Abstract: A color image reading system in which an input color image signal is converted into color data signals. The color data signals are indicative of a combination of data of reference stimuli represented by vertices of a triangle of which one side circumscribes a pure purple locus, and of which the remaining two sides circumscribes two points of a spectral locus of a color degree diagram, the two points representing substantially middle colors between a color represented by one vertex of the triangle at which the remaining two sides intersect and each of two colors represented by the remaining two sides of the triangle, respectively. The input color image signal is reproduced on a color image output device in response to the provision of the color data signals.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus is disclosed for electronically sensing a negative and a positive in a novel integral film structure of the instant development type using light of different wavelengths so as to produce reflected light from the negative and the positive which are indicative of the luminance characteristics and the chrominance characteristics of the image. The novel integral film structure has a filter which allows the negative to be scanned. Specifically, the filter transmits incident radiation in the range of wavelengths other than a select range of wavelengths to which silver halide emulsion layers are sensitive and blocks the transmission of radiation in the range of wavelengths to which the silver halide emulsion layers are sensitive.

Abstract: A system and method of image reproduction in color with preferential tone mapping in which the image reproduction is subjected to a scene parameter transformation which when taken in conjunction with untransformed characteristics of the image reproduction system and method results in a reproduced tone mapping having instantaneous gamma values of viewed reproduction density relative to density of the original scene which are greater than 1.0 and less than 1.0 plus 0.35 times scene exposure density over a scene exposure density range of from 0.6 to 1.45 as measured relative to a zero density, 100% diffuse reflector in the original scene. Preferably, the instantaneous gamma values within this scene exposure density range further lie substantially within a range of values subtended by an angle of 14.degree. as measured from a reference point at 0.0 scene exposure density and 1.0 viewed reproduction density gradient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making copies of photographic originals in a photographic copying machine, comprising the steps of sectionally scanning the original being copied by a measurement system in a measurement station of the photographic color copying machine, feeding measured light that is transmitted or remitted from each scanned section of the original being copied to a detector configuration, converting the measured light into electrical signals as a function of wavelength and intensity of the measured light, digitizing the electrical signals to obtain color data for processing in a computation and evaluation unit, and analyzing the color data in an analysis unit to establish correction values.

Abstract: An improved method of producing positive photographic prints in hybrid photofinishing system employing a digital image printer to produce an intermediate negative image on a non-photographic medium wherein digital data used to print the negative includes code values simulating an orange mask effect in the negative. The improvement in the method involves a reduction in the orange mask values in the digital data so as to reduce the D-max values required for digitally printing the intermediate negative thereby reducing print cost and throughput time in the process. In a further improvement, the printer code values for pixels corresponding to full white in the final image are forced to values that print as black in the negative thereby eliminating the orange mask effect for these pixels and rendering improved rendition of full white areas in the final image print.

Abstract: A color separation scanner comprising a movable support arranged for mounting thereon of a two-dimensional input picture to be scanned and color separation sensing apparatus arranged for sensing the two-dimensional input picture for providing electrical signals representing color separations of the two-dimensional picture, the color separation sensing apparatus including a scanning head having a plurality of generally parallel CCD arrays, associated with dichroic filter means and operative for simultaneous scanning of the two-dimensional input picture.

Abstract: A digital half-tone image is reproduced by exposing a photoconductor by modulating the intensity of laser beam. In order to correct the effect of the size of laser beam on the gradation characteristic, the surface potential of the photoconductor is detected under various conditions. The sensitizing potential and the sensitivity of the photoconductor are corrected according to the measured values for stabilizing the gradation potential. Then, the beam size is corrected according to the surface potential or the amount of adhered toners detected under prescribed conditions, without detecting the beam size.

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

Abstract: An image scanner is comprised of a light source for illuminating an original document, an image sensor for receiving a reflected light from the original document and converting the same into an output signal of image data, a device for relatively moving the original document and the image sensor, an iris mechanism provided on an optical path between the original document and the image sensor, a reference reflection plane provided such that a light from the light source is reflected and the reflection light becomes incident on the image sensor, a comparing circuit for comparing a level of an output signal from the image sensor with a reference level when the image sensor receives the light from the reference reflection plane, and a device for correcting a dynamic range of the image scanner by controlling the iris mechanism on the basis of the compared output.

Abstract: A color conversion system for optically scanning a target document or the like utilizing a monochromatic scanner connected to a computer is disclosed. The target is illuminated with a light source. The light is filtered from the light source to direct either red, green or blue frequency light to the scanner. The target is scanned three times, the scanner receiving red frequency light in a first scan, green frequency light in a second scan and blue frequency light in a third scan. The foregoing scans may occur in any order. In each of the scans, the light reflected from the target to the scanner is processed to generate corresponding red image data, green image data and blue image data. The red, green and blue image data is combined to generate multiple color image data. The multiple color image data may be displayed or printed to produce a multiple color image representative of the image on the target.