Abstract: In a printing system, a developed photo filmstrip is put in a film scanner to pick up image data from all picture frames photographed on the filmstrip. An index image of the picture frames is displayed based on the image data, so a user selects picture frames to print with reference to the index image while designating a print size to each picture frame. The image data of each designated picture frame is compressed at a rate that is decided according to the print size. The higher compression rate is used for the smaller the print size. The compressed image data and print order data are transferred to a work station of a photofinisher. The photofinisher reproduces the original image data from the compressed image data, and makes prints based on the image data and print order data.

Abstract: There is described a method of processing an image recorded on a film, by which differences of gamma values between RGB image information and information on foreign substances or damages are corrected. The method comprises the steps of: irradiating a plurality of lights, whose wavelengths are different relative to each other, onto the film; reading the image by detecting the plurality of lights transmitted through the film or reflected from the film placed, so as to generate a plurality of color image data sets corresponding to a plurality of color images included in the image; and processing the plurality of color image data sets, so as to keep each of relative relationships or each of ratios, between gamma values of the plurality of color images, substantially constant.

Abstract: A media adapter operable to expose a portion of a roll of media having an end attached to a gatherer included in the adapter and automatically forward a predefined length of the media for exposing sequential portions thereof is provided. A method of scanning images on a media includes exposing a first portion of the media having a predefined length, transmitting light to the first portion and advancing the media to expose a subsequent portion is provided. A scanner system for scanning images on a roll of media including a reflective scanner and a media adapter that includes a mount for holding the roll of media, a gatherer for holding an end of the media, and a feed mechanism that advances a predefined length of the media onto the gatherer thereby exposing a subsequent portion of the media is provided.

Abstract: An overhead slide projector having copier capability in a single, multifunctional unit. A scanning unit is incorporated into the housing of an overhead projector. Digital transmission output ports are provided for transmitting signals indicative of the slide content digitized by the scanning unit. An associated hard copy unit can also be incorporated into the housing. Electronic or hard copy outputs of a transparency currently on the projector stage can be immediately generated.

Abstract: A transparent scanning light source for a scanner. The transparent scanning light source, having both lamps and their associated transformer, is mounted on a base frame and an n-shape light-channeling board is mounted on a cover. By detaching the light-channeling board and the lamps, fabrication of the cover is simplified. The light-channeling board is divided into an illumination section, a support section on each side of the illumination section and a corner section at the junction between the illumination section and the support section. The bottom surface of the support section is capable of channeling light emitted from the lamp into the light-channeling board and out through an irradiation area underneath the illumination section. A diffuser plate is also attached to the irradiation area of the illumination section so that an evenly spread light source is produced for transparent scanning.

Abstract: Based on density characteristics of a transparent film original, individual light density distributions for color resolution signals read by an imaging means can be obtained. Because of this, a color state of the transparent film original can be accurately obtained. The density characteristics which are used in a process which calculate the individual light density distributions change according to the type of transparent film original, so a color state of the transparent film original can be further accurately obtained.

Abstract: A film scanner for electronically scanning an image recorded on a photographic film, includes an image scanner unit, a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit, and a back-light unit in a body. The back-light radiates a light from a top surface of the body, and the film is slidably supported on the top surface. The image scanner unit scans the image of the film illuminated by the back-light unit. The liquid crystal display (LCD) unit illuminated by the back-light unit, displays the image scanned by the image scanner unit. The LCD unit is pivotably removable from the top surface, such that the film is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior lithographic microfabrication processes while providing further improvements that can significantly enhance the ability to make more complicated semiconductor chips at lower cost. A new type of programmable structure for exposing a wafer allows the lithographic pattern to be changed under electronic control. This provides great flexibility, increasing the throughput and decreasing the cost of chip manufacture and providing numerous other advantages. The programmable structure consists of an array of shutters that can be programmed to either transmit light to the wafer (referred to as its “open” state) or not transmit light to the wafer (referred to as its “closed” state). The programmable structure can comprise or include an array of selective amplifiers.

Abstract: The invention concerns image-recording apparatus, which records an image onto a sheet-film. The image-recording apparatus includes a mainframe; a main/sub-scanning unit that includes a main-scanning unit to expose a light-beam onto a sheet-film by scanning the light-beam in a main-scanning direction and a sub-scanning unit to convey the sheet-film in a sub-scanning direction; and a supporting member to mount and support the main/sub-scanning unit onto the mainframe at a supporting position. The height of the supporting position is substantially the same as that of a center of gravity of the main/sub-scanning unit. The sub-scanning unit is detachably integrated with the main-scanning unit to form the main/sub-scanning unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for radiant thermal development of photothermal film comprising a receiving chamber for a film cartridge, drive means to advance thermal film from said film cartridge and rewind film into said film cartridge, an accumulator to gather said film after it has left the cartridge, a source of radiant energy, a guiding means to guide said radiant energy to develop said thermal film as said thermal film passes between said cartridge and said accumulator, a radiant energy absorbing material incorporated into said photothermal film, and a lighttight container for said chamber, heater, and accumulator.

Abstract: A system and method for correction and reconstruction of digital color images make use of one or more of a set of algorithms for color calibration and correction, and reconstruction. An algorithm for optimized bit depth reduction also can be used to match the response curve of the scanner to that of the scanned media, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio and decreasing artifacts such as pixelization, which can result from sampling the tone curve too coarsely. In a photographic film application, in particular, a color calibration and correction algorithm enables correction of the image for variations in hue from film type to film type, over-exposure or under-exposure, exposure-induced hue shifts, hue shifts caused by lighting effects, processing related hue shifts, and other variables in film processing, while preserving overall hue of the subject matter in the originally photographed image.

Abstract: Images of film that has been developed are captured by image sensing, thereby being converted to original digital image data representing these images. The original digital image data is converted to reduced digital image data representing images that are reduced in size. The reduced digital image data is stored on a user's disk, and the original digital image data is stored on a laboratory recording medium together with an identification code identifying the roll of film. The identification code is applied to the film and to the user's disk on which the reduced digital image data has been stored. The original digital image data is read out of the laboratory recording medium and photographs of the images represented by this data are printed. The identification code may be recorded on the user's disk instead of being applied thereto. A program (hypertext) for reproducing the images also is stored on the user's disk.

Abstract: The illumination optical device has a collimator lens and a light source. The light source is provided with light-emitting diodes radiating green, red and blue light beams, respectively. The light-emitting diodes are arranged on a straight line, which is perpendicular to the optical axis of the collimator lens and which intersects a focal point of the collimator lens. Each of the green, red and blue light beams is changed to a parallel beam by the collimator lens, and is then changed to a strip-shaped light beam by a cylindrical lens which is provided between the collimator lens and a film. The film is disposed in such a manner that each of the light beams is made incident on the film.

Abstract: A scanning device capable of operating in a reflection mode or a transparency mode. The scanning device includes a transparency processing section, a reflection processing section and an optical system. The transparency processing section includes a document feeding port, a plurality of rollers, a first light source and a driving motor. The document feed port has a narrow slit in the upper surface of the scanning device. The rollers are aligned from the document feeding port down towards the base of the scanning device. The first light source is positioned between the side edge and the document feeding port. The driving motor is responsible for driving the rollers. The reflection processing section is located on the upper surface of the scanning device. The reflection processing section includes a second light source. The optical system includes a first reflecting mirror, a second reflecting mirror set, a lens and an optical sensor.

Abstract: A vibration-proof device for an upper transparency adapter (UTA) of a scanner is provided. The vibration-proof device includes a supporter for coupling a slide rod mounted in a cover of the upper transparency adapter for an optic source carriage to be slidably coupled thereto, a positioning member for retaining in place the supporter in the cover and an elastic member interposed between the supporter and a base of the cover for providing the supporter with an upward elastic force so as to resiliently abut the optic source carriage against a glass panel attached to the cover.

Abstract: This invention provides an image reader which simply fetches a film image as an image of substantially the same size and the same image quality irrespective of issuance of a trimming command. In the image reader, information related to a trimming area can be read from a developed film by use of a magnetic information reading circuit. Further, light is applied to the developed film and image information is read based on light transmitted therethrough by use of an image input circuit. The resolution set when the image input circuit fetches image information from a preset trimming area is determined by a control circuit based on trimming information from the magnetic information reading circuit.

Abstract: In an optical scanning device for scanning both a high-density, HD, record carrier (38) and a low-density, LD, record carrier (18), a two-wavelength diode laser (50) is used for generating the HD scanning beam and the LD scanning beam. By arranging a composite diffraction element (60) close to the diode laser (50), which element has a first diffraction structure (63), for combining the HD beam and the LD beam, and a second diffraction structure (64), which acts as a lens for either the LD beam or the HD beam only, a compact device is obtained, which is suitable for writing the LD information layer (40).

Abstract: An automated negative scanner that sequentially positions photographic image-bearing negative film relative to an image gathering device which electronically captures a negative film image and digitizes the image without relying on DX code information regarding exposure conditions. The automated scanner comprises a feed spool and a take-up spool for image-bearing negative film, each spool connected to a motor for rotational movement wherein the feed spool and take-up spool are separated by a negative capture area, and wherein the feed spool holds a plurality of negative film rolls spliced together. The negative capture area contains a belt transport to transport the negative film and two dancer rollers connected to a tensioned lever arm each separately associated with both of the feed spool and take-up spool wherein the dancer rollers separate the rollers rotational movement from the transport of the film in the negative capture area.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a film image read apparatus which allows a monitor to reproduce a film image in accordance with the intention of the photographer. To achieve this object, there is provided an apparatus including an information read circuit for reading predetermined information, other than image information, which is recorded on a film, an image read circuit for reading an illuminated film image, a metering circuit for metering the illuminated film image, a switching circuit for switching metering areas of the metering means for the film image, and a control circuit for controlling the switching means to switch the metering areas for the film image in accordance with the read information.

Abstract: The invention involves selecting a path through a multi-dimensional hyper-cube from a base vertex to an opposite corner or vertex of the hyper-cube. The path is selected by ranking the fractional components of the point or value to be interpolated. An N-dimensional interpolation is performed according to this sequence. During an interpolation a base vertex for an input color value is determined. The output value for the base vertex is accumulated. The fractional values of the input color value are sorted and ranked according to magnitude to produce an interpolation sequence. The interpolations are performed for each axis of the N-dimensions by selecting an axis for interpolation based on the order, performing an interpolation corresponding to the selected axis producing an interpolation result, and accumulating the interpolation result.

Abstract: 7A modular scanner has a housing with a transparent platform upon which a document may be placed. A first control board for controlling operations of the scanner is disposed within the housing. A scanning module is also installed inside the housing and is electrically connected to the first control board. The scanning module is used to scan a document placed on the transparent platform to generate corresponding image data. A first input device is disposed on the housing to provide an input interface. The first control board is removably installed inside the housing, and the first input device is removably connected to the housing. The first control board and the first input device are capable of being replaced, respectively, with a second control board and a second input device.

Abstract: A system for recording and reproducing a color image of a scene includes an image recording apparatus including a body portion for containing components of the apparatus and for housing a roll of black and white silver halide emulsion film. The body portion includes a focal lens for focusing scene illumination to expose the film with the scene image. A color filter disposed in the body portion filters the scene illumination. The filter includes a color filter array having a plurality of adjacent pixel arrays, whereby the scene illumination is pixelated on the black and white film for each array as units of luminance and chrominance information.

Abstract: An image reading method and apparatus are provided to make it possible to reduce the time required for reading of a film image, and to reduce wear of a magnetic head and damage to a film which are caused by conveying of the film. There are provided a reading device which reads film images sequentially recorded on an elongated photographic film, a magnetically recorded data reading device which reads magnetically recorded data magnetically recorded on the photographic film, a conveying device for conveying the photographic film, and control device for controlling the reading device to carry out the preliminary reading of each of film images recorded on the photographic film while controlling the conveying device to convey the photographic film in a predetermined direction, and for controlling the magnetically recorded data reading device to read the first magnetically recorded date concurrently with the preliminary reading of the film images by the reading means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device used for the digital detection of transparent and opaque documents, comprising a CCD pick-up element, a document holder, an illuminating device and elements for covering the edges (masking unit) of the documents. The method comprises the following steps: a) placing the document on the document holder; b) determining the size of the document; c) automatically adjusting a zoom objective, assigned to the scanner, in relation to the document; d) automatically adjusting the masking to the document size; e) beginning the exposure process; f) automatically adjusting the illumination by determining the dynamic range of the image intensity; g) exposing the CCD chip in the camera (one shot); h) memorizing the digitized data in a PC memory; i) further processing the memorized data in the PC or in an external data processing installation.

Abstract: The invention discloses an image reading apparatus in which a linear image sensor is provided in the vicinity of an imaging optical system and the main scanning operation is achieved by electronic scanning of the linear image sensor in the longitudinal direction thereof while the sub scanning operation is achieved by the relative movement of the linear image sensor and the image formed by the imaging optical system with plural scanning speed and the image information is outputted by communication between the image process means for processing the image obtained by each main scanning operation and the external equipment, the apparatus is featured by fetching plural shading data while a scanning motor in the sub scanning direction is driven with such plural scanning speeds.

Abstract: A method for remotely selecting and ordering photographic prints, includes the steps of: sending a photographic film bearing a plurality of latent images to a photofinisher; developing the photographic film to produce visible images and scanning the visible images to create a digital image file at the photo finisher; producing an index print having a plurality of images from the photographic film along with an index number associated with each image and an order number; sending the index print to a customer; selecting images for which prints are desired from the index print; ordering photographic prints via telephone from the customer's home to the photofinisher, specifying the order number and the index numbers associated with the images for which prints are desired; and making photographic prints of the selected images at the photofinisher and sending the photographic prints to the customer.

Abstract: A plurality of picture image data obtained from a film in one film handling operation by a film scanner with the automatic film feeding function are output as prints by a digital printer and also as files in a recording medium by a file outputting device. In the system for providing the above two kinds of output services, the numbers of film scanners, file outputting devices, and digital printers are determined so that the processing performance of each kind of apparatus in a unit time times the number of each kind of apparatus is almost the same, to make each kind of apparatus comprising the system demonstrate its full performance.

Abstract: To provide an image reading apparatus which is capable of easily and quickly specifying a frame of a transparency original for which image reading is desired from the transparency original having a plurality of frames and of image reading with high accuracy at the time of final reading of a specified image. The image reading apparatus comprises: a carrier member holding a film-shaped transparency original which has a plurality of frames; an illuminating means illuminating the transparency original; and an image reading means reading image data of the transparency original illuminated by the illuminating means, in which when the image data is read in previewing, the carrier member is moved by a carrier moving means, and when final image reading of the image data is effected, the carrier member is moved by moving a carrier frame having the carrier moving means. The image data which has been read is outputted to an image display device connected to the image reading apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photographic capturing device for the capturing of photographic image information from photographic media with a light source, with a stage for the photographic medium to preset a reference position for the projection of the photographic medium by way of a projection optics onto a detection element which detects the light originating from the light source and modulated by the photographic medium according to the image information, whereby a sample carrier with a sample is provided for the control of the focus of the projected image, and a positioning mechanism which removably places the sample carrier a the reference position for projecting the sample onto the detection element by way of the projection optics.

Abstract: An image processing method in which at least one aberration of an optically recorded image selected from among lateral chromatic aberration, distortion, decrease in the brightness of the edge of image field and image blurring is corrected based on lens characteristics of a taking lens and position information of the image. Additionally, an image processing apparatus comprises an acquiring section for acquiring information identifying a taking lens; a storage section for storing lens characteristics associated with the type of the taking lens; and a correcting section which receives the corresponding lens characteristics of the taking lens from the storage section and corrects at least one aberration selected from among lateral chromatic aberration, distortion, decrease in the brightness of the edge of image field and image blurring.

Abstract: A light diverting channel for use in a scanner. The channel is incorporated into the cover of a flat bed scanner and transmits light from the lamps positioned longitudinally along the scanner, up through the side of the channel, and through a central region or sheet of the channel, and then down through objects to be scanned. The light diverting channel thereby more efficiently uses the light generated by the lamps and more evenly disburses the light over and through the object to be scanned.

Abstract: An image reading system prescans and/or scans a film with magnetic recording and image data to be stored in a film cartridge after the film is developed. The image reading system employs a one-dimensional CCD and is capable of recording/reading retrievable ID numbers on a magnetic recording part. A thumbnail display simultaneously displays all image and magnetic information of all frames of a film, and selected frames to be scanned can be easily identified and compared after obtaining the image data of such film through prescanning. Magnetic recording-information and image information are rapidly read during prescanning and selected frames are then scanned with more refinement as compared to the coarse scanning of the film during prescanning.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a size detector for detecting a first size of a first image recorded on an original; an input device for inputting a second size of a second image to be recorded on a recording medium by an image recording apparatus; a determining device for determining a reading condition to read the first image according to the first and second sizes; and a reading device for reading the first image according to the reading condition to obtain information of the first image.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and a method for detecting the scanning range when applying the assistant frames in the flatbed scanners. Fixed marks allocated at the front side of the assistant frames are used to determine the sizes of the assistant frames. The required scanning ranges are thus determined according to the recognized assistant frames obtained from pre-scan. Only the front sides but whole of the assistant frames need to be pre-scanned, and thus to reduce the scanning time interval.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for thermal development comprising a receiving chamber for a thrust cartridge, drive means to advance thermal film from said thrust cartridge and rewind film into said thrust cartridge, an optical writer to write information onto the thermally developable film, a magnetic reader and writer to read and write magnetic information onto the film, a scanner to scan the thermally developable film, an accumulator to gather said film after it has left the cartridge, a heater located between said chamber and said accumulator to develop said thermal film as it passes between said cartridge and said accumulator, and a lighttight container for said chamber, heater, and accumulator.

Abstract: A photographic film scanner for scanning a film strip containing a plurality of photographic images is disclosed. The film strip is continuously advanced through the scanner and a digital image of the film strip is created. Individual images contained in the digital image of the film strip are located and displayed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a digital image reading apparatus and method which can determine the characteristic value of film with pinpoint accuracy and can properly determine the image processing conditions for each frame using the characteristic value even if the images recorded on the film have color failure.

Abstract: A method of digital photofinishing comprising the steps of: producing a digital color image in optical printing densities of a color image captured on photographic media; processing the digital color image with an underexposure gamma correction algorithm, a scene balance algorithm, and a contrast normalization algorithm to produce a processed digital color image; mapping the processed digital color image through a hard copy media characteristic curve to produce a mapped digital color image mapped to print densities of the hard copy media; sharpening the mapped digital color image with a sharpening algorithm optimized to avoid unacceptable artifacts; and digitally printing the sharpened digital color image onto hard copy media.

Abstract: A process and device for the output of electronic image signals on light-sensitive recording material is disclosed. A two-dimensional, transmissive display element, in particular a liquid crystal display (LCD), is controlled by the image signals and the beam of at least one light source passes therethrough in the direction of the light-sensitive recording material. During video output, the display element is arranged so near to the recording material that a sharp picture is produced on the recording material without having to position additional focusing, optical means between the display element and the recording material.

Abstract: A photographic film scanner has a line integration light sensor and a programmed controller which employs a plurality of lookup tables (LUT) sequenced by a common timer to control the timing of data collection and transfer to an asynchronously operating host computer. Delays in the transfer of image data to the host computer which exceed the light sensor line integration time can cause the integrated pixel scan information to become corrupted. Data corruption caused by delays in excess of line integration time is avoided by disabling the light sources and the related image scan operations until it is determined that prior line data transfer to the host is completed whereupon the accumulated data is collected and transferred to the host computer and normal scan operations are re-initiated. Even with the LEDs disabled, excessive build-up of dark current in the light sensors can corrupt the accumulated image information in the light sensor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is described to improve the digital processing of scanned negative films by reducing the amount of time necessary to perform the process and by increasing the robustness and quality of the images produced. These benefits are achieved by a process of color inversion, white point and black point mapping, and midtone adjustment. White and black mapping increases the dynamic range of the image, as well as removes the color cast of the negative film. A backlit image postprocessing algorithm can be employed which uses heuristics to identify backlighted situations, which are then brightened using a nonlinear power mapping. A midtone adjustment can include the sub-steps of contrast reduction and color adjustment. Contrast reduction reverses the film exposure characteristics. Color adjustment removes the remaining color cast in the midtone region of the image, and obtains the correct brightness.

Abstract: A scanner system has a scanner and a personal computer (PC). On the scanner side, a fluorescent lamp for illumination is turned on, and step driving of a CCD is performed in accordance with the state of a resolution selection SW under the control of a RISC. Simultaneously, a sensing operation in the main scanning direction is performed. The sensed image signal is subjected to predetermined image processing and transferred to the PC side. Upon completion of scanning of one frame of a film, information (scanning parameters) associated with the resolution and sub-scanning direction is transferred to the PC side. The fluorescent lamp is turned off, and processing on the scanner side is ended. On the PC side for performing information processing, the correction amount for color misregistration of the sensed image signal is determined on the basis of the scanning parameters with reference to a table held in advance, in which optimum correction processing is defined, under the control of a CPU.

Abstract: Scanner apparatus may comprise a housing having a front side with an opening therein, a back side with an opening therein and a scanning device mounted within the housing. A transparent platen mounted within the opening in the front side of the housing allows an object positioned adjacent the scanning device so that the object may be thereafter scanned. A transparent window mounted within the opening in the back side of the housing allows a user to view at least a portion the object positioned adjacent the transparent platen.

Abstract: An optical, multi-resolution scanning apparatus for scanning transparent or opaque objects including a high resolution lens, a low resolution lens, a flip mirror switch which alternates between high resolution mode and low resolution mode of scanning, a flip mirror switch which alternates between transmissive mode and reflective mode of scanning whereby high and low resolution scanning of opaque and/or transparent objects may be accomplished through movement of flip mirror switches, without transverse movement of the lens assembly.

Abstract: A method for remotely selecting and ordering photographic prints, includes the steps of: sending a photographic film bearing a plurality of latent images to a photofinisher; developing the photographic film to produce visible images and scanning the visible images to create a digital image file at the photo finisher; producing an index print having a plurality of images from the photographic film along with an index number associated with each image and an order number; sending the index print to a customer; selecting images for which prints are desired from the index print; ordering photographic prints via telephone from the customer's home to the photofinisher, specifying the order number and the index numbers associated with the images for which prints are desired; and making photographic prints of the selected images at the photofinisher and sending the photographic prints to the customer.

Abstract: A film scanner is capable of reading an image formed on a film in accordance with a photographing mode recorded in each frame of the film. In this film scanner, an image formed in each frame of a film held by a film holder is projected onto a linear image sensor by a focusing optical system to read the image with the linear image sensor. A magnetic information detection unit detects magnetic information recorded in each frame of the film, and a system controller identifies a photographing mode of each frame of the film. In accordance with the identified photographing mode, an image read area of each frame is set and a subscanning motor is driven in accordance with this image read area. The subscanning motor is driven in the area outside of the image read area at a faster speed than in the image read area. Therefore, a read time can be shortened as compared to the case wherein all frames are read in the broadest image read area. Trimming works can be omitted.

Abstract: In a photographic film scanner having a film transport drive stepper motor, an illuminant head having a plurality of spectrally separate light source, a light sensor and data collection and transfer circuits, each operationally responsive to a programmed controller. The controller is provided with a common timer and is programmed with a plurality of lookup tables (LUT), each LUT is populated with a sequence of elements defining timing of an operating activity in a respective one of the illuminant head light sources, the stepper motor and the light sensor data transfer circuits. The program operates to use the common timer to step synchronously through the elements of the LUTs to output value states from the elements of each of the LUTs; to control the actuation timing of the respective light sources, stepper motor and data collection and transfer circuits.

Abstract: In a method for producing index prints from photographic originals, each of the photographic originals is photoelectrically scanned in a scanning station of a photographic printer by a color- sensitive scanning system of low to medium local resolution in a plurality of first scanning regions. Using the scanning data, a digital color data set is determined for each original, with the aid of which set a digital representation of the picture content of the original is prepared for each original. The individual digital representations are grouped into a digital composite picture, from which an index print can be produced by an output device. The originals are also photoelectrically scanned in a scanning station by a locally high-resolution density scanner in a plurality of second scanning regions.

Abstract: In electronic film development, a film is scanned, using light, multiple times during development. The light is reflected from an emulsion containing milky undeveloped silver halide embedded with developing grains. The undeveloped halide layer has a finite depth over which photons from a light source scatter backward. This depth is within the range of the coherency length of infrared sources commonly used in electronic film development, causing coherency speckle noise in the scanned image. A prescan made after the emulsion swells, but before the silver grains develop, normalizes subsequent scans, pixel by pixel, to cancel coherency speckle and other defects.

Abstract: A film scanner device is provided with a support device that can load and hold a cartridge having a cartridge shaft. The cartridge houses a transmissive original medium that is stored around the cartridge shaft. In a device housing, a detector detects the presence or absence of the cartridge and whether or not the transmissive original medium in the cartridge has been developed. The detector has a minimal number of components to reduce the device costs. The detector can be a single electrical switch that detects at least three states of the support device holding the cartridge. A cover opens to expose and closes to cover a loading unit on the support device. The cover is provided on one portion of the outer surface of the device housing. The cover slides between an open position and a closed position by moving in a surface direction of the outer surface. Accordingly, the cover does not protrude outside the outer surface.