiency or keeping it to a minimum.

Abstract: A method for digitizing images stored on film material has, after the image conversion by means of a digitizing device (3) firstly an electronic color value correction independent of user inputs. A user-controllable correction and manipulation of the electronically stored information is subsequently carried out only after the electronic color value correction, which is effected in a manner dependent on properties of the digitizing device (3) and on film material properties. The electronic color value correction depends on parameters which can be adapted to varying properties of the digitizing device (3). A film scanner adapted to this method has a digitizing device (3) and also a device for controllable correction (5) of the converted image data. A device of discrete construction for electronic color value correction (5) is connected between the digitizing device (3) and the device for controllable correction (4).

Abstract: A display apparatus (18) capable of sequentially displaying a plurality of annotated image prints (36), each image print having encoded audio data (54) made integral to its back surface (46), thereby providing a convenient way to both display image prints and play back audio data associated with image prints. In one aspect, the display apparatus (18) also records audio data for a plurality of image prints and provides a handwritten means to electronically associate a particular image print with its respective audio recording. In other aspects, the display apparatus (18) also includes means for integrating encoded data (54) with the image prints and recording, storing and playing back data corresponding to a portfolio of image prints. There is also a method of capturing images and corresponding audio messages, integrating the audio messages with the back surfaces (46) of image prints made from the images, and displaying the image prints while playing back the corresponding audio messages.

Abstract: An image display and recording apparatus displays at least one image which belongs to a category as a heading image which shows that category. The heading images are selected from a plurality of images recorded in memory. The display of the heading images allows the content of each category to be grasped at one glance when selecting the category. The heading images may be used when displaying the categories of the images in various types of displays. Such displays include an index screen, a cartridge list screen, a category list screen, a category index screen, a story list screen, and a story index screen.

Abstract: A digital still camera is used for taking and storing digital representations of a plurality of images. A printer, such as an ink jet printer or a laser printer, is used for generating graphical representations of selected ones of the plurality of images on a preselected print media such as a paper. A flash memory card, floppy diskette, direct data link or some other data transfer scheme is used to transfer the digital representations of the plurality of images from the digital still camera to the printer. The printer includes programming for generating a combination proof sheet and order form. The combination proof sheet and order form can include an array of thumbnail images and a plurality of image selection and/or image enhancement user designation areas such as bubbles to be filled in by the user with a pencil. The printer includes a scanner and related circuitry and software for scanning the combination proof sheet and order form to detect the user designation areas completed by the user.

Abstract: A display and scanning assembly is disclosed wherein light reflected from or transmitted through an image being scanned is transmitted to an optical sensor through an optical shutter assembly via a light guide assembly. The optical shutter assembly is made substantially opaque except for one or more selected optical shutter elements that are made substantially transparent or opened. Light is then reflected from or transmitted through the medium containing the image to be scanned through substantially transparent shutter element or elements and transmitted to the optical sensor via a light guide assembly. The image may then be scanned by advancing selection of shutter element or elements that are opened across the medium.

Abstract: A light lid with a previewing window is disclosed. The light lid provides a lightsome window to preview a transparent original. The light lid comprises a housing that has an opening, and a light conductive plate, which is positioned under the housing to conduct light upwards and downwards evenly so that the light illuminates evenly on the opening and a scanner. Therefore, a user can place a transparent original, such as negatives, above the opening to preview the image of the negatives clearly by the light which is conducted by the light conductive plate and past through the opening.

Abstract: From a photosensitive material F, image data S1 is obtained together with the density Ds of the unexposed portion of the photosensitive material F. On the basis of this density Ds, the optimum characteristic curve for the photosensitive material F stored in the storing means 3 is modified by modifying means 4 to obtain a modified characteristic curve. In the storing means 3, a plurality of characteristic curves after the time lapse may be stored, and from these characteristic curves, a modified characteristic curve may be obtained. The modified characteristic curve is inputted to the transforming means 5, and on the basis of this, the image data S1 is transformed to provide processed image data S2. The processed image data S2 is reproduced as a print image K by the printing means 6.

Abstract: An image reading device in which an image can be read efficiently and at high speed and with high image quality with little heat being generated at a time of light emission, and the device can be made compact. After lights of respective colors are collected and focused, the light is diffused in a vicinity of a film. Therefore, almost all of lights emitted from LED chip groups can be guided to a surface of the film.

Abstract: A film scanner for scanning images formed on a film is provided with a film type identifying system that automatically identifies a type of a film to be scanned, and a scanning condition setting system that automatically sets a scanning condition in accordance with the type of the film identified by the film type identifying system.

Abstract: Non-symmetric distortion generated by an imaging system producing a distortion predominantly in one image dimension is corrected by providing a distortion model capable of correcting the non-symmetric distortion in an image that is predominantly in the one image dimension, providing one or more correction parameters, wherein at least one correction parameter relates to the distortion predominantly in the one image dimension, and generating an image corrected for the non-symmetric distortion by using the distortion model and the one or more correction parameters.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an imaging device such as a scanner or printer. The imaging device includes a unique media gate arrangement in which each of the media gates is positioned along the same optical axis. This provides for a gate arrangement in which media of a first format will be conveyed across one of the gates and media of a second format will be conveyed across a second one of the gates. With the arrangement of the present invention it is not necessary to change a media gate based on the format of the film or media used, since the media gates based are positioned along the same optical axis and are positioned such that the light beam passes through both gates.

Abstract: A finishing code is determined with precedence given to a finishing code recorded in an IC later rather than to a finishing code recorded in a bar code as an initial value. If the determined finishing code is a monochrome finishing code, image processing for attaining a monochrome finishing is performed, and if the determined finishing code is a sepia tone finishing code, image processing for attaining a sepia tone finishing is performed. Further, if the determined finishing code is a special finishing cancellation code or an ordinary finishing code, image processing for attaining an ordinary color finishing is performed. As a result, by only recording a desired finishing code in the IC, it is possible to obtain a photographic print corresponding to the desired finishing code instead of to the a finishing code recorded on the bar code during production.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for obtaining image information of an image original, such as a photographic negative, are disclosed. Light for exposing the image original (5) is emitted by a light source (10). Light that has been used to expose the image original (5) is subsequently detected by a light detector (28-30). In this case, obtaining the image information of the image original (5) is controlled by a control unit (31). The control unit (31) determines a certain point in time (T2-T4, T8-T10) corresponding to a parameter that has been determined earlier and that is specific to the image original (5). The light detector (28-30) is triggered at certain points in time (T2-T4, T8-T10) by the control unit (31) for obtaining the image information of the image original (5).